Child Suicide Prevention Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8070
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-16T08:06:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Child Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 8070)
Purpose
The legislation aims to reduce suicide rates among individuals under 26 years old (called "covered individuals") by funding evidence-based training and programs in health care settings. It emphasizes preventing access to lethal means, such as safe firearm storage, and integrates suicide prevention into medical education.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program for Health Care Settings (Sec. 2):
- Awards grants starting 1 year after enactment to states, health departments, hospitals, nonprofits, professional organizations, or colleges to train health care providers.
- Training covers screening for suicide risk, counseling on safe firearm storage, risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, trauma, mental health diagnoses, LGBTQ+ identity, prior attempts), disparities by race/ethnicity/age/gender, state/federal gun laws, and referrals to crisis services.
- Up to 15% of funds can provide free or low-cost secure gun storage devices (e.g., locks or safes, as defined in federal law) to homes with covered individuals, with required counseling.
- HHS provides technical assistance; grantees report annually through FY 2029; HHS reports to Congress by end of FY 2029.
- Authorizes $20 million for FY 2027–2030.
- Grant Program for Medical Education (Sec. 3):
- Awards grants starting 1 year after enactment to accredited medical/nursing schools, physician assistant programs, mental health programs, residencies, or other health education schools.
- Funds development of curricula on lethal means safety (e.g., firearm storage laws), culturally appropriate counseling, screening tools, risk factors, and post-suicide support.
- Partnerships allowed with health departments, nonprofits, etc.; HHS provides technical assistance.
- Annual grantee reports through FY 2029 (made public); HHS reports to Congress by end of FY 2029.
- Authorizes $10 million for FY 2027–2030.
- Informational Website (Sec. 4):
- HHS must create and maintain a website within 1 year, updated with grant reports, sharing best practices on suicide prevention and firearms for covered individuals, families, providers, and schools.
- Developed in consultation with health providers, nonprofits, gun dealers/instructors, VA, tribes, etc.
- Definitions (Sec. 5):
- Covered individuals: Under 26 years old.
- Covered risk factors: Includes substance use, abuse history, mental health diagnoses, LGBTQ+ status, high-risk racial/ethnic groups, prior attempts, family issues, bullying.
- Other terms: Standard definitions for institutions, states (includes tribes), secure gun devices.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces new grant programs and a public website not previously authorized.
- No direct amendments to existing laws; builds on evidence-based practices without altering gun regulations or liability.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS gains responsibilities for grants, assistance, reports, and website (estimated $30 million total funding).
- Citizens: Improved suicide screening, training, and access to gun safety devices/counseling for youth under 26 and families, potentially lowering suicide rates.
- Health Care and Education: Providers and schools receive funding/tools for better prevention, focusing on high-risk groups.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Youth under 26 and families/guardians (primary beneficiaries).
- Health care providers, hospitals, and medical/nursing schools.
- States, local/tribal health departments, nonprofits.
- Professional organizations, gun dealers/instructors (consulted for website).
- HHS and Congress (oversight/reporting).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Supports public health without restricting Second Amendment rights; focuses on voluntary education, counseling, and safety devices.
- Promotes equity by addressing disparities in suicide risks (e.g., by race, LGBTQ+ status).
- Potential for political debate on firearms in mental health policy, but remains neutral and evidence-focused.
- Requires culturally appropriate, validated tools; no mandates on individuals/providers.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Child Suicide Prevention Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (13 pages)