AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols
Sep 6, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0077 · Published 2026-09-06 · Version 2 · Proposed
AB 2460 proposed staged state and local referral-policy reviews for immigration-related pupil mental-health emergencies.
What happened
The August 30 enrolled AB 2460 would require the Department of Education to review and, as necessary, update model behavioral-health referral protocols by July 1, 2027. The guidance would address equity-centered mental-health support during local emergencies related to immigration enforcement or deportation of pupils or family members. Local educational agencies would have a separate July 1, 2028 review/update milestone for their referral policies. These are proposed policy duties, not an enacted new clinical benefit as of September 5.
An updated local policy could use the state model or be developed with school/community stakeholders and school-linked behavioral-health professionals. It must at least address referrals to professionals and support services. Existing governing-board policies may satisfy the proposal if they already contain the specified guidance. The legislative findings describe continuity, culturally responsive and multilingual support and family/community partnerships, but the operative provisions require review and necessary policy updates rather than one identical new program at every school.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Proposed
- Applicability
- General intelligence
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- California
Why it matters
School and community partners could plan referral coordination while distinguishing the state model schedule from local implementation.
Recommended action
Monitor final disposition and compare existing referral policies, community partnerships and emergency support pathways with any enacted requirements and applicable dates.
Sources
- AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-03 · Source review 2026-09-10
- AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols, current bill text (08/30/26 - Enrolled)Official · California Legislature · 2026-08-30 · Source review 2026-09-10
Complete edition and supplemental material
This finding in the complete approved report →Regulatory horizons, CIA trends and implementation trackers remain in the full report.
Read the entire Compliance Sweep report →