Oregon House passes School Based Health Centers Bill with amendments

House Bill 2729, aimed at enhancing school-based health services in Oregon, has successfully passed through the House Committee on Education, moving forward with a recommendation for further consideration. The bill mandates the Oregon Health Authority to establish minimum grant awards for school-based health centers, focusing on mental health services and substance use prevention.

During the meeting, Vice Chair Dobson introduced a significant amendment, known as the dash 6 amendment, which streamlined the bill by removing certain sections related to base grants and the issuance of lottery bonds. This amendment adjusts the funding allocation from $7,000,850 to $7,000,000, aligning it with the Governor's budget recommendations.

The committee voted in favor of the amendment, with most members supporting the bill's intent to bolster mental and behavioral health resources for students. However, Vice Chair McIntyre expressed reservations, stating her opposition was not against the health centers but rather a preference to focus on existing programs rather than introducing new ones.

The bill now heads to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for further evaluation, with advocates emphasizing its potential to provide crucial support for student health services across Oregon. As the legislative process continues, the focus remains on ensuring robust health services are accessible to students in need.