SB 642

Enacts new GS 115C-376.7, referred to as the Suicide, Safety, and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act. Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, to keep a list of approved evidence-based training programs, including at least one that is free to a school, to be posted on DPI’s website for: (1) suicide awareness and prevention and violence prevention and (2) social inclusion. Sets out required content of training courses needed in order to qualify as a training program on these topics. Requires students in grades 6-12 to receive two hours or two standard class periods, whichever is shorter, of training each school year from one of the approved programs. Requires an hour each on suicide awareness and prevention and violence prevention, and on social inclusion. Allows a student to be excused from the training upon written request from a parent or guardian. Requires employees who have significant interaction with students as part of their routine duties to receive one hour of training each school year from an approved program on suicide awareness and prevention and violence prevention. Allows student training to count toward health education and employee training to count toward specified raining hours. Allows the creation of a student-led club focused on these issues in school with students in grades 6-12; sets out requirements for these clubs.