119 HR 8961 IH: Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026 U.S. House of Representatives 2026-05-21 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8961IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 21, 2026Mr. Carter of Louisiana (for himself and Mr. Moylan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a public awareness campaign for schools regarding youth suicide prevention resources, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026.

2.

Public awareness campaign for schools regarding youth suicide prevention resources

Section 520B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb–32) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B)by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (C)by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3)carrying out, in coordination with the Secretary, a public awareness campaign on youth suicide prevention resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, that— (A)includes public outreach with respect to the development of such campaign; and (B)provides support to schools to update signage relating to the availability of such resources that meets the requirements specified in subsection (d); and; (2)by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as subsections (e) through (h), respectively; (3)by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d)

Signage on availability of resources

The requirements specified in this subsection with respect to signage relating to the availability of youth suicide prevention resources are that the signage be clear and visible signage that— (1)includes— (A)the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline phone number; (B)information that students can access support by— (i)calling or sending a text message to such phone number; or (ii)using digital chat services provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; (C)language encouraging students experiencing emotional distress to seek help; and (D)language indicating that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week; and (2)is displayed, or digitally posted, as applicable, in locations easily visible to students, including— (A)entrances and exits of the school; (B)student common areas; (C)school counselor offices; (D)school nurse offices; (E)gymnasiums; (F)auditoriums; (G)art rooms; (H)music rooms; (I)libraries; (J)student restrooms (including bathroom stalls and sinks) and locker rooms; and (K)digital school bulletin boards, as applicable.; and (4)in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking 2024 and inserting 2027.