New York Senate Bill S04650

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides that a mental health certificate shall be requested from each student at the same time health certificates are required; provides that an assessment and mental health history of any child may be requested by the local school authorities at any time in their discretion to promote the educational interests of such child; makes related provisions.

Summary

S04650 would amend the Education Law to add a new requirement that schools request a mental health certificate from each student at the same time health certificates are requested. The certificate would need to be completed by a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker, and would describe the student’s mental health condition based on an assessment made within the prior 12 months and state whether the student is in fit condition of mental health to attend public school. The bill also allows local school authorities to request an assessment and mental health history of a child at any time, in their discretion, if doing so would promote the child’s educational interests. In addition, the bill requires the Education Department, working with the Department of Health, to compile and maintain a list of mental health providers and practices that can offer services on a free or reduced-cost basis, and to make that list available to schools and parents upon request.

Impact

The bill would expand section 903 of the Education Law by adding mental health certificates to the existing school health documentation framework. It would create a new statewide process for requesting, collecting, and distributing mental health-related documentation for students, while also directing the state to maintain referral information for low-cost mental health services. Schools, parents, and licensed mental health professionals would be directly affected, and the Education Department would need to promulgate regulations to implement the new requirements.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate or recorded votes. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a student-support and early-identification policy intended to connect children with mental health services and inform school decisions. The overall tone of the proposal is proactive and intervention-oriented rather than punitive.

Contention

The main likely point of contention is the requirement that every student be asked to provide a mental health certificate, which could raise concerns about privacy, stigma, administrative burden, and the scope of school authority over student mental health information. Another possible issue is the discretionary authority for local school officials to request an assessment and mental health history at any time, which may be viewed as broad and potentially intrusive. Supporters would likely emphasize access to care and early intervention, while critics may question feasibility, confidentiality protections, and whether schools should be responsible for collecting this information.