An Act To Include Mental Health Education in Maine Schools
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1024
Committee Amendment CA_A_S58 (Senate)
Amends: 20-A MRSA §4711, 20-A MRSA §4712, 20-A MRSA §4723

FffiST REGULAR SESSION 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "If " to S.P. 303, L.D. 1024, Bill, "An Act To 
Include Mental Health Education in Maine Schools" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'An Act To Destigmatize Mental Illness through Health Instruction That 
Emphasizes the Relationship between Physical and Mental Health in Schools' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting the 
following: 
'Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4711, as amended by PL 2009, c. 313, §11, is further 
amended to read: 
§4711. Elementary course of study 
The basic course of study for the elementary schools must provide for the instruction 
of all students in ca,eer and education development, English language arts, world 
languages, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and 
technology, social studies and visual and performing arts, as described in the parameters 
for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in 
section 6209. Health education must include instruction that addresses the relationship 
between physical and mental health in order to enhance student understanding of attitudes 
toward and behavior relating to mental illness and to eliminate the stigma associated with 
mental illness. 
Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §4712, as enacted by PL 2009, c. 313, §12, is amended to 
read: 
§4712. Junior high school or middle school course of study 
The basic course of study for the junior high schools or middle schools must provide 
for the instruction of all students in career and education development, English language 
arts, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, 
social studies, visual and performing arts and world languages, as described in the 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" ft "to S.P. 303, L.D. 1024 ( ~ c5!'.:>) 
parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule 
specified in section 6209. Health education must include instruction that addresses the 
relationship between physical and mental health in order to enhance student 
understanding of attitudes toward and behavior relating to mental illness and to eliminate 
the stigma associated with mental illness. 
Sec. 3. 20-A MRSA §4723, first ,r, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§5 and 
7, is amended to read: 
The secondary course of study shall must include instruction in health, safety and 
physical education, as prescribed by the commissioner, and physiology and hygiene, with 
special reference to the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics upon the 
human system. Health education must include instruction that addresses the relationship 
between physical and mental health in order to enhance student understanding of attitudes 
toward and behavior relating to mental illness and to eliminate the stigma associated with 
mental illness.' 
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or 
section number to read consecutively. 
SUMMARY 
The bill requires health education instruction in elementary, middle, junior high and 
high school to include instruction in mental health and the relationship between physical 
and mental health. 
This amendment clarifies that health education must include 
instruction that addresses the relationship between physical and mental health in order to 
enhance student understanding of attitudes toward and behavior relating to mental illness 
and to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
"ttt 
Approved: 04/11/19 :Wac. 
LD 1024 
LR 1754(02) 
An Act To Include Mental Health Education in Maine Schools 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment~" ( S -5'6') 
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Additional costs to the Department of Education to implement the requirements of this legislation can be absorbed 
within existing budgeted resources. 
LRl 754(02) - Fiscal Note - Page I of 1