Senate bill funds student mental health peer programs

What does this do?

This bill would create a temporary federal pilot program running until September 30, 2029. It would fund grants to train high school students, adult supervisors, and others to spot mental health and substance use issues early and connect students to professional help. All peer support activities must be supervised by a school-based mental health professional, and student records are protected under existing federal privacy law.

Who does it affect?

States, local governments, U.S. territories, and tribal nations could apply for competitive grants through this program. High school students and school staff would take part in the peer support training.

Why does it matter?

At the end of the program, the federal government must evaluate whether student mental health outcomes actually improved and report those findings to Congress. That review would inform whether this approach to school mental health support is continued or changed.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Federally funded grant program
• No total funding amount specified