HB 1589 Summary

• Creates an Education Employee Assistance Program within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to assist public school districts in managing employees whose personal problems affect job performance.

• Program provides voluntary assessment, referral, consultation, and problem resolution services for school district employees and family members addressing medical, mental health, substance abuse, emotional, marital, familial, and financial issues.

• Department may contract with entities to operate the program and establish eligibility standards; Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall promulgate rules and establish evaluation methods for program effectiveness.

• Program records are confidential, maintained separately from personnel files, and not subject to subpoena unless a participant poses a threat to deliberately harm themselves or others; participants have access to their own records.

• School districts may maintain existing employee assistance programs or establish new ones subject to state board rules ensuring equitable employee treatment; program participation or nonparticipation does not excuse employees from discipline or affect employment status.

• Effective July 1, 2025, with emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage and approval.