Panel weighs changes to mandated-reporter and behavioral-health training for educators; debate centers on frequency and delivery

The Senate Human Services Committee heard competing views on House Bill 1562, a proposal that would require teachers, administrators and certain school staff to complete an interactive mandated-reporter training module provided by the Department of Health and Human Services before initial licensure and would permit school districts and regional education associations to provide some ongoing behavioral-health and mandated-reporter training at the district level.

Representative Doug Osecky introduced the measure as a combined approach to strengthen educators’ skills on both mandated reporting and youth behavioral health. The bill’s wording, as presented, requires completion of an interactive DHHS module before initial licensure and allows districts flexibility in how they deliver recurring professional-development training in behavioral-health topics, including trauma-informed practices,…