6431-S AMH APPE H4443.1

SSB 6431  - H COMM AMD
     By Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education

ADOPTED 03/06/2014

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that according to the department of health, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Washington youth between the ages of ten and twenty-four. Suicide rates among Washington's youth remain higher than the national average. An increasing body of research shows an association between adverse childhood experiences such as trauma, violence, or abuse, and decreased student learning and achievement. Underserved youth populations in Washington who are not receiving access to state services continue to remain at risk for suicide.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.300.288 and 2011 c 185 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall work with state agency and community partners to ((develop pilot projects to)) assist schools in implementing youth suicide prevention activities, which may include the following:
     (a) Training for school employees, parents, community members, and students in recognizing and responding to the signs of suicide;
     (b) Partnering with local coalitions of community members interested in preventing youth suicide; and
     (c) Responding to communities determined to be in crisis after a suicide or attempted suicide to prevent further instances of suicide.
     (2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction, working with state and community partners, shall prioritize funding appropriated for subsection (1) of this section to communities identified as the highest risk
.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2014, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."

     Correct the title.

EFFECT:  Changes the prioritization of the expenditures for youth suicide prevention activities from specified populations to communities identified as highest risk.
     Adds a null and void clause. The bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.

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