WV HB5247

Creates a three-year pilot program through the West Virginia Department of Education to provide school-based mental and behavioral health services as an alternative to suspension and other disciplinary actions for disruptive student behavior

Limits participation to schools that have already implemented either a school-based health center providing mental health services or the expanded school mental health framework (collaboration between Department of Education and Bureau for Behavioral Health)

Requires participating schools to accept referrals from school disciplinary processes as well as from judges, juvenile referees, or magistrates as part of court diversion or disposition orders

Authorizes mental health providers to assess students, provide ongoing treatment, contact family members for information, and extend services to family members, household members, and community members

Establishes billing structure where services are paid through family insurance, the school (for behavior referrals), or the Department of Human Services (for court-ordered services)