Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee
HB 1373
Brief Description: Promoting student access to information about behavioral health resources.
Sponsors: Representatives Callan, Steele, Ortiz-Self, Dolan, Johnson, J., Slatter, Bergquist, Leavitt, Davis, Fey, Simmons, Berry, Thai, Wicks, Ryu, Kloba, Chambers, Berg, Wylie, Santos, Paul, Ormsby, Ramel, Macri, Pollet, Morgan and Harris-Talley.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires public schools to post contact information for behavioral health organizations on their website home pages.
Hearing Date: 2/2/21
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services defines "behavioral health" as the promotion of mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities.
 
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction maintains resources and programs intended to support the mental, social, and behavioral health needs of students, including programs on:

  • youth suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention
  • substance use prevention and intervention; and
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

 
Behavioral health issues have also been addressed through recent legislation.  For example, legislation adopted in 2016 (Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2439, enacted as chapter 96, Laws of 2016) established the children's mental health work group (work group) and directed it to identify barriers to accessing mental health services for children and families, and advise the Legislature on statewide mental health services for this population. 
 
Recommendations from the work group resulted in legislation that authorized a two-year regional behavioral health pilot project between June 2017 and June 2019.  The 2019 pilot project final report included recommendations focused on increasing student access to behavioral health services.
Summary of Bill:

Within existing resources, every public school that maintains a website must publish onto the home page of that website the following information:

  • the website address and phone number for one or more national suicide prevention organizations;
  • the website address and phone number for one or more local, state, or national organizations specializing in suicide prevention or crisis intervention;
  • the website address and phone number for one or more local, state, or national organizations specializing in depression, anxiety, or counseling;
  • the website address and phone number for one or more local, state, or national organizations specializing in eating disorders; and
  • the website address and phone number for one or more local, state, or national organizations specializing in substance abuse.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.