Illinois has enacted a law requiring annual mental health screenings for public school students starting in the 2026-27 school year, alongside existing vision and hearing exams.
True
For students in Illinois, mental health screenings will soon be required alongside annual vision and hearing exams.
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Source: factverify.com
At a glance
Verified August 1, 2025Key Evidence
Governor Pritzker signed the bill on July 31, 2025, establishing annual mental health screenings starting in the 2026-27 school year for students in grades 3-12.
The screenings will be offered alongside existing vision and hearing tests, with parental opt-out provisions.
The Illinois State Board of Education must issue guidance by September 1, 2026.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
In July 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation mandating that public schools offer annual mental health screenings to students from third through twelfth grade. This initiative makes Illinois the first state in the U.S. To require such screenings. The screenings are intended to be similar in nature to the existing annual vision and hearing exams already required in schools.
The law specifies that these mental health screenings will begin in the 2026-27 academic year, with the Illinois State Board of Education tasked with providing implementation guidance by September 1, 2026. Parents have the option to opt their children out of the screenings if they choose. The goal of this mandate is early identification and intervention for mental health issues among students, aiming to improve overall student well-being and prevent crises.
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