Rep. Hayes introduces bill in U.S. House to expand trauma and mental health support for students

The new bill authored by U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes in the U.S. House aims to strengthen trauma support and mental health care for children and youth in educational settings, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.7497 was introduced on Feb. 11, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to enhance trauma support services and mental health care for children and youth within educational settings. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to provide grants and contracts to eligible entities. These funds are intended to foster access to evidence-based mental health resources, improve school climates, and implement trauma-informed educational practices. Key initiatives include developing partnerships with community services, training personnel, and engaging families to raise awareness about trauma. The bill allocates $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and mandates rigorous evaluations of funded programs to ensure efficacy and equitable distribution across diverse communities.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Jahana Hayes (Democrat-CT-5th District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Shontel M. Brown (Democrat-CT-11th District), Rep. André Carson (Democrat-CT-7th District), and Rep. Debbie Dingell (Democrat-CT-6th District), along with 17 other sponsors.

Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. Hayes has introduced another 20 bills.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.

Jahana Hayes is a Representative from Connecticut, born on March 8, 1973, in Waterbury, New Haven County, Conn. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Arts from the University of Saint Joseph, with further attendance at the University of Bridgeport.

Hayes was elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress and has been re-elected to the three succeeding Congresses, beginning her term on January 3, 2019. She has experience as a teacher and public school administrator.