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 student mental health assistance programs within school districts. The initial evaluation is required to be submitted by December 31, 2025, and must assess compliance with existing statutes, treatment outcomes, system capacity, and the integration of mental health services into the broader behavioral health care system. A final review and evaluation are to be provided by December 1, 2026, which will include similar assessments and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of these programs.

Additionally, the bill requires coordination between OPPAGA and various entities, including the Department of Education and school district mental health coordinators, to gather necessary data for the evaluations. This includes information on referrals to mental health services and performance metrics. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and improving mental health services for students in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1310 Filed: 1001.212, 1006.041, 1012.584