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Bill

Bill

A 4921

Enacts the college student suicide prevention act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 29 co-sponsors

Bill A 4921 mandates training, resources, and awareness campaigns in colleges to enhance mental health support, aiming to reduce student suicides and crises.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 4921

Summary of Bill A 4921: College Student Suicide Prevention Act

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4921, titled the College Student Suicide Prevention Act, aims to address the critical issue of mental health among college students by implementing comprehensive suicide prevention strategies within higher education institutions. The bill recognizes the rising rates of mental health crises and suicides among students and seeks to create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health resources and education.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several key provisions designed to enhance suicide prevention efforts on college campuses:

  • Mandatory Training Programs: Higher education institutions will be required to implement training programs for faculty, staff, and students focused on recognizing the signs of mental health issues and suicide risk.

  • Mental Health Resources: Colleges must provide accessible mental health resources, including counseling services, crisis hotlines, and peer support programs.

  • Awareness Campaigns: Institutions will be mandated to conduct awareness campaigns to educate students about mental health issues, available resources, and how to seek help.

  • Reporting and Data Collection: Colleges will be required to collect and report data on mental health incidents and suicide attempts to better understand the scope of the issue and improve response strategies.

  • Collaboration with Health Services: The bill encourages collaboration between colleges and local health services to ensure students have access to comprehensive care.

Who Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries of Bill A 4921 include:

  • College Students: The bill directly aims to support students by providing them with necessary mental health resources and training.

  • Faculty and Staff: Training programs will equip faculty and staff with the knowledge to identify and assist students in crisis.

  • Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to adapt their policies and resources to comply with the new requirements set forth by the bill.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Referred to Higher Education: February 10, 2025
  • Amended and Recommitted: May 5, 2025
  • Current Print Number: 4921A (as of May 5, 2025)

Related Bills

  • A 9923: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues in mental health and suicide prevention.
  • S 6653: A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 4921, potentially facilitating a more comprehensive legislative approach to student mental health.

Conclusion

Bill A 4921 represents a significant step towards improving mental health support for college students. By mandating training, resources, and awareness initiatives, the bill aims to create a safer and more supportive educational environment, ultimately reducing the incidence of suicide among students.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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