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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB105

Alaska Public Schools: Mental Health Education Guidelines

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law directs Alaska's state education board to create guidelines for mental health instruction and requires schools to notify parents at least two weeks before such classes begin.

What it does

  • Requires the State Board of Education and Early Development to develop guidelines for teaching mental health in schools.
  • Mandates that school districts notify parents at least two weeks before starting any class or program on mental health.
  • Allows parents to withdraw their children from activities, classes, or programs related to mental health instruction without the absence being considered unlawful.
  • Directs the state board to consult with health departments, family services, tribal organizations, and national/state mental health groups when writing these guidelines.
  • Establishes a funded school health education specialist position in the department to coordinate the program statewide.

Who it affects

  • Alaska public schools from kindergarten through grade 12
  • Parents of students in Alaska public schools
  • The State Board of Education and Early Development
  • State health departments, family services, tribal organizations, and mental health groups

Limits and unknowns

  • School districts are encouraged but not strictly required to start health education programs immediately.
  • The law does not state the exact date it will take effect.
  • The specific content of mental health lessons is not listed in this bill and depends on future guidelines.

Plain language

Terms to know

Developmentally appropriate instruction
Teaching methods that match the age and maturity level of students.
Withdrawal
The act of a parent removing their child from a specific class or activity, which is not counted as an unlawful absence if permitted by school policy.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION An Act relating to mental health education.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) COSPONSOR(S): HALL1942
  2. (H) COSPONSOR(S): FRIER1587
  3. (H) COSPONSOR(S): DIBERT1358
  4. (H) REFERRED TO RULES1217
  5. (H) FN3: ZERO(DOH)1217
  6. (H) FN2: ZERO(DFC)1217
  7. (H) FN1: (EED)1217
  8. (H) NR: BYNUM, TOMASZEWSKI, STAPP, SCHRAGE1217
  9. (H) DNP: ALLARD1217
  10. (H) DP: HANNAN, GALVIN, JIMMIE, FOSTER, JOSEPHSON1217
  11. (H) FIN RPT 5DP 1DNP 4NR1217
  12. (H) Minutes (HFIN)Min
  13. (H) Moved HB 105 Out of Committee -- Recessed to 5/15 at 9:00 am --Text
  14. (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519Text
  15. (H) Minutes (HFIN)Min
  16. (H) Heard & Held -- Recessed to a Call of the Chair --Text
  17. (H) FINANCE at 09:00 AM ADAMS 519Text
  18. (H) COSPONSOR(S): FOSTER, STORY1022
  19. (H) COSPONSOR(S): HIMSCHOOT1000
  20. (H) Minutes (HFIN)Min