CA AB1644

Renames the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children Act of 1991 to the "HEAL Trauma in Schools Act" and expands eligible pupils to include preschool students and those in transitional kindergarten, and adds charter schools as eligible local educational agencies.

Increases the allowable percentage of matching grants used for evaluation from 10% to 20% and establishes a new 4-year "HEAL Trauma in Schools Support Program" providing outreach, regional training, and technical assistance to local educational agencies.

Requires the Director of Health Care Services to work with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Public Health Officer, and Attorney General to prioritize support for schoolsites serving high-poverty areas and children exposed to childhood trauma, including foster youth and homeless children.

Exempts contracts for the support program and administration from Public Contract Code requirements and Department of General Services approval, and allows the department to implement the program through guidance documents rather than formal rulemaking.

Repeals the HEAL Trauma in Schools Support Program effective January 1, 2022, and makes all implementation contingent upon annual budget appropriation and federal financial participation.