Gov signs bill for sexual assault prevention in schools

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Gov. Bill Walker has signed into law legislation requiring school districts to develop programs aimed at raising awareness of and preventing sexual assault

and dating violence.

The bill also calls for suicide awareness and prevention training for teachers, counselors and administrators.

Walker signed the measure Thursday.

A rewrite of the bill by

the Senate Education Committee included elements from other education bills and would have made prevention programs voluntary. But it was overhauled before being passed by lawmakers on the final day of the second special session.

Parents will be able to request that their children not participate in the sexual assault awareness and dating violence programs.

The bill also calls for

creation of a task force to

provide by June 30 recommendations for age-appropriate

curricula and teacher training materials.