The proposed bill aims to establish Child and Adolescent Mental Health Screening Programs in schools and childcare facilities for children aged birth to nineteen in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter, "Subchapter 4 - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Screenings," to the Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 45. 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 establish a process for approving mental health screening programs, determining who can access screening data, and ensuring that personnel receive annual training on administering these programs. 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 bill also allows for the distribution of funds to assist families in accessing necessary mental health resources, and it provides liability protection for trained employees who administer the screenings in good faith.