Bill > A08396

This bill, known as the "student suicide prevention act," mandates that the governing board or body of every local educational agency (LEA), which refers to school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, schools, or the education department, serving students in grades seven through twelve, must adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines for student suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention by August 1, 2027. These policies, developed in consultation with stakeholders and experts, will outline how schools should identify suicide risk factors and warning signs, refer students to mental health professionals, provide available resources, and respond to crisis situations. The bill also defines key terms such as "crisis situation," "LGBTQ" (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning), "suicide intervention" (actions taken in response to suicidal behavior), "suicide postvention" (support after a suicide attempt or death), and "suicide prevention" (actions to recognize and reduce suicidal behavior). Furthermore, it requires the state education department to develop model policies and procedures to assist LEAs, and mandates reporting of student suicide or attempted suicide incidents to the department every five years, ensuring no personally identifiable information is included. The bill also makes related amendments to existing education law concerning harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying, expanding definitions and reporting requirements, and requires that professional development for educators include training on suicide prevention.

Education

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