The bill H.818, introduced by Representative Berbeco, aims to establish a voluntary mental health screening program in schools across Vermont. It proposes the addition of a new section, 16 V.S.A. 1433, which outlines the responsibilities of the Agency of Education and the Department of Mental Health in developing and administering this program. The program will allow supervisory unions to provide evidence-based mental health screening services that are age-appropriate and designed to identify students who may require intervention or treatment for mental health conditions. The State Board of Education, in collaboration with the Department, will adopt rules governing the program, including notification processes, data access, training requirements, and criteria for financial support distribution.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $10,000 from the General Fund for the mental health screening program for fiscal year 2027. It mandates that participating supervisory unions notify the Agency of their intent to participate, obtain parental consent for screenings, and provide results and resources to parents of students who screen positive for mental health conditions. The bill also provides civil immunity for school employees involved in the training and implementation of the screening services, unless their actions are deemed reckless or negligent. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.