AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM THROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH; TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS IN LINE WITH EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS, PARTICULARLY THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL THREAT ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES (CSTAG) AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL VIA THE MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO PROVIDE FOR THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS AT EACH SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE THE THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAMS TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS OF CONCERN, ASSESSING RISKS, AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS; TO REQUIRE THE TEAMS BE A MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMPOSITION TO INCLUDE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, LICENSED INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, ADMINISTRATORS, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND DESIGNATED SCHOOL SAFETY SPECIALISTS; TO PRESCRIBE PROCEDURES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING THE USE OF MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTATION WHEN NEEDED; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR REPORTING THREATS AND DEFINING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS IN HANDLING INCIDENTS; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT PARENTAL NOTIFICATION POLICIES THAT ALSO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT; TO PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF THREAT ASSESSMENT RECORDS; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP PROTOCOLS FOR DOCUMENTING THREAT ASSESSMENTS AND TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-91, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PARTNER WITH THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO PROVIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT TRAINING; TO AMEND SECTION 37-3-93, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The legislation requires each public school to form a threat assessment team composed of a multidisciplinary group, including mental health professionals, licensed instructional staff, administrators, and law enforcement officers. These teams are tasked with identifying students of concern, assessing risks, and implementing intervention strategies. The bill also emphasizes the importance of parental notification regarding threats and mandates collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to enhance response protocols.
Summary
Senate Bill 2511 aims to enhance the safety and security of Mississippi schools by establishing a comprehensive statewide behavioral threat assessment program. This program is designed to facilitate collaboration between the State Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. The bill mandates the implementation of evidence-based behavioral threat assessment procedures that align with established guidelines, emphasizing a systematic approach to identify and address potential threats posed by students.
Contention
As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it has sparked discussions regarding the balance between student privacy rights and the need for enhanced safety measures. Proponents argue that it provides essential frameworks for preemptive action in potentially dangerous situations, while opponents express concern over how effectively the program will protect student confidentiality and the implications of labeling students as threats. Additionally, the potential burdens on educational and law enforcement resources raise questions about the bill's overall feasibility.
"Mississippi Children's Assessment and Mental Health Opportunity (CAMHED) Act of 2025"; create to require screenings and assessments in all public schools.