NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A3241

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3241

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

Impact

The bill will require the Commissioner of Education to create a model suicide prevention policy to assist boards in formulating their individual policies. Each school district's policy must reflect local conditions but should comply with the minimum standards prescribed in the law. The emphasis on local control allows districts to adapt the model policy in consultation with mental health professionals and other stakeholders, thereby fostering a system that can be tailored to meet specific community needs.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3241 mandates that each public board of education in New Jersey develop and implement a comprehensive suicide prevention policy. This legislation aims to enhance the support systems for students at risk of suicide by establishing clear procedures for prevention, intervention, and postvention. The bill is grounded in the recognition of the critical need for schools to take proactive measures in addressing student mental health issues, particularly those that may lead to suicidal behaviors.

Contention

One notable aspect of A3241 revolves around the balance of responsibilities between state standards and local execution. Some stakeholders may question the effectiveness of a model policy developed at the state level when individual districts possess varying resources and unique challenges in addressing student mental health. There may be concerns regarding the adequacy of support for high-risk groups and the processes schools will implement in real-world scenarios. Additionally, ensuring that all stakeholders are properly informed and engaged in the development of these policies remains a pivotal part of this legislation.

Latest A3241 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ S2636

Same As Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ A5220

Carry Over Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ S4034

Carry Over Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5220

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ S2636

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ S4034

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ SB1318

Pupil health: suicide prevention policies: pupil suicide crisis.

NJ AB1767

Pupil suicide prevention policies.

NJ AB58

Pupil health: suicide prevention policies and training.

NJ A08396

Enacts the student suicide prevention act; requires the governing board or body of every local educational agency serving students in grades seven to twelve, to adopt policies, procedures and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for students in such grades.

NJ S02705

Enacts the student suicide prevention act; requires the governing board or body of every local educational agency serving students in grades seven to twelve, to adopt policies, procedures and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention and postvention for students in such grades.

NJ AB2639

Pupil suicide prevention policies: reviews: updates.

NJ AB917

Student health: student suicide prevention policies.

Similar Bills

NJ S2636

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ A5220

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

NJ S4034

Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

TX SB980

Relating to a suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention program for certain public elementary school campuses.

TX HB2954

Relating to a suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention grant program for certain public elementary schools.

TX SB2070

Relating to the duties of the statewide behavioral health coordinating council regarding suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies and procedures.

OR SB514

Relating to adult suicide prevention; prescribing an effective date.

TX SB193

Relating to a model suicide prevention policy, suicide prevention and intervention strategies incorporated into a state agency crisis or disaster plan, suicide death information maintained by the Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Violent Death Reporting System.