Virginia Senate Bill SB395

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Public elementary & secondary schools; student athletes, pre-participation mental health assessment.

Impact

If enacted, SB395 will amend the existing Code of Virginia to mandate that mental health assessments are part of the eligibility criteria for student-athletes. This requirement is significant as it seeks to address the growing concerns around mental health issues among youth, particularly in high-pressure environments like competitive sports. The change is expected to enhance the overall health and well-being of student-athletes by ensuring that mental health is prioritized alongside physical fitness.

Summary

SB395 aims to require public elementary and secondary schools in Virginia to ensure that student-athletes undergo a pre-participation mental health assessment in addition to a physical examination. This legislation emphasizes the importance of mental health in conjunction with physical readiness for athletic participation. The bill stipulates that students must submit signed reports attesting to their completion of both assessments to the school principal before being allowed to participate in athletic programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB395 include concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive mental health information. The bill specifies that the report submitted to the school principal must not contain specific information regarding the mental health assessment outcomes, focusing only on the student's eligibility. This condition has sparked discussions about the adequacy of protecting student privacy while ensuring that necessary health checks are conducted. Additionally, some stakeholders may express views regarding the feasibility of implementing such assessments consistently across various schools.