Bill > SB1014

This bill modifies existing Missouri law related to mental health and suicide prevention in schools, known as the "Jason Flatt/Avery Reine Cantor Act". The bill expands and updates training requirements for educators and students regarding suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, local school districts will be required to provide at least two hours of in-service suicide prevention training for licensed educators, with specific guidelines that include training on risk and protective factors, warning signs, response procedures, and "postvention" (a term defined in the bill as an organized response to support individuals after a suicide). The bill also extends mental health awareness training to middle school students (grades 5-8), requiring age-appropriate instruction in mental health to be included in existing health or physical education curricula. Additionally, the bill modifies requirements for student identification cards, delaying the mandate to include suicide prevention hotline numbers until the 2027-28 school year. The legislation aims to improve mental health support and suicide prevention efforts in Missouri's public and charter schools by providing comprehensive training and resources for both educators and students.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=523