June 2, 2025
Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Booker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
To add suicide prevention resources to school identification cards.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act
.
Sec. 2. Adding suicide prevention contact information to school identification cards
(a) In general
Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(30)
(A)
In the case of an institution that creates and distributes identification cards for students at any time after the date of enactment of this paragraph, such institution shall include phone contact information on each such card for the following organizations:
(i)
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
(ii)
Crisis Text Line.
(iii)
A campus mental health center or program, as determined by the institution.
(B)
In the case of an institution that does not create and distribute identification cards for students at any time after the date of enactment of this paragraph, such institution shall publish the suicide prevention contact information specified in subparagraph (A) on the website of such institution.
(C)
If an organization in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) ceases to exist, the Secretary may designate a different entity with a similar purpose to be included on the identification card.
(b) Effective date
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect beginning on the day that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.