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
SB348 would expand the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s required training offerings for school districts and independent charter schools on student mental health. Current law requires DPI to 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 mental health training efforts by $500,000 in fiscal year 2025-26 and another $500,000 in fiscal year 2026-27. 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
SB348 would amend the statutes governing DPI’s student mental health training responsibilities by creating s. 115.28 (63) (d) to explicitly include social and emotional learning among the evidence-based strategies for which DPI must provide training. It would also modify the state appropriations schedule to increase funding for DPI’s mental health training program by a total of $1 million over two fiscal years. The bill affects DPI, school districts, and independent charter schools by broadening the training content available to educators and administrators.
Sentiment
The bill’s subject matter suggests a supportive, education- and mental-health-focused approach, with the legislative framing emphasizing evidence-based training and additional resources for schools. However, the available record does not include committee testimony or recorded votes, and the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. As a result, there is no documented floor or committee sentiment in the provided materials beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. Based on the bill text, any debate would likely center on whether social and emotional learning should be added to the state’s required mental health training topics and whether the proposed $500,000 annual appropriation is sufficient or appropriate. The absence of recorded discussion means no particular opponents or supporters can be identified from the supplied materials.
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.