Subcommittee refers guidance bill on student mental health to appropriations after mixed testimony
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Summary
House Bill 1113 would direct the Department of Education to develop statewide, culturally and linguistically appropriate guidance on school mental-health policy by October 2027; the committee referred the bill to Appropriations by a 13–6 vote after supporters cited CDC survey data and opponents raised concerns about placing mental-health oversight with the Department of Education.
House Bill 1113 would direct the Virginia Department of Education to develop statewide guidance by October 2027 to help local school boards craft culturally responsive and language-appropriate student mental-health policies. Delegate Navarre told the committee the guidance is intended to ensure consistent support across divisions while allowing local flexibility.
The patron cited national and CDC data: the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed 40% of high‑school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and one in five seriously considered suicide. Delegate Navarre also noted that similar language passed both chambers in the prior session and that the Department of Education estimated a one-time cost of about $60,000 in fiscal year 2027 to develop the guidance.
Opponents included Dr. Candace Lucas, an advocate for children with disabilities, who argued mental-health services should involve the Department of Behavioral Health rather than be led by the Department of Education and said existing initiatives are not being implemented effectively. An online commenter, identified as Anne, raised concerns about potential iatrogenic harm from universal approaches to mental health and broader federal policy critiques.
The committee moved to report and refer HB 1113 to Appropriations; the vote was 13–6. The referral means the bill will next be considered for fiscal implications and potential funding before additional House action.
