Bill > H2221

This bill requires public schools serving grades 6-12 and public and private higher education institutions to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's telephone and text message number on all new or replacement student identification cards. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national mental health crisis support service that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Schools will have flexibility in implementing this requirement, as they may continue to use existing unissued student ID cards until their current supply is depleted. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving educational institutions time to update their ID card production processes. The goal of this legislation is to increase awareness of mental health resources and make critical suicide prevention contact information readily available to students who may be experiencing mental health challenges, potentially providing a lifeline to those in need of immediate support.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2221