US HB7497

Authorizes $50 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031 for grants to improve trauma support services and mental health care for children and youth in schools

Eligible recipients include state and local educational agencies, Indian Tribes, Bureau of Indian Education, and Child Care and Development Fund lead agencies for grants lasting up to 5 years

Funds may be used for school-community mental health collaborations, trauma-informed support models, professional development for educators, family engagement programs, and early childhood education partnerships

Requires grant recipients to establish local interagency agreements between educational agencies, Head Start, juvenile justice, mental health, and child welfare agencies specifying financial responsibilities and service coordination

Reserves up to 3% of appropriations for program evaluation and up to 2% for technical assistance and administration, with equitable distribution required across geographic regions and tribal, urban, suburban, and rural populations