Michigan House Bill HB4415

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/13/23

Caption

School aid: supplemental; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 31n & 97c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds secs. 31ff, 31gg & 97g.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB4415 is the focus on increasing the availability of licensed behavioral health providers for general education pupils. The bill sets forth funding allocations for specific mental health programs and services across school districts, alongside provisions for seeking federal Medicaid match funding to amplify these efforts. Additionally, the establishment of an advisory council is mandated to oversee and provide feedback on these programs, thus fostering a more structured approach to mental health support in schools. This framework also outlines responsibilities related to data collection and outcome measurement to ensure accountability and effectiveness in service provision.

Summary

House Bill 4415 aims to amend the State School Aid Act of 1979 to provide supplemental appropriations for school funding, primarily addressing the needs for mental health services in public schools. The bill includes provisions for allocating funding from various sources including the state school aid fund and federal grants aimed at enhancing the mental health support systems available to students. With appropriations totaling approximately $16.8 billion for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the bill seeks to fortify the support structure around mental health and behavioral services in educational settings.

Contention

Despite its benefits, discussions surrounding HB4415 also highlight points of contention, especially regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of expanding mental health services through state funding. Critics may argue about the adequacy of resources and the potential bureaucratic challenges that could arise when implementing these programs across various districts. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the new funding does not come at the expense of existing services, raising concerns about the balance between new initiatives and maintaining established support structures. Furthermore, there is a need for districts to meet certain criteria and demonstrate a commitment to adhere to the mandates outlined in the bill to qualify for funding, which could generate debate among stakeholders about equity and access to mental health resources.