PHOENIX — Calling it an interference with parental rights, state lawmakers are moving to overturn a 2021 law requiring that mental health be part of the curriculum in school health programs.
The 27-22 preliminary vote in the Republican-controlled House came over objections of several lawmakers who said students need access to not just such programs in classrooms, but also guidance counselors who can help them deal with issues of depression and considering suicide.
But Rep. Lisa Fink said that's not what schools should be doing.
"This bill recognizes ... the right of parents to be over the mental health of their children,'' said the Glendale Republican. Beyond that, she said, this kind of instruction "is taking monies and time away from academic education in the schools.''
But Rep. Stephanie Simacek said her experience as a member of the Deer Valley Unified School District governing board convinces her that students need more help with their mental health, not less.
"One of the worst text messages I can get as a school board member is that a child has taken their own life,'' the Phoenix Democrat told colleagues. In fact, Simacek said, she got such a message on Feb. 10, the same day this bill was being debated in the House Education Committee.
Since then, she said she got another text message about the suicide of an eighth-grade student.
"Often times, public schools are the only place our students have to go and share with professionals — psychologists, social workers — of what they are going through,'' Simacek said. "If this is removed from them, we will continue to see this crisis continue with our children.''
But Fink said nothing in her bill precludes teachers and others from notifying parents if they believe children need mental help.
Anyway, she said she's not convinced that the kind of help that schools can provide is helpful.
"Actually, we're seeing a decline in academic performance, we've seen a decline in mental health,'' Fink said. She said what is occurring actually may be making things worse "because you do not have licensed professionals performing and providing the services.''
The measure drew support from Rep. Matt Gress.
"Schools should not be in the business of mental health care,'' said the Phoenix Republican.
"They should be in the business of educating children,'' he said. "Let the mental health professionals who are licensed by the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners take on that charge.''
But Rep. Betty Villegas said that ignores the reality that many families simply can't afford to take a child to a certified mental health provider.
"A lot of them don't take insurance,'' said the Tucson Democrat. "Or they do not take certain types of insurance. Maybe that's the bill we should be working on.''
And with professional help not a realistic option for many, Villegas said, teachers, "or a counselor that's not certified but has the ability to talk to them," must be able to approach students who may have problems.
The legislation goes beyond the question of what help counselors would be able to provide.
Fink's measure, House Bill 2093, would repeal the entire 2021 law requiring that there be mental health instruction, whether included in a health course or some other existing class.
Elements of that law said instruction had to deal with topics such as the relationship of physical and mental health to enhance student understanding, as well as attitudes and behavior that promote health and well being. And it required the coursework to be developed in consultation with mental health experts, including representatives of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Fink, however, said she's not convinced any of that has done any good.
Phoenix Democratic Rep. Sarah Liguori chided Republicans for doing anything that reduces mental health care in schools — especially given their opposition to new restrictions on access to guns.
"We often hear that better mental health care is why we don't need to resolve the issues around gun control and gun restrictions, and if students and young people had more access to mental health care then these shootings and the forms of violence would all be reduced,'' Liguori said.
"And now we're seeing both sides of the coin here and saying 'let's get rid of mental health services we have that are vital for students,' '' she said. "I think we're ignoring both the problem and the solution.''
A final roll-call vote in the House will send the measure to the Republican-controlled Senate.
