This bill mandates the establishment of a school-based telehealth pilot program by the State Department of Education in Oklahoma, aimed at providing mental health care to students in participating school districts. The Department is required to contract with a single telehealth provider, issue a request for proposals, and ensure that the selected provider meets specific qualifications, including experience in educational settings and the ability to provide culturally competent pediatric mental health care. The program will offer mental health services at no cost to uninsured students and will not replace existing student support services provided by educational professionals.

Additionally, the bill outlines the funding limitations for the program, specifying that funds can only be used for paying the telehealth provider, covering one-time setup costs, and evaluating the program's effectiveness. The Department, in collaboration with participating school districts, is tasked with evaluating the program's impact on student access to mental health services and reporting the findings to the Legislature by January 15, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.