HF 2120 (LSB 5469YH (5) 88)

HOUSE FILE 2120

BY  PRICHARD

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to protocols and school employee training relating to suicide prevention and the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response and including effective date and applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.7, subsection 33, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
   33.  a.  For purposes of this subsection:
   (1)  “Adverse childhood experience” means the same as defined in section 279.70 280.31.
   (2)  “Postvention” means the same as defined in section 279.70 280.31.
   b.  Adopt rules to require school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt protocols for suicide prevention and postvention and the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response. The protocols shall be based on nationally recognized best practices protocols developed by the department pursuant to paragraph “c”.
   c.  The department shall develop protocols necessary to implement paragraph “b”. Such protocols shall address student needs relating to suicide, including the needs of students with suicidal tendencies, students who have expressed thoughts about suicide, and students reentering school after a mental health crisis. The protocols shall be based on nationally recognized, research-based best practices. The department shall provide initial protocols to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in time for implementation in the school year beginning July 1, 2020.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  280.31  Training on suicide prevention, adverse childhood experiences identification, and toxic stress response mitigation strategies.
   1.  For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a.  “Adverse childhood experience” means a potentially traumatic event occurring in childhood that can have negative, lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being.
   b.  “Postvention” means the provision of crisis intervention, support, and assistance for those affected by a suicide or suicide attempt to prevent further risk of suicide.
   2.  By July 1, 2020, the board of directors of a school district and the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school shall require annual, evidence-based training at least one hour in length on suicide prevention and postvention for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The content of the training shall be based on protocols developed by the department of education pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 33, paragraph “c”.
   3.  By July 1, 2020, the board of directors of a school district and the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school shall require annual, evidence-based, evidence-supported training on the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The content of the training shall be based on protocols developed by the department of education pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 33, paragraph “c”.
    Sec. 3.  REPEAL.  Section 279.70, Code 2020, is repealed.
    Sec. 4.  EMERGENCY RULES.  The board of education shall adopt emergency rules under section 17A.4, subsection 3, and section 17A.5, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, to implement the provisions of this Act and the rules shall be effective immediately upon filing unless a later date is specified in the rules. Any rules adopted in accordance with this section shall also be published as a notice of intended action as provided in section 17A.4.
    Sec. 5.  IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT.  Section 25B.2, subsection 3, shall not apply to this Act.
    Sec. 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
    Sec. 7.  APPLICABILITY.  The requirements of section 279.70, Code 2020, shall continue to apply until the conclusion of the school year beginning July 1, 2019.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the department of education to develop protocols necessary to implement current statutory requirements for school districts to adopt protocols for suicide prevention and postvention and the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response. The bill applies the statutory requirements to accredited nonpublic schools. The bill requires that the protocols developed by the department address student needs relating to suicide, including the needs of students with suicidal tendencies, students who have expressed thoughts about suicide, and students reentering school after a mental health crisis. The bill also requires that the protocols be based on nationally recognized, research-based best practices.
   The bill requires the department to provide initial protocols to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in time for implementation in the school year beginning July 1, 2020, and requires the board of education to adopt emergency rules to do so.
   The bill repeals existing requirements for similar training in school districts. The requirements shall continue to apply until the conclusion of the school year beginning July 1, 2019.
   The bill takes effect upon enactment.
   The bill may include a state mandate as defined in Code section 25B.3. The bill makes inapplicable Code section 25B.2, subsection 3, which would relieve a political subdivision from complying with a state mandate if funding for the cost of the state mandate is not provided or specified. Therefore, political subdivisions are required to comply with any state mandate included in the bill.