The proposed bill, Substitute House Bill No. 6900, establishes a task force aimed at developing guidelines for the use of developmental screening tools for children from birth to age three and screening tools for identifying maternal perinatal depression during pediatric appointments. The task force will also create an Internet-based system for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data from these screenings among healthcare providers and early intervention programs. This initiative is intended to enhance service delivery, measure outcomes, and identify trends in child development and maternal mental health.

The task force will consist of various appointed members, including representatives from pediatric medicine, community health centers, and organizations focused on maternal mental health and child behavioral needs. The bill specifies that initial appointments must be made within thirty days of its effective date, and the task force is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026. Notably, the bill includes new legal language regarding the task force's structure and responsibilities, while clarifying terms for better understanding. The fiscal impact of the bill is minimal, as it is expected to be managed within existing staff workloads.