Bill
Bill > S3597
NJ S3597
NJ S3597Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires each public board of education of a school district to adopt a policy on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop a model policy in order to help boards of education in establishing their own policies. Each board of education's policy is required to be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts. The policy is required to address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, and recognize the needs of high-risk groups. The bill defines "prevention" to mean specific actions a school implements to recognize and reduce suicidal behavior. "Intervention" is defined as specific actions a school implements in response to student suicidal behavior. The bill further defines "postvention" as planned support and interventions a school implements after a suicide attempt or suicide of a student or any employee of a school district. Finally, the bill requires each board of education to post the policy on its Internet website and notify students, parents, and guardians that the policy has been posted to the board's website.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that every public school district's board of education must establish a comprehensive policy for student suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, which refers to planned support after a suicide attempt or death. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to create a model policy to guide school districts, and each district's policy must be developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including mental health professionals and suicide prevention experts. The policies must outline specific procedures for preventing suicidal behavior by identifying risk factors and providing mental health support, intervening when a student exhibits suicidal behavior by implementing crisis protocols and notifying parents, and providing postvention support to mitigate the risk of suicide contagion and address stigma. Furthermore, these policies must acknowledge the specific needs of high-risk student groups, be posted on the school district's website, and parents and students must be notified of its availability.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3597 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3597_I1.HTM |
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