The bill amends Section 16-22-4 of the General Laws regarding health and physical education instruction in public and state-managed schools. It requires the Department of Education to develop guidelines, rules, and regulations for all school districts, private schools, mayoral academies, and charter schools, making available curriculum materials to assist in developing instructional material on the multiple dimensions of health, including mental health and the relationship between physical and mental health.

Specifically, the bill mandates that every school district include a four-hour unit of instruction on mental health and the relation of physical and mental health in its curriculum for all seventh-grade students, starting in the 2026-2027 school year and continuing each school year thereafter. The Department of Education is tasked with consulting experts in mental health to develop these materials, ensuring that the curriculum enhances student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.

Statutes affected:
5112: 16-22-4