IL HB5393

Establishes the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program within the State Board of Education to fund school districts implementing depression screening programs for students in grades 7-12.

Requires participating school districts to conduct annual depression screenings using research-based tools administered by licensed mental health professionals, with real-time evaluation and same-day intervention capability.

Mandates school districts obtain written parental consent, ensure student privacy and confidentiality, accommodate bilingual and special needs students, and forward aggregated screening data to state agencies.

Creates the Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program Fund to support program administration and grant payments to school districts, with allowance for districts to seek supplemental federal or private funding.

Requires State Board of Education to develop preapproved screening tools list and partnership guidance within 180 days, and to produce an evaluation report within 300 days of the first full school year assessing program costs, outcomes, and recommendations.