SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois could soon become one of the first states to provide universal mental health screenings for young children and teens.
A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require public schools to offer age appropriate, confidential mental health screenings to identify mental health concerns and link students to support. Students in grades three through 12 would participate in the screenings once per school year.
"For a younger person, like in third or fourth grade, it could even exist on a tablet," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "The young student answers a series of questions, maybe even with graphics, that say I am feeling happy, I am feeling safe, or I am feeling worried."
Parents and guardians would have the ability to opt out of the screenings if they do not want their children to participate. Sponsors said Illinois must protect student privacy and ensure schools have the tools they need for early intervention services.
House Republicans said they appreciated the intent of the legislation, but some argued the devil is in the details.
"These screenings are geared toward identifying potential issues based upon answers given to specific questions," said Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock). "It's only fair to ask what are the areas of concern to be addressed. We're not able to be given the answers here. We don't know."
GOP members also said the legislation should allow families to opt into mental health screenings rather than having an opt-out process.Â
Senate Bill 1560 passed out of the House on a 72-36 vote. It previously gained unanimous support in the Senate.Â
The measure will take effect at the start of the 2027-28 school year if Pritzker signs the bill into law.
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