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AB 2460

Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Celeste Rodriguez

AB 2460 standardizes school-based referrals for student mental health, creating coordinated, timely pathways from school staff to appropriate in-school or external services.

Referred to Com. on ED.
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Bill Summary · AB 2460

Summary of AB 2460 (2025-2026) – California

Purpose and intent

AB 2460 seeks to address pupil mental health in California schools by establishing and promoting standardized model referral protocols. The bill aims to create consistent procedures for identifying students in need of mental health services and directing them to appropriate supports, thereby improving access to timely mental health care within the school setting.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of model referral protocols for pupil mental health:
    • Schools would implement standardized processes for recognizing mental health concerns, documenting observations, and making referrals to appropriate services.
  • Referral pathways:
    • Clear pathways from school staff (teachers, counselors, administrators) to school-based mental health professionals and external community providers when warranted.
  • Coordination and collaboration:
    • Encourages collaboration among school districts, county behavioral health departments, and community-based organizations to ensure referrals lead to concrete services.
  • Stakeholder responsibilities:
    • Schools and districts would be expected to adopt and follow the model protocols, with emphasis on timely referrals and appropriate privacy/consent considerations.
  • Training and implementation:
    • Possible requirements for staff training on recognizing signs of distress, cultural competency, and consent/privacy in the referral process.
  • Oversight and updates:
    • The model protocols may be subject to periodic review or updates to reflect best practices and evolving mental health resources.

Note: The bill text would specify exact components of the model protocols, timelines for implementation, and any reporting or accountability measures. The summary reflects the central themes inferred from the bill’s title and legislative history.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: California K-12 pupils in public and potentially charter schools, as the intended beneficiaries of streamlined mental health referrals.
  • School entities: School districts, school sites, and district offices responsible for implementing the model referral protocols and training staff.
  • Mental health providers:
    • School-based mental health staff (counselors, psychologists, social workers) and contracted community-based mental health partners who receive referrals.
  • Families and guardians:
    • Parents/guardians, who may be involved in consent processes and informed about referrals and services.
  • Local and state agencies:
    • County behavioral health departments and state education/health stakeholders that coordinate and support implementation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative progress:
    • As of May 28, 2026, the bill has progressed through multiple committees and passed the Senate (third reading) with a notable aye majority (Ayes 65, Noes 9), indicating movement toward final enactment.
    • The bill has undergone amendments and re-references between committees (Education, Appropriations, Health, etc.) during its path, with public committee deliberations and votes.
  • Implementation timing:
    • If enacted, the bill would likely set a timeframe for districts to adopt model referral protocols (specific dates and phases would be detailed in the enacted statute or its implementing language).
  • Oversight and accountability:
    • The measure may include reporting requirements or timelines to monitor adoption, fidelity, and outcomes of the referral protocols, though exact provisions would be in the final text.

Summary assessment

AB 2460 focuses on standardizing how schools identify and refer students in need of mental health services, promoting coordinated care between educational settings and external mental health providers. Its passage through the Legislature suggests a statewide emphasis on improving access to mental health supports for students, with attention to training, collaboration, and potential accountability measures. For a complete understanding, the final enacted text should be reviewed to confirm specific definitions, implementation timelines, funding implications, and reporting requirements.

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

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