Committee backs bill adding ‘You Are Not Alone’ and 988 crisis number to student IDs

Representative Herring presented HB1045 (LC492726S), the "988 You Are Not Alone Awareness" act, which would add the 988 crisis hotline and the phrase "You are not alone" to student ID badges (or allow a sticker) as a resource for students in crisis.

Herring described 2023 state statistics showing nearly 250 Georgians under 24 died by suicide and said youth mental health and overdose are drivers of the measure. “This is not a mandate. It is a resource to help our students and parents navigate an immediate crisis and provide support that they need most in their time of need,” Representative Herring said. He noted he had solicited and received a letter of support from the Georgia School Superintendent Association and that the provision is intended to be low-cost and widely accessible.

Members asked practical questions about badge layout and language access for English learner students; Herring said the back of the student ID could carry the message and phone number and that schools could use stickers and translated materials where appropriate. Several members spoke in emotional support, describing local experiences with youth suicide and urging passage. A motion to pass the bill was offered, seconded and approved by the committee.

Next steps: HB1045 will be forwarded for further consideration in the legislative process.