Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline.
Impact
If enacted, A4897 would amend P.L.2021, c.261 by updating the standards for what must be included on student IDs concerning mental health resources. This change is designed to enhance the visibility and accessibility of critical support information for students, which is particularly pertinent in the context of rising mental health issues among youth. By mandating these changes at both the public school and higher education levels, the bill aims to create a consistent framework for supporting student mental health across various educational institutions in New Jersey.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4897 aims to revise existing laws regarding student identification cards in New Jersey, specifically focusing on the inclusion of mental health and suicide crisis resources. The bill mandates that public schools issuing IDs for students in grades 7-12 and institutions of higher education must print critical crisis hotline numbers on the back of these cards. The goal is to ensure that students have easy access to mental health support services, particularly in emergency situations involving mental health crises, thereby promoting overall student well-being.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding A4897 appears to be largely positive, with bipartisan support indicated during discussions and voting. Legislators recognize the importance of mental health resources in educational settings and the need for proactive measures to address student well-being. However, there may exist varying opinions on how effectively the bill will be implemented across different schools, particularly concerning the accessibility of the mentioned resources and the responsibilities of the institutions to follow through.
Contention
One point of contention could arise around the nature of the resources to be included on the student IDs and whether the bill adequately specifies the training and support needed by school officials to ensure that these resources are communicated effectively. There can also be discussions on how schools will fund this initiative or adapt existing ID systems to comply with the new requirements. As educational institutions look to balance multiple priorities, ensuring mental health support is robustly integrated into student life can be a challenging task.
Requires certain public schools, charter schools, and public institutions of higher education to post suicide prevention phone and text numbers on student identification cards