Legislation to put crisis hotline information regarding suicide, sexual assault, or domestic violence in the hands of Kentucky’s students continues to move through the general assembly. The student identification badge measure passed the senate Thursday 35 to one.
Louisville Senator Denise Harper Angel is the bill sponsor.
“I think the suicide prevention is the strongest part of the bill because the rates are increasing so. 90% increase over the decade in young children. In ages actually 15 to 34,” said Harper Angel.
Harper Angel said the legislation calls for stickers to be placed on student ID badges for sixth through 12th graders and college students before next school year.
In expressing his support for the bill, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer spoke about his nephew who lost a father to suicide. Thayer said this nephew is now living in central Kentucky. “I took him out to dinner and I told him stories about his dad who I adored and who my nephew reminds me of. This bill struck home for me,” explained Thayer.
The bill heads to the House.
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