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Governor Abbott Vetoes Critical, Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation for Texas College Students  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2021
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785)760-6567 | juanramiro.sarmiento@younginvincibles.org

Governor Abbott Vetoes Critical, Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation for Texas College Students

Governor Veto Comes Amid Historic Mental Health Crisis

 

(Houston, TX) — Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) vetoed Senate Bill 36, bipartisan legislation overhauling Texas’ anti-hazing reporting requirements and the establishment of the Collaborative Task Force on Higher Education Mental Health Services. The bipartisan measure would have taken substantive steps to address some of the major challenges facing Texas college students and their mental health, as they continue to endure a global pandemic, a historic economic downturn, and the total collapse of their state’s electric grid during the height of the winter months.

In response, Aurora Harris, Southern Region Director for Young Invincibles issued the following response.

“Governor Abbott’s decision to veto S.B. 36 — the bipartisan legislation establishing an urgently needed task force on mental health services provided by institutions of higher education as well as the overhaul of anti-hazing reporting requirements — is a devastating loss for Texas college students.

There is an ongoing mental health crisis unfolding on college campuses across the nation. Institutions of higher education are overwhelmed by the need and demand for campus mental health services, making it extremely difficult for students to get the help they need. Hazing continues to be a prevalent issue on college campuses.

Action on mental health and hazing remains a dire necessity despite the Governor’s veto.

Today, we recognize the overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature. We commend legislative leaders for prioritizing college student wellness, listening to the voices of young people, and acknowledging the need to take action on mental health.

Young Invincibles remains committed to the improvement of the mental health care system for all college students across the state.”

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