Bill > H796

This bill requires public and charter schools in North Carolina serving students in grades six through twelve to print specific mental health and suicide prevention resource phone numbers on student identification cards (IDs) when new IDs are issued. The required numbers include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), which is available 24 hours a day, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), and the NC Statewide Warmline (1-855-733-7762). Schools must verify the accuracy of these contact numbers annually and update them as needed. Importantly, the bill does not mandate that schools issue student IDs, but if they do, these safety numbers must be printed in a conspicuous location. The bill covers various types of schools, including local school boards, charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools. Nonpublic schools are encouraged, but not required, to include these numbers. The provisions will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, providing schools time to implement the new requirements. The goal of the bill is to increase student access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by making these critical contact numbers readily visible.

Education

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H796