Senator Elvie Gray Jackson reintroduces bill to add mental health education to K–12
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Summary
Senator Elvie Gray Jackson told the Senate Finance Committee SB41 would require age-appropriate mental health education in Alaska K–12, citing the state’s high youth suicide rates; the committee advanced the bill to the Rules Committee by unanimous consent.
Senator Elvie Gray Jackson reintroduced Senate Bill 41 on April 1, saying the measure would establish mental health education within Alaska’s K–12 curriculum and require age-appropriate instruction developed in collaboration with experts and relevant agencies. “This bill responds to Alaska’s significantly high youth suicide rates by promoting early awareness and support while maintaining parental notification and transparency requirements,” Jackson said.
The sponsor said the bill seeks to equip students with tools to support their well-being and long-term success. Committee materials show the legislation was first heard March 10 and that fiscal notes and public testimony were taken at that time; no amendments had been submitted prior to this session.
Chair Senator Hoffman asked whether members had questions; none were raised. Senator Stedman moved to report SB41 (version N) from the Finance Committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. With no objection, the committee advanced the bill to the Rules Committee by unanimous consent.
The bill will proceed to its next committee referral for further consideration; no roll-call vote was recorded in committee.
