Texas House Bill HB985

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

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.