By: Meza H.B. No. 4480
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the use of art therapy in public schools and
on art therapy in higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Art therapy" means a form of therapy based on
engagement in artistic activities, including visual and performing
arts, as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication
and used as a remedial or diagnostic activity.
(2) "Mental health professional" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.601, Education Code.
SECTION 2. STUDY ON ART THERAPY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. (a) The
commissioner of education shall establish a task force to study the
utility, efficacy, and feasibility of providing art therapy to
improve the mental health of public school students in this state.
(b) The commissioner of education shall appoint members of
the task force. The task force must include at least:
(1) one mental health professional;
(2) one public school administrator or educator; and
(3) one parent of or person standing in parental
relation to a public school student in this state.
(c) The task force shall prepare a written report that
includes:
(1) a description of the activities of the task force;
(2) an analysis of the impact of art therapy on the
mental health of school-aged children; including students with
disabilities.
(3) recommendations for legislative or other action;
and
(4) any other matters the task force considers
appropriate.
(d) Not later than December 1, 2020, the task force shall
submit the written report to the governor, lieutenant governor,
legislature, and commissioner of education.
SECTION 3. STUDY ON ART THERAPY IN HIGHER EDUCATION. (a)
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall conduct a study
on the feasibility of institutions of higher education in this
state offering accredited higher education art therapy programs.
The coordinating board shall prepare a written report that:
(1) indicates whether any interest in higher education
art therapy programs exists;
(2) identifies the challenges an institution of higher
education may face in achieving accreditation for those programs;
(3) includes recommendations for legislative or other
action; and
(4) includes any other matter the coordinating board
considers appropriate.
(b) Not later than December 1, 2020, the coordinating board
shall submit the written report to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and legislature.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2021.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2019.