SENATE committee amendments [LINK] make several clarifications and additions related to mental health screenings in schools.States that charter schools MUST comply but are still exempt to everything other than mandated mental health screenings. Amendments specify that the responsibility falls on local public school boards (not individual schools), require that mental health screeners be provided at no cost to the school boards, and allow only parents or legal guardians to opt students in. They also add that charter schools must comply with the same screening requirements. A new provision states that there is no legal liability for school boards or employees based on screening results. Finally, implementation is made subject to approval and funding by each local school board.

MANDATES mental health screenings for students (explicit parental opt-in but it is not clear who has access to the information)

Implications:

- Schools exist to educate students, not diagnose mental health issues.

- Mental health care decisions belong to parents, not schools.

- Mental health screenings expose schools to liability risks and lawsuits.

- Confidentiality of students' sensitive information could be compromised.

- Screenings may unfairly label or stigmatize students.

- This requirement diverts resources away from academic priorities.

- Expanding school responsibilities into healthcare sets a dangerous precedent.

Senate Bill 121 mandates annual mental health screenings for students in Louisiana public schools (grades K-12), beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Parental notification and explicit consent are required. Results indicating potential mental health issues must be shared confidentially with parents or guardians, along with relevant resources. The bill prohibits using screening results to influence student academics, instruction, or disciplinary actions which indicates the school will have access to the information.

 Key Provisions: 

- Requires annual mental health screenings in public schools (grades K-12) during the first semester. 

- Mandates parental notification and written consent prior to screening. 

- Schools must inform parents if screenings suggest a potential mental health condition, providing community and school-based resources. 

- Louisiana Department of Health tasked with providing appropriate screening tools and resource lists to the Department of Education for distribution to local schools. 

- Screening results must remain confidential and must be destroyed after parental notification. 

- Prohibits use of screening data for academic placement, instructional decisions, or disciplinary actions. 

- Implementation starts in the 2026-2027 school year.

Effective Date: August 1, 2025.

- Requires public K-12 schools and colleges to allow up to two “mental health days” per semester as excused absences for students, faculty, and staff. 

- Notice must be provided 24 hours in advance unless due to emergency. 

- No doctor’s note required unless more than two days are used per semester. 

- Mental health days cannot be used on test days or project deadlines unless there's a documented emergency. 

- Defines “mental health day” as time off for stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion. 

- Effective August 1, 2025.

Another MEDICAID expansion

SENATE finance committee amendments [LINK] add language clarifying that the provisions of the bill will only take effect if funds are specifically appropriated by the legislature for that purpose.

SENATE Insurance committee amendments technical

INCREASES insurance premium costs see premium increases toward the end of the fiscal notes [LINK]

Requires commercial insurance and Medicaid to cover voluntary inpatient treatment for perinatal psychiatric diagnoses, including conditions during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum or after a pregnancy loss.

Key Provisions:

• Mandates coverage for inpatient admissions, overnight stays, medications, infusions, prescriptions, and counseling.
• Applies to all health benefit plans and Medicaid managed care organizations that offer mental health benefits.
• Treatment decisions must be made solely by the attending physician in consultation with the patient.
• Insurers and Medicaid cannot deny medically necessary voluntary inpatient treatment.
• Defines perinatal psychiatric diagnosis as any psychiatric disorder requiring inpatient treatment during pregnancy through one year postpartum, including post-loss.
• Effective August 1, 2025.