Senate Bill 137, also known as The Jason Flatt Act, was passed during the 2012 legislative session.
The Jason Flatt Act of Alaska
SB 137 Chapter 34 SLA
Governor Sean Parnell signed the bill into law on May 23, 2012. Alaska is the ninth state to pass the Jason Flatt Act. This legislation requires mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training for certain school personnel. Major components of the legislation are:
- Mandatory training for each teacher, administrator, counselor and specialist who provides services to public school students in grades 7-12.
- 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 suitable suicide prevention material.