SB 2597 Summary

• Establishes an Executive Committee of the Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth (ICCCY) composed of the State Superintendent of Public Education, Commissioner of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Executive Director of Mississippi Community College Board, Executive Director of Mississippi Department of Mental Health, and a Department of Health employee with mental health experience.

• Assigns the Executive Committee coordinating responsibilities including evaluating school mental health personnel, identifying staff for mental health first aid training, developing age-appropriate mental health information for students and parents, and creating guidance on mental health screening resources and community provider partnerships.

• Requires compilation of a master report by October 1, 2025 of all state-funded programs related to children and adolescent mental health, with annual updates due by November 1 to legislative leadership and relevant committees.

• Mandates development of an internet-based mental health resource guide by August 1, 2025, and requires public school districts to include a visible mental health resource navigation link on their website starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

• Amends existing law to add the Commissioner of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Executive Director of Mississippi Community College Board, and a Department of Health mental health employee to the full ICCCY membership.