Subcommittee backs substitute to guide school mental‑health screening for grades 6–12

Delegate Gardner presented HB355 as a substitute that would require the Virginia Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health Services and other stakeholders, to develop and post publicly best practices for annual mental‑health screening for students in grades 6–12 and provide guidance on evidence‑based screening tools for local use.

Supporters, including the Virginia Education Association and multiple school divisions, said improved screening and early identification can connect students with resources; the patron noted research showing adolescent onset of many mental‑health conditions and Virginia’s lagging youth mental health metrics. Superintendents and consulting groups urged caution to ensure screening is practical at scale and to clarify follow‑up pathways after screening.

The committee approved the substitute and reported HB355 (vote 10–0). The substitute emphasizes guidance development rather than mandates, and directs interagency consultation to address tool selection and follow‑up processes.

What’s next: The Department of Education is expected to develop guidance and tools in consultation with stakeholders; any local implementation will be voluntary but informed by BOE guidance if the bill advances.