Bill > HB1529

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding mental health efforts in public schools, introducing several key provisions. The bill, known as the Jason Flatt/Avery Reine Cantor Act, expands suicide prevention and mental health awareness training for educators and students. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, licensed educators will be required to complete training using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and learn about a new virtual mental health tool. Public schools serving grades seven through twelve must print crisis lifeline numbers on student identification cards, and schools will be required to provide more comprehensive mental health instruction. For students in grades five through eight and high school, the bill mandates age-appropriate mental health awareness training that includes suicide awareness, identifying potential suicide risks, and promoting strategies for supporting at-risk students. The Missouri Department of Mental Health is tasked with developing a virtual tool by July 1, 2026, that will provide mental health resources, an online directory, screening questions, and assessment methods to help individuals seek mental health support. The overall goal is to improve mental health education, awareness, and support for students across Missouri.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1529&year=2025&code=R