Representatives Gayle Manning and Glenn Holmes Introduce Safety and Violence Education for Students Act (SAVE Students Act)

COLUMBUS— State Representatives Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Glenn Holmes (D-McDonald) today introduced the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act (SAVE Students Act).

This legislation will ensure all schools serving grades 6-12 are provided with a model threat assessment policy and threat assessment trainings. It will also require schools serving grades 6-12 to administer annual youth violence prevention trainings each year and to train teachers on suicide awareness and prevention. In addition, the legislation will establish an anonymous reporting program.

“This legislation is one step forward in addressing the mental health issues and social isolation among children,” stated Manning. “As a retired elementary school teacher, I am familiar with the unfortunate reality and the growing problem of social isolation and its effect on children’s mental health. I am excited to work with my joint sponsor and Sandy Hook Promise on a piece of legislation that works to better the lives of children and their mental health.”

“Too many of our students are suffering in silence,” said Holmes. “They deserve a quality educated on how to seek help for themselves or their peers. The SAVE Students Act is the first step in the right direction, and I’m proud to introduce it with my colleague Rep. Gayle Manning.”

The bill will now await its bill number and committee assignment.

State Representative Gayle Manning is currently serving her first term as state representative, after serving two four-year terms in the Ohio Senate where she was elected to the Leadership Team as Majority Whip. She represents the 55th Ohio House District, which encompasses a portion of Lorain County.