SENATE BILL 168

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen

AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; REQUIRING PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES TO ENTERING STUDENTS; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS--MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES--INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ENTERING STUDENTS.--

          A. Every public post-secondary educational institution shall provide to each entering full-time undergraduate, graduate or professional student, including transfer students, information about:

                (1) available mental health and suicide prevention services offered by the public post-secondary educational institution or by any associated organization or program; and

                (2) common early warning signs that are often present in, and appropriate intervention for, a person who may be considering suicide.

          B. The mental health and suicide prevention services information shall be provided in paper format and also be provided through:

                (1) a live presentation; or

                (2) a format that allows for student interaction, including an online program or video.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the higher education department for expenditure in fiscal year 2019 to develop or compile information pertaining to mental health and suicide prevention for use by the public post-secondary educational institutions. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2019 shall revert to the general fund.

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