This bill mandates that school resource officers and law enforcement personnel assigned to public school campuses obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. It amends existing training requirements for these officers, specifying that they must complete a forty-hour basic training program, which includes topics such as adolescent behavior and development, and obtain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid within eighteen months of their assignment or employment. Additionally, the bill requires that this certification be maintained and renewed every four years, as long as the officer remains in their position. The bill also stipulates that the Youth Mental Health First Aid training will count towards the twelve hours of public school-specific continuing education that officers must complete annually.

Furthermore, the bill requires school counselors to receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training by September 1, 2025, and every four years thereafter. This training aims to equip counselors with the knowledge to identify risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and how to assist students in crisis. The amendments reflect a commitment to enhancing mental health support within public schools by ensuring that both law enforcement and counseling staff are adequately trained to address the mental health needs of students.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1030 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:37 PM: 6-10-128(d), 6-18-2004(d)
Old version HB1030 Original - 1-13-2025 10:43 AM: 6-10-128(d), 6-18-2004(d)
HB 1030: 6-10-128(d), 6-18-2004(d)