Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1640

Caption

Relating to establishing a pilot program to employ a life skills counselor at public high school campuses in certain counties.

Impact

The implementation of the life skills counselor pilot program is expected to improve the mental health landscape within public high schools in the identified counties. School districts will be required to hire counselors who are specifically trained to work with students facing emotional challenges. These counselors will collaborate with school administrators, social workers, and local law enforcement to create a comprehensive support network aimed at fostering a safer and more supportive school environment for students dealing with issues such as anxiety and other emotional distress.

Summary

House Bill 1640 aims to establish a pilot program to employ life skills counselors at public high school campuses situated in specific counties in Texas. This initiative is designed to address emotional and mental health concerns among students by providing them with professional support through dedicated counselors. The bill identifies eligible counties as those adjacent to other counties that border the Gulf of Mexico and the international border, thus narrowing the scope of the program to certain geographic regions with specific needs.

Contention

While the bill was met with unanimous support, the establishment of such programs has historically sparked debates regarding the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of additional personnel in addressing mental health needs in schools. Critics may express concerns about whether the state’s investment in this pilot program will sufficiently address the complex emotional issues students face and whether it might distract from other necessary educational resources.

Next_steps

The bill instructs the commissioner of education to implement the pilot program starting from the 2020-2021 school year and requires a review to assess its effectiveness by January 1, 2025. This review will provide insights that could shape future efforts to expand mental health services in schools statewide.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3898

Relating to establishing a pilot program to provide a life skills advisor and establish a life skills circle to assess certain student behavior at public high school campuses in certain counties.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB2937

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX SB907

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB155

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB79

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

TX HB3781

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

Similar Bills

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