West Bill Gives Every School District $100K For Mental Health

The text as introduced · 1,016 words

89R4087 AND-F

By: West
S.B. No. 649

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, Education Code, is amended by

amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (f) 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 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.

(f) Funds allocated under this section may not be used for

the provision of mental and behavioral health services.

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

amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:

Sec. 48.117. MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a)

In this section, "student at risk of dropping out of school" has the

meaning assigned by Section 29.081(d).

(b) A school district is entitled to an annual allotment for

the provision of mental and behavioral health services in the

district in an amount equal to:

(1) the sum of:

(A) $100,000; and

(B) $70 for each enrolled student at risk of

dropping out of school; or

(2) a greater amount provided by appropriation.

(c) Funds allocated under this section must be used to:

(1) provide mental and behavioral health services to

students at risk of dropping out of school; and

(2) develop or enhance a comprehensive school mental

and behavioral 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;

(F) the alleviation of mental or emotional

symptoms, illnesses, conditions, or disorders;

(G) the resolution of emotional, attitudinal, or

relational conflicts;

(H) the management of feelings, attitudes, or

behaviors that interfere with effective emotional, social, or

intellectual functioning;

(I) a continuum of care for improving school

performance; and

(J) staff wellness.

(d) Funds allocated under this section may be used to pay

for costs associated with:

(1) the salary of school personnel responsible for

planning, coordinating, delivering, or monitoring supports and

services described by Subsection (c), including:

(A) a registered nurse with a doctoral degree in

psychiatric nursing;

(B) a child psychiatrist;

(C) a licensed clinical social worker;

(D) a licensed master social worker under

clinical supervision;

(E) a licensed professional counselor;

(F) a licensed professional counselor associate

under the supervision of a Texas Behavioral Health Executive

Council-approved supervisor;

(G) a licensed marriage and family therapist; or

(H) a licensed marriage and family therapist

associate under clinical supervision;

(2) training school personnel regarding effective

practices and district and campus procedures to support student

mental and behavioral health;

(3) a contract-based collaborative effort or

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

providers; and

(4) telehealth services from mental and behavioral

health care providers, if sufficient in-person mental and

behavioral health care providers are not available.

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

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

purpose.

(f) In accordance with commissioner rule, each school

district shall annually submit through the Public Education

Information Management System (PEIMS) information regarding the

outcomes and expenditures related to funds allocated to the

district under this section.

(g) The commissioner shall annually 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.

(h) This section expires September 1, 2034.

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