NC S807

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.

Appropriates $40,000,000 in recurring funds for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and beyond to provide 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.

Allows school units to contract with eligible mental health professionals including counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical mental health counselors, substance use disorder professionals, and clinical social workers.

Requires the Department to report annually by March 15 to legislative oversight committees on grant recipients, funding amounts, services purchased, and recommendations for improving student mental health.