Iowa House Bill HF602

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Engrossed: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/23/23
• Enrolled: 5/9/23
• Passed: 6/1/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of the crisis hotline telephone and text numbers and internet address for the your life Iowa program or successor program on public school student identification cards and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 101.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.

Impact

The main impact of HF602 is on public school policies regarding student identification cards. By mandating the inclusion of crisis hotline details, the bill ensures that students have easier access to mental health support during difficult times. As the legislation applies to all public schools statewide, it is expected to standardize the approach to mental health awareness among students across different districts, potentially reducing stigma around seeking help.

Summary

House File 602 is an enacted measure requiring public schools in Iowa to include crisis hotline information on student identification cards. Specifically, schools that issue ID cards for students in grades seven through twelve must provide not only telephone and text numbers but also the internet address for the Your Life Iowa program. Schools issuing identification cards for younger students in grades five and six may opt to include this information as well. The bill is aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility to mental health resources for students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF602 has been overwhelmingly positive, with broad support from both legislators and the public. Stakeholders in education and mental health advocacy applaud the bill as a proactive measure for addressing student wellbeing. There has been a recognition of the increasing importance of mental health resources in schools, especially considering the rising concerns about youth mental health crises.

Contention

While HF602 received strong support, some concerns were raised about the implementation and effectiveness of making such information available. Critics suggested that simply placing hotline numbers on ID cards may not be enough to encourage students to seek help. Among the discussions, there was an emphasis on the need for accompanying educational initiatives to ensure that students understand the resources available to them and how to access them.