CA SB1302

Appropriates $250,000,000 from the Mental Health Services Fund to establish a grant program for school-based health centers providing mental health services at high schools.

Grants of up to $250,000 each available to eligible high schools, school districts, and consortia serving high school pupils to establish or improve mental health centers with licensed mental health professionals.

Grant funds may support mental health counseling, substance abuse services, parent support, community referrals, and personnel such as wellness coordinators, nurses, counselors, and mental health therapists.

Requires applicants to certify consultation with local county mental health departments and allows preference for applications demonstrating greater program collaboration with the county.

Establishes employment protections requiring competitive salaries equal to prevailing wages, collective bargaining coverage for new hires, and good-faith efforts to hire qualified full-time employees before using temporary third-party contractors.