SB86 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Public K-12 education, State Department of Education required to develop a program to address the mental health of students (Tier II students) who are considered at-risk for developing inadequate social-behavioral skills, such as ADHD or anger management issues

Summary

SB86 would require Alabama to create a mental health program for Tier II at-risk K-12 students, with schoolwide supports and staff roles.

What This Bill Does

The bill would require the Department of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive program for Tier II students, including ongoing teacher professional development, one-on-one or small-group mental health consultations, and curricula to teach social-behavioral skills. It would also require guidance for safe and supportive school frameworks, district action plans, and self-assessment tools to improve the learning environment. It would establish mental health service coordinators in each local school district (starting in 2022-2023), set qualifications, and require a certification within one year, plus needs assessments and resource maps submitted to the Alabama Department of Mental Health; all of this is subject to appropriations and coordinated among DOE, the State Board of Education, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Who It Affects

• Tier II students (at risk for inadequate social-behavioral skills) would receive targeted mental health support, one-on-one or small-group consultations, and social-behavioral skills curricula.
• Teachers, school staff, local boards of education, and families would be affected by required professional development, guidance on safe and supportive school practices, and new staffing requirements (including mental health service coordinators) to implement and sustain the program.

Key Provisions

• Create a comprehensive program for Tier II students that includes teacher professional development, one-on-one or small-group mental health consultations, and curricula for social-behavioral skills, with parental involvement.
• Provide guidance for a safe and supportive school framework and require districts to adopt it, develop district-level action plans, and use a self-assessment tool to guide improvements.
• Require local boards to employ mental health service coordinators starting in 2022-2023, specify qualifications, require certification within one year, and require needs assessments and resource maps for mental health resources.
• Outline responsibilities for the State Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Alabama Department of Mental Health; make program operations subject to legislatively appropriated funds; establish effective date and implementing rules.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education