MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2017 Regular Session

To: Education; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Wiggins

Senate Bill 2136

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-3-101 AND 37-3-103, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ADOPT A POLICY ON STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION, TO PRESCRIBE STANDARDS FOR THE REQUIRED POLICY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH TO DEVELOP IN-SERVICE TRAINING STANDARDS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION EDUCATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 37-3-101, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     37-3-101.  (1)  Each local school district shall adopt a policy on student suicide prevention.  The policies shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, school-employed mental health professions, and suicide prevention experts, and shall, at a minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.  To assist districts in developing policies for student suicide prevention, the State Department of Education shall establish a model policy in consultation with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for use by local school districts in accordance with this section.

(2)  In the * * *2009-2010 2017-2018 school year, the State Department of Education shall require that local school districts conduct in-service training on suicide prevention education for all * * *licensed teachers and principals school district employees.  The Mississippi Department of Mental Health will be responsible for development of the content of the training * * * and determining the appropriate amount of time that should be allotted for the training.  This education may be accomplished through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.

     SECTION 2.  Section 37-3-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     37-3-103.  Beginning with the * * *2010-2011 2017-2018 school year and annually thereafter, the State Department of Education shall require that local school districts conduct in-service training on suicide prevention education for all newly employed * * *licensed teachers and principals school district employees.  The Mississippi Department of Mental Health will be responsible for development of the content of the training * * * and determining the appropriate amount of time that should be allotted for the training.  This education may be accomplished through self-review of suitable suicide prevention materials.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2017.

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