Us Congress Senate Bill SB2163

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/22/23

Caption

Student Mental Health Rights Act

Impact

The act is predicated on findings that many institutions are lacking comprehensive plans to address the specific needs of students with mental health challenges. This inadequacy can lead to severe consequences, such as unjustified expulsions and barriers to re-enrollment that negatively affect student retention and success. SB2163 aims to rectify these issues by mandating clear guidelines and support structures that universities must adhere to, ensuring that students are provided with appropriate resources and environments conducive to their academic success.

Summary

SB2163, or the Student Mental Health Rights Act, is aimed at improving mental health support for students in institutions of higher education. This bill directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a thorough study on mental health disabilities and substance use disorders pertaining to these institutions. A critical component of this act is to understand how these disabilities affect students and the barriers they face, particularly concerning compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and associated regulations. It seeks to ensure that students who require assistance are not only heard but granted necessary accommodations to thrive in their academic environments.

Contention

Moreover, there may be contention surrounding the bill's implementation, particularly concerning the compliance costs for educational institutions and the resources necessary to meet the prescribed standards. While the goal is to foster a more inclusive and supportive academic atmosphere for all students, some may argue that the additional requirements could strain already limited college resources. The ongoing conversation may center on how to balance necessary mental health support with practical considerations of institutional capacity and funding.