The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 17:173.1, which mandates that public schools in Louisiana provide mental health assessments to students in grades three through twelve at the beginning of each school year, contingent upon parental or guardian authorization. The assessments are to be conducted by licensed behavioral health providers and should ideally take place during the first semester of the school year. School principals or their designees are given the discretion to determine the timing and location for these assessments.

Additionally, the bill defines "licensed behavioral health provider" and outlines the qualifications necessary for individuals or organizations to conduct these assessments. Public schools are required to report the number of screenings administered by grade level to the state Department of Education at the end of each school year. Importantly, the assessments will be provided at no cost to local school boards, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to mental health services for students.