The proposed legislation aims to establish Child and Adolescent Mental Health Screening Programs in schools and childcare facilities for children from birth to nineteen years of age in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 45, specifically dedicated to mental health screenings. The bill outlines the purpose of improving mental healthcare quality and access for this age group, ensuring optimal mental health outcomes. It defines key terms such as "childcare facility," "mental health screening program," and "participating student," and mandates that schools and childcare facilities implement evidence-based mental health screenings for students with parental consent.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Human Services to create a process for approving mental health screening programs, establish guidelines for data access and privacy, and ensure that associated personnel receive annual training. Schools and childcare facilities must submit their chosen screening programs for approval, administer the screenings, and notify parents or guardians of any concerning results along with available resources. The legislation also allows for the distribution of funds to assist families in accessing necessary mental health resources, and it provides civil liability protection for trained employees administering the screenings in good faith.