Mississippi legislators are proposing a new bill this session that will change how mental health is addressed in state schools, ABC affiliate WLBT reported Jan. 19.
The bill, if passed, would require students in Mississippi schools to receive periodic mental health screenings by a mental health professional. It would also require schools to hire more psychologists.
Current state laws require all school employees to be trained in mental health and suicide prevention.
This is not the first time the bill has been introduced. State Representative Tracey Rosebud told the news outlet the current national mental health crisis might help the bill pass this session, adding it can improve students' grades and help with behavioral issues.