MN HF3219

Establishes a comprehensive mental health services director position within the Department of Education to serve as information and support source for schools addressing students' mental health needs.

Director must assess mental health needs through school site visits and develop evidence-based resources, tools, and practices for distribution to Minnesota school districts.

Director responsibilities include developing guidance on suicide prevention and mental health interventions, maintaining lists of funding and community resources, providing advice on trauma-informed programs, posting resources on the Department of Education website, and cataloging school district best practices.

Director must coordinate with Regional Centers of Excellence, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Minnesota School Safety Center, and other federal, state, and local agencies to support students' mental health needs.

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2021, with a designated base amount for fiscal year 2022 and thereafter; effective date is July 1, 2020.