HB1448, the PEER Mental Health Act of 2025, would amend the Public Health Service Act to create a new federal grant program for peer mental health first aid. The grants would be awarded by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to help schools and related educational agencies train teachers, school staff, students, parents, and caregivers to recognize signs of childhood and adolescent mental health conditions, refer students to appropriate services, and respond to immediate mental distress using mental health first aid techniques.
The bill also directs grantees to educate school communities about local mental health resources and requires applicants to include a rigorous evaluation plan. It specifically instructs HHS to streamline the application process and provide technical assistance and best practices to applicants and recipients. The bill sets aside at least 25 percent of available funds each fiscal year for elementary and secondary schools in rural areas, with any unused set-aside funds reallocated to other eligible entities. It authorizes $24,963,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to Title V of the Public Health Service Act and expand federal authority to fund school-based mental health awareness and response training. It would affect elementary schools, secondary schools, local educational agencies, and state educational agencies, with a particular funding preference for rural schools. The measure would also create a new discretionary grant program within HHS and authorize nearly $25 million per year for five years, potentially increasing federal support for school mental health training and community referral networks.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive or supportive sentiment, as the bill was introduced by multiple sponsors and referred to committee without recorded opposition, amendments, or votes in the provided materials. The bill’s focus on school mental health, early identification, and support for students and families aligns with broadly popular public health and education goals. No committee transcript or vote history was provided showing formal debate or division.
Contention
No specific points of contention appear in the provided record because there are no committee transcripts or votes. Based on the text alone, any potential concerns would likely center on federal spending, administrative burden for schools, the effectiveness of training-based interventions, and whether the rural set-aside and grant criteria are the best way to target resources. The bill attempts to address one likely concern by requiring a streamlined application process and allowing technical assistance, which may reduce objections from smaller or under-resourced school systems.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
A bill for an act providing for certain business entities acting under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state by providing for the removal of information from a filing based on a sworn affidavit and administrative dissolution based on the response to interrogatories.(See HF 2678.)