URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE COST AND BENEFITS OF HIRING MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FOR EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL AND OF DISTRIBUTING GUIDELINES ON TELEHEALTH SAFE SPACES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals in public schools. The study would examine staffing ratios, such as one professional for every 250 students or one per school with fewer students, and analyze guidelines for creating safe telehealth spaces during school hours. The resolution directs the departments to prepare a report with findings and recommendations for the Legislature by late 2026. This measure is a non-binding request for information gathering rather than a law that immediately changes policy.