Congresswoman aims to flip student screening law

Universal mental health screenings for Illinois students are scheduled to take effect in 2027, but federal legislation from an Illinois congresswoman could flip the script. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation in July 2025 requiring public school districts to provide the annual screenings for kids in grades 3 through 12, starting in 2027. Parents could opt out, but Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller told the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce that her Parents Opt-In Protection Act would flip the default. "The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, or PPRA, prohibits educational institutions that receive federal funding from requiring students to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation without the parent's consent, should such a survey or evaluation ask for sensitive information about the student," Miller said during a hearing last week. HR 4986 requires written consent each time a school survey or screening is conducted. Miller said her bill ensures that parents and students are fully informed before they disclose sensitive information. "This includes the student's sexual behavior, income, political affiliations or religious beliefs," Miller said. U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, D-California, opposed Miller's bill, citing a 2023 survey that found nearly three in 10 high school students reported poor mental health in the previous 30 days. "That very same survey found dramatic disparities between the experiences of LGBTQ+ students and their peers," Takano said. Takano called the bill "reprehensible" and said opt-in systems create burdens on both parents and school staff. U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-North Carolina, said current law already protects parents and students. The committee advanced Miller's legislation, sending it to the full House for consideration.