Student 24/7 Teletherapy Pilot Project; establish for implementation in schools.

HB 1463 establishes a pilot program to provide Mississippi students in grades 6-12 with free, 24/7 online therapy access through school-based teletherapy services. The bill requires the State Department of Education to award grants to school districts and contract with vendors meeting strict qualifications (e.g., 5+ years in teletherapy, serving 2.5M+ students, 100% licensed clinicians). Key provisions mandate immediate appointment availability, trauma-trained crisis support year-round, no insurance or referral requirements, and real-time data sharing with schools while complying with privacy laws. The bill, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have created a dedicated state fund for the program and required a 2027 legislative report on outcomes.