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Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Passes; Secures Wins for Children's Mental Health

One month after the deadly elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress passed a bipartisan bill crafted to prevent future school shootings.


The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill 234-193 on June 24, following the Senate’s 65-33 vote on June 23.


The legislation will support and expand access to community-based services nationwide and provide substantial new investments in mental health, school safety, and state-led crisis intervention programs.




Here are a few highlights:

  • Requires technical assistance and guidance from HHS on how states can improve access to telehealth for services under Medicaid and CHIP

  • Requires guidance to state Medicaid agencies, education agencies, and school-based entities regarding the delivery of Medicaid/CHIP services to beneficiaries in school-based settings, including a comprehensive list of best practices and examples of methods to pay for and increase the availability of Medicaid.

  • Establishes a Federal Clearinghouse on School Safety Evidence-based Practices to identify and publish evidence-based best practices and recommendations to support a positive and safe learning environment.

  • Restructures Health Surveillance and Program support


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