Sen. Lowe files bill in North Carolina Senate on student mental health training

A new bill filed by State Sen. Paul A. Lowe Jr. seeks to provide annual training on suicide, violence prevention, and social inclusion for North Carolina public school students and employees, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 642 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘SAVE Students Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates that public school students in North Carolina, from grades 6 through 12, receive evidence-based training on identifying warning signs of suicide, violence, and social isolation. The Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, will maintain a list of approved training programs, including at least one that is free for schools. Students will undergo two hours of training annually, focusing on suicide and violence prevention as well as social inclusion. Public school employees who interact significantly with students will also receive training. The bill allows for parental or guardian requests to excuse students from training. Schools must establish school-based mental health plans and allow the creation of student-led clubs focused on suicide prevention and student safety. This act is effective from the 2025-26 school year.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Bobby Hanig proposed the most bills (57) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lowe graduated from Bishop College in 1985 with a BA and again from Drew University School of Theology with a DMIN.

Lowe, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2015 to represent the state’s 32nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Earline Parmon.