Modifies provisions governing mental health efforts in public schools

HB 244 requires Missouri public school districts to adopt suicide prevention policies by July 1, 2018, covering strategies to identify at-risk students, support them, and respond to suicide deaths. Starting in the 2023-24 school year, all teachers and licensed educators must complete two hours of annual suicide prevention training, which counts toward required professional development hours. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, this training must include specific suicide risk assessment protocols and a virtual tool to help students access mental health support.