The bill aims to establish a comprehensive statewide network for student mental and behavioral health in Washington, addressing the critical challenges faced by children and adolescents in accessing necessary support. It recognizes the fragmented nature of current behavioral health services across various local and state agencies and emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to enhance the capacity of local education agencies. The legislation mandates the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to collaborate with various stakeholders to create strategic goals and provide state-level coordination for mental health programming, ensuring that schools can effectively promote mental well-being and connect students to available resources.

Additionally, the bill introduces a regional school-based mental and behavioral health student assistance program to enhance the deployment of behavioral health supports in underserved communities. This program will facilitate collaboration among educational service districts and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide essential services, including screening, intervention, and education on mental health and substance use. Furthermore, a grant program will be established to assist school districts in developing plans for recognizing and responding to emotional or behavioral distress in students, ensuring that local education agencies are equipped with the necessary training and resources to implement best practices in school-based mental health.