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SB 565

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRONIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PREVENTION AND TREATMENT TOOL PILOT PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar

Connecticut pilot program authorizes schools to deploy digital behavioral health screening and treatment tools to identify and support students with mental health and behavioral challenges.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#childmental #emotionalandbehavioralhealth #pilots #schools
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Bill Summary · SB 565

Legislative bill overview

SB 565 would establish a pilot program in Connecticut schools that deploys electronic tools to prevent and treat behavioral health issues among students. The bill authorizes schools to implement digital behavioral health interventions as part of a structured pilot initiative, likely involving screening, early intervention, or treatment-support technology.

Why is this important

Mental health and behavioral challenges among school-age children have increased significantly, and early intervention can improve outcomes while reducing strain on mental health systems. Electronic tools can extend access to behavioral health support in schools where many students spend substantial time and where early identification is possible, potentially addressing gaps in traditional counseling availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: Electronic behavioral health tools collect sensitive mental health information on minors; questions will arise about data protection, parental consent, who accesses records, and compliance with federal privacy laws (FERPA, HIPAA)
  • Adequacy of pilot scope and evaluation metrics: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear outcome measures and sufficient funding; without robust evaluation plans, schools may struggle to determine whether tools actually improve student outcomes
  • Equity and digital access: Electronic tools may disadvantage students with limited technology access or digital literacy, and concerns about whether all student populations benefit equally from digital-first interventions rather than human counselor relationships
  • Liability and duty-to-warn issues: Schools implementing behavioral health screening tools face legal questions about responsibility if tools identify students at risk; unclear protocols could create liability exposure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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