Virginia Senate Bill SB1044

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/23
• Refer: 1/8/23
• Report Pass: 1/19/23
• Engrossed: 1/23/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Enrolled: 2/23/23
• Chaptered: 3/22/23
• Passed: 3/22/23

Caption

Public schools and public higher educational institutions; student identification cards.

Impact

This law specifically impacts the Code of Virginia by amending existing provisions related to student identification cards. The requirement ensures that every new and replacement student ID from the school year 2023-2024 onward must include the 988 crisis hotline information. This is a significant step towards providing tangible resources for students who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

Summary

SB1044 mandates that student identification cards issued by local school divisions and public institutions of higher education in Virginia prominently display the '988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline' information. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and accessibility of mental health resources for students, aligning with growing concerns regarding youth mental health crises.

Sentiment

The reaction to SB1044 appears predominantly positive, with many legislators and advocacy groups viewing it as a proactive approach to addressing mental health issues among students. The inclusion of crisis resources in such a prominent location is seen as an essential step towards destigmatizing mental health support and encouraging help-seeking behavior among young people.

Contention

While there was broad support for SB1044, some critics may argue that it does not go far enough in comprehensively addressing mental health issues within schools. They advocate for additional measures, such as increased funding for mental health services in schools and training for staff on identifying and supporting students in need. Nevertheless, the bill represents a significant acknowledgment of the importance of mental health resources in educational settings.