SB451

This bill mandates that the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Department of Education establish regional behavioral health programs by January 1, 2026, to assist schools in managing students who exhibit behaviors likely to cause injury. The programs must respond to school requests within 48 hours and coordinate with families to create behavioral health management and transition plans. The legislation also provides a framework for repurposing regional alternative learning environments as behavioral health facilities. Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the education of students in juvenile detention facilities, clarifying the financial and administrative responsibilities of school districts and facilities. It also establishes strict requirements and limitations on state funding for the educational costs of students placed in residential or inpatient treatment facilities, both in-state and out-of-state. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause to address immediate concerns regarding student mental health and school safety.