A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of the telephone and text numbers for the your life Iowa program on public school student identification cards and including applicability provisions.(See HF 602.)
Impact
The implementation of HF101 positions Iowa as a proactive state in addressing the mental health needs of its youth. By displaying key crisis resources directly on student ID cards, the bill aims to provide easier access to mental health support for students who may be experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. This small but significant change is expected to support ongoing efforts to prevent youth suicide and improve overall mental health awareness in school environments. The bill’s applicability to an essential element of school student life reinforces the commitment to student safety and well-being.
Summary
House File 101 (HF101) proposes a legislative measure aimed at enhancing student safety and mental health awareness by mandating the inclusion of suicide prevention information on public school student identification cards. Specifically, the bill stipulates that public schools issuing these cards for grades seven through twelve must include the 'your life Iowa' crisis telephone and text numbers on either side of the identification card. For students in grades five and six, schools are authorized to include this information at their discretion. The requirement will take effect for all student identification cards issued after the bill's effective date, while schools may use existing supplies before transitioning to the new standards.
Contention
During discussions around HF101, there was reflective support for the bill emphasizing the importance of mental health resources for students. Advocates highlighted that having access to crisis prevention information readily available could save lives and encourage students to seek help when needed. However, there may be concerns regarding implementation, such as the administrative burden on schools to update existing processes and the potential costs involved with the production of new identification cards featuring the required information. While the bill appears to receive a warm reception, such logistical issues may prompt a debate as schools seek clarity on implementation strategies.
Similar To
A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of the crisis hotline telephone and text numbers and internet address for the your life Iowa program or successor program on public school student identification cards and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 101.) Effective date: 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 07/01/2023.