MS HB123

Requires each public university and community or junior college to provide annual mental health assessments to all members of school-sponsored athletic organizations governed by national or regional sports associations or conferences.

Assessment must evaluate student athletes' emotional state, cognitive functioning (thinking, reasoning, memory), appearance, mood, behavior, and may include digital screening tools or laboratory tests such as blood or urine samples.

Assessment may be administered by a primary care doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, behavioral therapist, or mental health counselor, with results remaining confidential.

Each institution must partner with a local or regional behavioral health specialist to provide assessments and counseling services, with option to consult the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for additional resources.

Requires institutions to provide mental health assessments to general student population members with an arrest record and may recommend participation in a mental health diversion pilot program under the Rivers McGraw Act.