KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB269 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.

Education Labor
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Senator Ron Alting
Last action
2026-01-15
Official status
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on the exact nature of the voluntary, online mental health screenings or the parameters for partnerships between schools and local mental health organizations.

Youth Peer Support Program Act

This act allows Indiana schools to create programs where older students can help younger ones with their feelings, but only under guidance from trained professionals and local mental health groups.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows schools in Indiana to start a program where older students support younger students who might be feeling sad or worried.
  • Requires the school to work with at least one local mental health organization when setting up these programs.
  • Needs the training for peer supporters to follow guidelines set by the state education department.
  • Ensures there is ongoing supervision by a counselor, social worker, licensed mental health professional, or qualified community partner.
  • Includes rules to protect students' personal information and well-being.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Schools in Indiana
  • Students who might need emotional support at school

Terms To Know

Evidence based training models
Training methods that have been proven to work well and are approved by the state.
Referral protocols
Rules for sending students to other services if they need more help than the program can provide.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The act does not require schools to start these programs.
  • It is unclear how many schools will actually set up youth peer support programs.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-15 Senate

    Senator Crider added as second author

  2. 2026-01-15 Senate

    Senator Becker added as third author

  3. 2026-01-08 Senate

    Authored by Senator Alting

  4. 2026-01-08 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.
Youth peer support program.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.

Youth peer support program.

Permits a school corporation to establish a youth peer support program (program). Requires a program to: (1) be developed in consultation with one or more local mental health organizations serving the school's geographic area; (2) utilize evidence based training models approved by the department of education; (3) include written referral protocols to school based and community based mental health services; (4) provide ongoing supervision by a school counselor, school social worker, licensed mental health professional, or qualified community partner; and (5) include safeguards to protect student confidentiality and well-being. Provides that a program may not: (1) provide clinical diagnosis or treatment; (2) be established to replace school counselors or mental health professionals; or (3) require participation by a student. Requires a school corporation to provide certain students voluntary, online mental health screenings. Establishes parameters for certain partnerships between school corporations and local mental health organizations participating in the school corporation's program. Creates the youth peer support advisory committee.