The measure (A-1616) mirrors legislation passed in other states, including Wisconsin, Michigan and California.
Sponsors of the bill, Assembly Democrats Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden, Burlington), Herb Conaway (D-Burlington) and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) released the following joint statement:
“Any time a student is in crisis, we want them to know that help is available and that they’re not alone. At a time when so many young people are isolated from friends and loved ones and unable to do activities they enjoy, it’s never been more important to ensure students have access to mental health resources and know where to go if they’re in trouble.
“By including suicide hotline information on their student ID cards, students will need to look no further than their pocket, wallet or backpack to get the help they need. This simple change will have the potential to save young lives.”