The bill establishes a children and youth behavioral health work group aimed at identifying barriers and opportunities in accessing behavioral health services for children, youth, young adults, and their families. The work group will enhance a coordinated approach to delivering timely and equitable behavioral health care, including prenatal services, and will advise the legislature on statewide behavioral health services. Its diverse membership will include representatives from state agencies, community organizations, and individuals with lived experience in behavioral health.

Key amendments to existing law include expanding the work group's focus to encompass young adults, adding specific roles for comprehensive representation, and creating a strategic plan advisory group to draft a strategic plan for behavioral health services. The timeline for submitting the final strategic plan has been adjusted from 2024 to 2025, and the expiration date for the section has been extended from December 30, 2026, to December 30, 2029. The bill also outlines the support structure for the work group, detailing administrative support from the health care authority and stipends for nonlegislative members with lived experience. Definitions for key terms are included to clarify the work group's focus.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.09.4951
Substitute Bill: 74.09.4951
Engrossed Substitute: 74.09.4951
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.09.4951
Session Law: 74.09.4951