New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2195

Introduced
3/7/22  

Caption

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will have a significant impact on how mental health is addressed within New Jersey's colleges and universities. By requiring institutions to report specific data on mental health service usage, including the ratio of students to mental health professionals and details about students who use these services, the bill aims to create transparency and accountability. This data-driven approach will help institutions identify areas for improvement and potentially guide future policies and funding efforts in mental health services for students.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2195, known as the 'College Mental Health Services Act,' aims to enhance mental health services at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill establishes a grant program to allocate funds specifically to improve access to mental health services on college campuses. The intent of the program is to reduce wait times for students seeking mental health care, increase the availability of mental health professionals, and heighten awareness of mental health resources available to students. The funding can also support contracts with private entities to bolster these services.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the bill, especially concerning the effectiveness of the proposed measures in addressing mental health issues on campuses. Advocates for the legislation argue that it is a necessary response to the rising mental health challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of increased public awareness around mental health. However, potential critics may argue that without sufficient funding from the state and explicit commitments to improve existing services, the effectiveness of the grant program may be limited. Additionally, how the data collected will be utilized could also spark debate among stakeholders in higher education and mental health advocacy.

Companion Bills

NJ A3713

Same As "College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

Previously Filed As

NJ S936

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

NJ A3713

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

NJ S896

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

NJ S60

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

NJ S503

Requires institutions of higher education to implement suicide prevention programs and raise awareness of mental health services.

NJ A4224

"Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

NJ A1176

Requires institutions of higher education to implement suicide prevention programs and raise awareness of mental health services.

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 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 HF665

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

Similar Bills

NJ S936

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

NJ A3713

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

NJ S186

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ A5580

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ S3678

Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply of opioid antidotes and permits emergency administration of opioid antidote by campus medical professional or trained employee.

NJ A4672

Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.

NJ A3553

Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.

NJ S2999

Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.