State would fund school mental health teams if money is appropriated

The department would oversee the school mental health program, and approved districts could apply for grants to help pay liaison costs and partner providers. Districts could apply to start or maintain a program for students needing mental health support, including students in state custody or referred to family support programs. The state could award grants only when money is appropriated. If funding is short, the department would divide the available money among districts. A district would need department approval and an agreement with a partner provider to receive a grant. Districts would apply for each school year, on a schedule set by the department.

Eligible nonpublic schools could seek state funding for mental health teams through a board appointed by the secretary. This applies to nonpublic elementary and secondary schools that meet the bill’s accreditation rules. The board would review proposals and recommend funding. The secretary could allocate money only when it is appropriated. A school must be accredited by a recognized agency or working in good faith toward accreditation.

The department would send yearly reports about both programs to legislative committees. Reports would cover the district program and the separate program for eligible nonpublic schools. The district program report would list participating districts and providers, grant amounts, and district spending. The nonpublic school report would summarize that program. The first reports would be due by the first day of the 2026 legislative session. The district program report would cover the preceding school year.