Bill > HB1375

This bill establishes the Tennessee Mental Health Volunteer Alliance Act, which creates a statewide database of qualified mental health professionals who can volunteer to provide on-site or virtual mental health services at schools or public facilities following an act of gun violence, traumatic event, or disaster. The database will be managed by the state department, with the commissioner responsible for verifying professionals' qualifications, initiating volunteer requests, and tracking service hours. Schools or public facilities can request specific types and numbers of mental health professionals for a specified duration. The services provided will be considered pro bono, and professionals will submit their service hours and hourly rates to the department. The bill allocates $250,000 annually to fund the database's administrative costs, including virtual counseling software, travel reimbursements, and potential lodging expenses. Additionally, the bill establishes a school safety fund that will receive any unused funds from the Mental Health Volunteer Alliance Act, which can be used solely for purchasing safety technology and equipment for schools. The act will take effect for rule-making immediately and for all other purposes on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1375&ga=114