Talarico Bill Gives Districts $100 Per Student For Mental Health

The text as introduced · 835 words

89R15964 MM-F

By: Talarico
H.B. No. 5306

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and

the creation of a mental and behavioral health allotment under the

Foundation School Program.

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

SECTION 1. Section 48.115(b), Education Code, is amended to

read as follows:

(b) Funds allocated under this section must be used to

improve school safety and security, including costs associated

with:

(1) securing school facilities in accordance with the

requirements of Section 37.351, including:

(A) improvements to school infrastructure;

(B) the use or installation of perimeter security

fencing conducive to a public school learning environment or

physical barriers, which may not include razor wire;

(C) exterior door and window safety and security

upgrades, including exterior door numbering and locking systems and

security film that provides resistance to a forced entry; and

(D) the purchase and maintenance of:

(i) security cameras and, if the district

has already installed security cameras, other security equipment,

including video surveillance as provided by Section 29.022; and

(ii) technology, including communications

systems or devices, such as silent panic alert devices, two-way

radios, or wireless Internet booster equipment, that facilitates

communication and information sharing between students, school

personnel, and first responders in an emergency;

(2) providing security for the district, including:

(A) employing school district peace officers,

private security officers, and school marshals; and

(B) collaborating with local law enforcement

agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for

the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the

district;

(3) school safety and security measures, including:

(A) active shooter and emergency response

training;

(B) prevention and treatment programs relating

to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and

(C) the prevention, identification, and

management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based,

effective prevention practices and including the establishment of

[ :

[ (i) providing licensed counselors, social

workers, chaplains, and individuals trained in restorative

discipline and restorative justice practices;

[ (ii) providing mental health personnel and

support, including chaplains;

[ (iii) providing behavioral health

services, including services provided by chaplains;

[ (iv) establishing ] threat detection and

reporting systems; and

[ (v) developing and implementing programs

focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant

instruction, and providing mental health support, including

support provided by chaplains; ]

(4) [ providing programs related to suicide

prevention, intervention, and postvention, including programs

provided by chaplains; and

[ (5) ] employing a school safety director and other

personnel to manage and monitor school safety initiatives and the

implementation of school safety requirements for the district.

SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:

Sec. 48.117. MENTAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a) A school

district is entitled to an annual allotment to support mental

health services at the district in an amount of:

(1) $100,000 for a school district with 1,000 or fewer

students; or

(2) $100 for each enrolled student for a school

district with more than 1,000 students.

(b) Funds allocated under this section:

(1) must be used to develop or enhance a comprehensive

school mental health system that, through the implementation of

programs, practices, and procedures in accordance with Section

38.351, provides a tiered array of supports and services in the

educational setting that contribute to:

(A) a positive school climate;

(B) the development of skills related to managing

emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and

responsible decision-making;

(C) the learning and well-being of students with

or at risk of mental health or substance use conditions;

(D) family and community engagement;

(E) reduced exclusionary discipline practices;

and

(F) staff wellness;

(2) may be used to pay for costs associated with:

(A) the salary of school personnel responsible

for planning, coordinating, delivering, or monitoring supports and

services described by Subdivision (1);

(B) training school personnel regarding

effective practices and district and campus procedures to support

student mental health;

(C) a contract-based collaborative effort or

partnership with one or more local community programs, agencies, or

providers; and

(D) developing and implementing programs focused

on restorative justice practices; and

(3) must be allocated in coordination with school

counselors, social workers, and other individuals trained to

provide mental health support and behavioral health services.

(c) Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be

used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same

purpose.

(d) Not later than June 1 of each year and in accordance with

commissioner rule, each school district shall submit to the

commissioner information regarding the outcomes and expenditures

related to funds allocated to the district under this section.

(e) Not later than September 1 of each year, the

commissioner shall publish a report regarding the use of funds

allocated under this section during the preceding school year,

including information regarding the programs, personnel, and

resources implemented, employed, or purchased by school districts

using the funds and other purposes for which the funds were used.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.