1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education; enhancing services for children's mental health; creating a 
1.3 	pilot program for digital mental health services; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM.
 1.6 		Subdivision 1.Youth mental health pilot program established. A pilot program is 
1.7 	established to expand digital mental health services for Minnesota students.
1.8 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this section 
1.9 	have the meanings given.
1.10 	(b) "Digital mental health services" means qualifying mental health and behavioral health 
1.11 	services provided through telehealth as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 62A.673, 
1.12 	subdivision 2.
1.13 	(c) "Qualifying student" means a Minnesota resident between the ages of 14 and 25 
1.14 	attending a secondary school as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.05, subdivision 
1.15 	13, or a postsecondary institution as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.103, who 
1.16 	seeks mental health services.
1.17 		Subd. 3.Pilot program. (a) A pilot program for digital mental health must provide 
1.18 	digital mental health services to qualifying students. The mental health services must be 
1.19 	available to all qualifying students in the piloted districts. The services must supplement 
1.20 	existing school and community mental health and behavioral health resources. The services 
1.21 	must include at least the following:
1.22 	(1) moderated student online peer support communities;
2.1 	(2) evidence-based self-guided therapeutic tools, content, and clinical activities; and
2.2 	(3) the ability for students to interact with a mental health practitioner in real time.
2.3 	(b) The program provider must have proven risk management processes in place. The 
2.4 	program provider must demonstrate an ability to service multiple school districts regardless 
2.5 	of geographic location. The mental health and behavioral health services must be proven 
2.6 	and supported by peer-reviewed research with evidence-based clinical outcomes. The 
2.7 	program provider must demonstrate experience with large scale implementation to 
2.8 	school-based populations.
2.9 		Subd. 4.Appropriation; general fund. (a) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated 
2.10 	from the state general fund to the commissioner of education for one or more grants to 
2.11 	provide the services according to subdivision 3. A mental health provider and its school 
2.12 	partners must apply for the grant in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. 
2.13 	The commissioner of education must consult with the commissioner of human services 
2.14 	when awarding these grants.
2.15 	(b) Up to five percent of this appropriation may be retained for administration of this 
2.16 	program.
2.17 	(c) This appropriation does not cancel but is available until June 30, 2027.
2.18 	(d) This is a onetime appropriation.