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Learn more about NABITA's role in policy matters that impact our field.

Your one-stop-shop for regular updates on key legislation, policy news, and ways to support NABITA's policy efforts.

The BIG Act

The Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act (BIG Act) requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop best practices for schools and higher education institutions. The BIG Act will help to establish behavioral intervention teams comprised of small groups of school officials who meet regularly to collect and review concerning information about at-risk community members and develop plans to assist them.

What is the BIG Act?

Learn more about what the BIG Act is and why it is needed in our schools.

BIG Act Overview

BIG Act FAQ

Let us answer your most pressing questions on the BIG Act and what this means for you.

Read FAQ's

News & Events

Creation Of Office Of School Safety

It has been a busy legislative season in state houses across the nation with dozens of legislatures considering school safety-related bills. The latest proposal is CO SB 23-241, which would create an Office of School Safety within the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

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Budget Proposals

With the approach of spring, many state legislatures are prepping their major budget proposals for their legislative session.

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State Legislatures Are in Session

While Congress continues to get organized, we also wanted to take this time to remind our members that the state legislatures are in session! Mental health, public safety, and school climate will be highly debated policy topics nationwide, and NABITA will closely monitor relevant legislation.

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BIG Act to Become Law

Congress has taken meaningful action to make schools safer. NABITA is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act, or BIG Act, language in the Omnibus spending package recently approved by Congress.

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Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022

The BIG Act has passed the House for a second time! However, unlike the previous passage last year as a standalone bill, BIG Act text is now included as an amendment in the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.

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NABITA Legislative Efforts Following the Tragedy in Texas

Given the heartbreaking tragedy in Texas, The White House and Congress have begun in earnest the discussion of a comprehensive school safety bill.

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Letter to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee

Recently, NABITA teamed up with the House’s BIG Act lead sponsor Drew Ferguson (R-GA) to write a letter to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee on appropriations requesting that the committee includes the BIG Act language in their final report.

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Remembering the Virginia Tech Tragedy

We remember the individuals that were lost and honor those whose futures were forever changed by the horrific violence that took place that day. 

Read Statement

School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act

The House Labor and Education Committee considered and approved the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act - a NABITA-endorsed bill.

Read About the Bill

NABITA Statement on Florida Events

The NABITA team would like to provide some information about our upcoming conference located in the state of Florida.

Read Statement

Want to Help Advance Legislation in Your State?

NABITA built a custom tool to make your outreach efforts easier. Select your home state to access the contact information for your Senator’s office.

Access the Tool

Who has sponsored the BIG Act?

Array

Senator John Cornyn

United States Senator for Texas (2002-Present)

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Senator Shelley Moore Capito

United States Senator for West Virginia (2015-Present)

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Senator Susan M. Collins

United States Senator for Maine (1997-Present)

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Senator Kyrsten Sinema

United States Senator for Arizona (2019-Present)

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Senator Debbie Stabenow

United States Senator for Michigan (2001-Present)

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Array

Senator Angus S. King, Jr.

United States Senator for Maine (2013-Present)

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Senator Gary C. Peters

United States Senator for Michigan (2015-Present)

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Array

Senator Jacky Rosen

United States Senator for Nevada (2019-Present)

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Makenzie Schiemann headshot

"As an organization that supports the practitioners who work every day to support their students and make their schools safer, we are excited by the resources this Act will represent to NABITA's members."

- Makenzie Schiemann, Ph.D., President of NABITA

"The BIG Act will be a gamechanger for student affairs professionals across the country because, I truly believe, it will provide a more holistic approach in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our campuses and our students."

- Aaron "Chip" Reese, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Columbus State University; Former NABITA Advisory Board member