Mississippi House Bill HB997

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Mental Health First Aid Training; require for instructional and administrative personnel employed by public school districts.

Impact

The enactment of HB 997 will have a significant impact on how schools address mental health-related issues. By making training a prerequisite for public school personnel, the bill aims to facilitate early intervention and appropriately respond to students' mental health needs. Furthermore, it necessitates that school boards establish policies determining how frequently staff members should undergo this training, thereby ensuring that the knowledge remains current and effective in tackling emerging mental health challenges.

Summary

House Bill 997 mandates that local school boards in Mississippi provide mental health first aid training to both licensed and non-licensed instructional personnel as well as licensed administrators before the commencement of the 2025-2026 school year. This training must be evidence-based and approved by the Department of Mental Health. The bill’s intent is to equip educational staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to address mental health issues proactively within school environments, which is particularly relevant given the increasing concerns about mental health among students in educational settings.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide crucial support for mental health in educational settings, it may also meet some resistance or concern from stakeholders regarding implementation logistics. Issues may arise pertaining to funding the training programs, availability of resources, and the practicality of meeting the training requirements for all educational staff. Additionally, there may be debates on the adequacy of the training provided and whether it appropriately addresses the diverse mental health issues facing students today. The role of the Department of Mental Health in certifying the training programs might also be scrutinized, as stakeholders seek assurance that the content is both comprehensive and relevant.