Bill > H578

This bill requires all public schools in North Carolina to implement more comprehensive suicide prevention education and training for educators. Specifically, the bill mandates that licensed educators complete one hour of suicide prevention education annually, which can be accomplished through self-review of approved materials provided at no cost by the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction. The education will cover an educator's role in youth suicide awareness in more detail than existing mental health training programs. All K-12 school units, including charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools, must adopt a school-based mental health plan that includes this suicide prevention education requirement. School personnel must receive an initial six-hour mental health training within their first six months of employment and subsequent two-hour trainings annually, with the new one-hour suicide prevention component added to these subsequent trainings. The bill provides flexibility in how these trainings can be delivered, including electronic instruction, videoconferencing, in-person group training, self-study, and completion of approved programs. Starting in August 2025, the Superintendent of Public Instruction will review and update these requirements every five years. The bill also includes a liability protection clause, stating that school units and their personnel cannot be held civilly liable for actions related to these mental health and suicide prevention efforts unless gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing can be proven.

Education, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H578