HB23-1003: Sixth Through Twelfth Grade Mental Health Screening Act

• Creates a statewide mental health screening program administered by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) for students in grades 6-12 at participating public schools.

• Schools must provide written notice to parents within the first two weeks of school year, with at least 14 days for parents to opt their child out of the screening.

• Screeners must review results within 24 hours and notify parents within 48 hours if additional mental health services are needed; immediate notification required if student poses suicide/self-harm risk.

• Screener must not provide direct mental health services, must be trauma-informed, and comply with HIPAA privacy requirements; all screening materials must be published on school websites.

• Appropriates $475,278 to the Department of Human Services for the 2023-24 fiscal year to support program implementation with 2.0 FTE staff.