Please pass this important bill

Dear Members of the Virginia Legislative Committee, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 355, which mandates annual mental health screenings for public school students in grades six through 12. As a concerned citizen of Virginia with a deep interest in the well-being of our students and the integrity of our educational system, I believe this bill, while well-intentioned, raises significant issues that warrant reconsideration. First, HB 355 imposes a universal requirement for mental health screenings without providing clear mechanisms for parental consent or opt-out options. This approach risks undermining the trust between schools and families, as parents may feel sidelined in decisions about their child’s personal health. Mental health is a deeply private matter, and any intervention must prioritize family involvement over state mandates. Without explicit safeguards to ensure parental input, this bill could inadvertently erode the fundamental rights of families to guide their children’s care. Second, the bill does not adequately address the potential for overreach in data collection and storage related to these screenings. The sensitive nature of mental health information demands stringent protections to prevent misuse or unauthorized access. HB 355 lacks detailed provisions on how this data will be secured, who will have access to it, and how long it will be retained. In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, this omission poses a significant risk to student privacy and could lead to unintended consequences, such as stigmatization or discrimination based on screening results. As someone who values the role of public education in fostering a supportive environment for our youth, I am particularly concerned about the impact of this bill on our community. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of trust between educators, students, and families in addressing individual needs. A one-size-fits-all screening mandate, as proposed in HB 355, may disrupt this delicate balance by prioritizing compliance over personalized care. I worry that students in my community could face unnecessary stress or labeling due to screenings that may not account for their unique circumstances, and that families may feel disempowered in navigating these deeply personal issues. In conclusion, I respectfully urge the committee to oppose HB 355. While the goal of supporting student mental health is commendable, the current framework risks infringing on privacy and parental rights without sufficient safeguards. Our students and families deserve policies that respect their autonomy and prioritize trust over mandates. Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical matter.

To: House Education K-12 Subcommittee From: Marianne Gibson Date: February 2, 2026 Re: HB 355: School Mental Health Screenings Earlier Identification of Mental Health Conditions On behalf of Inseparable, a national mental health policy and advocacy organization focused on improving youth mental health outcomes and strengthening the mental health workforce, thank you for the opportunity to express our support for HB 355. This bill expands access for mental health screenings by authorizing local school boards to implement evidence-based mental health screening tools for students in grades six through twelve and directs the Department of Education to establish clear best practices for their use. About half of mental health conditions onset by the age of 14, making middle and high school an important time to identify students who may be in need of services. Evidence-based mental health screening can help schools identify concerns early, connect students and families to appropriate supports, and reduce the likelihood of more serious academic, behavioral, or health outcomes later on. How the Screenings Work HB 355 thoughtfully balances early identification with strong protections for students and families. By requiring provisions that include parental opt-out options, staff training, confidentiality and data privacy safeguards, culturally and linguistically appropriate administration, and clear communication with families, the bill ensures screenings are implemented responsibly and equitably. Importantly, the emphasis on timely linkage to resources, and same-day intervention when indicated, helps ensure screenings lead to meaningful support rather than stand-alone assessments. Bottom Line Coordination between education and behavioral health systems is critical. HB 355 strengthens schools’ ability to respond proactively to student needs and support mental health before challenges escalate by providing opportunities for students to be screened in school and connected to care when appropriate. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this legislation. I respectfully urge your support for HB 355. Respectfully, Marianne Gibson Vice President, Youth, Crisis and Workforce Policy Inseparable

The American public education system has been disrupted for decades. The inconsistent system of lower standards and expectations for students is not working. Same with the constant lack of accountability for students’ behavior in classrooms. Now Harvard is teaching remedial classes. Family must be responsible for their children’s education.

Middle and high school students face increasing academic, social, and emotional pressures, yet many mental health concerns go unnoticed until they significantly impact learning and well-being. Annual mental health screenings can help identify concerns early and connect students to support before challenges escalate. Early identification allows schools to respond proactively, reduce stigma around mental health, and better support students’ academic and emotional success. When students receive timely support, they are more able to engage in learning and thrive in school.