House backs changes to student mental-health screenings, expanding funding to participating districts

The Utah House unanimously approved first substitute House Bill 413 on Feb. 20, a measure that changes how optional student mental-health screenings are funded and tracked.

Representative Eliason, the sponsor, described the bill as an accountability and funding update. Under the substitute, any participating local education agency (LEA) would receive funding, rather than a limited set of grant recipients. Money may be used to cover screening costs, outside assistance required by the program, and co-pays or deductibles for students referred for services.

Eliason told the chamber that roughly 90% of LEAs now participate and that in a previous year the program screened about 3,000 students with more than 1,000 referrals to outside resources, which he said coincided with a double-digit decrease in youth suicide over the same period. He described the measure as preserving parental consent and local control while improving transparency.

The bill requires the State Board of Education to consult with LEAs that miss statutory deadlines and report on participation to the Education Interim Committee. Representative Wilcox praised the bill’s role in school security and data collection; Representative Burton questioned the fiscal note, and Eliason stated existing appropriations cover the program’s costs.

The House passed first substitute HB413 67–0. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for additional consideration.

What’s next: HB413 moves to the Senate; sponsors and committee will report on implementation outcomes and statutory reporting requirements.