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119-hr-1448119th CongressWALLET

PEER Mental Health Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

Creates federal grants to fund peer mental health first aid training in schools. This bill would fund programs that train teachers, school staff, students, and parents to recognize youth mental health symptoms, provide immediate mental health first aid, and connect students to community services.

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  • Students and families would receive education to spot childhood and adolescent mental health issues and learn how to refer youth to appropriate services.
  • Teachers, education support professionals, and school personnel would be trained and given technical assistance, and grants must include a plan for rigorous evaluation and a streamlined application process.
  • At least 25 percent of annual grant funds would go to rural elementary and secondary schools or applicants on their behalf, with unused set‑aside amounts reallocated.

*This bill would authorize $25.0 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the grants.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More mental health training in schools

This bill would create grants for schools, districts, and state education agencies. Funds would train teachers, staff, parents, and students to spot problems, act in crises, and refer kids for care. It would also teach where to find local mental health resources. At least 25% each year would go to rural elementary or secondary schools; if not enough rural applicants, leftover funds would be reallocated. The program would authorize $24,963,000 (about $25 million) each year for 2026–2030. Applicants would need an evaluation plan; applications would be streamlined; technical help and best-practice guides would be provided; schools could stack these with existing mental health awareness grants.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]

VT • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 2/21/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 2/21/2025

  • Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 2/27/2025

  • Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]

    AL • D

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]

    FL • D

    Sponsored 3/18/2025

  • Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 5/19/2025

  • Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 6/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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