Pa. Senate approves bill concerning parental consent, school services

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation that will require schools to receive parental consent surrounding certain services.

The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc (R-35), requires schools to receive parental consent before providing students with uncertified or unregulated behavioral health support. In-person, school-based counseling and licensed telehealth services would be unaffected by the bill.

“Our youth face a mental health crisis on a daily basis, which led the General Assembly to increase funding and resources to combat this problem. Yet, the implementation of some of these services has raised concerns,” Langerholc said. “This bill is simple. Parents should be notified of third-party mental health services and be required to provide consent.”

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The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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