KY HB686

Establishes the Kentucky Positive Youth Development Commission within the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities to promote youth well-being and prevent self-harm through community-based programs serving school-age children and young adults up to age 25.

Creates a 15-member voting commission chaired by the DBHDID commissioner, including representatives from the State Treasurer, Attorney General, Department of Education, Public Health, law enforcement, mental health providers, pediatricians, and a psychologist specializing in social media addiction.

Establishes the positive youth development fund in the State Treasury to receive moneys from settlements, judgments, or bankruptcy proceedings against social media companies related to harms against children, plus state appropriations, grants, and federal funds.

Reserves 10% of fund moneys for grant program administration and technical assistance, with remaining funds distributed at least annually to eligible organizations providing evidence-based positive youth development programming outside school hours.

Directs regional interagency councils to establish Suicide Awareness and Reduction Network workgroups—including school districts, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and parents—to conduct community needs assessments and apply for grants to implement positive youth development programming.