Senate Bill 347 proposes significant changes to the funding and structure of mental health services in Wisconsin schools. The bill replaces the existing grant program with a new categorical aid system for comprehensive school mental health services, which will be administered by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Starting in the 2025-26 school year, DPI will reimburse school boards and independent charter schools for costs related to mental health services provided during both in-school and out-of-school times. The reimbursement will be capped at either $100,000 or $100 per pupil enrolled in the previous school year, whichever is greater. If the allocated funds are insufficient, DPI will prorate the reimbursements.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligible expenditures for reimbursement, including evidence-based mental health strategies, training programs, and telehealth services, while excluding costs related to direct treatment services and non-mental health training. The bill also includes a fiscal provision that increases the appropriation for the Department of Public Instruction by $83,888,000 for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to support these initiatives. The title of the relevant statute is amended to reflect the new focus on comprehensive mental health services, replacing the previous designation of "School-based grants."

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.255(2)(dt)(title), 20.255, 115.367