Texas House Bill HB2095

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability of certain behavioral health professionals at certain public schools.

Impact

The implications of HB 2095 are significant as it seeks to integrate behavioral health professionals directly into the school setting, thereby allowing for timely intervention and support for students facing mental health challenges. By requiring school districts to either assign a behavioral health professional to each campus or contract these services, the bill aims to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of students. Additionally, this could potentially reduce barriers to accessing mental health services for students and their families.

Summary

House Bill 2095 aims to enhance the availability of behavioral health professionals in public schools. The bill mandates that school districts receiving additional state aid assign a behavioral health professional, which may include a licensed specialist in school psychology, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or a certified school counselor, to each campus. This action is designed to address the pressing need for mental health support among students, ensuring that they have access to appropriate resources within their educational environment.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind HB 2095, concerns have been raised regarding the practicality of implementing such a mandate. Some legislators and educators worry about the funding and resources necessary to hire qualified behavioral health professionals and whether schools will be able to maintain compliance with the new requirements. Furthermore, there are discussions about the need for training existing staff to work alongside these professionals effectively, highlighting a potential gap in the state's readiness to support this initiative comprehensively.