Governor Bentley Holds Ceremonial Bill Signing for Jason Flatt Act

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley ceremonially signs SB 11, the Jason Flatt Act, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen and Rep. Steve Clouse, in his state Capitol office in Montgomery, Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The bill provides for suicide prevention educational training programs for K-12 students. Pictured from left, Michelle Ray, Clark Flatt, Rep. Steve Clouse, Robin Sparks, Sen. Gerald Allen (Governor's Office, Jamie Martin)
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley ceremonially signs SB 11, the Jason Flatt Act, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen and Rep. Steve Clouse, in his state Capitol office in Montgomery, Tuesday, June 28, 2016. The bill provides for suicide prevention educational training programs for K-12 students. Pictured from left, Michelle Ray, Clark Flatt, Rep. Steve Clouse, Robin Sparks, Sen. Gerald Allen (Governor's Office, Jamie Martin)

By: Jake Jacobs, Aide-de-camp and Public Affairs Specialist

MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday joined legislators and stake holders for a ceremonial bill signing at the State Capitol in Montgomery. During the ceremony, the Governor signed the Jason Flatt Act which became law on May 10 of this year. The Jason Flatt Act requires mandatory annual training for K-12 educators on suicide awareness and prevention.

The Jason Flatt Act had widespread support including backing by University of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban. Alabama was one of three states to pass the Jason Flatt Act in 2016. To date, 19 states have passed a version of this act.

“I am proud to sign this bill which will give teachers the ability to identify students who may be at risk of suicidal or self-harming behavior,” Governor Bentley said. “It is so important that we deal with this issue head on and not ostracize individuals who may be experiencing problems either at home or at school. This is a mental health issue that unfortunately has been a problem across the nation, but we are doing everything we can to combat this problem in Alabama.”

The Jason Flat Act, introduced as SB 11 during the 2016 legislative session, was sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen of Alabama Senate District 21. Upon its successful passage, it was signed into law by Governor Bentley.

“It was an honor for me to sponsor the Jason Flatt Act which passed during the 2016 Regular Legislative Session. Suicide among our young people is a growing epidemic. That is why this legislation is so important,” Senator Allen said. “It gives teachers the training, information and tools they need to help them spot students that may be troubled.  With this information, they can respond within their schools protocol to get help.”

Alabama’s Jason Flatt Act can be found here.

Photo Gallery:

06-28-16 SB11-Jason Flatt Act

Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov