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 and emotional challenges faced by students. By thirty days before the start of the 2024-2025 school year, each school board is required to implement rules and regulations that assist school personnel in identifying students at risk of behavioral escalation. The program will designate a specific employee at each school to identify available mental health support services and facilitate referrals for assessment and treatment, particularly through the Louisiana Coordinated System of Care.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that after a student's second suspension in a school year, a consultation must occur between the principal and the designated employee to determine if the behavior is linked to behavioral or emotional challenges. If so, a conference with the student's parent or guardian must be scheduled to discuss the behavior and potential support services. School boards are also required to report annually to the state Department of Education and legislative committees on the number of students identified with such challenges, the conferences held, and referrals made, which will help evaluate the need for behavioral health services statewide.