SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Assembly has approved a bill that would require the adoption of comprehensive suicide prevention plans by local California school districts with students attending grades 7-12. Assembly Bill (AB) 2246 was authored by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) and sponsored by Equality California and The Trevor Project.
“AB 2246 will protect every student in California, especially our vulnerable LGBTQ youth who attempt suicide at significantly higher rates,” said Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “With parents and schools partnering together, we can prevent the tragic loss of many young lives.”
Current California Education Code encourages schools to adopt suicide prevention policies, but does not require them. Under AB 2246, new policies must address, at a minimum, guidelines for suicide prevention, intervention, and follow-up. To assist local educational agencies in developing policies for student suicide prevention, the Department of Education would be required to develop and maintain a model policy to serve as a guide for school districts, possibly based on one already developed by The Trevor Project.
“LGB teens attempt suicide at rates up to three times higher than their straight peers and more than a quarter of trans youth have reported making a suicide attempt,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “California’s teachers are dedicated to creating safe, supportive learning environments. This bill will help give them the tools and training they need to protect LGBTQ and all at-risk children.”
More than 17 percent of youth turning to The Trevor Project’s lifesaving resources are from California. According to the CDC, 17 percent of students in grades 9-12 report having seriously considered suicide, and eight percent report having attempted suicide one or more times in the past 12 months.
“The vote in the Assembly today is a key step in passing legislation that is an integral part of The Trevor Project’s fight to end suicide for all LGBTQ youth, which will serve as a model for the rest of the country,” said Abbe Land, executive director and CEO of The Trevor Project. “Young people often don’t know where to turn when they are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. With AB 2246, students will be able to walk into a classroom knowing that they can talk to a teacher or school employee and that person can direct them to lifesaving resources like The Trevor Project.”
AB 2246 now moves to the California Senate for approval.
