Senate Bill No. introduced by M. Yakawich aims to enhance youth suicide prevention efforts in Montana schools by revising existing laws. The bill 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 in consultation with the Department of Public Health and Human Services. It requires that all school district employees and certain Office of Public Instruction staff receive annual training at no cost, with a minimum of one hour of training every three years, down from the previous requirement of two hours every five years.

Additionally, 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 act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-1310
SB0369_1(1): 20-7-1310
SB0369_1(2): 20-7-1310
SB0369_1(3): 20-7-1310
SB0369_1: 20-7-1310
SB0369_2(1): 20-7-1310
SB0369_2(2): 20-7-1310
SB0369_2(3): 20-7-1310
SB0369_2(4): 20-7-1310
SB0369_2: 20-7-1310