Establishing a pilot program to develop school-based mental and behavioral health services

HB 3396 establishes a three-year pilot program in West Virginia schools to provide mental and behavioral health services as an alternative to disciplinary action for students with disruptive behavior. Schools participating must already operate a school-based health center or use the state’s "expanded school mental health framework," then provide assessments, ongoing treatment, and family involvement for students referred by schools or courts. The program requires schools to bill insurance, school funds (for behavioral referrals), or the Department of Health (for court-ordered cases) for services. This directly affects students facing discipline, their families, and participating schools, shifting focus from punishment to mental health support.