[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9822 Introduced in House (IH)]
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118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9822
To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to extend eligibility
for grants to elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 25, 2024
Mr. Feenstra (for himself and Mrs. Miller-Meeks) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to extend eligibility
for grants to elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Brain
Health in Schools Act''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Brain health is defined as the biological,
neurological, and physical characteristics of the brain
affecting a person's health and demeanor.
(2) Terminology such as ``mental health'' or ``mental
illness'' can have negative connotations that deter children
from seeking treatment. Using ``brain health'' or ``brain
illness'' instead can help reduce the stigma and encourage
seeking treatment.
(3) Children who have their brain health needs met tend to
have positive outcomes regarding their social and academic
development. Addressing brain health can enhance their ability
to focus, learn, and interact positively with peers and adults.
(4) Over 1 in 5 children have a brain health condition, yet
the majority do not receive the necessary assistance.
(5) It is critical for Congress to take steps to reduce the
stigma associated with brain health conditions and find ways to
encourage children and their families to seek access to brain
health treatments and preventative care.
SEC. 2. EXTENDING GRANT ELIGIBILITY TO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOLS.
Section 520E-2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb-
36b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``in higher
education'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``elementary schools,
secondary schools, and'' after ``competitive basis to'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``an elementary school,
secondary school, or'' after ``grant to''; and
(ii) by inserting ``the school or'' after
``unless''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) Establishing brain health retreat rooms.'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``elementary school, secondary school, or''
after ``Any'';
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) elementary schools and secondary schools.'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``an elementary school or secondary school
or'' after ``under this section,'';
(B) in each of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), by
striking ``the institution of higher education'' and
inserting ``the elementary school, the secondary
school, or the institution of higher education'';
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``the
institution'' and inserting ``the school or
institution''; and
(D) in paragraph (7), by striking ``For an
institution of higher education proposing'' and
inserting ``For an elementary school, secondary school,
or institution of higher education proposing'';
(6) in subsection (e)(1), by inserting ``elementary school,
secondary school, or'' after ``grant under this section to
an''; and
(7) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Definition'' and inserting ``Definitions'';
(B) by striking ``section, the term'' and inserting
the following: ``section--
``(1) Institution of higher education.--The term''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Elementary school; secondary school.--The terms
`elementary school' and `secondary school' have the meanings
given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(3) Brain health retreat room.--The term `brain health
retreat room' means a room in which students--
``(A) can learn coping strategies to help them
navigate the stresses of school; and
``(B) can connect with the resources they need to
help better manage their mental health.''.
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