NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A3607

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3607

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

Requires public school instruction in suicide prevention to be provided in grades kindergarten through 12 and include certain elements.

Impact

Should A3607 be enacted, it would enhance existing educational requirements around mental health and suicide prevention in New Jersey's schools, creating a more comprehensive educational experience. By institutionalizing mental health education in early and continued schooling, the bill aims to cultivate an environment of awareness, understanding, and responsiveness among students regarding mental health issues. This initiative is expected to provide essential life skills pertaining to wellness and self-care, ultimately contributing to a decline in stigma associated with mental health struggles and potentially reducing instances of self-harm.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3607 requires public school instruction in suicide prevention to be provided for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill mandates that this instruction not only covers direct suicide prevention techniques but also integrates mental health education as it relates to suicide prevention. To maximally support student needs, it emphasizes incorporating evidence-based standards tailored to students' age and understanding. Within 180 days of the act's effective date, the State Board of Education must revise the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education to align with these requirements.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various educational and health advocacy groups focused on young people's welfare, notable points of contention may arise regarding its implementation. Concerns could include the adequacy of resources for training teachers and staff, the appropriateness of the curriculum content at different grade levels, and potential pushback from individuals or groups who believe that there should be a limit to what schools can influence in the lives of students regarding personal mental health matters. As such, achieving a balance in educational strategies will be pivotal to ensuring the bill's goals are met without overstepping community values.

Companion Bills

NJ S489

Carry Over Requires public school instruction in mental health as it relates to suicide prevention and provides various elements which may be included in instruction.

NJ A3551

Carry Over Requires public school instruction in suicide prevention to be provided in grades kindergarten through 12 and include certain elements.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3551

Requires public school instruction in suicide prevention to be provided in grades kindergarten through 12 and include certain elements.

NJ S489

Requires public school instruction in mental health as it relates to suicide prevention and provides various elements which may be included in instruction.

NJ A3526

Requires NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools.

NJ S1662

Requires NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools.

NJ A4820

Requires school districts to provide instruction on prevention of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases in grades kindergarten through 12; requires DOH to publish certain guidelines concerning ticks.

NJ S2463

Requires school districts to provide instruction on prevention of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases in grades kindergarten through 12; requires DOH to publish certain guidelines concerning ticks.

NJ S2206

Requires NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools.

NJ S2385

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

NJ A3824

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

NJ S419

Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight.

Similar Bills

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TX HB6

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TX SB1481

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TX HB4140

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HI HB388

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HI SB108

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HI SB108

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TX SB6

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