CA AB2798

Requires each school district, county office of education, and charter school to provide in-service training to certificated employees and classified staff on early identification of pupil mental health issues within the first six weeks of each school year.

Training must include protocols for referring pupils to appropriate mental health services and can be provided online outside of staff meetings during regular work hours.

Clarifies that the bill does not require school personnel to assess, diagnose, or treat mental health issues, nor does it authorize them to act outside the scope of their credential or license.

Encourages schools to provide training as part of a larger mental health initiative and to use existing state and federal funds to support the training.

Establishes that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to existing statutory procedures.