MS HB140

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

Assessments evaluate student athletes' emotional state, cognitive functioning, appearance, mood, and behavior through questions, observations, digital screening tools, or lab tests, and must remain confidential.

Assessments may be performed by primary care doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, behavioral therapists, or mental health counselors.

Each institution must partner with a local or regional behavioral health specialist to administer assessments and provide counseling services and care plans for student athletes with identified mental health issues, with option to consult the Department of Mental Health for additional resources.

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