bill requiring grief instruction in grades 8 through 12

The text as introduced · 221 words

89R12435 KRM-D

By: McQueeney
H.B. No. 4871

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to grief instruction in public schools.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 28.019 to read as follows:

Sec. 28.019. INSTRUCTION ON GRIEF. (a) The State Board of

Education by rule shall require each school district to require

students enrolled in grades 8 through 12 to complete instruction on

grief under the district's health curriculum offered under Section

28.002(a)(2)(B).

(b) The State Board of Education shall adopt essential

knowledge and skills for the instruction on grief that include

grade-level appropriate instruction relating to:

(1) the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms

of grief;

(2) coping mechanisms and techniques to process grief

and loss; and

(3) resources available to students, including school

support resources, mental health crisis support, and individual and

group therapy.

SECTION 2. Section 28.019, Education Code, as added by this

Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.