Bill > HB686

This bill establishes the Kentucky Positive Youth Development Commission, which will be attached to the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, to promote youth well-being and prevent self-harm through community-based programs. The commission will consist of various state officials, their designees, and appointed members representing different sectors, including law enforcement, mental health providers, and youth organizations, with both voting and non-voting members. A "positive youth development programming" is defined as structured activities outside of school hours that promote mental well-being, reduce risk factors for suicide and adverse mental health outcomes, engage youth through mentorship and community connection, and utilize evidence-based practices, and this definition applies to youth up to age twenty-five. The bill also creates a "positive youth development fund" to support these programs, which can receive funds from settlements with social media companies, state appropriations, gifts, and grants. Additionally, the State Interagency Council for Services and Supports to Children and Transition-Age Youth, which includes the state suicide prevention coordinator and the Attorney General, will be directed to coordinate with the new commission to establish workgroups that will assess community needs, research programming opportunities, and apply for grants to fund and implement positive youth development initiatives.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb686.html