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 negatively affect their job performance. The program will offer services such as assessment, referral, consultation, and problem resolution for school employees and their families dealing with various personal problems, including mental health and substance abuse issues. Participation in the program is voluntary, and the Department is authorized to contract with eligible entities to fulfill the program's objectives.

Additionally, the bill mandates that records related to participation in the program be kept separate from regular personnel files and remain confidential, with specific exceptions for cases where a participant poses a threat to themselves or others. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is tasked with creating rules for the program's administration and evaluation. Importantly, the bill clarifies that existing employee assistance programs at school districts are not nullified and must comply with the new rules to ensure fair treatment of employees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.