The bill enacts R.S. 17:416.23, which mandates that local public school boards in Louisiana adopt a program aimed at addressing the behavioral health of students. By thirty days before the start of the 2024-2025 school year, each school board must implement rules and regulations to assist school personnel in identifying students who may exhibit behavioral or emotional challenges. The program requires the designation of a specific employee at each school to identify available mental health support services and facilitate referrals for assessment and treatment. Additionally, after a student's second suspension in a school year, a consultation must occur to determine if the behavior is linked to such challenges, leading to a potential conference with the student's parent or guardian to discuss support services.

Furthermore, the bill requires school boards to report annually to the state Department of Education and relevant legislative committees on the number of students identified with behavioral or emotional challenges, the number of scheduled conferences, and the number of referrals made for assessment and supportive services. These reports, due on July 1st each year, will help evaluate the needs and capacity for behavioral health services across the state.