From the Capitols: NJ Assembly Bill Would Increase Suicide Awareness Training for School Personnel

Assembly Bill A3224, requiring additional professional development requirements on suicide prevention, awareness, and response for public district personnel, has unanimously cleared the Assembly Education Committee, and at press time was awaiting an Assembly vote. The Senate version of the Bill, S2584, is in the Senate Education Committee awaiting the Assembly vote. Sponsored by Assemblyman Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, among others, the Bill proposes significant increases in suicide awareness training originally put in place by New Jersey’s 2007 law, which required two hours of training for all teachers over each five-year period. A3224/S2584 would increase those teacher training hours to 2 hours in each year. Under the Assembly Substitute adopted in February, the Bill will also mandate a one-time training program in suicide prevention, awareness, and response within 12 months of hire for other school employees or employees of a contracted service provider who have regular and direct contact with students.