SB92 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

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: SB92 would create a state program to address mental health and social-behavioral needs of at-risk K-12 students, require districts to hire mental health service coordinators, and establish a Safe and Supportive Schools framework.
What This Bill Does
It requires the Department of Education to develop a comprehensive program for social-behavioral at-risk students, including teacher training, one-on-one or small group mental health consultations, classroom curricula, and parent involvement, with coordination for trauma-informed care with the Alabama Department of Mental Health. It also requires districts to implement a Safe and Supportive Schools framework, create district action plans, and use self-assessment tools to guide improvements. Beginning in 2022-23, each local board must hire a mental health service coordinator with specific qualifications, and boards must complete needs assessments and resource maps; the program and framework responsibilities involve the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health, subject to appropriations.

Who It Affects
Tier II social-behavioral at-risk students receive mental health services, curricula, and trauma-informed care coordination.
Teachers and school staff receive ongoing professional development and resources to manage at-risk students in the classroom.
Local boards of education (districts) must hire mental health service coordinators, implement the safe framework, and develop district action plans.
Parents and families are engaged through parenting programs intended to support their child’s social-behavioral development.

Key Provisions
The Department of Education must develop a comprehensive program for at-risk students, including professional development for teachers, one-on-one or small group mental health consultations, and curricula on age-appropriate social skills.
Development of a safe and supportive schools framework to foster a positive, inclusive learning environment and align services across mental health, bullying prevention, trauma sensitivity, and related areas.
Each local board of education must hire a mental health service coordinator starting in 2022-2023, with specified qualification options and a requirement to earn a school-based mental health certificate within one year of hire.
Local boards must complete a needs assessment and resource map for mental health resources by the end of the 2022 fiscal year and thereafter, to guide improvements.
Local boards must implement district action plans with timelines, measurable goals, and periodic reviews, and districts may use self-assessment tools to guide these plans.
The program and framework responsibilities are to be coordinated among the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Alabama Department of Mental Health, with appropriations needed for implementation.

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