Texas House Bill HB1713

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the employment of certain mental health professionals at a public school campus.

Impact

The introduction of HB1713 is significant as it aims to standardize the presence of mental health professionals across Texas public schools, intending to improve mental health support for students. By requiring larger districts to employ mental health professionals, the bill seeks to foster an environment where students can receive timely and necessary mental health services directly within their educational institutions. This is particularly crucial given the rising concerns regarding mental health challenges among students.

Summary

House Bill 1713 addresses the employment of mental health professionals within public school campuses in Texas. The bill mandates that school districts with an average daily attendance of 500 or more students must employ a mental health professional for every 500 students. For smaller districts, alternative provisions are made, allowing them to hire a part-time mental health professional or share services with other districts. The bill aims to enhance the availability of mental health resources in schools to better support student welfare.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1713 could include the concerns about funding for these positions and whether smaller schools can adequately provide the required mental health services without jeopardizing other educational resources. Critics might argue that the bill could impose financial burdens on smaller districts that already struggle with funding, potentially leading to a reliance on shared services that may not be sufficient for comprehensive mental health support. Additionally, the requirement for parental consent before providing services may be debated in terms of accessibility and potential delays in service provision.