Senate Approves Langerholc Bill to Empower Parents

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation requiring schools to receive parental consent prior to providing certain virtual services, according to bill sponsor Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35).

Schools are annually required to receive the consent of parents for their children to participate in various activities and services. Under Senate Bill 913, schools would also be required 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," said Langerholc. "This bill is simple. Parents should be notified of third-party mental health services and be required to provide consent."

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

CONTACT: Gwenn Dando