Healthy Minds for a Better Future Act

A new federal task force would study mental health help for middle schoolers and report to Congress each year

The details

Most families would see no direct change right away. A new federal task force would study what help exists for parents and teachers when a middle school student struggles with mental health. That help includes online tools, counselors, and local mental health providers. The task force would report what it finds to two committees in Congress every year. The task force would have 12 unpaid members. The heads of the Education and Health and Human Services departments would sit on it. Two more members would come from groups for school leaders and for children's mental health. Each of four U.S. regions would send one school counselor or teacher and one middle school parent. Those eight would apply each year through the Education Department. Members would serve two years and meet twice a year. The task force could not hire its own staff. It also could not issue subpoenas (orders to testify or hand over records). The bill sets no end date and no new funding.