nc-stampHB 285 – Suicide Prevention/Awareness School Personnel
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Greg Murphy (R – Pitt), Rep. Jon Hardister (R – Guilford), Rep. Nelson Dollar (R – Wake), Rep. Josh Dobson (R – Avery)
SB 316 – Suicide Prevention/Awareness School Personnel
Primary Sponsors: Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R – Forsyth), Sen. Don Davis (D – Pitt), Sen. Louis Pate (R – Wayne)
This bill would provide a training program on youth suicide awareness, suicide prevention and risk referral protocol for school personnel, and requires the State Board of Education to consult with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a training program and protocol for local school administrative units for all school personnel who work directly in grades K-12.
The bill also allows for a local board of education to comply with the training and protocol requirements by developing a local plan that must include the following:

  • Information on NC and national data on suicide deaths and attempts, suicide methods and at-risk populations;
  • Myths and attitudes about suicide;
  • Warning signs and symptoms for suicide;
  • Identification of at-risk students and steps for referring students to support services;
  • Protective factors for suicide prevention; and
  • Safe messaging to children.

All local school boards would be required to turn in a survey report prior to September 15, of each school year with the results of the prior school year’s training requirements and prevention activities.
This bill was introduced in the House Health Committee on March 22, 2017, and received a favorable report.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Greg Murphy (R – Pitt) in the House Education K -12 Committee on April 20, 2017. The bill received a favorable report, and will now move to the House floor.
This bill was heard in the House on April 24, 2017. The bill passed second reading with a vote of 109-7. This bill will now move to the Senate.