The bill establishes an Education Employee Assistance Program within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to support public school districts in managing employees whose personal issues may affect their job performance. The program will offer services such as assessment, referral, consultation, and problem resolution for employees and their families dealing with various personal challenges, including mental health and substance abuse issues. Participation in the program is voluntary, and the Department is authorized to contract with eligible entities to facilitate the program's functions. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is tasked with creating necessary rules and evaluation methods for the program.

Additionally, the bill mandates that records related to participation in the Education Employee Assistance Program be kept separate from regular personnel files and remain confidential, with limited exceptions for subpoena. It clarifies that existing employee assistance programs at school districts are not nullified by this new program, but must comply with the rules set forth by the Board to ensure fair treatment of employees. The bill emphasizes that participation in the program does not exempt employees from disciplinary actions or affect their employment status. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.