An Act to promote social emotional learning and the mental and behavioral health of students

This bill establishes a 23-member task force to study and recommend a statewide framework for social emotional learning and mental health support for students from birth through higher education. The committee includes representatives from various educational, health, and advocacy organizations, and it must meet regularly to address topics such as suicide prevention, the impact of social media on youth, and strategies for integrating these supports into school curricula. Within two years of passing, the task force will submit its findings to state officials, who are then required to publish guidance for school districts on how to implement these mental health and behavioral health strategies by December 2026. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to mandate that school safety plans include partnerships with community health organizations to help refer students needing extra support.