Rep. Norine Hammond - Hammond Bill to Boost Mental Health Awareness in Schools Goes into Effect

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) to provide easier access to mental health crisis resources in schools officially became law on January 1st.

House Bill 3000, which passed both chambers with bipartisan support, would require school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to include contact information for key mental health helplines on all employee ID badges. The resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline.

The measure builds on a 2021 law that required schools to share suicide prevention resources in student planners and IDs. Hammond’s bill expands that effort by ensuring that staff members also have immediate access to those contacts, both for themselves and for students in crisis.

“My legislation is an important step to increase awareness about the mental health resources available to students and school staff,” Rep. Hammond said. “Having this information on staff IDs makes it readily available in a time of crisis, for both teachers and students in need of immediate assistance.”

Attached is audio with Representative Hammond on the bill.