Bill
Bill > A4232
NJ A4232
NJ A4232Requires public school instruction in suicide prevention to be provided in grades kindergarten through 12 and include certain elements.
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
Current law requires that instruction in suicide prevention be included in an appropriate place in the curriculum of elementary school, middle school, and high school students. This bill provides that the instruction in suicide prevention will also include mental health as it relates to suicide prevention, and the instruction will be provided to students in each of the grades kindergarten through 12. The instruction must incorporate evidence-based standards and be adapted to the age and understanding of the students. The bill also specifies the following minimum elements that must be included as part of the instruction: (a) the concept of wellness including self-care and personal responsibility for one's own mental health and wellness; (b) the concept of mental health as an integral part of health; (c) recognition of the warning signs of suicide; (d) awareness of the risk of suicide and self-harm; (e) the relationship between mental health, substance abuse, and other negative coping behaviors; (f) the negative impact of stigma and cultural attitudes toward mental illness; (g) the implications of risk factors, protective factors, and resiliency on mental health and wellness; and (h) identifying appropriate professionals, services, and family supports for suicide prevention.
AI Summary
This bill requires public schools to provide suicide prevention instruction to all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, expanding on current law which mandates this instruction in elementary, middle, and high schools. The updated curriculum will now explicitly include mental health as it relates to suicide prevention, and the instruction must be based on evidence-based standards and tailored to the age and understanding of the students. Key elements to be covered include the concept of wellness and self-care, mental health as a part of overall health, recognizing suicide warning signs and risks of self-harm, understanding the connection between mental health and substance abuse, the impact of stigma on mental illness, factors that influence mental health and resilience, and how to identify professional help and support systems for suicide prevention.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A4232 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4232_I1.HTM |
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