HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SCR43
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
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Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR43

Introduced
3/10/26  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education, In Consultation With The Department Of Health, To Conduct A Study On The Cost And Benefits Of Hiring Mental Health Professionals For Every Public School And Of Distributing Guidelines On Telehealth Safe Spaces.

Impact

If implemented, the study would recommend hiring one mental health professional for every 250 students enrolled in public schools, with a sufficient number of professionals at schools with fewer students. Furthermore, the bill seeks to develop guidelines for creating safe spaces within schools for effective telehealth services, thereby enhancing students' access to mental health support. The report derived from this study is expected to provide insights, recommendations, and potential legislative proposals aimed at improving mental health resources in the state.

Summary

SCR43 urges the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to conduct a study evaluating the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals in public schools. The resolution highlights a mounting mental health crisis among youth in the United States confirmed by increasing rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations among students. This initiative aims to address the significant shortage of mental health professionals available to support students during school hours.

Contention

While the resolution addresses a critical issue, discussions may arise regarding the feasibility of hiring trained mental health staff in every public school, especially considering budgetary constraints. There may also be varying opinions about the effectiveness of telehealth services compared to traditional face-to-face interactions with mental health professionals. The impact of these guidelines on existing school policies and the capacity of schools to provide such services are expected to generate debates among stakeholders, including educators, parents, and mental health advocates.

Latest HI SCR43 Activity

View All Events: HI 2026 Regular Session SCR43

Companion Bills

HI SR42

Same As Urging The Department Of Education, In Consultation With The Department Of Health, To Conduct A Study On The Cost And Benefits Of Hiring Mental Health Professionals For Every Public School And Of Distributing Guidelines On Telehealth Safe Spaces.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR114

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI SR95

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HCR186

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HR179

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI SCR72

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Health To Update Vaccination Forms And Recordkeeping For Public School And Charter School Students.

HI SCR117

Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI SCR79

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On Whether Teachers And School Personnel Should Be Trained In The Use Of, And Be Equipped With, Pepper Spray.

HI SR55

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Health To Update Vaccination Forms And Recordkeeping For Public School And Charter School Students.

HI SR98

Urging The Department Of Education To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation, Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI SCR202

Urging The Department Of Health To Ensure The Safe Management Of Incinerator Ash From Waste Incinerator Facilities.

Similar Bills

TX SB397

Relating to rules regarding the provision by a health professional of a telemedicine medical service, teledentistry dental service, or telehealth service.

CA AB375

Medical Practice Act: health care providers: qualified autism service paraprofessionals.

NJ S1629

Expressly allows health care professionals located outside New Jersey to provide services using telemedicine and telehealth to patients in New Jersey.

NJ A2009

Expressly allows health care professionals located outside New Jersey to provide services using telemedicine and telehealth to patients in New Jersey.

MD HB1483

Clinical Professional Counseling - Out-of-State Providers - Use of Telehealth for Continuity of Care

MD HB1474

Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages Licenses - Transfers and Conversions

NJ A3039

Permits telemedicine services to be provided using audio-only technology when providing behavioral health care services.

HI SR42

Urging The Department Of Education, In Consultation With The Department Of Health, To Conduct A Study On The Cost And Benefits Of Hiring Mental Health Professionals For Every Public School And Of Distributing Guidelines On Telehealth Safe Spaces.