Substitute Senate Bill No. 2 - Summary

• Establishes youth suicide prevention training programs in local health departments, requiring certification in QPR Institute Gatekeeper Training for health and school employees, law enforcement, and youth-serving professionals, offered by July 1, 2022 and at least every three years thereafter.

• Requires healthcare professionals including physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, paramedics, and behavioral analysts to complete 2 hours of training on suicide prevention and post-traumatic stress disorder screening as part of license renewal starting January 1, 2022.

• Allows minors to receive unlimited outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent if clinically indicated and the minor is mature enough to participate, with expanded provider discretion to notify parents only when necessary for the minor's well-being.

• Establishes virtual learning standards for grades 9-12 beginning July 1, 2022, permits all students two mental health wellness days annually, and requires enhanced parent-teacher communication including remote conferencing options during virtual learning periods.

• Expands school lunch protections by prohibiting public shaming of students with unpaid meal charges, requires referral to food assistance and homeless liaison when charges exceed 30 meals, and eliminates fees for early intervention services to families.