Illinois becomes first state to mandate annual mental health screenings in schools
ILLINOIS(KBSI) – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is making bold moves when it comes to youth mental health. Signing a new bill into law and stating at a signing ceremony held at the Evanston’s Chute middle school that he is emphasizing the importance of treating mental health as seriously as they treat physical health.
Yesterday, Thursday July 31, 2025, Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1560 into law. Making Illinois the first state in the nation to require universal mental health assessments for students in grades 3 through 12.
“Our goal is an integrated comprehensive approach to quality mental and behavioral health services for young people across the state. With my signature today we’ll begin equipping schools with the resources and support necessary to implement universal mental health screenings.”
During Pritzker’s signing ceremony in Evanston Illinois mental health advocates stated that between 2018 and 2022 mental health and substance use disorders were the reason for nearly half of all youth hospitalizations in ages 3-17.
“We know how transformational these screenings can be for kids at this age” says Pritzker. “They provide early intervention and identification so those that are struggling can get the help that they need as soon as possible. They help improve academic and social outcomes. They help us break down the stigma that too often is a barrier to seeking help. Our schools should be inclusive places where students are not just comfortable asking for help, but they’re empowered to do it.”
According to Pritzker they are hoping to implement the screenings into the 2027 school year. Parents will have the option to not allow they’re child to be screened.
According to Pritzker schools will utilize a public portal called Beacon, that is ran by the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health that schools, parents and healthcare workers can access in the state of Illinois.
“Just as we have been screening for vision or hearing challenges which students have had for many years, we will now provide assessments for mental health by the 2027 school year annual screening will be available for all Illinois students in grades 3 through 12. This is a national first that’s worth celebrating about the state of Illinois” says Pritzker.
