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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
student identification cards; suicide prevention
Purpose
Requires student identification cards to include contact information for suicide prevention resources, local crisis centers or emotional support services.
Background
Current law requires each Arizona teacher training program to develop evidenced-based instruction on suicide awareness and prevention. That instruction must be provided to all teacher candidates in the training programs and include: 1) training in suicide prevention; 2) training to identify the warning signs of suicidal behavior in adolescents and teens; and 3) appropriate intervention and referral techniques (A.R.S. § 15-1656).
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) supports efforts to increase awareness of mental health issues in young people, train school personnel to detect and respond to mental health issues and connect youth and their families to behavioral health resources. ADE houses Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education with the purpose of: 1) fostering mental health and wellness for students and others within the school community; 2) providing professional development and training to school personnel, students and families to recognize and respond to mental health concerns; and 3) increasing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resilience (ADE).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires, by July 1, 2021, school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies that issue student identification cards to grades nine through twelve and institutions of higher education that issue student identification cards to include at least one of the following on each new identification card issued:
a) the telephone number for a national suicide prevention lifeline;
b) the telephone number for a national network of local crisis centers;
c) a statement describing how to access a text-based emotional support service; or
d) the telephone number for a local suicide prevention hotline.
2. Allows the required information to be printed on the identification card or included on a sticker affixed to the identification card.
3. Defines an institution of higher education to include universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents and community colleges.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2020
JO/JP/gs