Texas Senate Bill SB1563

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to identification and development of mental health resources for students.

Impact

This legislation introduces significant amendments to Chapter 38 of the Education Code, aimed at improving access to mental health resources. By requiring periodic revisions of the rubric and inventories of available resources, the bill ensures that educational institutions can connect students and their families effectively with specialized mental health services. Moreover, it highlights the importance of early interventions and the creation of supportive school environments that encourage social, emotional, and academic development.

Summary

SB1563 aims to enhance mental health resources for students by mandating the creation of a structured rubric for regional education service centers to identify mental health resources available for schools. The bill emphasizes collaboration between various state agencies, including the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission, to ensure comprehensive support for student mental health. Each agency involved will play a crucial role in providing training, technical assistance, and access to available resources for effective intervention services.

Contention

Key discussions surrounding SB1563 may revolve around the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of the proposed strategies in addressing the diverse needs of students in mental health contexts. Stakeholders may express varying opinions on the best methods to implement these changes and ensure optimal utilization of resources. The requirement for ongoing collaboration among several state agencies suggests a level of complexity in execution, which may lead to debates regarding operational efficiencies and accountability measures.