Bill > SB695

This bill establishes "Brennan's Law" and modifies existing provisions related to mental health and suicide prevention efforts in Missouri public schools. The legislation expands and updates requirements for suicide prevention training for educators, with a phased implementation approach. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, local school districts will offer at least two hours of suicide prevention in-service training for teachers, principals, and licensed educators, which will count towards professional development hours. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the training will become mandatory for all licensed educators and will require detailed coverage of risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, and postvention support (a structured approach to helping individuals cope after a suicide). Additionally, the bill introduces mental health awareness training for both high school students (continuing from a previous requirement) and introduces a new requirement for students in grades five through eight. Schools will be required to include this training in existing health or physical education curricula, and starting in the 2026-27 school year, student identification cards for schools serving grades seven through twelve must print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number. The bill aims to comprehensively address mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Missouri's educational system.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=4602012