The bill establishes a children and youth behavioral health work group in Washington State, aimed at identifying barriers to accessing behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults, and providing recommendations for system improvements. The work group will advise the newly formed children and youth behavioral health leadership council on implementing the Washington thriving strategic plan, monitor related legislation, and enhance coordination between early learning, K-12 education, and health care systems. It will particularly focus on improving access to services for young children and those transitioning into adulthood.

To enhance the work group's effectiveness, the bill amends existing laws to include new provisions, such as requiring the governor to appoint representatives from federally recognized Indian tribes. It also mandates the development of a strategic plan that assesses the current behavioral health service landscape, identifies gaps, and proposes a comprehensive service delivery vision, incorporating input from community members and stakeholders. Additionally, the bill specifies reimbursement policies for legislative members and stipends for nonlegislative members with lived experience, establishes definitions for key terms, and requires annual recommendations to the governor and legislature. The bill further emphasizes coordination among state agencies and the alignment of the children's mental health system with the strategic plan, while extending the expiration date for the relevant section to December 30, 2031.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025
Substitute bill: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025