SB93 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Education, K-12, mental health service coordinator for each school system, subject to Legislative appropriation, Dept. of Mental Health and State Department of Education duties specified, qualifications provided

Summary

SB93 would require every local school system in Alabama to hire a qualified mental health service coordinator to coordinate student mental health services, with oversight and needs assessments, subject to funding.

What This Bill Does

It requires local boards of education to hire a mental health service coordinator starting in the 2021-2022 school year. Coordinators must meet specified qualifications and earn a school-based mental health certificate within one year. Local boards must complete and submit a needs assessment and resource map to assess current mental health resources and guide improvements. The Alabama Department of Mental Health and the State Department of Education would set implementation rules, and funding would depend on legislative appropriations.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education and school systems must hire and manage a mental health service coordinator and conduct needs assessments.
• Students in K-12 schools would benefit from more coordinated mental health services and improved access to mental health resources.

Key Provisions

• Local boards must hire a mental health service coordinator with specified qualifications and require the coordinator to obtain a school-based mental health certificate within one year.
• Local boards must complete and submit a needs assessment and resource map; the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the State Department of Education may adopt rules for implementation; funding is subject to appropriation; the act takes effect the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

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