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Proposed NJ Law Would Address Youth Suicide Statewide

TRENTON, NJ (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey lawmakers have given their approval to a measure that would help create a statewide plan to address youth suicide prevention efforts.

The bill, which now heads to Gov. Chris Christie's desk, calls on the state's Children and Families Department to develop the plan, aided by the Health and Senior Services Department and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

Officials would then use the plan to promote greater public awareness about youth suicide prevention services and resources. They also would seek to eliminate problems that hamper access to mental health and substance abuse services.

Teen and youth suicides have been a major topic of discussion in New Jersey since the 2010 death of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi. Clementi jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge days after his roommate allegedly used a webcam to spy on his intimate encounter with another man.

The state Senate approved the bill by a 36-0 voter earlier this month. The Assembly gave its approval in May.

It's not known when or if Christie will act on the measure.

What do you think lawmakers can do to help prevent teen suicides? Let us know in our comments section below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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