TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE EDUCATION OF CERTAIN STUDENTS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Senate Bill 451 requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education to establish regional behavioral health programs by January 1, 2026. These programs aim to provide necessary behavioral health treatment for students in public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools. The departments will collaborate to identify and repurpose alternative learning environments or find new locations for these programs. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of funding sources for students unable to pay for care within these programs.