Bill > SB0905

This bill establishes the "School Safety and Mental Health Act," which requires two key provisions for Tennessee schools. First, each Local Education Agency (LEA) and public charter school must employ at least one full-time licensed professional school counselor at every school, aiming to enhance mental health support for students. Second, the Tennessee school safety center will administer a school safety infrastructure grant program, through which LEAs can apply for grants to improve school safety infrastructure. To be eligible for these grants, LEAs must describe how they will use the funds to support safety improvements, align with existing school security assessments, and support charter schools. Grants will only be awarded to LEAs that are in compliance with all state school safety laws and regulations, and any unspent funds will be carried forward to future fiscal years. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving student safety and mental health support in Tennessee schools.