Peer Helpers PLUS Act; create to provide counseling, education and mental health intervention in public schools.

HB 1399 (Peer Helpers PLUS Act) establishes a voluntary school-based mental health program in Mississippi public schools for students in grades K-12. It requires schools to apply for funding to implement a multi-tiered support system including the PATH curriculum (addressing bullying, substance abuse, and mental health), peer-to-peer counseling, and staff training, using $4 million annually from the Opioid Settlement Fund. Participating schools must report student participation, referrals, and program impacts on behavior, attendance, and academics. The bill, which died in committee on February 4, 2025, mandates annual reporting by schools and the Department of Mental Health to the Legislature. It aims to improve student wellness and school safety through early intervention and prevention.