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Bill

A 8434

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Cashman and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes the Rural Suicide Prevention Council to coordinate rural mental health and suicide-prevention efforts, guiding planning, data, and programs for rural communities.

SUBSTITUTED BY S3610A
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Bill Summary · A 8434

Summary of Bill A 8434 — Establishes the Rural Suicide Prevention Council

What the bill is

  • Bill number: A 8434
  • Title: Establishes the rural suicide prevention council
  • Introduced: May 16, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Mental Health committee
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Anna Kelles
    • Cosponsor: Paula Kay

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is designed to create a dedicated body—the Rural Suicide Prevention Council—to address suicide prevention specifically in rural areas. The objective is to improve coordination, planning, and implementation of strategies to reduce suicide risk in rural communities.

Key provisions (as currently available)

  • The full text with specific provisions (composition, duties, powers, funding, reporting requirements, etc.) is not provided in the available information. The title indicates the core action: establishing a council focused on rural suicide prevention.
  • Because the bill’s text isn’t included here, details such as who would appoint members, term lengths, Council responsibilities, interagency relationships, and any funding mechanisms remain unspecified in this summary.

Who would be affected

  • Rural communities and residents, plus state agencies and departments involved in public health, mental health, emergency services, and rural development, are the most likely groups to be affected by the council’s actions.
  • Potential impact on local governments and service providers that operate in rural areas may arise through new guidelines, coordination efforts, and recommended programs.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill has been referred to the Mental Health committee as its initial step in the legislative process. No further actions, dates, or committee schedules are provided here.
  • There are related/companion bills in other chambers:
    • A 7188 (prior-session) — indicates legislative intent carried from a prior session.
    • S 3610 — companion bills in the Senate (listed twice in related materials, suggesting parallel consideration).
  • The existence of companion and prior-session bills typically suggests continued interest and potential for cross-chamber alignment.

Related legislation

  • A 7188 (prior-session) — related through prior consideration or similar purpose.
  • S 3610 — identified as a companion bill in the Senate (listed in related bills).

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the Rural Suicide Prevention Council could:
    • Improve coordination of rural mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
    • Facilitate data collection, program planning, and emergency response in rural settings.
    • Inform state policy development and grant-making relevant to rural communities.
  • Fiscal implications (funding, staffing, and ongoing operations) would depend on the bill’s specific provisions, which are not included in the available information.

Next steps for a complete understanding

  • Obtain the full bill text or fiscal note to review:
    • Council composition and appointment process
    • Specific duties, powers, and authority
    • Funding sources and budget implications
    • Reporting requirements and timelines
    • Sunset or renewal provisions (if any)

This summary presents what is publicly known about A 8434 based on the available bill metadata. If you can provide the full text or a link to the legislative document, I can deliver a detailed, provision-by-provision analysis.

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

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