Bill > S06653

This bill enacts the College Student Suicide Prevention Act, which requires all higher education institutions in New York to develop comprehensive suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies by August 1, 2026. The legislation responds to alarming mental health statistics, including suicide being the second leading cause of death for young adults and one in four college-aged students reporting serious suicidal thoughts. The bill mandates that colleges develop detailed strategies including mandatory suicide prevention training for residential assistants, staff, and advisors, enhanced mental health awareness programs, revised emergency contact protocols, and specialized support for high-risk student populations such as LGBTQ youth, students with disabilities, and those experiencing significant academic or financial challenges. Institutions must also create partnerships with community mental health providers, assess campus environments for potential suicide risks, and develop culturally sensitive support plans. The bill requires periodic policy reviews and provides model guidelines through the Board of Regents, while explicitly stating that no specific legal liability can be imposed on institutions for implementing these provisions. The overarching goal is to equip college communities with proactive tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to student mental health crises.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6653