The bill H.323 establishes the Mental Health Innovation Special Fund, managed by the Department of Mental Health and funded through revenues from the Department of Taxes and other contributions. This fund aims to support various mental health initiatives, including a mental health screening program in schools, a behavioral health innovation grant program, and a mental health and substance misuse literacy curriculum. The bill also mandates the development of a mental health screening program in schools, allowing supervisory unions to provide evidence-based mental health services, and establishes a peer-to-peer mental health support program overseen by certified providers.

Additionally, the bill outlines a framework for peer-to-peer mental health services in schools, requiring oversight by certified peer support providers and collaboration with school-based mental health service providers. Grant applications for these programs will be accepted starting August 1, 2026, with a focus on schools that include suicide prevention components or are in high-risk areas. The Agency of Education, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health, is tasked with submitting a report by January 1, 2030, to evaluate the program's effectiveness. To support these initiatives, $10,000 is appropriated from the Mental Health Innovation Special Fund for fiscal year 2027, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.