DE HB4

Establishes "Nolan's Law" requiring Delaware public schools (traditional districts, vocational technical districts, and charter schools) to develop crisis response policies for school-connected traumatic events, defined as the death of any student or staff member or other traumatic events affecting a significant portion of students.

Directs the Department of Education to develop by January 1, 2024, guidance documents on best practices for handling school crises, including counseling availability during school, and written materials for students, families, and parents about available mental health resources.

Mandates the Department of Education cover the cost of grief counseling at schools for 45 days following a traumatic event, with potential extension for an additional 45 days if significant need and utilization are demonstrated after consultation at the 30-day mark.

Requires every public school to adopt and submit a crisis response policy by September 1, 2024, (or first year of operation for new charter schools) that includes a district crisis response team, procedures for verifying events and assessing impact, identification of affected students, information dissemination protocols, and behavioral health supports for crisis response team members.

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual reports to legislative committees by September 1 each year, beginning in 2024, detailing the costs of providing grief counseling services in schools.