Illinois becomes 1st state to require student mental health screenings
For students in Illinois, mental health screenings will soon be required alongside annual vision and hearing exams.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Thursday that will require public school students in grades 3 through 12 in the state to undergo a mental health screening each year.
The change will go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year with at least one screening per student required annually, according to a press release from Pritzker's office.
Pritzker also said the new legislation makes Illinois the first state to mandate universal mental health assessments for public school students.
"At a time when our kids are struggling with anxiety and depression more than ever before, it's our responsibility to ensure that young people have all the support that they need to get the help that they deserve," Pritzker said in remarks at the signing ceremony.
"Our goal is an integrated, comprehensive approach to quality mental and behavioral health services for young people across the state," Pritzker added, saying the legislation will pave the way for schools to receive resources and support to implement the new push for screenings.
The bill, SB1560, encourages schools to connect student caregivers and parents with the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation or BEACON Portal, a tool launched in January that can provide information about available mental health resources and services.
Illinois' move comes two months after the Trump administration pulled funding for about $1 billion in mental health grants. The Department of Education said in May that the grants would be discontinued because the money was going to "race-based actions" instead of mental health services in schools.
Students' mental health has been top of mind ahead of the back-to-school season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health conditions diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 17, with mental health being a significant concern among teens.
The Illinois State Board of Education has until Sept. 1, 2026, to provide schools with guidance and policies to implement the mandated mental health screenings. The state is also promising schools free screening tools and access to technology to fulfill the mandate.
