86R12649 GCB-D
By: Talarico H.B. No. 2994
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to mental health training for public school educators.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 21.462, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 21.462. RESOURCES REGARDING STUDENTS WITH MENTAL
HEALTH NEEDS. (a) The commissioner shall develop training
materials and other educator training resources for a school
district to use in assisting educators in developing:
(1) expertise in working with students with mental
health needs; and
(2) comprehension of the instructional approaches
that, through scientific testing, have been proven effective in
addressing mental health needs.
(b) To the extent practicable, the training materials and
other educator training resources developed under Subsection (a)
[The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services
Commission, shall establish and maintain an Internet website to
provide resources for school district or open-enrollment charter
school employees regarding working with students with mental health
conditions. The agency] must include [on the Internet website]
information about:
(1) grief-informed and trauma-informed practices;
(2) building skills related to managing emotions,
establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
responsible decision-making;
(3) positive behavior interventions and supports; and
(4) a safe and supportive school climate.
(c) The commissioner shall consult with classroom teachers
and mental health professionals in developing the training
materials and other educator training resources under Subsection
(a).
(d) The commissioner shall make the training materials and
other educator training resources developed under Subsection (a)
available to educators through distance learning, mentoring
programs, small group inquiries, computer-assisted training,
trainer-of-trainer models, and other mechanisms.
(e) The commissioner shall use funds appropriated for the
purpose to administer this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.