HB1045: HB1045 You Are Not Alone Awareness Act; enact

Georgia currently has no law requiring schools to promote the 9-8-8 crisis response hotline on student identification badges. House Bill 1045, called the 'You Are Not Alone Awareness Act,' would change that by adding a new section to Georgia's education code (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-779.5). Under the bill, any local school system or public school that issues ID badges to students in grades six through 12 would have to print a specific message on those badges: the 9-8-8 number along with text encouraging anyone in a suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or dealing with substance abuse to call or text the hotline, noting it is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The requirement applies only to badges issued on or after July 1, 2026, so schools would not need to reprint existing badges immediately.

• Creates a new Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-779.5) requiring certain student ID badges to carry a 9-8-8 crisis hotline message.
• Applies only to schools and school systems that already issue student ID badges to students in grades six through 12.
• Specifies the exact wording that must appear on the badges, including the 9-8-8 number and a message about suicidal crisis, emotional distress, and substance abuse challenges.
• Sets the requirement to apply to badges issued on or after July 1, 2026, rather than requiring immediate reissuance of existing badges.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with this new requirement.

The bill affects local school systems and public schools in Georgia that issue student identification badges, and students in grades six through 12 who receive those badges. It does not apply to schools that do not issue ID badges or to grades below sixth.

Students carrying ID badges in participating middle and high schools would see the 9-8-8 crisis hotline number and a supportive message every time they use their badge, which could make the resource more visible to students facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'You Are Not Alone Awareness Act.'
• Section 2 adds new Code section 20-2-779.5, requiring schools issuing student ID badges in grades six through 12 to print the 9-8-8 message on badges issued on or after July 1, 2026.
• The final section repeals any conflicting laws, a standard provision clearing away inconsistent existing statutes.

1. 2026-03-04Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-03-03House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (House)
3. 2026-03-03House Third Readers (House)
4. 2026-02-26House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
5. 2026-01-29House Second Readers (House)
6. 2026-01-28House First Readers (House)
7. 2026-01-27House Hopper (House)

• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)Primary sponsor
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Stacey Evans (D, HD-057)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 3, 2026

   168 yea, 0 nay (2 not voting, 7 absent)

   Passage: House Vote #594

• suicide prevention
• school safety
• student mental health
• 9-8-8 hotline
• public schools