The proposed bill establishes an Education Employee Assistance Program within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, aimed at supporting public school districts in managing employees whose personal issues may adversely affect their job performance. The program will offer services such as assessment, referral, consultation, and problem resolution for school district employees and their families dealing with various personal challenges, including mental health and substance abuse issues. Participation in this program is voluntary, and the Department is authorized to contract with eligible entities to facilitate its functions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services create rules for the program's administration and the handling of participant records, which must be kept confidential and separate from regular personnel files. It clarifies that existing school district employee assistance programs are not nullified by this new law but must comply with the established rules to ensure fair treatment of employees. The bill also emphasizes that participation in the program does not exempt employees from disciplinary actions by their school districts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.