An Act to strengthen suicide prevention in schools

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to strengthen suicide prevention efforts within public schools and charter schools. It requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create rules mandating that school districts form partnerships with community organizations to refer students to mental health, substance use, and social support services. Additionally, the legislation shortens the timeline for school districts to implement suicide prevention plans, reducing the requirement from three years to one year and the review period from six months to 60 days. These changes directly affect school administrators and districts by establishing clearer, faster deadlines and a formalized process for connecting students with external health resources.