The bill aims to enhance mental health efforts in public schools by repealing existing sections and enacting new provisions under sections 170.047, 170.048, 170.307, and a new section 630.099. It establishes the "Jason Flatt/Avery Reine Cantor Act," which mandates that licensed educators complete training in youth suicide awareness and prevention. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, local school districts are required to provide at least two hours of in-service training for all practicing teachers. Additionally, the bill introduces requirements for training on the Columbia Protocol for suicide risk assessment and a virtual tool to assist teachers in guiding students seeking mental health support. Furthermore, the bill outlines that by July 1, 2018, each school district must adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including strategies for identifying at-risk students and responding to suicide incidents. It also mandates that public schools serving grades seven to twelve print crisis hotline information on student identification cards starting in the 2025-26 school year. The new section 630.099 requires the Missouri Department of Mental Health to develop a virtual tool by July 1, 2027, to provide mental health resources and support to individuals seeking help. The bill emphasizes the importance of mental health education and resources in schools to better support students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6803H.01): 170.047, 170.048, 170.307, 630.099