Senate Bill No. introduced by C. Pope aims to enhance mental health education in all public schools across Montana by directing the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Instruction to develop a comprehensive program plan. This plan will expand existing suicide prevention grants into a universal program that includes a curriculum, financial and technical support for schools, data collection, success measurement, and targeted mental health areas such as bullying and substance use. The bill mandates interim reports on the program's progress to relevant legislative committees by specified deadlines, culminating in a complete program plan submission by May 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for notifying tribal governments about the new act and establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval. The initiative is rooted in the success of the PAX Good Behavior Game curriculum, which has shown significant benefits in reducing anxiety, violence, and substance abuse among students, thereby promoting overall mental well-being and potentially alleviating the burden on state mental health services and the criminal justice system.