SCS/SB 646 - Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, any licensed educator may annually complete up to two hours of training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention as part of the professional development hours required for State Board of Education certification. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop guidelines for training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention. The Department shall also develop materials that may be used for such training or professional development.
Each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention by July 1, 2018. The Department develop a model policy by July 1, 2017, that districts may adopt. The Department shall cooperate, consult with, and seek input from organizations that have expertise in youth suicide awareness and prevention. By July 1, 2021, and at least every three years thereafter, the Department shall request information and seek feedback from districts on their experience with the policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention. The Department shall review this information and may use it to adapt the department's model policy. The Department shall post the information it receives from districts on its website. The Department shall not post any confidential information or any information that personally identifies a student or school employee.
This act is identical to a provision contained in HCS/SCS/SB 904 (2016), SS/SCS/HCS/HB 2379 (2016), SB 1029 (2010), and SCS/HCS/HB 1583 (2016), and is substantially similar to HB 1546 (2016) and SB 328 (2015), and to a provision contained in SB 1029 (2016), HCS/SCS/SB 146 (2015), and SCS/SB 328 (2015).
JOSHUA NORBERG