THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

147

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to mental health.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Annual mental health screenings and behavioral health screenings.  (a)  The department shall administer annual mental health screenings and behavioral health screenings for each student at all public k-12 schools.

     (b)  The department shall notify a student's parent in writing prior to the student's participation in a mental health screening or behavioral health screening pursuant to this section.  The written notice shall include:

     (1)  The purpose for the screening;

     (2)  The provider or contractor providing the screening;

     (3)  The date and time at which the screening is scheduled; and

     (4)  The length of time the screening may last.

     (c)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.

     (d)  As used in this section:

     "Behavioral health screening" means a method utilized by school personnel to determine if a student is at risk for not meeting grade level standards.

     "Mental health screening" means the use of one or more brief, structured questionnaires designed to identify the possibility that an individual has a mental health problem."

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Annual mental health screenings.  (a)  The department shall administer annual mental health screenings for each faculty and staff member at all public schools.

     (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.

     (c)  As used in this section, "mental health screening" means the use of one or more brief, structured questionnaires designed to identify the possibility that an individual has a mental health problem."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the development and implementation of annual mental health screenings or behavioral health screenings for students, faculty, and staff at all public k-12 department of education institutions.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Mental Health Screenings; Behavioral Health Screenings; Department of Education; Students; Staff; K-12; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to administer annual mental health or behavioral health screenings to all students, faculty, and staff members at public schools.  Appropriates funds.

 

 

 

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