The bill establishes a new section, 394.4575, in the Florida Statutes, which mandates the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to evaluate school district compliance with existing mental health service requirements and the effectiveness of mental health programs for students. The initial evaluation is required to be submitted by December 31, 2025, and must assess various aspects, including compliance with specific statutes, treatment outcomes, system capacity, and the integration of mental health assistance programs into coordinated care systems. A final evaluation is to be submitted by December 1, 2026, which will include similar assessments and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of these programs.

Additionally, the bill requires coordination between the Department of Education, school district mental health coordinators, and OPPAGA to ensure the provision of necessary data and reports for the evaluations. This includes information on referrals to mental health services and performance metrics. The act aims to improve the reporting and effectiveness of mental health services provided to students in Florida schools, thereby enhancing their overall mental health outcomes.

Statutes affected:
H 969 Filed: 1001.212, 1006.041, 1012.584
H 969 c1: 1001.212, 1006.041, 1012.584