Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1553

Introduced
6/29/23  
Refer
6/29/23  
Refer
9/27/23  
Refer
3/20/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Engrossed
3/25/24  
Refer
4/4/24  

Caption

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for suicide prevention hotline telephone number on student identification card; and, in school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1553 would necessitate changes to student identification policies across the state, requiring schools to implement new procedures to include the hotline information on ID cards. This change emphasizes the responsibility of educational institutions in ensuring student well-being and safety. It aligns with wider legislative trends aimed at addressing mental health challenges among youth, particularly in response to rising concerns about mental health crises in schools. The requirement is likely to significantly increase awareness among students and potentially reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

Summary

House Bill 1553 seeks to enhance school safety and student mental health by mandating the inclusion of a suicide prevention hotline telephone number on student identification cards. The bill aims to provide students with immediate access to mental health resources through a simple and direct method, promoting proactive engagement with mental health services. By doing so, it reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention in educational environments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1553 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a supportive stance towards initiatives aimed at improving student safety and mental health. Educators, mental health advocates, and support organizations are likely to endorse the bill, viewing it as a compassionate and necessary measure. However, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation logistics and the adequacy of supporting resources to effectively assist students who reach out for help.

Contention

While the bill itself is generally well-regarded, there may be notable points of contention concerning the efficacy of simply placing a hotline number on ID cards versus more comprehensive mental health education and resources within schools. Critics may argue that mere presence of information does not substitute for a robust support system, and there are calls for further investment in counseling services and mental health programs to ensure that students have adequate support beyond just the availability of a hotline. The debate might center on the best practices for effectively addressing mental health issues in school settings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1908

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator; and, in school security, further providing for duties of commission and providing for school security personnel.

PA HB634

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

PA HB1974

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator.

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 SB907

In school safety and security, further providing for school

PA SB972

Pupil and student health: identification cards: suicide prevention hotline telephone numbers.

PA HB1526

In intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors, for capital subsidy and for school safety and security enhancements; and, in school safety and security, further providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program.

PA AB2390

Pupil safety: identification cards: suicide prevention telephone numbers.

PA HB63

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security training.

PA HB2613

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security training.

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