Bill > HB1002

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish new requirements for parental notification regarding student suicide threats and bullying incidents, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Each school district must create and adopt a policy that outlines how parents or legal guardians will be notified when a student threatens suicide or is involved in a bullying incident. The policy must be shared with school employees and parents, and posted on the school's website. When notifying parents, schools must create and maintain a confidential record of the notification and provide suicide prevention materials, including information on limiting access to potentially fatal means like firearms or medications. Students will have the right to request a copy of their own records and can request the records be expunged after high school graduation. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is tasked with developing a model policy for these notifications, potentially in consultation with a youth suicide prevention organization, and must also compile and publish age-appropriate educational resources about youth suicide awareness and prevention on their public website. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage, giving schools time to prepare and implement the new requirements.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1002