Recently, Macaroni KID Monroe–West Monroe had the privilege of sitting down with State Representative Adrian Fisher at the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. It was crystal clear during our visit that he cares deeply about the mental health of our children and believes we should pull out all the stops to support them. Also in attendance was a representative from SOS: Signs of Suicide which is a secondary schoolbased suicide prevention program offered by Childrens's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana...a reminder of why HB 486 gained support.
Representative Fisher shared that the idea for House Bill 486 didn’t come from a lone voice—it came from a group of concerned community members determined to make a difference. While the bill doesn’t have everything he hoped for, it was written in a way that could pass and, more importantly, he believes it’s a strong first step.
Schools already do a lot for students, especially those with disabilities. Special Education Program, Inclusion Practices, and Individualized Education Plans, which include psychological testing at the school district’s expense. But what about the students who do just fine academically and still struggle quietly in other ways? Kids who are battling anxiety, depression, grief, bullying, trauma, or simply feeling lost or disconnected?
That’s where this new law steps in. Starting this school year, all public schools in Louisiana must offer mental health screening information for students in grades 3–12—if their parent or guardian gives permission each year. These screenings must be done by licensed mental health professionals and, whenever possible, scheduled during the first semester.
Think of it as a new kind of “see something, say something,” but for emotional well-being. Teachers already keep an eye on our kids’ academic growth, but now schools are being asked to also help spot when a child might need mental health support.
If a teacher or other school staff member indicates a child may need help, principals (or their designee) must share counseling and assessment option list with families—including providers that accept Medicaid and private insurance. Additionally, school principals or their designees are given the discretion to determine the timing and location for these assessments to take place, if during school hours. While some schools have already been doing this informally, now it’s officially the law. Here’s an important detail: the law doesn’t require follow-up information be given to the school if the child begins counseling services. However, public schools are required to report the number of screenings administered by grade level to the state Department of Education at the end of each school year.
Mental health challenges don’t always show up as bad grades—they show up in our children’s eyes, their moods, and their sense of self. Having a thoughtful teacher or counselor notice those struggles can change a child’s life.
Bill 486 isn’t perfect. But many would say it’s progress. It’s one more way our schools and our community are saying: we see you, and we care. And in today’s world, that matters more than ever.
