HB 4690, also known as The Jason Flatt Act, was passed during the 2012 South Carolina legislative session.
The Jason Flatt Act of South Carolina
HB 4690
Governor Nikki Haley signed The Jason Flatt Act into law on May 14, 2012. As a result, South Carolina became the tenth state to pass this important legislation. This legislation requires mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training for teachers and principals.
Major components of the legislation are:
- Mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training for all middle and high school teachers.
- Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, in-service training must include two hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention education.
- Training is required in order to maintain or renew their teaching license.
- Training counts toward the 120 hours of credit already needed for renewal every five years.
- The SC Department of Education will develop guidelines for suitable training materials.
- This education may be accomplished through self-review of suitable suicide prevention material approved by the school districts.
