Legislation
California Laws That Support Student Mental Health
Every educator in Contra Costa should know these laws - and how to apply them
From classroom curriculum to campus-wide supports, California legistlation continues to prioritize student mental health, emotional safety, and inclusive education. Below is a curated list of key mental health-related laws that matter for schools across Contra Costa County.
SB - 224: Mental Health Education in Grades 6-12
What it requires:
- Integrates mental health into health curriculum
- Lessons on mental health conditions, signs, stigma reducation, coping strategies, and help-seeking
- Must be culturally relevant and age-appropriate instruction.
Why it Matters:
- Empowers students with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to mental health concerns - either for themselves or their peers. This law ensures students are equipped with the language and skills to support their own mental wellness.
AB 748 - Mental Health Poster Requirement
What it requires:
- Display posters in grade 6-12 with warning signs of mental distress, positive and negative coping skills, and campus and community-based mental health resources
- Must be site specific and contain local mental health community services
- Must be age-appropriate and culturally relevant
- Translated in languages spoken by ≥ 15% of students
Why it Matters:
- Increases student access to life-saving mental health resources in every school building
The California Department of Education has created editable, AB748-compliant mental health posters that schools can easily customize and display. These model posters meet all the legal requirements and are designed to help students recognize warning signs, access support, and practice healthy coping strategies. Downloadable posters are listed below:
SB 48 - Fair Education Act
What it requires:
- Inclusion of the political, economic, and social contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities in K-12 history/social science curriculum
- Prohibits materials that reflect bias or promote discriminatory perspectives
- Applies to instructional materials, textbooks, and classroom teaching
What is Prism?
Prism is a free, teacher-ready resource developed by the Los Angeles Office of Education (LACOE) to help schools bring LGBTQ+ visibility and representation into the classroom. It includes:
- Standards-aligned lesson plans for grades 6-12
- Literature guides that center LGBTQ+ authors and stories
- Classroom discussion tools for identity, inclusion, and equity
- Supports FAIR Act compliance and culturally responsive instruction
Why Educators love PRISM:
- It's plug-and-play - ready to use with little prep
- It helps foster belonging and safety for LGBTQ+ students
- It supports mental health and academic success through inclusive curriculum
Whether you're a classroom teacher, counselor, or administrators, PRISM helps make SB 48 real - not just a requirement, but a meaningful tool for connection, inclusion, and student wellness
