Bill would fund school safety and mental health pilot

The Education Department would run a three-year pilot that adds mental health care for students. The care would be available to students enrolled in selected school districts. Districts must apply, and the education commissioner must select them. The care would supplement other services and include counseling, referrals, screenings, and crisis help. The pilot would begin in the first full school year after enactment and run for three years.

The Education Department would provide added security support to participating districts. School districts must apply and be selected for the pilot. The state would consider each applicant’s reported safety needs when choosing districts for added support. Support could include training for active shooter emergencies, rolling bullet-resistant shields, and other protective equipment. The pilot would begin in the first full school year after enactment.

The state would set aside $15 million for the Education Department to run the pilot. The money would come from the state’s General Fund and pay for the school security pilot. The funding provision would take effect in the first full school year after enactment.