Senate Bill 347 aims to enhance mental health services in Wisconsin schools by replacing the existing grant program with a new categorical aid system. Under this bill, starting in the 2025-26 school year, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will reimburse school boards and independent charter schools for costs associated with 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 among eligible schools.

The bill also outlines specific mental health services that qualify for reimbursement, including evidence-based improvement strategies, mental health literacy programs, collaboration with community mental health providers, and telehealth services, among others. However, certain costs, such as payments for direct treatment services and non-mental health-related training, are excluded from reimbursement. Additionally, the bill 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.

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