Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1039

Introduced

10/15/25

Refer

10/15/25

Caption

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports and providing for the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program; and, in school safety and security, further providing for the School Safety and Security Grant Program.

Note

Overall, SB1039 reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in educational settings and aims to equip schools with the necessary tools to support students effectively. The bill's success will depend significantly on its implementation and the support provided to schools to meet the outlined requirements.

Impact

The bill mandates that beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, participating schools can integrate this mental health training into their continuing education plans. The benefits of such training include improved awareness of mental health issues among staff, which may lead to better support for students experiencing mental health crises. Additionally, the bill outlines processes for the development and documentation of training, ensuring compliance with state standards and increasing accountability in addressing student mental health.

Summary

Senate Bill 1039 aims to enhance mental health support and safety protocols within schools in Pennsylvania. The bill amends existing statutes to further define student supports and establish the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program. This program is intended to train school-wide staff to identify and respond effectively to signs of mental distress and suicidal ideation in students. As part of the initiative, school entities and nonpublic schools are encouraged to adopt policies that guide the implementation of this training in their institutions.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1039 have highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and support for schools to implement these requirements effectively. Some stakeholders worry that not all schools will have the capability to provide the necessary training and support due to budget constraints or lack of access to trained professionals. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the necessity and effectiveness of such programs, as some educators may feel unprepared to handle mental health issues even with training.

Latest PA SB1039 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB1039

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1253

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports; and, in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for duties of committee, for standardized protocols and for reporting and memorandum of understanding.

PA HB63

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security training.

PA HB2152

In school safety and security, further providing for School Safety and Security Grant Program; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for secondary school start times.

PA HB634

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

PA HB2286

In Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1111

In school security, further providing for school security personnel.

PA HB2352

In Student Teacher Support Grant Program, further providing for program establishment and duties of agency.

PA SB375

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; in school safety and security, further providing for School Safety and Security Grant Program; and, in school health services, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators, providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, establishing the Automated External Defibrillator Program and providing for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

PA HB653

In school safety and security, providing for panic alerts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.