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, in collaboration with 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 to the education and health committees by specified dates in 2025 and 2026, detailing the progress and implementation of the program.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for notifying tribal governments about the new act and establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval. The overall goal of the legislation is to promote mental well-being among students, reduce future demand for mental health services, and alleviate the burdens on the state's healthcare and criminal justice systems.