House Bill 1045 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)
By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Rice of the 139th, Hugley of the 141st, Olaleye of
the 59th, Ballard of the 147th, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to student health in elementary and secondary education, so as to enact
the "You Are Not Alone Awareness Act"; to require public schools that issue student
identification badges to include certain information about the 9-8-8 crisis response hotline
on such badges; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "You Are Not Alone Awareness Act."
SECTION 2.
Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
relating to student health in elementary and secondary education, is amended by enacting a
new Code section to read as follows:
<ins>"20-2-779.5.
Each local school system or public school that issues student identification badges to
students in any of grades six through 12 shall cause to be printed on any such badges that
are issued on or after July 1, 2026, '9-8-8 - You are not alone. Right now, anyone
experiencing a suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or challenges with substance abuse should
call or text 9-8-8. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a
year.'"
</ins> SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.