SB40 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2022
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: SB40 would require the Alabama State Department of Education to create a mental health program for at-risk Tier II K-12 students and require local districts to hire mental health service coordinators and adopt a safe, supportive school framework.
What This Bill Does
The department must develop a comprehensive program that provides ongoing teacher training, one-on-one or small group mental health consultations for students, curricula on age-appropriate social-behavioral skills, and parenting programs. It will also guide districts to establish safe and supportive school environments and help them create action plans to improve learning and emotional well-being. Starting in 2023-2024, each local board must hire a mental health service coordinator with specified qualifications, and must complete needs assessments and resource maps, all subject to funding. The act assigns responsibilities to the Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Mental Health and calls for adoption of related rules and policies.

Who It Affects
At-risk Tier II K-12 students who would receive targeted mental health supports, consultations, and social-behavioral skills curricula.
Local boards of education and school districts (including teachers, counselors, and parents) who must hire mental health service coordinators, implement the safe and supportive school framework, and develop action plans with community input.

Key Provisions
The department shall develop a comprehensive program including ongoing teacher professional development, one-on-one or small group mental health consultations, development of curricula for students, and parenting programs.
The program must provide guidance for school districts to establish a safe and supportive school framework, and assist in adopting an action plan to improve learning and the emotional environment across districts.
Each local board of education must employ a mental health service coordinator starting in the 2023-2024 school year, with specified qualification options and a requirement to earn a school-based mental health certificate within one year.
Local boards must complete needs assessments and resource maps for mental health resources, and the Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Mental Health will share responsibilities for ongoing evaluation and support.
Local districts are required to implement the safe and supportive schools framework, publish action plans on their websites, and periodically review and update them with timelines, goals, and measurable indicators.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education