Bill > LD1398

This bill establishes new definitions and staffing ratios to support behavioral health services in Maine's public schools. It defines "clinical mental health provider" to include licensed clinical social workers, clinical professional counselors, alcohol and drug counselors, and pastoral counselors. The bill introduces specific student-to-clinical mental health provider ratios, starting at 350:1 in the 2026-2027 school year for elementary and middle schools, and 350:1 in the 2027-2028 school year for high schools, with both levels reducing to 250:1 by the 2028-2029 school year. Additionally, the bill mandates a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1 beginning in the 2028-2029 school year for both elementary/middle and high school levels. These new staffing requirements will be incorporated into the essential programs and services school funding formula, which is used to calculate salary and benefit costs for school support staff. The goal of these provisions appears to be improving mental health support and counseling services for students across different school levels in Maine.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1398&snum=132