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Student‑led mental‑health pilot bill wins broad testimony; lawmakers ask about coordination and rural access
Summary
Rep. Melissa Romano’s HB385 would create two‑year grants for student‑led, locally determined school mental‑health pilots, with required evaluation. A wide range of students, educators, medical professionals and advocates testified in support; lawmakers raised questions about funding sources, coordination with existing programs, and grant sizing for small/rural schools.
Representative Melissa Romano told the committee House Bill 385 establishes a school mental‑health pilot program that funds student‑led, locally determined initiatives and requires applicants to demonstrate need and include evaluation measures. Romano said the bill grew from student work in the Democracy Project and emphasizes local solutions rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
The hearing drew extensive proponent testimony from educators, health professionals and many students. Siobhan…
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