ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra G. Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) urge the Georgia General Assembly to support mental health care services in schools by approving $250 million in funding as part of House Bill 26, the School Behavioral Mental Health Support Act, which Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield introduced during the 2025 legislative session.
“Our children are asking for help—sometimes with their words and too often with their behavior,” said Rep. Scott. “This $250 million investment is about answering that call with compassion and courage. It is about making sure no child is struggling in silence, no teacher is left without support and no family is turned away because help isn’t available. Mental health care is not optional for learning—it is foundational.”
“When we invest early in a child’s mental health, we change outcomes for a lifetime,” said Rep. Davis. “This is not just about addressing today’s crisis—it’s about building a healthier, safer and more successful Georgia tomorrow. A $250 million investment reflects the seriousness of the moment and the value we place on our children.”
“Behind every statistic is a child who needs support, a parent who is worried and a teacher doing their best under impossible circumstances,” said Rep. Schofield. “This investment tells families across Georgia that they are not alone. It says to our students that their well-being matters. And it says to our communities that we are willing to lead with heart and responsibility.”
Sponsored by Rep. Scott and co-sponsored by Reps. Davis and Schofield, HB 26 would require the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to create a school-based behavioral health grant program to support students in K-12 schools with mental health or substance use disorders. Eligible grantees would include community service boards, community mental health centers and behavioral health care providers. Grantees would be required to obtain available third-party reimbursement sources excluding school systems and serve students regardless of coverage status.
These legislators recently submitted a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, urging the passage and funding of HB 26 during the 2026 legislative session.
To learn more about HB 26, please click here.
Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield have provided a fiscal note for HB 26, which may be found here.
*Editor’s note: The representatives have provided a photo included below.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.