bill creating a school mental health allotment

The text as introduced · 308 words

89R5963 MM-D

By: Plesa
H.B. No. 1728

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to creating a mental health allotment under the Foundation

School Program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:

Sec. 48.117. MENTAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a) For each student

in average daily attendance, a school district is entitled to an

annual allotment equal to the basic allotment multiplied by 0.008.

(b) At least 85 percent of the funds allocated under this

section must be used to establish and maintain appropriate mental

health supports for students in the district, including to pay

costs associated with:

(1) hiring and providing compensation for counselors,

social workers, and staff dedicated to student mental health;

(2) implementing screenings for adverse childhood

experiences and anxiety disorders for students who are eight years

of age, using tools selected by the agency based on guidance from

mental health professionals;

(3) selecting and implementing evidence-based

programs to provide a positive school climate and promote student

skills in dealing with bullying and conflicts, solving problems,

developing healthy peer relationships, and engaging in activities

to prevent suicide and substance use; and

(4) developing:

(A) early intervention services for students in

need of additional support, such as skill groups to deal with grief,

anger, anxiety, or sadness;

(B) treatment programs and services that address

the various mental health needs of students;

(C) student and family support and mental health

resources;

(D) a school culture in which teachers and other

student support staff are trained to recognize the early warning

signs of student mental health issues; and

(E) a mental health referral process to ensure

that all students have equal access to mental health services and

supports.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.