H.R.3624 - Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3624, the "Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act," aims to enhance student mental health resources by mandating the inclusion of suicide prevention contact information on school identification cards. This requirement applies to institutions that issue student IDs. For institutions that do not issue IDs, the bill requires them to publish the same information on their websites.
The bill specifically mentions the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line as resources to be included. It also allows institutions to include contact information for a campus mental health center or program. The act is set to take effect one year after its enactment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to increase awareness and accessibility of mental health resources for students. By providing readily available contact information on student IDs and websites, the bill seeks to reduce barriers to seeking help during a mental health crisis.
This could lead to earlier intervention and potentially reduce the incidence of suicide and mental health-related issues among students. The bill places a new requirement on institutions of higher education, which may require some administrative adjustments.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of mental health resources among students.
- Easier access to help during a mental health crisis.
- Potential reduction in suicide rates and mental health-related issues.
- Proactive approach to addressing student mental health.
- Could foster a more supportive campus environment.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential cost for institutions to update or create new identification cards.
- Administrative burden on institutions to comply with the new requirements.
- Limited scope, as it only addresses students in higher education.
- May not be effective for students who do not carry or use their ID cards regularly.
- Possible need for ongoing updates to contact information as organizations change.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of students by addressing mental health concerns. While the Constitution does not explicitly address mental health, the promotion of general welfare is a broad goal that can encompass such issues.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional rights or limitations. The bill does not infringe upon individual liberties, rights, or privacy. It also does not establish any religious preference or restrict freedom of speech.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).