With mental health issues on the rise, Student Mental Health Council bill is discussed on the Senate floor. | Photo Courtesy of Jason Barickman/Twitter
With mental health issues on the rise, Student Mental Health Council bill is discussed on the Senate floor. | Photo Courtesy of Jason Barickman/Twitter
With mental health issues on the rise, Student Mental Health Council bill is discussed on the Senate floor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than one in three high school students is experiencing constant sadness and hopelessness, and thus a bill, SB4028, was proposed to create a council that will specifically listen to the students' voices.
"I understand there are some questions here about the composition of the council — not the partnership," Sen. Jason Barickman said. "My colleagues may have their views on whether that's right or wrong. That council is limited, I think, to the sponsor's point to add a voice to the partnership that she thinks is not there today, whether you agree or disagree with that is up to you. But, I understand that the intent is to add that voice to the partnership that the sponsor thinks is not there today."
The bill was filed in January by Democratic Sen. Mike Simmons.
The bill passed with 46 Yes votes and zero No votes.
The bill calls for the Student Mental Health Council to meet at least four times per year, and it will make recommendations regarding barriers to youth feeling supported and empowered.
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