Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HR685

Introduced

3/21/25

Caption

House Study Committee on Mental Health Workforce Development; create

Impact

The establishment of this study committee is expected to have a significant impact on state laws and policies regarding mental health workforce development. By assessing the existing educational frameworks and suggesting necessary legislative actions, the committee could help pave the way for more accessible mental health services across the state. Increased accessibility aims to address the professional shortage by creating more robust paths to licensure and certification for potential mental health workers, thus enhancing the labor market for therapists and counselors.

Summary

House Resolution 685 proposes the creation of the House Study Committee on Mental Health Workforce Development in response to a growing mental health crisis in the United States. This crisis is underscored by the alarming statistic that over half of the U.S. population resides in an area lacking sufficient mental health professionals. The bill acknowledges the urgent need for more qualified mental health workers, particularly in rural areas of Georgia, where such professionals are critically scarce. It aims to evaluate the current conditions surrounding mental health qualifications and the potential pathways for individuals pursuing careers in this field.

Contention

While the bill is supported broadly among legislators concerned with mental health issues, some contention may arise regarding the implementation of the committee's recommendations, particularly in relation to the establishment of new licensure pathways that could potentially alter existing educational and professional guidelines. This could invoke debates about educational standards and the adequacy of training for those entering the mental health field. Consequently, how these recommendations are received and applied may affect stakeholders across various facets of the healthcare system.

Latest HR685 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MI HB4326

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MN HC6

A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.