CS/CS/HB 947 Summary

• Requires assessment or examination of minors to be initiated within 12 hours of arrival at a facility for involuntary examination, rather than within the general 72-hour examination period.

• Mandates parental notification prior to student removal for involuntary examination if notification will not cause delays jeopardizing health or safety; requires immediate notification upon removal in all cases.

• Changes facility reporting deadline for involuntary examination documentation from 5 days to the next working day for court orders, law enforcement reports, and professional certificates.

• Establishes priority for school resource officers and school safety officers to receive crisis intervention training and Mental Health First Aid training to identify students with mental health or substance use issues.

• Revises criteria for "Certified Suicide Prevention Schools" to require 2 hours of suicide prevention training, at least two staff members trained in suicide screening instruments, and a policy to use screening before initiating involuntary examinations for suicide risk; requires schools and districts to post certification status on websites.

• Effective date: July 1, 2018.