CA SB1369

Establishes the Emergency Program for Pupil Mental Health within the State Department of Education to provide grant funding for mental health services following qualifying traumatic events.

Defines qualifying events as natural or manmade incidents likely to cause sustained pupil trauma, including school violence, fires, floods, earthquakes, epidemics, war-related emergencies, and other extraordinary conditions.

Requires the department to develop grant deliverables and scoring rubrics in collaboration with pupil personnel services credentialholders, childhood trauma experts, and geographically diverse local educational agencies.

Allows local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools) to apply for grants within six months of a qualifying event, with funds available for up to two years after receipt.

Specifies that mental health services include hiring additional school counselors or credentialed staff and providing professional development for existing staff in trauma-informed care and instruction.