Saving Students with Software Act

This bill would require the U.S. Department of Education to set up a grant program to help pay for suicide prevention software in elementary, middle, and high schools. The software would be installed on school-issued devices and can alert school staff if a student types words or phrases related to self-harm or suicide.

Key points:

• Who is affected: States, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and federally recognized Tribes can apply; the funding is for public elementary and secondary schools and their students.
• What changes: Grants help cover the cost of software that flags self-harm or suicide-related language on school devices and alerts school personnel.
• When: The Education Department must launch the program within 180 days after the law takes effect. States apply in the form and timeline the Department sets.