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House funds small grants for school suicide-prevention programs
Summary
Representative Eliason's HB329 directs small ($500) grants to every middle and high school for evidence-based or promising suicide-prevention programs (e.g., Hope Squads); sponsors cited Utah's high youth suicide rates and argued the pilot funding will save lives.
Representative Eliason moved an amendment and summarized House Bill 329, saying it would provide $500 to each middle and high school in Utah to implement an evidence-based or promising program for preventing youth suicide. Eliason cited Utah's placement "in the top 5 in the nation for youth suicide on a per capita basis" and called suicide prevention "one of the best investments that we can make this legislative session."
He described programs such as Hope Squads and SOS (Signs of Suicide) and noted local districts had asked for this support. Representative Ota and other members recounted local experience with Hope Squads and backed the measure. Discussion clarified the fiscal note and committee amendment that set the appropriation at $159,000 for rollout; Eliason said the education appropriations committee prioritized that amount.
After summation and brief debate, the bill passed the House with 70 yes votes and 1 no vote. Sponsors and supporters characterized the funding as modest and targeted, intended to enable schools to adopt programs shown to reduce youth suicides.
