HB 719, also known as The Jason Flatt Act, was introduced by Representative Thomas G. Carmody, Jr. at the beginning of the 2008 legislative session.
The Jason Flatt Act of Louisiana
HB 719
Act 219
Effective June 16, 2008
Governor Bobby Jindal signed HB 719 into law on June 16, 2008. Upon his signature, Louisiana became the second state to pass the Jason Flatt Act. This legislation requires mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training for school personnel.
Major components of the legislation are:
- Requires in-service training in suicide prevention for all public school teachers, school counselors and principals, and as determined by the board, other school administrators for whom training is deemed beneficial.
- Two hours of in-service training in suicide prevention is required annually beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.
- The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop, adopt guidelines and identify suitable suicide prevention materials for the training..
- Self-review of suitable materials is permitted.
