Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4083

Caption

Relating to the assignment of certain behavioral health professionals to a public school campus.

Impact

The impact of HB 4083 on state laws primarily revolves around the Education Code, specifically the addition of Section 33.911, which outlines the responsibilities and requirements for the assignment of behavioral health professionals. This amendment emphasizes the importance of mental health counseling in the educational environment and aims to standardize the levels of mental health service provided across school districts, potentially improving the overall wellbeing of students and supporting their academic success.

Summary

House Bill 4083 seeks to enhance the availability of behavioral health professionals in Texas public schools. The bill mandates that school districts with an average daily attendance of 400 or more must assign one behavioral health professional for every 400 students. This requirement is aimed at addressing the mental health needs of students and ensuring they have access to necessary counseling services. The professionals designated under this bill can include licensed specialists in school psychology, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and certified school counselors.

Execution

Beginning in 2027, HB 4083 stipulates that behavioral health professionals may serve multiple campuses within a school district, with a specified ratio of students to professionals that must not exceed 520 to 1. This gradual approach allows for flexibility in resource allocation while still emphasizing the need for adequate support staff to meet students' mental health needs effectively. The implementation of these measures is expected to start as soon as practicable after the bill's passage.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 4083 could include the interpretation of necessary parental consent for consultations between behavioral health professionals and students. The bill outlines specific circumstances under which a professional may consult with a student without parental permission, such as in cases where the student's safety is at risk. This provision may provoke debate regarding parental rights and the extent to which schools should be involved in students' mental health matters, particularly with respect to confidentiality and parental involvement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1005

Relating to the assignment of public school students enrolled in certain school districts to an uncertified teacher.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB3898

Relating to establishing a pilot program to provide a life skills advisor and establish a life skills circle to assess certain student behavior at public high school campuses in certain counties.

TX HB2891

Relating to the use of glucagon medication on certain public and private school campuses.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX HB4016

Relating to healthy relationships education in public schools.

TX HB98

Relating to the administration, provision, and Medicaid reimbursement of mental health or behavioral health services provided to certain public school students.

Similar Bills

DE HCR58

Commending Dana Carey Representing The Lake Forest School District For Being Selected As Delaware's Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year For 2023 And Commending Each School District And Charter Network's Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year.

DE HCR145

This Concurrent Resolution Commends The 2024 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year, Shannon Gronau, And All Of The District/charter Network Behavioral Health Professionals Of The Year.

CA SB1238

Health facilities.

DE HCR65

This Concurrent Resolution Commends Jaclyn Durant, The 2025 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional Of The Year, And All The District/charter Network Behavioral Health Professionals Of The Year.

CA SB805

Health care coverage: pervasive developmental disorders or autism.

CA AB416

Involuntary commitment.

NJ S2581

Establishes initiatives related to behavioral health care, including increasing reimbursement rates, providing cost-of-living adjustments, establishing grant programs for facility upkeep and provider training, and relaxing clinical supervision requirements.