California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2639 Compare Versions

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1-Assembly Bill No. 2639 CHAPTER 437 An act to amend Section 215 of the Education Code, relating to pupil health. [ Approved by Governor September 17, 2018. Filed with Secretary of State September 17, 2018. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2639, Berman. Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates. Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.(2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.(3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.(4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.(5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.(6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.(7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.(8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.SEC. 2. Section 215 of the Education Code is amended to read:215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
1+Enrolled August 29, 2018 Passed IN Senate August 22, 2018 Passed IN Assembly August 27, 2018 Amended IN Senate August 17, 2018 Amended IN Senate June 18, 2018 Amended IN Assembly May 25, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2639Introduced by Assembly Members Berman and ODonnell(Principal coauthor: Senator Portantino)(Coauthor: Assembly Member Gabriel)February 15, 2018 An act to amend Section 215 of the Education Code, relating to pupil health. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2639, Berman. Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates. Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.(2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.(3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.(4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.(5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.(6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.(7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.(8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.SEC. 2. Section 215 of the Education Code is amended to read:215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
22
3- Assembly Bill No. 2639 CHAPTER 437 An act to amend Section 215 of the Education Code, relating to pupil health. [ Approved by Governor September 17, 2018. Filed with Secretary of State September 17, 2018. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2639, Berman. Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates. Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
3+ Enrolled August 29, 2018 Passed IN Senate August 22, 2018 Passed IN Assembly August 27, 2018 Amended IN Senate August 17, 2018 Amended IN Senate June 18, 2018 Amended IN Assembly May 25, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2639Introduced by Assembly Members Berman and ODonnell(Principal coauthor: Senator Portantino)(Coauthor: Assembly Member Gabriel)February 15, 2018 An act to amend Section 215 of the Education Code, relating to pupil health. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2639, Berman. Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates. Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
4+
5+ Enrolled August 29, 2018 Passed IN Senate August 22, 2018 Passed IN Assembly August 27, 2018 Amended IN Senate August 17, 2018 Amended IN Senate June 18, 2018 Amended IN Assembly May 25, 2018
6+
7+Enrolled August 29, 2018
8+Passed IN Senate August 22, 2018
9+Passed IN Assembly August 27, 2018
10+Amended IN Senate August 17, 2018
11+Amended IN Senate June 18, 2018
12+Amended IN Assembly May 25, 2018
13+
14+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
415
516 Assembly Bill No. 2639
6-CHAPTER 437
17+
18+Introduced by Assembly Members Berman and ODonnell(Principal coauthor: Senator Portantino)(Coauthor: Assembly Member Gabriel)February 15, 2018
19+
20+Introduced by Assembly Members Berman and ODonnell(Principal coauthor: Senator Portantino)(Coauthor: Assembly Member Gabriel)
21+February 15, 2018
722
823 An act to amend Section 215 of the Education Code, relating to pupil health.
9-
10- [ Approved by Governor September 17, 2018. Filed with Secretary of State September 17, 2018. ]
1124
1225 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1326
1427 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1528
1629 AB 2639, Berman. Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates.
1730
1831 Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
1932
2033 Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, as specified, that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups.
2134
2235 This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to review, at minimum every 5th year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
2336
2437 The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
2538
2639 This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
2740
2841 ## Digest Key
2942
3043 ## Bill Text
3144
3245 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.(2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.(3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.(4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.(5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.(6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.(7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.(8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.SEC. 2. Section 215 of the Education Code is amended to read:215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
3346
3447 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3548
3649 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3750
3851 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.(2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.(3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.(4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.(5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.(6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.(7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.(8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.
3952
4053 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.(2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.(3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.(4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.(5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.(6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.(7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.(8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.
4154
4255 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
4356
4457 ### SECTION 1.
4558
4659 (1) According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a period of nearly consistent decline in suicide rates in the United States from 1986 to 1999, inclusive, suicide rates have increased almost steadily from 1999 to 2014, inclusive, with especially steep increases from 2006 to 2014, inclusive.
4760
4861 (2) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that suicide among adolescents and young adults is increasing, and is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.
4962
5063 (3) As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.
5164
5265 (4) In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, pupils reported that the number one person they would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal was a teacher.
5366
5467 (5) It is imperative that when a young person comes to school staff for help, that person has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.
5568
5669 (6) However, research on teacher and school staff preparedness has identified a lack of experience, training, and confidence to appropriately address mental health issues and suicidal ideation among pupils.
5770
5871 (7) The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, authored by the United States Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, states that teachers and school counselors, among others who are on the front lines of suicide prevention, should be trained on suicide prevention.
5972
6073 (8) In 2016, AB 2246 (Chapter 642 of the Statutes of 2016) was enacted, requiring that each county office of education, school district, state special school, and charter school that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, adopt a pupil suicide prevention policy before the beginning of the 201718 school year. That law also requires that these policies address any training to be provided to teachers on suicide awareness and prevention.
6174
6275 (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that adopted policies on pupil suicide prevention be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to ensure that those policies remain relevant and address youth suicide prevention.
6376
6477 SEC. 2. Section 215 of the Education Code is amended to read:215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.
6578
6679 SEC. 2. Section 215 of the Education Code is amended to read:
6780
6881 ### SEC. 2.
6982
7083 215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.
7184
7285 215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.
7386
7487 215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.(2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:(A) Youth bereaved by suicide.(B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.(C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.(D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.(3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.(B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.(C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.(4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.(5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.(b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.(c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.(d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.
7588
7689
7790
7891 215. (a) (1) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall, before the beginning of the 201718 school year, adopt, at a regularly scheduled meeting, a policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
7992
8093 (2) The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
8194
8295 (A) Youth bereaved by suicide.
8396
8497 (B) Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders.
8598
8699 (C) Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.
87100
88101 (D) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.
89102
90103 (3) (A) The policy shall also address any training to be provided to teachers of pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, on suicide awareness and prevention.
91104
92105 (B) Materials approved by a local educational agency for training shall include how to identify appropriate mental health services, both at the schoolsite and within the larger community, and when and how to refer youth and their families to those services.
93106
94107 (C) Materials approved for training may also include programs that can be completed through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.
95108
96109 (4) The policy shall be written to ensure that a school employee acts only within the authorization and scope of the employees credential or license. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging a school employee to diagnose or treat mental illness unless the employee is specifically licensed and employed to do so.
97110
98111 (5) To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for pupil suicide prevention, the department shall develop and maintain a model policy in accordance with this section to serve as a guide for local educational agencies.
99112
100113 (b) The governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall review, at minimum every fifth year, its policy on pupil suicide prevention and, if necessary, update its policy.
101114
102115 (c) Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing board or body of a local educational agency from reviewing or updating its policy on pupil suicide prevention more frequently than every fifth year.
103116
104117 (d) For purposes of this section, local educational agency means a county office of education, school district, state special school, or charter school.
105118
106119 SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
107120
108121 SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
109122
110123 SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
111124
112125 ### SEC. 3.