AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols

What happened

AB 2460 became Chapter 301 on September 18. By July 1, 2027, the state education department must review and, as needed, update model behavioral-health referral protocols to include equity-centered mental-health support during local emergencies related to immigration enforcement or deportation of pupils or family members. By July 1, 2028, local educational agencies must review and, as necessary, update their referral policies for that subject. The two dates assign different work to the state and local agencies.

A local update may follow the state model or be developed with school and community stakeholders and school-linked behavioral-health professionals. At a minimum it must address referrals to behavioral-health professionals and support services. An existing local policy can satisfy the law if it already includes the required guidance. The act’s ordinary commencement is January 1, 2027, while its review milestones are later. It does not itself create a universal clinical benefit, change every provider’s treatment duties or require replacement of an already qualifying policy.

Why it matters

School-linked behavioral-health partners can prepare referral relationships and continuity arrangements while leaving statutory policy ownership with education agencies.

Sources

• AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-03 · Source review 2026-09-20
• AB-2460 Pupil health: mental health: model referral protocols, chaptered bill text (09/18/26 - Chaptered)Official · California Legislature · 2026-09-21 · Source review 2026-10-15
• Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · Source review 2026-10-16
• Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · Source review 2026-10-16
• Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · Source review 2026-10-16