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Bill > HB20
GA HB20
GA HB20State Board of Education; adopt rules to require all certified public school personnel to receive annual training in depression and suicide awareness and prevention
summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the health of students generally, so as to require the State Board of Education to adopt rules requiring all certificated public school personnel to receive annual training in depression and suicide awareness and prevention; to provide for the establishment and purpose of the Student Mental Health Screenings Grant Program; to provide for the allocation of grant awards under such program; to provide for grant application and grant program requirements; to provide for the implementation of grant-funded mental health screening programs by local school systems; to require the Department of Education to develop a model policy for student depression and suicide awareness, develop and approve training materials, assist local school systems in selecting research-based mental health screening tools, develop guidance to assist local school systems in establishing certain healthcare related partnerships to conduct mental health screenings, and develop guidance on the use of telehealth to provide mental health and behavioral health services; to revise requirements for local school systems to adopt certain policies; to provide for a definition; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for construction; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing student mental health and suicide prevention in Georgia's public schools. The State Board of Education will be required to develop annual training for all certified school personnel in depression and suicide awareness, and establish a Student Mental Health Screenings Grant Program to fund mental health screening initiatives for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates that the Department of Education develop a model policy for depression and suicide awareness, create guidelines for selecting research-based mental health screening tools, and provide guidance on establishing healthcare partnerships and using telehealth services. Local school systems will be required to adopt policies addressing depression and suicide prevention, implement annual mental health screenings, and obtain parental consent before conducting screenings. The bill emphasizes protecting student privacy, ensuring screenings are conducted sensitively, and providing real-time intervention when mental health risks are identified. Notably, the legislation includes findings highlighting the prevalence of teenage depression, noting that over 5 million young people experienced major depressive episodes in 2021, and that approximately 20 percent of teenagers with depression seriously consider suicide. The bill aims to improve early detection and treatment of mental health issues among students while providing legal protections for schools implementing these programs.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 01/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69300 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/229805 |
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