NJ A4596

Creates a 16-member Task Force on Student Mental Health to examine mental health issues affecting public school students, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and other psychological disorders.

Task force membership includes the Commissioner of Education, Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 4 legislative appointees, and 10 Governor appointees (school board member, principal, administrator, teachers, counselor, social worker, psychologist, and 2 parents).

Requires the task force to study identification of students with mental health issues, evaluate and expand counseling programs, examine the relationship between mental health and school safety, and assess funding needs for staff and programs.

Directs the task force to examine successful mental health programs implemented in other states that have reduced student mental health difficulties.

Task force must issue a final report with findings and recommendations within one year of organizing, and will expire 30 days after submitting the report.