The proposed bill, known as the Safety and Violence Education for Students (SAVE Students) Act, amends the Public School Code of 1949 to enhance youth suicide awareness, prevention, and violence prevention training in schools. It mandates that school entities serving students in grades six through twelve provide at least one hour of evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training each school year. This training can be delivered in person or digitally and must begin within two years of the development of a list of approved training materials by the Department of Education. Additionally, the bill requires the development of a list of evidence-based youth violence prevention training and social inclusion training for students in kindergarten through grade twelve, also to be provided annually.

Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for student-led violence prevention clubs in schools, which must be open to all students and have an adult advisor. These clubs are tasked with promoting awareness of suicide prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion. To support the implementation of these requirements, the Department of Education is encouraged to seek federal or state funding. The act aims to create a safer school environment by equipping students and staff with the necessary skills to identify and address issues related to mental health and violence.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 310 (Jan 27, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 0310: P.L.30, No.14