Louisiana House Bill HCR46

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Report Pass: 4/16/24
• Engrossed: 4/30/24
• Refer: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 5/8/24
• Passed: 5/15/24

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to prioritize mental health instruction and training in suicide prevention in its rulemaking process

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining teacher training related to suicide prevention and mental health, which includes awareness of risk factors, crisis response protocols, and availability of mental health resources. If House Bill No. 320 passes, it would alter existing laws that mandated this training under the Jason Flatt Act, undermining previous legislative efforts to bolster mental health support in schools. However, HCR46 seeks to ensure that the potential repeal does not weaken the commitment to mental health education.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 46 (HCR46) urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to prioritize policies focusing on suicide prevention and mental health education within its rulemaking process. This request coincides with House Bill No. 320, which proposes the repeal of specific student instruction and teacher training requirements while granting BESE the authority to establish these stipulations by rule. The intent is to ensure that mental health education remains a critical component of school curricula, especially concerning suicide awareness and intervention strategies.

Sentiment

There appears to be a supportive sentiment towards HCR46 among legislators who recognize the critical need for mental health awareness and training in schools. Many lawmakers believe that despite the broad goals of flexibility aimed by HB 320, key provisions essential for addressing student mental health and well-being should not be overlooked or eliminated. The resolution reflects a collective acknowledgment of the ongoing mental health crisis and the necessity of equipping educators with proper training.

Contention

One point of contention lies in the balance between repealing outdated requirements and upholding necessary protocols for mental health education. Proponents of HCR46 argue that certain instructional mandates should remain to prevent jeopardizing students' safety and well-being, while those in favor of HB 320 believe that shifting responsibilities to BESE empowers local governance and adaptability. This tension highlights the broader challenge in educational policy regarding mental health and the appropriate legislative framework to address it.