AZ HB2450

Establishes the early childhood mental health consultation and referral pilot program to support social and emotional well-being of children not yet in kindergarten and build capacity of early childhood education professionals.

Requires the Department of Economic Security to award a competitive contract to a service provider to implement the program, including education on meeting children's social and emotional needs and improving the learning environment.

Service provider must submit quarterly reports tracking program participation, mental health referrals, school suspensions and expulsions avoided, and other outcomes determined by the department.

Appropriates $2,000,000 from the state general fund for each fiscal year from 2020-2021 through 2024-2025 to the Department of Economic Security for the pilot program.

The pilot program and appropriations are repealed on June 30, 2025.