An Act to create 115.28 (63) (d) of the statutes; Relating to: training to address student mental health and making an appropriation. (FE)
Summary
AB337 would expand the Department of Public Instruction’s required training offerings for school districts and independent charter schools on student mental health. Under current law, DPI must provide trainings on three evidence-based approaches: screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment; trauma-sensitive schools; and youth mental health first aid. This bill adds social and emotional learning as a fourth required training topic.
The bill also increases state funding for these trainings by $500,000 in each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The appropriation is directed to DPI for the mental health training program, and the act would take effect after publication or after the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.
Impact
AB337 would amend Wisconsin statutes governing DPI’s student mental health training responsibilities by adding social and emotional learning to the list of evidence-based strategies that must be covered in trainings for school districts and independent charter schools. It also makes a direct appropriation increase of $500,000 per year for two fiscal years, affecting the state budget and DPI’s funding for professional development related to student mental health. Schools and charter schools would be the primary recipients of the training, while DPI would be responsible for providing it.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been framed as a supportive, preventive education measure focused on student mental health, with no recorded committee transcript or vote history in the provided materials showing opposition or debate. Its introduction by a broad bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators suggests generally favorable interest in expanding mental health supports in schools. However, because the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, it did not advance into law despite that apparent support.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or votes. Based on the bill text, any disagreement would likely have centered on whether social and emotional learning belongs among the state-mandated evidence-based training topics and whether the additional $1 million over two years is an appropriate use of state funds. Potential concerns could also have involved local control, curriculum scope, or the effectiveness of adding another training requirement for schools and charter schools.
To Create The Arkansas Healthy Lifestyle Education Act Of 2025; And To Ensure The Health Curriculum In Arkansas Public Schools Addresses Certain Health Issues Facing Students.