Bill > A08396

This bill enacts the Student Suicide Prevention Act, which requires local educational agencies serving students in grades 7-12 to develop comprehensive policies and guidelines addressing student suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by August 1, 2025. The bill recognizes the critical nature of youth suicide, noting that it is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, and highlights particular vulnerabilities among LGBTQ youth. The policies must be developed in consultation with mental health professionals and suicide prevention experts, and must include methods to increase awareness of suicide risk factors, provide training opportunities for school employees, establish communication protocols with parents, identify crisis intervention procedures, and develop partnerships with community organizations. The bill mandates that policies specifically address high-risk groups, including youth with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and LGBTQ youth. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that school employees should act within their professional scope, prohibits unnecessary law enforcement involvement, and restricts the use of mechanical restraints. The bill also requires local educational agencies to review and update these policies at least every five years and directs the education department to develop model policies to guide implementation. The comprehensive approach aims to create a supportive school environment that can recognize, respond to, and prevent youth suicide.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8396