S 1895, the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act, creates a federal program to expand school-based mental health services by subsidizing graduate education costs for future school psychologists, counselors, and social workers. It authorizes $20-50 million annually (2026-2030) to cover up to 50% of tuition for students in accredited school-based mental health programs, requiring participating universities to match these funds. The program prioritizes students who received Federal Pell Grants or attended designated institutions under the Higher Education Act. Participating schools must report annually on student demographics, program coverage, and outcomes, with independent evaluations required after four years to assess effectiveness.
This bill increases federal reimbursement for states operating summer nutrition programs. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to pay states 90% of monthly administrative costs for two programs: the summer electronic benefits transfer program for children (under the School Lunch Act) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This directly affects states that administer these programs, providing them with significantly more federal funding to cover operational expenses. The key change is raising the reimbursement rate from previous levels to 90% for both programs' administrative costs during fiscal years they are operated.
This bill establishes the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to advise the President on reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test as the primary assessment tool for a Presidential Fitness Award in U.S. schools. The Council, appointed by the President, would develop school-based fitness programs, promote physical activity through community partnerships, and address childhood obesity as a national security concern. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to fund the Council and its initiatives, with the Council terminating two years after enactment unless extended. The bill specifically aims to impact K-12 schools by integrating the fitness test into physical education programs.
The Feed Hungry Kids Act adjusts eligibility for schools participating in the federal school meal program. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, schools must have at least 25% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to qualify for a provision allowing all students to receive free meals without individual applications. This change directly affects public schools nationwide that receive federal meal funding under the National School Lunch Program. The bill sets a specific, measurable threshold for program access without altering other aspects of school meal eligibility.
HR 2402, the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act, creates a new option for states to implement a statewide program under the National School Lunch Act starting in 2025. States would cover costs from non-federal funds to allow all schools in the state to receive full federal reimbursement for meals served, eliminating income-based eligibility thresholds. Key provisions include setting the eligibility threshold to zero and calculating student eligibility statewide instead of by individual school district. This directly affects state education agencies (which must fund the program) and schools (which gain simplified access to full meal reimbursement), benefiting students in qualifying schools.
The Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025 aims to reduce discriminatory school discipline practices that disproportionately affect students of color, particularly girls of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ students. It requires schools to collect and report detailed demographic data on discipline actions like suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement referrals, with specific breakdowns by race, gender, disability status, and other protected characteristics. The bill provides federal grants to schools to implement trauma-informed alternatives to suspension, prohibits out-of-school suspensions for young children for minor offenses like dress code violations, and establishes a task force focused on addressing the school pushout of girls of color. Schools receiving grants must train staff on implicit bias, cultural responsiveness, and restorative practices while improving access to mental health services. The legislation also restricts the use of corporal punishment, seclusion, and certain restraints, and prevents schools from using disciplinary policies that criminalize student behavior.
HR 4965, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, requires schools to strengthen career guidance programs for students. It directly affects K-12 school counselors and students by mandating specific components, including identifying local job market trends with workforce agencies, providing financial aid awareness, and developing personalized career plans. Key provisions require schools to create systems for counselors to access workforce data, offer professional development, and connect students to apprenticeships, internships, dual enrollment, and job training programs. The law also encourages using technology like AI tools to support career counseling and evaluate student outcomes. This focuses on preparing students for college and careers through structured, data-informed school counseling services.
S 1924, the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, requires colleges and universities covered by the Higher Education Act to include suicide prevention contact information on student identification cards or their websites. Specifically, it mandates that institutions include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and their campus mental health center contact details on student IDs (or publish this information online if IDs aren't issued). The bill applies to all affected institutions and takes effect one year after enactment. It directly impacts students by making critical mental health resources more visible and accessible during emergencies. The law focuses on standardizing access to existing support services, not creating new programs.
HR 3534, the Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2025, creates a federal program to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals. It provides federal matching funds - covering up to 50% of tuition and fees for eligible students - in partnership with graduate schools offering accredited programs in school counseling, psychology, or social work. Participating graduate institutions must match federal contributions, and priority is given to students who received Federal Pell Grants or attended specific institutions as undergraduates. The program directly affects graduate students training to become licensed school mental health providers, aiming to expand the workforce serving K-12 schools.
Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act of 2025 This bill requires that local school food service personnel receive annual training and certification on food allergies as part of the training provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture. Under current law, the mandatory training and certification for school food service personnel must include modules on (1) nutrition, and (2) health and food safety standards and methodologies. Under the bill, the training and certification must also include a module on food allergies, including information on the best practices to prevent, recognize, and respond to food-related allergic reactions. As part of the certification, the bill also requires that food service personnel demonstrate competence in the training provided.
