By: Campbell, Zaffirini S.B. No. 674
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse,
and youth suicide in educator training programs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 21.044(c-1), Education Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(c-1) Any minimum academic qualifications for a certificate
specified under Subsection (a) that require a person to possess a
bachelor's degree must also require that the person receive, as
part of the training required to obtain that certificate,
instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse, and youth
suicide. The instruction required must:
(1) be provided through a program selected from the
list of recommended best practice-based programs established under
Section 161.325, Health and Safety Code; and
(2) include effective strategies for teaching and
intervening with students with mental or emotional disorders,
including de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral
interventions and supports [in detection of students with mental or
emotional disorders].
SECTION 2. Section 21.044(c-2), Education Code, is
repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.