Indiana House Bill HB1305

Indiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25

Caption

Mental health and substance use disorder screening.

Impact

Effective from July 1, 2025, this legislation aims to address the growing concern regarding mental health issues among students. By formalizing the processes for screening and emphasizing parental notification and consent, HB1305 introduces a systematic approach to identifying and addressing potential mental health and substance use challenges among students. The bill is designed to facilitate proactive measures that could lead to enhanced student well-being and academic achievement through early detection and intervention.

Summary

House Bill 1305 seeks to enhance mental health and substance use disorder screenings in educational settings by requiring each school corporation and charter school in Indiana to create a plan for conducting developmentally appropriate screenings for students in kindergarten through grade 12. As part of this initiative, the bill mandates that a range of mental health indicators, including resilience and risks for later violence, be assessed. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Education will provide the necessary resources and screening tools to assist these educational institutions in implementing the requirements of the bill.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to improve student mental health, there are also concerns regarding privacy and the adequacy of resources for follow-up care. There could be apprehensions from parents and advocacy groups about how data derived from these screenings will be managed and whether adequate support systems will be established for students requiring further assistance. Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that results from these screenings cannot be used to influence academic opportunities or discipline, which some may argue might limit the effectiveness of the screening process in integrating mental health considerations into the educational environment.