Senator Portantino’s Student Suicide Prevention Bill Passes Senate Education Committee

Sacramento, California – Today SB 972, the Student Suicide Prevention Bill, passed the State Senate Education Committee with bipartisan support. SB 972 which would require public, charter, and private schools to print a suicide prevention hotline number and/or text crisis lines on the back of student’s identification cards. The measure would be required for grades seven through twelve and all higher education institutions.

“I am proud that SB 972 has passed the Senate Education Committee. As a father and a legislator, the safety of our youth has always been a priority for me. This bill is a good step to forward to help prevent these horrific tragedies. No parent should ever have to face a daughter or son’s suicide and if we can prevent just one by providing important information we should seize that opportunity,” commented Senator Portantino.

Adolescent suicide and self-inflicted injury are a serious social and public health concern. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24. SB 972 is coauthored by Senator Atkins, D-San Diego, Senator Beall, D- San Jose, Senator Lara, D-Bell Gardens, Senator Leyva, D - Chino, Senator Newman, D-Fullerton, and Senator Wiener, D- San Francisco.

Senator Portantino has a distinguished record supporting the well-being of kids at all levels. He is a strong advocate for suicide prevention and mental health policy. SB 972 is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics of California, California School Boards Association, California School Nurses Organization, Hathaway –Sycamores, and the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

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