Governor signs Pacheco bill to strengthen mental health support for student-athletes

SACRAMENTO, CA - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 1665 by Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) that requires school sports coaches to receive student behavioral and mental health training.

"We train coaches to respond when a student-athlete is injured physically. They should also know what to do when a young person is struggling with their mental health," said Assemblywoman Pacheco. "AB 1665 gives coaches the tools to recognize warning signs and connect students with support."

The bill is part of a legislative package strengthening mental health support for student-athletes from K-12 through college. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel's AB 1626 establishes a model training for youth sports coaches, while Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin's AB 1985 requires mental health training for college and university coaches.

Young athletes are not immune to the mental health crisis facing young people. A 20-year study of NCAA athletes found that suicide was the second most common cause of death after accidents. The share of athlete deaths attributed to suicide increased from 7.6% in 2002 to 15.3% in 2022.

The findings underscore the need for adults closest to student-athletes to recognize warning signs and know how to respond. Because coaches spend significant time with their athletes, they may be among the first to notice negative behavioral changes.

AB 1665 requires school sports coaches to complete a California Department of Education-approved behavioral and mental health training every two years, helping them to recognize and respond appropriately to signs that a student may be struggling.

"Coaches are ready to talk about mental health and these bills give them the right tools to navigate difficult conversations. Thanks to this legislative package, we're ensuring that coaches are looking out for student-athletes at every stage of their education," said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks).

To schedule an interview with Assemblywoman Pacheco, contact Alina Evans at 916-319-2064.

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Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco represents the 64th Assembly District, encompassing parts of southeastern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County. The 64th District includes all or parts of the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Downey, East and South Unincorporated Whittier, La Habra, La Mirada, Norwalk, and Santa Fe Springs. Assemblywoman Pacheco is an attorney and the former mayor of Downey. She resides in Downey with her Miniature Schnauzer, Reina.