Relating to the assignment of certain behavioral health professionals and school counselors to a public school campus.
Impact
The enactment of HB 1434 is expected to significantly impact state education laws, particularly in terms of how public schools address mental health and counseling services. By mandating the presence of qualified behavioral health professionals, the bill aims to ensure that students in larger school environments have adequate support for both personal and educational challenges. This legislative action indicates a commitment to prioritizing student wellbeing and acknowledging the critical role mental health plays in educational success.
Summary
House Bill 1434 focuses on enhancing the availability of behavioral health professionals in public schools across Texas. It requires school districts with a minimum average daily attendance of 250 students to assign at least one full-time school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or certified school counselor to each qualifying campus. This initiative is underscored by the state providing additional funding to support these staffing requirements, aiming to improve students' access to mental health services and guidance in educational matters.
Contention
While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards improving mental health support in schools, there may be some contention regarding its implementation. Questions may arise related to funding allocation, the adequacy of mental health professionals available, and whether the requirements may place undue strain on smaller districts that struggle with resources. Furthermore, the bill highlights the importance of parental consent for student consultations, which could lead to discussions about the balance between student privacy, safety, and parental involvement in sensitive matters.
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.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
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.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.
Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.
Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.
Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.
Relating to counselors employed by school districts, including the use of consistent terminology in the Education Code to refer to school counselors and a license requirement for licensed professional counselors employed by school districts.
Relating to counselors employed by school districts, including the use of consistent terminology in the Education Code to refer to school counselors and a license requirement for licensed professional counselors employed by school districts.