Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2063

Introduced
1/17/24  
Introduced
1/17/24  

Caption

A bill for an act providing for the staffing of mental health professionals in primary and secondary schools and making appropriations.

Impact

If enacted, HF2063 would require schools to allocate resources towards hiring dedicated mental health professionals, essentially altering how schools approach student wellness. This staffing requirement is expected to enhance the overall educational environment by providing students with the necessary mental health support that can lead to better academic performance and emotional well-being. The bill mandates an annual appropriation from the state’s general fund to ensure funding for these positions, which would involve significant financial planning at the state and school district levels.

Summary

House File 2063 (HF2063) proposes that all public and accredited nonpublic schools must have at least one mental health professional on site during school hours. This significant legislation is geared towards improving the mental health resources available to students, recognizing the growing need for support in educational environments. The bill emphasizes the importance of having trained professionals accessible to students, thereby addressing mental health issues proactively within the school system.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, HF2063 may face scrutiny regarding funding and resource allocation. Opponents might raise concerns about the costs involved in hiring sufficient professionals, particularly when budgets are already tight. Another potential point of contention could revolve around how these mental health services will be integrated with existing school programs and if there will be adequate training for these professionals to address the unique challenges faced by students in the school setting. Balancing mental health resources with other educational needs will be a critical factor in the bill's acceptance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF692

A bill for an act relating to the staffing of brain health professionals in primary and secondary schools and making appropriations.

IA HF151

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of a mental health practitioner loan repayment program, and providing appropriations.(Formerly HSB 9.)

IA HF363

A bill for an act relating to free school meals for children attending a public or accredited nonpublic primary or secondary school, and establishing a standing appropriation.

IA HF662

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 126.)

IA SSB1123

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for confirmation of appointments, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(See SF 514.)

IA HSB126

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions.(See HF 662.)

IA HB1938

Public schools; school counselors with training or experience in mental health, staffing ratios.

IA SF514

A bill for an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1123.) Contingent effective date. Applicability date: Enactment, 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.