HB123 Summary

• Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, each local board of education and independent school system must employ a mental health service coordinator, subject to legislative appropriations.

• Coordinators 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.

• Within one year of hire, coordinators must earn a school-based mental health certificate by completing a certification program developed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

• Each local board of education must complete and submit a needs assessment and resource map to the Alabama Department of Mental Health documenting the mental health status of their school system.

• Students under age 14 cannot participate in ongoing school mental health services without specific written opt-in permission from parents, except in cases of imminent health threats; all local boards must adopt policies requiring annual parent notification about mental health services available and allowing parents to allow, limit, or prevent participation.