Committee considers bill to sustain school-linked mental health, improve child transport and fund aftercare supports

Senator Mann presented Senate File 928, which contains four main elements: sustaining school-linked behavioral-health grants, modifying nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) requirements for children, establishing aftercare supports for children exiting intensive residential mental-health care, and providing funding to avoid a 2027 cliff in school-linked grant support.

Proponents testified that the school-linked grant program supports students who otherwise face barriers to care. Shannon Brown, CEO of Fernbrook Family Center, said the school-linked program provides consent-consistent, accessible services and warned that a $5 million funding cliff in 2027 could reduce services for students. “Sustaining the current level of school-linked mental health funding is critical to continue serving students using a model that we know works,” Brown said.

The bill would also require NEMT for children to be door-to-door rather than drop-off at a curb or other intermediate location, and increase reimbursements for drivers who obtain Type 3 school bus certification that includes training on children’s behavioral and safety needs. Proponents said child-specific NEMT standards would reduce unsafe experiences and better ensure children are handed off to a safe adult at their destination.

Finally, the bill would establish aftercare services — similar to existing adult models — to support children and families during the transition home from hospital, residential or detention settings. Lisa Chung, senior director of clinical services for a school-linked program, testified that uninterrupted supports prevent escalations that can lead back to higher levels of care and noted that school-linked care is an early-intervention model that reduces later crises.

The author’s A1 technical amendment was adopted by voice vote, the committee requested a fiscal note to quantify costs and appropriations, and Senate File 928 was laid over as amended.

Ending: Sponsors and witnesses urged sustaining school-linked services and improving child safety in NEMT while adding aftercare supports to smooth transitions; DHS will supply a fiscal analysis before further committee action.