Published on October 13, 2025 2:32 pm
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 2:32 pm
State Representatives Brad Halbrook filed two bills to combat what he termed the “intrusive” mental health bill, SB1560, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in July. The new law requires Illinois public schools to offer mental health screenings to students in Grades 3-12. Schools will have the ability to opt out, but the process could vary from school to school. The new law does not apply to private school or homeschool and goes into effect at the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
One of Halbrook’s bills, House Bill 4115, amends the new law by changing the opt-out process to an opt-in process, allowing parents to make informed decisions before allowing their students to participate.
The new law neglects to appoint a mental health professional to conduct these screenings and instead allows a teacher or other school staff member to evaluate students.
