Rep. Tangie Herring’s Legislation Adding 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to Student ID Badges Signed into Law; Announces Appointment to House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on[...]

ATLANTA - State Representative Tangie Herring (D-Macon) applauds Governor Brian Kemp for signing Senate Bill 589 into law, incorporating her "You Are Not Alone Awareness Act" and requiring Georgia public schools to include the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID badges. Rep. Herring was also recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve on the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth.

"Too many young people are struggling in silence, and this law helps ensure that lifesaving support is always within reach," said Rep. Herring. "As a mom, I know how important it is that our children feel safe, supported and never alone-especially during their most difficult moments. By placing the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline directly on student ID badges, we are making it easier for students to access help when they need it most and ensuring they are aware that support is always available, and with the 'You Are Not Alone Awareness Act' now officially signed into law by the governor, Georgia is taking meaningful steps to support the mental health and well-being of our young people."

SB 589 requires Georgia public schools that issue student ID badges to students in grades six through 12 to print information about the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on those badges. The message must include that students can call or text 9-8-8 at any time for help with suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or substance abuse challenges. The requirement applies to ID badges issued on or after July 1, 2026.

The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth will evaluate the effects of online platforms on minors to strengthen safety protections, address mental health concerns and promote age-appropriate access to online content.

"This study committee gives us an opportunity to further examine how online platforms are impacting youth mental health, safety, self-esteem and emotional wellness," added Rep. Herring. "My goal is to continue building solutions that provide awareness, support and access to help for students and families across our state."

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton), State Representatives Rob Clifton (R-Evans), Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth), Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge), Beth Camp (R-Concord), Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), Anne Allen Westbrook (D-Savannah), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton) and Shawn Conroy, Consumer Protection Division, Georgia Attorney General's Office.

The full text of SB 589 may be found here.

More information about 2026 study committees may be found here.

Meeting notices, agendas and additional details for 2026 study committee meetings will be posted here.

Representative Tangie Herring represents the citizens of House District 145, which includes portions of Bibb and Monroe counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism and Urban Affairs committees.

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