Bill > HB1634

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to support behavioral health services in Washington state's public schools by expanding the role of regional school safety centers. The bill requires these centers to create a statewide network that provides extensive assistance to school districts, including developing and implementing plans for recognizing and responding to student emotional and behavioral distress, providing suicide prevention training, facilitating partnerships with behavioral health care providers, and building school capacity to identify and support students needing mental health services. A key new provision is the creation of a technical assistance and training network comprised of statewide and regional partners with expertise in behavioral health, which will offer direct support to school districts through activities like conducting needs assessments, providing professional development, helping design evidence-based behavioral health programs, creating resource materials, developing policies, facilitating community partnerships, and offering ongoing consultation. The network is designed to be culturally responsive and collaborate with various stakeholders, including tribal leaders, to ensure comprehensive and sensitive mental health support for students. The bill aims to create a more systematic and supportive approach to addressing students' behavioral health needs across the state.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1634&Year=2025&Initiative=false