The bill aims to enhance mental health education in Alaska's public school system by mandating the development of guidelines for mental health instruction. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the Board of Education and Early Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Family and Community Services, regional tribal health organizations, and representatives from national and state mental health organizations. The bill also includes provisions for parental involvement, requiring local school boards to notify parents at least two weeks prior to any class or program that provides mental health instruction.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to incorporate mental health into health education programs for students from kindergarten through grade 12. It replaces the term "physical health" with "mental health, physical health" in the context of health education and establishes guidelines for developmentally appropriate mental health instruction. The state Board of Education is tasked with creating these guidelines and is required to submit a report to the legislature two years after the bill's enactment, detailing the guidelines and the development process.

Statutes affected:
SB0041A, AM SB 41, introduced 01/17/2025: 14.03.016, 14.30.020, 14.30.360