Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF665

Introduced
2/28/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to mental health services at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The legislation establishes requirements for public institutions to facilitate mental health training, implement annual student orientation sessions focused on mental health, and develop a peer support program utilizing trained student peers. Furthermore, the institutions must form strategic partnerships with local mental health service providers to enhance their resources and support systems. A critical aspect is the creation of a mental health technical assistance center, which will assist institutions in reviewing their policies and developing statewide best practices for mental health initiatives.

Summary

House File 665 aims to enhance mental health services at public institutions of higher education in Iowa. The bill mandates that institutions designate an expert panel to create and enforce policies regarding mental health awareness among students, faculty, and staff. These policies focus on identifying mental health conditions and addressing the needs of students, thereby promoting an understanding of relevant federal laws such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The bill also outlines the establishment of various programs and procedures aimed at improving overall mental health support on campus.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that it will provide essential support for students coping with mental health issues, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Some advocates might argue about potential inadequacies in funding or resources to meet the prescribed standards, especially concerning the required clinician-to-student ratios. There is an additional point of contention about how institutions will enforce the compliance of mental health initiatives and the potential burden of new mandates on community colleges and universities.

Evaluation

The bill underscores the importance of evaluation and monitoring in mental health programs by requiring institutions to assess various functions aimed at increasing mental health awareness. This includes monitoring student satisfaction with mental health services and ensuring that appropriate referral processes are in place when campus resources are insufficient. Establishing these metrics aims at creating a more effective and responsive mental health framework across Iowa's higher education institutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA HSB676

A bill for an act requiring school districts to post information on mental health resources online.

IA HF2107

A bill for an act requiring public and accredited nonpublic schools to post information on mental health resources online.

IA SF58

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 252.)

IA SF252

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)

IA HF726

A bill for an act relating to services, treatment, research, education, and other activities relating to substance use disorder, mental health, and other conditions including opioid addiction and providing appropriations.

IA HF11

A bill for an act relating to the responsibilities of the state board of regents and the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the board to publish certain information related to the average income and student debt of institution graduates and requiring the institutions to provide career services to undergraduates.(See HF 135.)

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA HF2509

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 653; See HF 2673.)

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