HI SB2010

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school and public charter school in Hawaii must employ or retain at least one mental health professional for every 250 students enrolled, with a minimum of one professional per school if enrollment is below 250 students.

Mental health professionals include licensed mental health counselors, licensed psychologists, school psychologists, licensed social workers, and unlicensed social workers meeting specific exemption requirements.

The Department of Education must submit a progress report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2025 regular legislative session detailing progress toward meeting the mental health professional staffing requirements.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish mental health professional positions or otherwise satisfy the bill's requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.