Indiana schools could offer supervised mental health peer support

Indiana school districts could run student peer support programs. The programs would serve students in grades 6 through 12. Districts would consult local mental health groups, use state approved training, plan referrals, supervise peers, and protect students' privacy. Students could choose whether to take part. Programs could not diagnose or treat students or replace counselors or mental health professionals. Peer supporters would need training from or with an approved college or other school after high school. Districts would favor partnerships that do not exclude other groups. The program option and its requirements would take effect July 1, 2026.

School districts would give students access to online mental health screenings. The screenings would be offered to students in grades 7, 9, and 11. Students could choose whether to take a screening. Parents would get yearly notice about the screenings and privacy protections. Results would stay confidential, stay out of students' cumulative school records, and be used only to offer voluntary referrals to local mental health groups. Schools would offer access at least once each school year, starting July 1, 2026.

Districts would report program activity, and the state would publish the totals and convene an advisory group. Reporting would apply to districts that run peer support programs. Reports would give totals for screenings, referrals, and participation without identifying students. The advisory group would hold public meetings, take comments, and recommend peer support practices to lawmakers. These duties would start July 1, 2026. The state would publish its report by December 1 each year.