83R301 VOO-F
By: Farrar H.B. No. 1698
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the responsibilities of public school social workers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.905 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.905. SOCIAL WORKERS. (a) The primary
responsibility of a school social worker is to provide social
services to students and families in a school or district that
promote and enhance the overall academic mission, alleviate
barriers to learning, and strengthen partnerships between
students' families, the community, and the school.
(b) In addition to a school social worker's responsibility
under Subsection (a), the social worker shall:
(1) assess and counsel students and families
individually, in groups, or during home visits to improve
communication between teachers, parents, and students and enable
improved academic performance;
(2) provide crisis prevention and intervention
services and staff consultation, as needed;
(3) develop strategies and conduct workshops for
parents, teachers, and students on disciplinary, safety,
instructional, and behavioral issues, including dropout and
suicide prevention and bullying;
(4) mobilize, coordinate, and expand community
resources to address academic, behavioral, emotional, and social
needs of students and families; and
(5) serve on committees, as needed.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.