Florida Senate - 2024 SB By Senator Rouson 16-01521-24 20241334__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled

An act relating to mental health education and training; providing a

short title; creating s. 3 394.4996, F.S.; requiring persons working in roles involving direct interaction with youth to undergo mental health education and training; providing requirements for such education and training; 7 encouraging persons who work with youth to prioritize their own mental health and well-being and their employers to provide resources and support; requiring the Department of Children and Families to establish and maintain dedicated spaces within certain institutions, centers, and venues that are easily accessible to youth for the dissemination of information and resources relating to mental health and to promote such spaces; providing that the department, in collaboration with relative agencies, 17 is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the act; providing for penalties; providing for funding; providing an effective date. 20

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 22

Section 1. This act may be cited as the “Butler Act.” 24

Section

Section 394.4996, Florida Statutes, is created to read: 26 394.4996 Mental health education and training.— 27

(1) All persons working in roles involving direct interaction with youth as defined in s. 381.84(1), including, 29 Florida Senate - 2024 SB 1334 16-01521-24 20241334__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. but not limited to, educators, counselors, mentors, and coaches, 30 shall undergo mental health education and training. The education and training shall include: 32

(

a) The recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health issues in youth, appropriate methods for providing assistance and support, and guidelines for referring youth to qualified mental health professionals when necessary. 36

(

b) Specialized training in effectively and respectfully interacting with youth by emphasizing active listening to the voices and perspectives of youth, respecting their rights and dignity, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. 40

(2) Persons who work with youth are encouraged to prioritize their own mental health and well-being and employers of persons who work with youth should provide resources and support for their mental health needs. 44

(3) The department shall establish and maintain dedicated spaces within educational institutions, community centers, and other youth-centric venues for the dissemination of information and resources related to mental health. The spaces shall be easily accessible to youth and shall be promoted to ensure that youth are aware of the available mental health resources. 50

(4) The department, in collaboration with relevant agencies, shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this act. A violation of this

section may result in penalties, training requirements, or other appropriate measures as determined by department rule. 55

(5) Funding for the implementation of this

section shall be allocated from state funds and supplemented by federal grants and private-sector partnerships, as necessary. 58 Florida Senate - 2024 SB 1334 16-01521-24 20241334__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.

Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024. 59