Texas House Bill HB4079

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a mental health professional to school law enforcement official ratio for public schools and the use of the school safety allotment to employ mental health professionals.

Impact

The enactment of HB 4079 is expected to influence existing statutes concerning the provision of mental health services within educational settings. By mandating specific ratios, this bill aims to integrate mental health support directly into the school safety framework, fostering environments where students can feel both physically secure and mentally supported. The implications are significant, as it aligns with broader initiatives aimed at enhancing student mental health services and recognizing the importance of mental well-being as part of comprehensive school safety strategies.

Summary

House Bill 4079 proposes to establish a required ratio of mental health professionals to school law enforcement officials in public schools in Texas. The intention of the bill is to ensure that schools not only have adequate security measures in place but also prioritize the mental health and well-being of students. Under this legislation, school districts with different enrollments would maintain specific ratios ranging from four mental health professionals for every school law enforcement official in larger districts to two in smaller ones, promoting a balanced approach to student safety and mental health support. The bill amends the Education Code, particularly establishing Section 37.0818 which defines the terms associated with mental health professionals and school law enforcement officials. The legislation also outlines the obligations for school districts that wish to apply for waivers of the required ratios, detailing the documentation needed to substantiate their requests. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that these ratios should not compromise the quality of mental health services provided, ensuring that schools can adequately respond to the growing mental health needs among students. In terms of funding, the bill specifies that the school safety allotment can be used to hire mental health professionals, integrate safety technologies, and finance security improvements in schools. The funding provisions aim to assist schools in creating a safer environment while also addressing mental health needs directly, thus promoting a comprehensive approach to school safety. Opposition to the bill may arise from concerns over the feasibility of maintaining the mandated ratios, especially in districts that are already struggling with budget constraints. Critics may argue that without sufficient funding and resources, some schools might not be able to comply with the set ratios, potentially undermining the bill's objectives. Nonetheless, supporters advocate that prioritizing mental health professionals in schools will significantly impact students' overall safety and well-being.