Texas Senate Bill SB85

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Relating to establishment of a suicide prevention pilot program for public high schools.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would amend existing educational laws to address mental health proactively within the school environment. By incorporating a structured approach to suicide prevention, SB85 recognizes the critical need for mental health education and resources in schools. It aligns with broader public health goals to reduce the incidence of suicide among high school students, which has been a growing concern across the nation.

Summary

SB85 proposes the establishment of a suicide prevention pilot program specifically designed for public high schools in Texas. The bill aims to create a comprehensive suicide prevention initiative, which would involve training counselors, teachers, administrators, and related staff to recognize and assist students who are at risk of suicide. By fostering an environment of awareness and preparedness, the program seeks to enable schools to intervene effectively with at-risk students, providing them with appropriate mental health resources and support.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB85 may stem from the allocation of resources and the adequacy of funding for program implementation. While many stakeholders support the goal of preventing youth suicide, discussions could center on the feasibility of training a sufficient number of staff and the sustainability of such programs over time. Furthermore, there may be debates about the appropriate methods of intervention and the effectiveness of the proposed program, which would need to be thoroughly assessed after its pilot phase.