HR 5482119th CongressIn Committee

Prevent Youth Suicide Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3] (R-Iowa)

EducationHealthcare

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Prevent Youth Suicide Act requires the Secretary of Education to establish federal rules mandating that schools serving students in grades 6-12 implement comprehensive suicide prevention, postvention, and trauma-informed care protocols as a condition of receiving federal education funding. Within 210 days of enactment, the Secretary must issue regulations requiring schools to develop evidence-based prevention programs, establish response plans for suicide incidents, and adopt trauma-sensitive approaches. The bill also directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance, monitor compliance through periodic assessments, and collect feedback to improve the requirements over time.

Key Points

1Mandatory Prevention Training: Schools must provide biennial, evidence-based training for staff to identify warning signs of suicide risk in students and establish protocols for reporting concerns to parents and guidance counselors
2Referral and Support Systems: Schools must create referral systems connecting at-risk students to mental health resources both within and outside the school, along with awareness campaigns to reduce mental health stigma
3Postvention Plans: Schools must develop comprehensive plans to address the aftermath of a suicide, including communication guidelines, memorialization protocols, grief counseling resources, and collaboration with mental health professionals
4Trauma-Informed Approach: Schools must adopt trauma-sensitive policies and provide biennial training to help staff understand trauma's impact on students and respond appropriately
5Federal Oversight: The Secretary of Education must provide technical assistance, conduct compliance monitoring through periodic assessments and audits, and continuously improve requirements based on school feedback

Impact Areas

Middle and High Schools: All educational institutions serving grades 6-12 that receive federal funding must comply with new suicide prevention requirementsSchool Staff and Faculty: Teachers, administrators, and other personnel will receive mandatory training on suicide risk identification and trauma-informed practicesStudents and Families: Students at risk will have improved access to mental health resources, and parents will be notified when concerns are identifiedFederal Funding Recipients: Compliance becomes a condition of receiving federal education funds, potentially affecting funding for non-compliant schoolsMental Health Professionals: Increased collaboration opportunities with schools for prevention, intervention, and postvention support services

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