Bill > S642

This bill, known as the SAVE (Suicide, Safety, and Violence Education) Students Act, requires public school students in grades 6-12 to receive two hours of evidence-based mental health training annually, with one hour focused on suicide awareness, prevention, and violence prevention, and the other hour dedicated to social inclusion. The training must cover identifying signs of depression, suicide, and self-harm; understanding mental health resources; learning how to report dangerous behaviors; and recognizing social isolation. Schools can deliver this training through assemblies, classroom instruction, digital learning, or homework, and parents can request to exempt their children. Additionally, the bill mandates that all public school employees who interact significantly with students receive one hour of training per year on suicide and violence prevention. The bill requires schools to allow student-led clubs focused on suicide prevention and student safety, which must be open to all students in grades 6-12, have a staff advisor, and promote student leadership development. The Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, will maintain a list of approved evidence-based training programs, ensuring at least one free option is available. The requirements will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year and apply to all public schools, including traditional public schools, charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S642