FISCAL NOTE

Senate Bill 306 as introduced could increase the obligations of local boards of education and independent school systems to: (1) commencing with the 2023-2024 school year, employ a mental health service coordinator to coordinate student mental health services throughout each school system; however, this is subject to appropriation by the Legislature; and (2) provide a needs assessment and resource map to the Department of Mental Health (ADMH). The amount of the increased obligations to the local boards of education and independent school systems would be dependent upon the compensation of the mental health service coordinators. Based on information provided by SDE, there are 114 local education agencies that have been awarded grants in the amount of $40,000 to expand school-based mental health initiatives.

In addition, this bill would increase the obligations of ADMH by an undetermined amount to create a certification program to certify mental health service coordinators within one year of being hired.

The FY 2023 Education Trust Fund Appropriation act, as passed the House of Representatives, includes: (1) an appropriation of $10.24 million to the State Department of Education for the School Safety Security and Climate Program, of which $4.69 million is earmarked for School-Based Mental Health Service Coordinators to provide grants to each local education agency to expand school-based mental health initiatives; and (2) an appropriation of $3.5 million to the ADMH for School-Based Mental Health Services Collaboration.