BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Requires city, parish and other local public school boards to adopt and implement a program to facilitate behavior health intervention and referral for treatment. (8/1/24) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

This bill requires local public school boards to create and carry out programs that help students with behavioral health issues get the care they need. The legislation mandates that these boards establish systems for identifying students in need and referring them to appropriate treatment services. Recent amendments to the text adjust the timeline for program implementation and correct a grammatical error regarding the designation of services. By setting this requirement, the bill aims to ensure that schools have a structured approach to supporting student mental and behavioral well-being.