The bill aims to enhance youth suicide prevention efforts in Montana schools by revising existing laws and establishing new requirements. It mandates the Office of Public Instruction to provide guidance on youth suicide awareness and prevention training materials, ensuring that low-cost and no-cost training options are available for schools. Additionally, the bill requires that all school district employees and certain Office of Public Instruction staff receive annual training at no cost, with a minimum of 2 hours of training every five years. The training can be delivered through various methods, including in-person sessions, videoconferences, and online modules.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that school district policies related to suicide prevention must include a description of the training requirements for employees. It also includes a provision that protects school districts from legal action related to the implementation of these training provisions. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-1310