Bill > HB486

This bill requires public schools in Louisiana to offer mental health assessments to students in grades three through twelve, with parental or legal guardian authorization. The assessments would be conducted by licensed behavioral health providers, which include mental health professionals with valid Louisiana occupational licenses and behavioral health services providers licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health. Schools would aim to schedule these screenings during the first semester of the school year, with principals having discretion over specific timing and location. The assessments would be provided at no cost to local school boards, and each public school must annually report the number of screenings administered to the state Department of Education, broken down by grade level. The bill defines a clear framework for mental health screenings in public schools, emphasizing voluntary participation and professional administration, with the goal of supporting early identification of potential mental health needs among students.