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Kansas education committee hears bill to require parental consent for school-based mental-health services
Summary
Members heard House Bill 24-20, which would require parental notice and written consent before schools provide mental-health services under MTSS tiers 2 and 3; supporters said it restores parental authority, while educators, nurses and mental-health providers warned the bill’s broad wording and a $5,000 civil penalty could delay care and chill routine classroom supports.
The Committee on Education heard testimony on House Bill 24-20, which would require schools to provide verbal and written notice and obtain written parental consent before delivering school‑based mental‑health services beyond universal (tier 1) supports.
Jason Long of the Revisor’s Office told the committee the bill defines school‑based mental health on page 2 and excludes tier 1 of the Multi‑Tiered System of Supports. "Before mental health services can be provided, verbal and written notice must be communicated to the parent of the student," he said, and the parent "must provide written consent" before services begin. Long also said the bill allows suicide‑risk assessments to proceed when there is a credible report of risk, and it would authorize a $5,000 civil fine against a district for violations, collectible by the attorney general or local prosecutor; the provisions would take effect July 1 if enacted.
Proponents framed the bill as restoring parental rights and…
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