Pupil suicide prevention policies.

Existing law requires the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups. This bill would require the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, to, before the beginning of the 2020–21 school year, adopt, and update as prescribed, a policy on pupil suicide prevention that specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups. The bill would require this policy to be age appropriate and delivered and discussed in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of young pupils. The bill would also require this policy to be written to ensure proper coordination and consultation with the county mental health plan for a referral for mental health or related services made on behalf of a pupil who is a Medi-Cal beneficiary. The bill would require the policy to address any training on suicide awareness and prevention to be provided to teachers of pupils in all of the grades served by the local educational agency. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.