Statement on California’s K-12 Mental Health Training Bill

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 2023—Today, California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino introduced SB 509, a bill that would ensure that school staff completes evidence-based behavioral health training programs. James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, a cosponsor of the bill, issued the following statement.

"Common Sense Media is proud to be a co-sponsor of Senator Portantino's bill that will help to address the mental health crisis that students and educators in K-12 schools across the state have been grappling with since before the pandemic. Mitigating the mental health crisis in schools requires a community-based approach. This bill will give school staff the training needed to support students' mental and behavioral health challenges as well as providing early intervention and other critical support for students."

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