NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S2248

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2248

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

Impact

The legislation will result in participating school districts being required to implement comprehensive mental health assistance programs. This includes appointing student assistance counselors trained to facilitate mental health support and intervention services. The program is designed to cater to students facing challenges, regardless of whether these are related to substance abuse or other personal issues. By addressing mental health proactively, the bill is expected to improve overall school environments, contributing positively to student attendance and academic success.

Summary

Senate Bill S2248 establishes a four-year pilot program to create mental health assistance programs within selected school districts in New Jersey, targeting students from grades kindergarten through 12. The primary goal of the initiative is to identify and address students' mental health issues, which may affect their academic performance, while also providing necessary intervention, support, and referral services in a confidential environment. This bill aims to help students cope with personal, school, or family difficulties potentially impacting their mental health.

Contention

While proponents of S2248 argue that it will significantly benefit students by providing essential support and resources, some concerns may emerge regarding funding and resource allocation for sustaining these mental health programs after the pilot concludes. Additionally, the process for selecting participating school districts, with a cap of 15 and the need for them to demonstrate existing community needs, may lead to debates on equity and access to mental health services across different regions of the state. Ultimately, the effectiveness and potential expansion of this pilot program could be contentious points in future discussions among stakeholders.

Latest S2248 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A2831

Same As Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A660

Carry Over Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ S2776

Carry Over Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2776

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A660

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A2831

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ HB2444

Establishing the school district mental health intervention team program in statute to provide coordinated mental health services for students among school districts and community mental health centers.

NJ HB18

Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.

NJ HB1069

Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.

NJ SB913

Relating to consideration of the mental health of public school students in training requirements for certain school employees, curriculum requirements, counseling programs, educational programs, state and regional programs and services, and health care services for students and to mental health first aid program training and reporting regarding local mental health authority and school district personnel.

NJ S974

Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.

NJ S3648

Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.

NJ A4264

Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.

Similar Bills

NJ A660

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ S2776

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A2831

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

TX SB11

Relating to policies, procedures, and measures for school safety and mental health promotion in public schools and the creation of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.

TX HB4064

Relating to policies and procedures for addressing bullying and harassment in public schools.

MN SF2905

Funding provision for prekindergarten through grade 12 education

TX SB1849

Relating to public school safety measures, access to mental health professionals in public schools and during certain emergencies, access to criminal history and mental health records, and access to firearms; requiring a certificate for employment as a school behavioral counselor; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1403

Relating to public school teachers.