Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR171

Introduced
9/28/23  

Caption

Designating the week of September 25 through 29, 2023, as "Safe2Say Week" in Pennsylvania.

Impact

The establishment of Safe2Say Week is expected to have a significant positive impact on state laws and practices regarding mental health awareness initiatives. It formally recognizes the need for increased dialogue about mental health and safety for youth, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. This proclamation could lead to the implementation of educational programs and resources directed at younger demographics, caregivers, and educators, fostering an environment where mental health topics are normalized and addressed promptly.

Summary

SR171 designates the week of September 25 through 29, 2023, as 'Safe2Say Week' in Pennsylvania, aiming to promote awareness about mental health issues and the importance of safety among youth. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage communities in discussions about mental wellness and to encourage the reporting of concerns regarding the safety of children and young adults. By promoting Safe2Say Week, the bill seeks to create a culture of openness and support around mental health and safety topics.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR171 is largely supportive, with advocates emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness in fostering safer environments for youth. Many community leaders, educators, and mental health advocates welcome the recognition of mental health as a crucial component of youth safety. However, some may express concerns regarding the execution and effectiveness of the initiatives during Safe2Say Week, stressing the need for ongoing engagement beyond the designated week.

Contention

While SR171 presents a unified approach to promoting mental health and safety awareness, there may be points of contention regarding funding, implementation, and evaluation of the impact of activities conducted during Safe2Say Week. Critics may argue that a week of awareness, while valuable, is insufficient to address systemic issues related to mental health in youth, calling for sustained efforts and resources in schools and communities year-round.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SR346

Designating the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "Safe2Say Something Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR534

Designating the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR511

Designating the week of September 23 through 29, 2024, as "Rail Safety Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR198

Designating the week of September 18 through 24, 2023, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR214

Designating the week of September 18 through 24, 2023, as "Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR230

Designating the week of September 15 through 21, 2025, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR209

Designating August 21 through September 8, 2023, as "Back to School Weeks" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR283

Designating the week of September 15 through 19, 2025, as "Clean Energy Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR196

Designating the week of September 18 through 24, 2023, as "Rail Safety Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA SR133

Designating the week of July 21 through 25, 2025, as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

Similar Bills

PA SR346

Designating the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "Safe2Say Something Week" in Pennsylvania.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA SB693

In general provisions, providing for duty to warn.

PA SB276

In general provisions, providing for duty to warn.

PA HB1025

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA SB650

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1779

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

PA HR148

Designating February 14, 2025, as "Parkland School Shooting Victims Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania.