S.B. No. 1624
AN ACT
relating to a requirement that certain entering students at a
general academic teaching institution receive information
regarding mental health and suicide prevention services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.9194 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.9194. REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR ENTERING STUDENTS
REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES. (a) A
general academic teaching institution shall provide to each
entering full-time undergraduate, graduate, or professional
student, including each full-time undergraduate, graduate, or
professional student who transfers to the institution, information
about:
(1) available mental health and suicide prevention
services offered by the institution or by any associated
organizations or programs; and
(2) early warning signs that are often present in and
appropriate intervention for a person who may be considering
suicide.
(b) The information required under this section:
(1) may be provided through:
(A) a live presentation; or
(B) a format that allows for student interaction,
such as an online program or video; and
(2) may not be provided in a paper format only.
SECTION 2. Section 51.9194, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies to full-time entering students who are admitted
to an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at a
general academic teaching institution beginning with the 2016 fall
semester.
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, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1624 passed the Senate on
May 13, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10; and that
the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 30, 2015, by the
following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1624 passed the House, with
amendment, on May 27, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 129,
Nays 15, two present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor