85R12356 GCB-F
By: Lucio S.B. No. 1687
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a list of best practice-based programs and
research-based practices in certain areas for implementation in
public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 161.325(a), (a-1), (b), and (c), Health
and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) The department, in coordination with the Texas
Education Agency and regional education service centers, shall
provide and annually update a list of recommended best
practice-based programs and research-based practices in the areas
specified under Subsection (a-1) for implementation in public
elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the
general education setting. Each school district may select from
the list a program or programs appropriate for implementation in
the district.
(a-1) The list must include programs and practices in the
following areas:
(1) early mental health intervention;
(2) building skills related to managing emotions,
establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
responsible decision-making [mental health promotion and positive
youth development];
(3) substance abuse prevention;
(4) substance abuse intervention; [and]
(5) suicide prevention;
(6) trauma-informed practices;
(7) positive school climates; and
(8) positive behavior supports.
(b) The suicide prevention programs on the list must include
components that provide for training counselors, teachers, nurses,
administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement
officers and social workers who regularly interact with students,
to:
(1) recognize students at risk of committing suicide,
including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in
bullying;
(2) recognize students displaying early warning signs
and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse
intervention, which warning signs may include declining academic
performance, depression, anxiety, isolation, unexplained changes
in sleep or eating habits, and destructive behavior toward self and
others; and
(3) intervene effectively with students described by
Subdivision (1) or (2) by providing notice and referral to a parent
or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or
substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian.
(c) In developing the list of best practice-based programs
and research-based practices, the department and the Texas
Education Agency shall consider:
(1) any existing suicide prevention method developed
by a school district; and
(2) any Internet or online course or program developed
in this state or another state that is based on best practices
recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration or the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
SECTION 2. 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 and
research-based practices 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.
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, 2017.