Universities and colleges; require to provide mental health assessments to members of school athletic teams.

HB 451 requires Mississippi public universities and colleges to provide annual mental health assessments to all student athletes on teams governed by national or regional sports associations. The assessments must evaluate cognitive functioning (thinking, reasoning, memory) using methods like interviews, observation, or digital tools, administered by qualified professionals like psychologists or counselors, with results kept confidential. Additionally, the bill mandates mental health assessments for any student in the general campus population with an arrest record, whether before or during enrollment. Institutions must partner with local behavioral health specialists to administer assessments and provide counseling, while also allowing consultation with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for resources. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.