SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special commission to study the implementation of a statewide mental health education curriculum in public schools.

SECTION 2. The commission shall consist of the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as the co-chairs; one member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; one member to be appointed by the president of the senate; one member to be appointed by the house minority leader; one member to be appointed by the senate minority leader; the commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education or a designee; the commissioner of the department of public health or a designee; one member who shall be a licensed psychiatrist, and one member who shall be a licensed clinical mental health counselor.

SECTION 3. The commission shall make recommendations regarding the components of the curriculum, including but not limited to understanding mental health illnesses and symptoms and best practices for maintaining good mental health. The commission shall make recommendations on the appropriate qualifications for educators leading the curriculum.

SECTION 4. The commission shall submit its report and findings, along with any recommendations and drafted legislation, to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on education, and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate within 12 months of the passage of this act.