CA AB1479

Establishes the Pupil Social-Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Program administered by the State Department of Education to provide funding to local educational agencies for evidence-based mental health supports.

Requires eligible schools and charter schools with approved plans to provide "Model Tier 1 Support" including social-emotional learning, mental health workshops for families, staff training in trauma-informed practices, and referrals to clinical services.

Prioritizes funding for local educational agencies with an unduplicated student population of 55 percent or higher meeting low-income criteria, though all agencies remain eligible.

Allows Model Tier 1 Support to be delivered by school employees or community-based organizations with paraprofessionals who must pass criminal background checks.

Requires the Department of Education to publish a streamlined application within 90 days of receiving funding and approve or deny applications within 30 days; implementation is contingent on legislative appropriation.