During the 2012 legislative session, SB 221, also known as The Jason Flatt Act, was passed with an effective date of July 1, 2012.
The Jason Flatt Act of West Virginia
SB 221
Effective July 1, 2012
West Virginia became the seventh state to pass the Jason Flatt Act when Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed this important legislation into law on March 12, 2012. A ceremonial signing was held on March 13, 2012. This legislation requires mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training for teachers and principals.
Major components of the legislation are:
- Mandatory training for all professional educators, including principals and administrators and those service personnel having direct contact with students, teachers and principals.
- In-service training must include two hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention education each school year.
- Training is required in order to maintain or renew their teaching license.
- This education may be accomplished through self-review of suicide prevention materials and resources approved by the State Board.
