The bill amends the existing law regarding the Student Mental Health Apprenticeship Retention and Training (SMART) internship grant program, which is designed to provide financial support for graduate-level mental health professionals interning in public schools. The amendments include the establishment of a grant program administered by the department, which will offer funding to designated recipients, field supervisors, and instructors. The bill specifies that the funding can be provided at a rate of $25 per hour for up to 20 hours per week over a 30-week period, or as a lump sum of $15,000. Additionally, it outlines eligibility criteria for recipients, including enrollment in a graduate-level program and specific internship requirements.

Key changes in the bill include the removal of certain conditions that previously limited the grant program's intent and eligibility criteria. For instance, the language specifying minimum outcomes for the program has been revised to focus on providing meaningful internships without the previous limitations. The bill also encourages designated recipients to work in public schools for a minimum of three years after receiving funding, and it allows for the continuation of grant funding under specific circumstances, such as temporary leaves of absence. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that payments made under this act will not affect student financial aid packages unless designated otherwise by the recipient.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1953