Bill > A06306

This bill requires public and private colleges and universities in New York to establish a comprehensive suicide prevention program aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by college students. The legislation mandates that colleges inform incoming and current students about suicide prevention through various educational methods like workshops, seminars, and film presentations. Colleges must provide detailed information including available mental health services, how to identify at-risk individuals, campus procedures for handling suicide attempts, counseling resources, and the nature of suicide risks on college campuses. Each institution must appoint a six-member advisory committee on mental health, which includes mental health professionals, campus medical staff, students, and faculty, to review and recommend improvements to mental health policies. The bill also requires health care professionals employed by the college to report students they believe are at risk for suicide, and allows college administrators to potentially notify parents or guardians after consulting with mental health professionals. Colleges must file annual compliance reports with the state commissioner, and those failing to do so may become ineligible for state aid. The primary goal is to support students' mental well-being, facilitate early intervention, and help students succeed academically by addressing psychiatric stressors.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6306