Relating to mental health screening for public school students who may be a danger to self or others and to suspension or educational placement of those students; creating an offense.
Impact
The implications of HB 985 are significant for how mental health issues will be addressed in Texas public schools. Schools will have to adopt new protocols regarding student behavior assessments, suspension policies, and the involvement of mental health professionals. Educators will be required to report concerning behaviors, and the bill imposes a structured process by which mental health screenings can be incorporated into disciplinary actions. This aims to provide a more informed approach to managing student conduct and ensuring safety within educational environments.
Summary
House Bill 985, referred to as Alanna's Law, establishes provisions for mental health screening of public school students identified as potential threats to themselves or others. The bill mandates that local mental health authorities ensure mental health screenings are conducted at the request of a student's parent or guardian if the student is flagged under specific criteria. The screening must be performed by a qualified psychiatrist and is aimed at assessing whether the student poses a danger to themselves or others, ultimately influencing potential disciplinary actions within the school system.
Contention
Controversy around the bill primarily revolves around the balance between student safety and the potential for stigmatization of students undergoing mental health assessments. Critics may argue that the requirement for mental health screenings could unintentionally lead to discrimination against students based on their mental health status. There may also be concerns regarding the implications for students who are disciplined under this framework, particularly in cases where screenings are not timely or adequately addressed. Furthermore, the bill shifts responsibility onto parents and guardians to seek screenings, which could disproportionately affect families without easy access to mental health resources.
Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to a psychological assessment of homicidal risk of a public school student following the student's expulsion or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program for certain conduct.
Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.
Relating to placement of public school students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative in certain circumstances to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a school district.
Relating to the use of corporal punishment and to the reporting of certain information regarding the use of disciplinary measures or restraint by public schools.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a public school.