NC H1092

Establishes the School Mental Health Grant Program administered by the Department of Public Instruction to increase student access to mental health support personnel in public schools.

Defines eligible mental health support personnel as school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed psychological associates, licensed clinical mental health counselors, substance use disorder professionals, and clinical social workers.

Appropriates $40,000,000 in recurring general funds for the 2022-2023 fiscal year to award grants to public school units, with up to $50,000 annually available for administrative costs.

Prioritizes grant awards to school units with greater proportions of students having limited or no access to mental health services, including uninsured students and students with disabilities.

Requires the Department to report annually to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services beginning March 15, 2023, detailing recipient school units, funding amounts, services purchased, and recommendations for improving student mental health.