To Require The Department Of Human Services And The Department Of Education To Establish Regional Behavioral Health Programs; To Amend The Law Concerning The Education Of Certain Students; And To Declare An Emergency.
Impact
The implementation of SB451 is expected to enhance the educational environment by providing necessary behavioral health support and interventions in schools. By establishing regional teams to assist in swift assessments and interventions, the bill aims to ensure that students posing significant risks receive immediate attention, including access to appropriate behavioral health services. Additionally, the bill facilitates the allocation of educational funding to students in approved residential treatment facilities, ensuring that their educational needs are met even when they are placed out of their home district.
Summary
Senate Bill 451, proposed by Senator Hester and Representatives Richardson, Garner, and Lundstrum, addresses pressing issues surrounding student mental health and safety. The bill mandates the establishment of regional behavioral health crisis response teams under the Departments of Health and Education, which are designed to assist public schools in managing behaviors that could pose threats to the safety of students and staff. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, every public school district and open-enrollment public charter school is required to conduct behavioral threat assessments for students demonstrating behaviors likely to cause harm.
Contention
The bill has been met with some contention, primarily concerning the funding and resource allocation for these new programs. There are concerns regarding whether existing behavioral health services can meet the projected demand and if sufficient funding will be available to support the required transition of students back to their public schools. Opponents argue that without careful management and sufficient resources, this initiative could lead to gaps in service or inadequate support for the most vulnerable students.
Emergency_provision
An emergency declaration accompanies this bill, indicating the urgent need for action in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis among students. It is emphasized that immediate measures are necessary to improve public school safety and secure appropriate behavioral health solutions before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Transfer The Administration Of The Transitional Employment Assistance Program From The Department Of Commerce To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Transfer The Child Abuse Hotline And All Civil Child Maltreatment Investigations From The Department Of Public Safety To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Philanthropic Investment In Arkansas Kids Program Act And The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.