The proposed bill aims to enhance student mental health support by requiring the Department of Health and the Department of Education to establish regional behavioral health crisis response teams starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school will be mandated to conduct behavioral threat assessments for students exhibiting potentially harmful behaviors. The Department of Human Services will lead the initiative, ensuring that these teams assist schools in evaluating behavioral threat data, confirming threat levels, and identifying appropriate services for affected students. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of these teams, including developing behavioral health management plans and ensuring timely responses to requests for assistance.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the education of students in juvenile detention facilities, clarifying the responsibilities of these facilities and the associated school districts in providing educational services. It introduces new provisions for funding and collaboration between juvenile detention facilities and educational providers, ensuring that students receive necessary educational support during their detention. The bill includes an emergency clause, emphasizing the urgent need for these measures to address ongoing mental health crises in schools and enhance safety and security for students.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB451 V2 - 4-3-2025 03:13 PM: 6-18-202(a)
Old version SB451 Original - 3-13-2025 09:30 AM: 6-18-202(a)
SB 451: 6-18-202(a)