H.B. 858
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Apr 25, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40333-MRa-31
Short Title: Fonda Bryant Suicide Prevention Signage Act. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Cunningham.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT TO AID IN THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE.
3 Whereas, suicide is a serious public health problem with irreparable effects on
4 individuals, families, and communities; and
5 Whereas, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 65; and
6 Whereas, signage can help increase awareness of suicide prevention and crisis
7 resources, including 988 which has 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people
8 experiencing mental health-related distress; Now, therefore,
9 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
10 SECTION 1. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of
11 Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and
12 Substance Abuse Services (DMH), the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in
13 recurring funds for each year of the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium to be used to establish a grant
14 program that allows an owner, proprietor, local government, or person in control of a garage that
15 has a vertical height above three stories, or 30 feet, to apply for funds to be used to purchase
16 signage providing information on suicide prevention that is to be posted on each floor of the
17 garage above three stories, or 30 feet, in height, in each elevator lobby, and in the stairwell on
18 each floor leading to the top level of the garage. DMH shall develop and post on its website the
19 mechanism by which an applicant may apply for this grant and any design suggestions or
20 requirements for the signage being purchased with any funds awarded.
21 SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.
*DRH40333-MRa-31*