S1865A
An act to amend the Education Law — 2023-05-30 · Calendar #1077
The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring student ID cards to display the 988 suicide lifeline and crisis text line information, aiming to address a mental health crisis among young people in the state. Senate Print 1865A, sponsored by Sen. Brouk, passed on a 61-0 roll call vote. The bill takes effect July 16, 2024. Sen. Brouk cited alarming statistics during floor debate, noting that 30 percent of girls have seriously considered suicide—double the rate among boys and up nearly 60 percent from a decade ago—while almost half of LGBTQ students reported similar ideation. "It's not enough for us to be funding these lines and these help services," Brouk said. "We actually need to make sure that young people can get this information in that moment that they find themselves in crisis." The legislation builds on the state's prior funding of the 988 lifeline by ensuring the contact information is immediately accessible to students on their identification cards.
PASSED
Ayes: 61
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
Sen. Brouk explained the bill addresses the mental health crisis among New York youth by requiring 988 suicide lifeline and crisis text line information be printed on student ID cards. She cited statistics showing 30 percent of girls have seriously considered suicide, nearly double the rate among boys and up 60 percent from a decade ago, with almost half of LGBTQ students reporting similar ideation. Brouk argued that while the state has funded these services, making the information readily available on student IDs ensures young people can access help during moments of crisis.