Bill > HB356

This bill amends the Public School Code to introduce comprehensive training requirements for students in grades six through twelve, focusing on suicide awareness, violence prevention, and social inclusion. Under the new provisions, schools must provide at least one hour or one standard class period annually of evidence-based training in three key areas: suicide awareness and prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion. The training can be delivered in-person or digitally and must begin within two years of the Pennsylvania Department of Education developing a list of approved training materials. The bill requires schools to teach students how to identify signs of depression, suicide, self-injury, and potential violence, as well as how to seek help for themselves and their peers. Additionally, the law mandates that schools establish a student-led violence prevention club open to all students and overseen by an adult advisor, which will conduct awareness activities and foster student leadership. The Department of Education is tasked with developing these training lists within one year and will seek federal or state funding to offset implementation costs. The bill defines key terms like "evidence-based" as programs demonstrating statistically significant positive outcomes through rigorous research studies. This legislation, referred to as the Safety and Violence Education for Students (SAVE Students) Act, aims to improve student mental health, safety, and social connectedness.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=356