bill letting school safety money fund restorative justice programs

The text as introduced · 441 words

90R1049 AMF-F

By: Bucy
H.B. No. 455

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment

under the Foundation School Program.

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

SECTION 1. Section 48.160(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) interior and exterior door and window safety

and security upgrades, including:

(i) exterior door numbering;

(ii) primary and secondary locking systems;

and

(iii) 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:

(i) providing licensed counselors, social

workers, behavioral interventionists, chaplains, and individuals

trained in restorative discipline and justice or other discipline

management 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) providing professional development for

educators that includes training in classroom behavioral

management; and

(vi) 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. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.