Assembly Bill 339 proposes significant changes to the funding and structure of mental health services in Wisconsin schools. The bill aims to replace the existing grant program administered by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) with a new categorical aid system for comprehensive school mental health services. Under this new framework, starting in the 2025-26 school year, DPI will reimburse school boards or independent charter school operators for costs related to mental health services provided during both in-school and out-of-school times. The reimbursement will be capped at the greater of $100,000 or $100 per pupil enrolled in the previous school year, with provisions for proration if the allocated funds are insufficient.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligible expenditures for reimbursement, including evidence-based mental health strategies, training programs, collaboration with community mental health providers, and telehealth services. It also specifies ineligible costs, such as payments for direct treatment services and non-mental health-related training. The bill includes a fiscal provision that increases the appropriation for the DPI 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 school mental health services, replacing the previous terminology related to school-based grants.

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