hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Funds youth suicide prevention training for healthcare providers and school curricula.
Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 7 co-sponsors.
Introduced in Senate, awaiting committee action.
This bill creates two grant programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. One program would fund healthcare settings to train providers on youth suicide prevention and firearm safety, while the other would help schools develop relevant curricula. It also directs HHS to create an informational website. Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat representing Hawaii, introduced the bill. "Introduced" means it's the first step in the legislative process; the bill must be reviewed and approved by a Senate committee before it can be voted on by the full Senate.
Introduced Mar 25, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 25, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Before it can move forward, this committee must consider, debate, and potentially amend the bill. If approved by the committee, it would then be eligible for a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then need to pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President to become law.
Your family's doctors or nurses might receive more training on how to identify and help young people at risk of suicide, including discussions about firearm safety. Educational programs for aspiring doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals would include more content on suicide prevention. If you have a child under 26 who is at risk, your household could potentially receive free or low-cost secure gun storage devices and counseling on their use. Additionally, the federal government would create an online resource providing information on youth suicide prevention and safe firearm practices.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill provides essential funding and education to combat the growing crisis of youth suicide.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about federal involvement in firearm-related safety measures or the content of healthcare curricula.
Those in favor would highlight the comprehensive approach to supporting mental health for young individuals and promoting safety, particularly regarding lethal means. They would point to the broad definition of risk factors and the focus on evidence-based practices. On the other hand, some might express reservations about the use of federal grants to distribute firearm safety devices or to influence educational curricula for healthcare providers, even if the programs are voluntary.