HB 300 DE

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Became Law

This Act establishes a mental health services unit for Delaware middle schools. The unit is phased in over 3 years, beginning in FY2023, to arrive at a final ratio of 250 full-time equivalent students grades 6-8 for a full-time school counselor, school social worker, or licensed clinical social worker. Additionally a unit ratio of 700 full time equivalent students for grades 6-8 for employment of a full-time school psychologist. This Act defines “mental health services” as prevention, response, and coordination services delivered to students in elementary schools. Mental Health disorders are the most common health problem for school aged youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five youth are affected by a mental health disorder. Additionally, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Untreated mental illness leads to negative outcomes including increased risk of dropout, homelessness, substance abuse, other chronic illnesses, incarceration, and possibly suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, ninety percent of people who have taken their own life have had an underlying mental health condition, and suicides are on the rise. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides are now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-14. Delaware schools need trained and experienced mental health professionals to provide prevention and support programs and services to students. This bill will lower ratios of students to counselors and increase access to mental health services for middle school students.

• Valerie Longhurst · primary
• Marie Pinkney Democratic · primary
• Laura V. Sturgeon Democratic · primary
• Sherry Dorsey Walker · primary
• Debra Heffernan Democratic · primary
• Melissa Minor-Brown Democratic · primary
• Sherae'a Moore Democratic · primary
• Michael F. Smith Republican · primary

1. Feb 11, 2022 Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House · lower
2. Mar 16, 2022 Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 12 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits · lower
3. Mar 19, 2022 Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House · lower
4. Jun 14, 2022 Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 6 On Its Merits · lower
5. Jun 16, 2022 Amendment HA 1 to HB 300 - Passed In House by Voice Vote · lower
6. Jun 16, 2022 Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT · lower
7. Jun 16, 2022 Assigned to Education Committee in Senate · upper
8. Jun 22, 2022 Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits · upper
9. Jun 22, 2022 Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate · upper
10. Jun 29, 2022 Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits · upper
11. Jun 30, 2022 Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT · upper
12. Aug 3, 2022 Signed by Governor · executive