S743 - The Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 - Part II. (SL 2024-53)
Session Year 2024
Overview: Section 4A.8 of S.L. 2024‑53 provides funds to certain public school units affected by Hurricane Helene for increased mental health services to students, families, and school personnel to assist with the recovery process, trauma care, and reintegration into academic life following the impacts of the hurricane. Eligible public school units can use the funds to provide access to mental health services by (i) contracting with community partners, (ii) hiring or contracting for the services of licensed school health personnel, or (iii) hiring or contracting for the services of licensed mental health professionals who are not currently employed by a public school unit and who are not school health personnel. Mental health services covered by this section can be provided in person or via telehealth. When services are provided to students, public school units must ensure compliance with other provisions of law, including consent and notice requirements. By March 15, 2025, the Department of Public Instruction must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the amount of funds received by each eligible public school unit and a description of how the funds were used.
This section became effective October 25, 2024.
Additional Information: