Kansas House Bill HB2669

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 2/28/24
• Refer: 3/1/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Codifying the mental health intervention team program administered by the Kansas department for aging and disability services in state statute.

Impact

The legislation aims to significantly expand mental health resources available to students, with specific initiatives designed to improve accessibility and reduce barriers families experience when seeking help. It addresses the scarcity of qualified personnel in school districts, proposing collaborative efforts to streamline service provision. Staff such as behavior liaisons, case managers, and therapists from partnering mental health facilities will work directly with schools to identify and support students in need. This approach could enhance mental health outcomes for the student population by fostering consistent support through the school year and beyond.

Summary

House Bill 2669 establishes the Mental Health Intervention Team Program in Kansas, codifying a program initially initiated as a pilot in 2018. The act focuses on facilitating access to behavioral health services for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to oversee the implementation of this initiative, as well as to create structures that foster partnerships between community mental health centers and school districts. The goal of this program is to develop a coherent support system that alleviates the mental health service shortages faced by many students, especially in rural areas.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB 2669, proponents emphasize the necessity of mental health interventions to address growing concerns about student well-being. Opposition may arise due to concerns about resource allocation, especially in terms of funding availability for rural districts, or fears that the program might not be comprehensively implemented across all school districts. The legislation mandates detailed reporting and tracking of the program's effectiveness, which critics argue may not be sufficient without guaranteed funding to support surrounding infrastructure. These factors reflect broader national conversations about how best to provide mental health support in educational settings.