Bill · H.R. 8978· House(119-HR-8978)
Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- John Mannion
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the ``Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act'', seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The primary goal is to encourage institutions of higher education to create and use evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention plans. The Secretary will make these efforts in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These efforts are meant to align with specific recommended approaches and existing programs. Additionally, the Secretary is required to report on these efforts to specific House and Senate committees.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+5
The bill promotes mental health and suicide prevention measures specifically for students at institutions of higher education.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill aims to improve campus mental health support and suicide prevention through coordinated planning.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+5
The bill directs the Secretary to encourage colleges to implement evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention plans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Encouraging campus mental health plans: The bill directs the Secretary to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and implement evidence-sased comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans (Section 2(a)). This could lead to better mental health support and suicide prevention measures for students on campus.
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Coordination with health experts: Efforts will be conducted in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and may involve collaboration with nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and other experts (Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(4)). This ensures that campus plans are informed by professional expertise and established mental health programs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No new requirements or authority: The bill explicitly states that nothing in the section should be seen as creating new statutory requirements for institutions of higher education or granting the Secretary new regulatory authority (Section 2(c)). Therefore, there are no provisions in the text that suggest new burdens or negative consequences for these institutions.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Young Adults+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+5Improves Opioid Crisis Response+3
- 8/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania