Bill Text: NH SB265 | 2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Making an appropriation for the multi-tiered system of support for children's mental health.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-16 - Inexpedient to Legislate, Motion Adopted, Voice Vote === BILL KILLED ===; 03/16/2023; Senate Journal 10 [SB265 Detail]
Download: New_Hampshire-2023-SB265-Introduced.html
SB 265-FN-A - AS INTRODUCED
2023 SESSION
23-1028
05/10
SENATE BILL 265-FN-A
AN ACT making an appropriation for the multi-tiered system of support for children's mental health.
SPONSORS: Sen. Whitley, Dist 15; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Chandley, Dist 11; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Soucy, Dist 18; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Rep. Myler, Merr. 9; Rep. Luneau, Merr. 9
COMMITTEE: Health and Human Services
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ANALYSIS
This bill makes an appropriation to the department of education for the multi-tiered system of support for children's mental health.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
23-1028
05/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three
AN ACT making an appropriation for the multi-tiered system of support for children's mental health.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Findings Statement. The general court recognizes that the ongoing mental health, substance misuse, and child protection crises have taken a significant toll on New Hampshire’s children, families, and taxpayers and New Hampshire schools are challenged daily to support the behavioral health needs of students while promoting academic achievement for all students. In response, the New Hampshire department of education’s office of social and emotional wellness has supported approximately 37 New Hampshire school districts in implementing an evidenced-based prevention framework to support the behavioral health and wellness of all students, called multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness, or MTSS-B. MTSS-B is a key component of the system of care established under RSA 135-F. The MTSS-B framework prioritizes collaboration between schools and community mental health agencies to coordinate systems and train providers to deliver high-fidelity, evidence-based interventions on school grounds. Notably, MTSS-B ensures that any mental health counseling is provided by trained professionals. Coordination of these services and resources through an approach such as MTSS-B increases the likelihood of effectively addressing student and family needs and supporting their overall success. Furthermore, the MTSS-B framework has been shown to reduce student problem behavior and discipline events, enhance school climate, improve school and family partnerships, improve attendance, and improve academic achievement. For example, in the Laconia school district, student problem behaviors plummeted 74 percent at the high school level after implementing the MTSS-B framework. As a result of decreased disciplinary referrals, students gained over 9,200 hours of instructional time across the school district. Funding the MTSS-B framework statewide is imperative to continue to develop an effective system of care and support New Hampshire’s children and families.
2 Appropriation; Department of Education; Children's Mental Health; MTSS-B Framework.
I. The sum of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and the sum of $ 1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, is hereby appropriated to the department of education to enter into the contracts required to continue to perform the statutory duties as described under RSA 135-F:5.
II. In addition, the sum of $1,061,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and the sum of $1,077,000 for the fiscal year ending June 2025, is appropriated to the department to education for the purpose of funding the following positions: one program assistant II; one education consultant I; 6 program specialists IV; and one administrator II.
III. Of these amounts, the governor shall determine if any remaining discretionary funds appropriated in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2 or any other federal funds can be used for this purpose and any remainder shall be general funds. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for the general fund share of said sums out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
23-1028
1/18/23
SB 265-FN-A- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT making an appropriation for the multi-tiered system of support for children's mental health.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Due to time constraints, the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to provide a fiscal note for this bill, as introduced, at this time. When completed, the fiscal note will be forwarded to the Senate Clerk's Office.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services
