Bill introduced in NC Senate aims to launch mental health counseling program for teachers, first responders

State Sen. Julie Mayfield has put forward a proposal to develop a statewide program providing mental health assistance to teachers and first responders in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

Designated as SB 838, the bill was filed April 27 during the 2025 regular session, under the short title “The Frontline Mental Health Support Act.”

An overview of the legislation, based on the synopsis of the official text, follows. Where appropriate, explanations have been added for clarity.

The measure establishes the Frontline Mental Health Support Program within the state health department, offering trauma-informed, confidential counseling to full-time North Carolina teachers and first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and correctional officers. It allows each eligible participant 12 annual counseling sessions, delivered in person or by telehealth with licensed behavioral health professionals, and prohibits employers from taking negative employment action based on participation. Under the proposal, $10 million in annual funding would start in the 2026-27 fiscal year for program operation, with an additional $3 million set aside for grants to facilities and organizations such as nonprofits, clinics, hospital systems, and private practices to help grow the behavioral health workforce. The act requires a report on program outcomes by Oct. 1, 2028, and would take effect July 1, 2026.

Among the sponsors of this bill, Woodson Bradley was the legislator with the highest number of bills, introducing 82 during the 2025 regular session.

Legislation in North Carolina involves a multi-stage procedure before becoming law. A member files a bill, sending it to committee for consideration. Each chamber is required to read the bill three times. If amendments are made after one chamber’s approval, both must concur on identical legislation. Once both houses pass it in the same form, the bill moves to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 days if the General Assembly is not in session) to sign, veto or let the legislation take effect without a signature.

Additional details about this and other measures are available here.

Mayfield earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in 1989 and an MD from Emory University School of Law in 1996.

First elected in 2021, Mayfield represents North Carolina’s 49th Senate district as a Democrat, succeeding former senator Terry Van Duyn.