Arizona Senate Passes Bill to Cut Mental Health Education Requirements in Schools
Agent
The Republican-led Arizona Senate has passed a bill that would reduce the state's requirements for mental health education in public schools, the latest move in a partisan battle over what students learn about their mental and physical well-being.
HB 2093 passed on party lines and is now heading to the House for another vote before it can become law.
Democratic state Sen. Analise Ortiz, R-Phoenix, voted against the measure.
HB 2093 is going to repeal crucial instruction for students at a time that we're in a mental health crisis across the state, Ortiz said.
The bill would repeal the state Board of Education's mandate that all health instruction include mental health education components. Under current requirements, Arizona schools must teach students about the relationship between mental and physical health as well as other social and emotional learning.
If passed, the repeal would not take effect until 2037, according to the bill language.
The measure represents another attempt by Republican lawmakers to roll back health education requirements in Arizona schools. State Sen. Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has been a champion of what he describes as parental authority over school curricula.
The bill comes amid growing concerns from education advocates about declining mental health services in Arizona schools and increased student distress. Mental health experts have repeatedly called for expanded resources and better training for educators who work with students facing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
The House version of the bill has not yet been introduced, and lawmakers will need to determine if any changes are needed before a final vote.
This is the second major education bill to advance through the Republican-controlled Senate in recent weeks. The state legislature remains in session through mid-July as lawmakers work through their final agenda before adjournment.
This is not the line to report teacher misconduct involving issues such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse or others issues of this type, the Arizona Department of Education said.