summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Youth peer support program. Permits a school corporation to establish a youth peer support program (program). Requires a program to: (1) be developed in consultation with one or more local mental health organizations serving the school's geographic area; (2) utilize evidence based training models approved by the department of education; (3) include written referral protocols to school based and community based mental health services; (4) provide ongoing supervision by a school counselor, school social worker, licensed mental health professional, or qualified community partner; and (5) include safeguards to protect student confidentiality and well-being. Provides that a program may not: (1) provide clinical diagnosis or treatment; (2) be established to replace school counselors or mental health professionals; or (3) require participation by a student. Requires a school corporation to provide certain students voluntary, online mental health screenings. Establishes parameters for certain partnerships between school corporations and local mental health organizations participating in the school corporation's program. Creates the youth peer support advisory committee.
AI Summary
This bill allows school corporations to establish a youth peer support program, which involves trained students with lived experience in mental health and substance abuse providing non-clinical support to peers in grades 6-12. These programs must be developed with local mental health organizations, use approved training, have clear referral processes to mental health services, and be supervised by qualified school staff or community partners, while also protecting student confidentiality. Importantly, these programs cannot provide diagnoses or treatment, replace existing mental health professionals, or force students to participate. Additionally, school corporations must offer voluntary, online mental health screenings to students in grades 7, 9, and 11, with parents being notified about the program and its privacy protections. The results of these screenings are confidential and cannot be added to a student's permanent record, only used for referrals. The bill also establishes a Youth Peer Support Advisory Committee to make recommendations on program best practices and certification.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Senate Health and Provider Services Hearing (09:00:00 1/21/2026 Room 431) (on 01/21/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/269/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0269/SB0269.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0269/fiscal-notes/SB0269.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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