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Bill Summary · SF 4619

Summary of SF 4619 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Title

School-linked behavioral health grants appropriation

Purpose and Intent

SF 4619 proposes the appropriation of funds to support school-linked behavioral health services. The bill is designed to expand access to mental health and behavioral health resources for students by funding programs that integrate behavioral health services with school settings. The overarching aim is to improve student well-being, reduce barriers to care, and support academic success through targeted grants.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Appropriation for school-linked behavioral health grants: The bill authorizes a dedicated appropriation to support grants that fund school-based behavioral health initiatives. The exact dollar amount is not provided in the summary available here, but the measure establishes a funding stream specifically earmarked for these efforts.

  • Grant administration and eligibility (generally envisioned):

    • Grants would likely be distributed to schools, school districts, or authorized entities partner­ing with schools to implement behavioral health programs.
    • Eligible activities typically include on-site counseling, school-based mental health services, coordination with community mental health providers, and program evaluation.
    • Priority considerations may include the integration of services within the school day, ease of access for students and families, and evidence-based approaches; however, the precise criteria would be defined in the bill’s text or implementing rules.

  • Service delivery models:

    • The emphasis is on school-linked models, which often involve colocated services within schools, partnerships with local mental health agencies, and referral pathways to external providers when needed.
    • Potential components may include crisis response, screening, early intervention, and preventive supports.

  • Performance and reporting expectations:

    • Grants typically require reporting on utilization, outcomes, and the effectiveness of funded programs.
    • There may be requirements for data collection, privacy protections, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: Direct beneficiaries who would gain access to on-site or easily accessible behavioral health services.
  • Schools and School Districts: Implementers and coordinators of the grant-funded programs; would need to align with school schedules, privacy requirements, and district policies.
  • State Agencies: Likely involved in administering the grant program, monitoring compliance, and publishing outcome reports.
  • Community Behavioral Health Partners: Potential collaborators providing services under grant-funded models.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services committee on March 23, 2026.
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Julia Coleman (in addition to primary sponsor, not named here).

Notes on timing: As an introductory bill in the 2025-2026 session, SF 4619 would follow the committee process, potential amendments, and subsequent floor action in the Minnesota Legislature. Final enactment would depend on passage by both chambers and assent by the governor, plus any required rulemaking or implementation timelines.

Practical Considerations

  • The summary does not include the exact appropriation amount, matching requirements, or specific eligibility criteria; those details would be in the bill text and any fiscal notes.
  • The effectiveness of the bill hinges on clear programmatic guidelines, coordination with existing school health services, compliance with student privacy laws (such as FERPA and HIPAA where applicable), and sustainable funding.

If you’d like, I can pull the full bill text to provide exact dollar amounts, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and anticipated timelines for implementation.

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

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