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2012 SESSION

12102945D
HOUSE BILL NO. 853
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 11, 2012
A BILL to amend and reenact § 23-9.2:8 of the Code of Virginia, relating to policies addressing suicidal students; two-year institutions of higher education.
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Patrons-- Yost and Brink
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Referred to Committee on Education
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 23-9.2:8 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 23-9.2:8. Policies addressing suicidal students.

The governing boards of each four-year public institution of higher education shall develop and implement policies that advise students, faculty, and staff, including residence hall staff, of the proper procedures for identifying and addressing the needs of students exhibiting suicidal tendencies or behavior. The policies shall ensure that no student is penalized or expelled solely for attempting to commit suicide, or seeking mental health treatment for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Nothing in this section shall preclude any public institution of higher education from establishing policies and procedures for appropriately dealing with students who are a danger to themselves, or to others, and whose behavior is disruptive to the academic community. Two-year public institutions of higher education shall develop and implement the policies required by this section as resources become available for such purpose.