Committee on Children
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-934
AN ACT REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION CONCERNING
Title: MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Vote Date: 3/11/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/2/2021
File No.: 189
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Committee on Children
REASONS FOR BILL:
To have local and regional school boards compile and annually update a list of every mental
and emotional health resource available to students and families. The list must include
resources provided by the board, community providers, school-based health centers or the
state. There must be a telephone number, e-mail address or an internal link to each
resource. The boards will post the list of resources on its website and distribute the list to
parents of all students in the district at least semiannually, in September and May of each
year. Beginning in 2021-22 school year it is required that local and regionally school boards
distribute an age and developmentally appropriate list of available mental and emotional
health resources to students which must include the national youth suicide prevention
helplines accessible by text message.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None submitted
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Virginia DeLong, The Connecticut School Counselor Association testified that providing
access to mental health resources will be beneficial to many families. Access to resources is
important to helping students get the mental health support they need. Education
surrounding the increased mental resources is critical for families and can only come from an
actual human being. Connecticut ranks 37th in the nation for average counselor ratios. Less
than 25% of our students have access to an elementary school counselor. We need more
counselor's in our schools for the critical and important conversations around children's
mental health.
Jonathan S. Budd, Superintendent, Woodbridge School District testified in support of the
bill.
With the unsettling of today's world, it is no wonder our children are concerned. As our
children return to school fully their emotions and health are vital to their success. We as
educators must endorse methods to ensure that all children and their families have at their
fingertips the resources to support each child fully. The language requiring annual updating
will reinforce the understanding that strong mental and emotional health are not only at times
of crisis.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None submitted
Reported by: Pamela Bianca April 13, 2021
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