Illinois becomes first state to mandate annual mental health screenings in schools.

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Gov. JB Pritzker signed SB1560 into law on July 31, 2025, making Illinois the first U.S. state to require yearly mental health screenings for students in grades 3–12, starting 2027–2028.

“This is a national first worth celebrating about the state of Illinois.” https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2025-08-01/pritzker-signs-bill-to-implement-mental-health-screenings-in-schools

What the law mandates:

  • Screenings will be self-assessed, non-diagnostic, and confidential.
  • Parents can opt out.
  • The Illinois State Board of Education must provide free tools and tech by Sept 1, 2026.

“Mental health is essential to academic readiness and lifelong success… With universal screening, we shift from reaction to prevention.” https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-lambasted-for-new-disastrous-policy-requiring-mental-health-screenings-for-kids/ar-AA1Kaft9

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