SENATE BILL NO. 80 "An Act relating to mental health education." 1:11:09 PM ELVI GRAY-JACKSON, SPONSOR, introduced the legislation. 1:13:43 PM KEITH BAUGUESS, STAFF, SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, discussed the Sectional Analysis (copy on file): Section 1: This section is amended by adding a new section to read LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the legislature that the Board of Education and Early Development develop guidelines for instruction in mental health in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Services, regional tribal health organizations, and representatives of national and state mental health organizations. Section 2: This section amends AS 14.30.360(a) by removing the word "physical" when referencing instruction for health education and adding "mental health" to the list of curriculum items each district includes in their health education programs. Section 3: This section amends AS 14.30.360(b) by clarifying that health guidelines developed by the Board of Education and Early Development must provide standards for instruction in mental health and be developed in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Services and representatives of national and state mental health organizations. Section 4: This section amends AS 14.30.360 by adding a new subsection to read: (e) A district may not instruct a student in mental health as part of a program in health education under (a) of this section without informed consent from the student's parent or guardian. The district shall inform the child's parent or guardian, in the native language of the parent or guardian, of the time, date, and content of the mental health instruction, that consent is voluntary, and that consent may be revoked at any time. Before instructing a student in mental health, the district shall obtain written consent from the parent or guardian indicating that the parent or guardian understands and agrees to the student's participation in the mental health instruction. Section 5: This section amends the uncodified law of the State of Alaska by adding a new section to read "the state Board of Education and Early Development shall develop the mental health guidelines required by AS 14.30.360(b), as amended by sec. 3 of this Act, within two years after the effective day of this Act. 1:16:52 PM A video was played for the committee that highlighted the  legislation.  1:21:10 PM Co-Chair Bishop OPENED invited testimony. 1:21:37 PM JASON LASSARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation. He pointed out that 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses begin at age 14. He stated that 75 percent of lifetime mental illnesses show up at age 24. He stressed the importance of discussing mental health and mental illness with teenagers. He pointed out that many teenagers use internet search engines to figure out their mental health issues. 1:26:18 PM Senator von Imhof remarked that the video suggested it was a mandate. Senator Grey Jackson replied that the current bill only encouraged mental health education in K-12 schools, and did not mandate mental health education. 1:27:13 PM JUSTIN PENDERGRASS, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation. He shared that he had a long history of struggling with mental health. He relayed his mental health history. He believed that building connection was a meaningful way to support people struggling with mental health. He felt that there was a lack of understanding and knowledge surrounding mental health and young people. He believed that the bill provided opportunity for mental health education for those who may currently lack the resources. He thought the current pandemic would have a ripple effect on young people. Senator von Imhof appreciated Mr. Pendergrass's testimony and the work he did in his community. 1:32:42 PM JOHON ATKINSON, SELF, METLAKATLA (via teleconference), testified in support of the bill. 1:37:40 PM KATHLEEN WENDEMEYER, CITIZEN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, SEATTLE (via teleconference), spoke in support of amending the legislation. 1:40:36 PM DESIREE ESULUK, SELF, TOKSOOK BAY (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. 1:41:57 PM LUCAS JOHNSON, ADVISOR, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS ANCHORAGE, MAINE (via teleconference), testified in support of the bill. 1:43:28 PM Co-Chair Bishop CLOSED public testimony. 1:43:41 PM Senator Gray-Jackson thanked the committee. Co-Chair Bishop discussed the following day's agenda. SB 80 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.