Georgia House unanimously approves 'You Are Not Alone' 988 badge requirement for students

The House on Tuesday passed HB 10‑45, the "You Are Not Alone Awareness Act," which requires public schools that issue student ID badges for grades 6–12 to include the 988 suicide‑prevention hotline and the phrase "You Are Not Alone." Representative Tangie Herring, a former classroom teacher, told the chamber she had seen warning signs in students and described the policy as a low‑cost, stigma‑reducing way to connect youth with help.

Supporters said the change requires no new bureaucracy or curriculum and leverages existing badges or lunch cards to display the hotline. Members asked implementation questions — including whether most Georgia schools already issue badges — and Herring said the majority do and local school systems can decide sticker placement or printing method. The bill passed unanimously (yeas 168, nays 0) and will move on for further consideration.