HB341 Summary

• Requires each local board of education in Alabama to employ a mental health service coordinator, subject to legislative appropriations, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.

• Coordinator must possess at least one of the following qualifications: bachelor's degree in social work, school counselor certification, school nurse certification, professional mental health experience, or licensure as a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist.

• Newly hired coordinators must earn a school-based mental health certificate by completing a certification program developed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health within one year of employment.

• Each local board of education must complete and submit a needs assessment and resource map to the Alabama Department of Mental Health by the last day of the 2021 fiscal year, and as requested thereafter, documenting the mental health status of the entire school system.

• The Alabama Department of Mental Health and State Department of Education may adopt rules and policies as necessary for implementation, with administration subject to legislative appropriations.