New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1127

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

"Madison Holleran Proper Reporting Act"; requires institutions of higher education to post information on student suicides and attempted suicides on website.

Impact

The legislation is positioned to address a pressing public health issue, as highlighted by recent studies indicating that suicide is the third-leading cause of death among New Jersey youth between the ages of 10 and 24. By mandating the annual reporting of this sensitive data, the bill is expected to raise awareness about mental health issues within academic settings and prompt educational institutions to consider how they can support their students better. This transparency may also encourage the implementation of preventative measures that could reduce the prevalence of such tragic events in the future.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1127, also known as the 'Madison Holleran Proper Reporting Act,' aims to enhance transparency regarding student suicides and suicide attempts at institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill requires these institutions to publicly post information concerning the total number of students who commit suicide or attempt suicide in the prior academic year on their websites. This information must be updated annually, starting from the 2019-2020 academic year, thereby ensuring that data is consistently available and up-to-date for public inspection.

Contention

Despite its noble intentions, A1127 could face controversy regarding the ethical implications of posting such sensitive information. Critics may raise concerns about the potential for exacerbating stigma surrounding mental health issues and the possibility of negatively impacting the reputation of institutions based on the publicized statistics. Additionally, questions regarding privacy and the handling of sensitive information could also create contention among stakeholders, including universities, students, and mental health advocates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2636

"Madison Holleran Proper Reporting Act"; requires institutions of higher education to post information on student suicides and attempted suicides on website.

NJ S2337

Requires reporting of certain attempted and completed suicides by minors.

NJ A2653

Requires reporting of first responder suicides to DOH.

NJ A3787

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for suicidal ideation and attempted suicide for postpartum women.

NJ S3286

"College Mental Health Services Act"; establishes grant program for public institutions of higher education and requires public institutions of higher education to report certain information concerning mental health treatment and suicides.

NJ A2349

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ S1458

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ HB392

Provides relative to requirements for posting suicide hotline information on school websites and student ID cards

NJ A4421

Requires public institution of higher education to annually submit capital projects report to Secretary of Higher Education; requires secretary to post reports on website.

NJ A2123

Requires public institution of higher education to provide students with information on food assistance programs.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.