Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2026
Bottom line
The bill directs the Secretary of Education to promote voluntary campus mental health and suicide prevention plans and report on these efforts, without imposing new mandates on colleges or universities.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to encourage institutions of higher education to develop and implement evidence-based comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans. These efforts must be coordinated with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and align with existing federal programs and resources. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of Education report to Congress on these efforts, but explicitly states it creates no new requirements or regulatory authority for institutions.
Section 2(2), new section 826(a)
Encouraging Campus Comprehensive Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plans
This provision directs the Secretary of Education to make active efforts to encourage colleges and universities to develop and implement comprehensive, evidence-based plans for mental health and suicide prevention on their campuses. These efforts are required to be coordinated with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and must align with recommendations from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and various existing federal mental health programs. The Secretary may also collaborate with nonprofit and community-based organizations to carry out these efforts.
Section 2(2), new section 826(b)
Reports to Congress
This part of the bill mandates that the Secretary of Education submit two reports to specific Congressional committees: the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The first report is due within one year of the bill's enactment, and the second report is due three years after enactment. These reports must detail the efforts undertaken by the Secretary under this new section to encourage campus mental health and suicide prevention plans.
Section 2(2), new section 826(c)
Construction: No New Requirements or Regulatory Authority
This crucial clause clarifies that the bill does not create any new statutory requirements for institutions of higher education. Furthermore, it explicitly states that the bill does not grant the Secretary of Education any new regulatory authority over these institutions. This ensures that the encouragement provided by the bill remains advisory and voluntary, rather than imposing new mandates or increasing federal oversight on colleges and universities.
This subsection explicitly states that the bill does not create new statutory requirements for institutions of higher education or grant the Secretary of Education new regulatory authority.
Section 2(2), new section 826(c)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to clarify the scope and intent of a bill, particularly when it involves 'encouragement' rather than mandates. It prevents misinterpretation of the Secretary's role or new burdens on IHEs.
Case for: Supporters would argue this clause is essential for clarity and to reassure institutions that the bill is not imposing unfunded mandates or increasing federal oversight. It maintains the voluntary nature of the mental health plan development, which can foster greater cooperation.
Case against: Critics might contend that by explicitly limiting new requirements, the bill's impact is significantly weakened, as institutions are not compelled to act. This could be seen as a symbolic gesture without sufficient 'teeth' to drive widespread and consistent change across all institutions.
Estimated impact: This clause significantly limits the direct, mandatory impact of the bill, ensuring that any changes in campus mental health planning remain voluntary for institutions, thus potentially slowing the pace of widespread adoption.