SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6431
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Amended by House, March 6, 2014
Title: An act relating to assistance for schools in implementing youth suicide prevention activities.
Brief Description: Concerning assistance for schools in implementing youth suicide prevention activities.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Liias, Kline, Rolfes, Parlette, Frockt, Pedersen and Conway).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/05/14, 2/06/14 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/14/14, 49-0.Passed House: 3/06/14, 90-6.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6431 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Litzow, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; McAuliffe, Ranking Member; Rolfes, Assistant Ranking Member; Billig, Brown, Cleveland, Fain, Hill, Mullet and Rivers.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 public education in Washington State. OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts.
Currently, OSPI is required by law to work with state agency and community partners to develop pilot projects to assist schools in implementing youth suicide prevention activities.
In the 2013 legislative session, ESHB 1336, an act relating to increasing the capacity of school districts to recognize and respond to troubled youth, passed and became law. This law increases the capacity for school districts to recognize and respond to youth in need, including emotional and behavioral distress in students and indicators of possible substance abuse, violence, and suicide, through additional training, more comprehensive planning, and emphasis on partnerships between schools and communities.
Summary of Substitute Bill: OSPI must work with state agency and community partners to assist schools in implementing youth suicide prevention activities, which may include the following:
Training for school employees, parents, community members, and students in recognizing and responding to the signs of suicide;
Partnering with local coalitions of community members interested in preventing youth suicide; and
Responding to communities determined to be in crisis after a suicide or attempted suicide to prevent further instances of suicide.
OSPI, working with state and community partners, must prioritize funding appropriated for implementing such youth suicide prevention activities, to the following schools and communities:
Schools identified by the department of health as situated in a high-risk area or in a community with high-risk populations;
Tribal communities; and
Communities with a high percentage of students who speak English as a second language.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: I am strongly in support of this bill. Suicide remains a problem here in Washington State. The rate here is higher than in other states. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens in Washington. Suicide prevention can help these kids. This bill would put important structures in place. This bill would help educate kids on this subject. Suicide affects families and communities. Native Americans suffer a higher rate of suicide. Grays Harbor County has a high percentage of suicides. Youth need more support and services on preventing suicide.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Vicki Wagner, Youth Suicide Prevention Program; Macie Briggs, High School Student; Tasha Rosander, Shoalwater Bay Reservation; Anne McEvoy, GAL for CASA Montesano.
House Amendment(s): 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.