HB 2003

While u tilizing existing staff, programs, and resources, this bill requires the department of education to compile, maintain, and publish on its website a list of mental health resources that are available to students in this state, delineated, if applicable to a specific mental health resource, by t he geographic location where the mental health resource is provided and a ny limitation on the availability of the mental health resources that is based on residence. In compiling and maintaining the list , this bill requires the department of education to consult with the department of children's services , t he department of health , t he department of mental health and substance abuse services , t he department of human services , t he bureau of TennCare , t he Tennessee governor's children's cabinet , and a ny additional agency, organization, or person having information relevant to the list, as determined by the department of education. PUBLIC SCHOOLS This bill requires each public school to review the list of mental health resources that is so maintained and compile and maintain a list of mental health resources that are available to students who are enrolled in the school. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, this bill requires each public school to provide, at least once each school year, the list to the parent or guardian of every student enrolled in the school, or to the student in the case of a student who is 18 or older. However, a public school may satisfy such requirement by distributing the list to parents, guardians, and students by electronic means or existing school communication platforms . Each public school must also publish the list on the school's websi te. NO ENDORSEMENT – NO ADDITIONAL STAFF, PROGRAMS, OR EXPENDITURES This bill clarifies that the inclusion of a mental health resource on a list that is so compiled, maintained, or distributed is not an endorsement of that mental health resource by the state, the department of education, or a public school. Further, this bill does not mandate new staffing, programs, or expenditures.