87R11968 ANG-F
By: Lucio S.B. No. 1598
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regional inventory of mental health resources for
public schools and the statewide plan for student mental health.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 38.252(a) and (b), Education Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) Each regional education service center shall use the
rubric developed under Section 38.251 to identify resources related
to student mental health available to schools in the center's
region, including trainings and evidence-based and promising
programs and best practices, that:
(1) create school environments that support the
social, emotional, and academic development of students, including
through the use of trauma-informed practices;
(2) identify students who may need additional
behavioral or mental health support before issues arise;
(3) provide early, effective interventions to
students in need of additional support;
(4) connect students and their families to specialized
services in the school or community when needed; and
(5) assist schools in aligning resources necessary to
address the mental health of students.
(b) In identifying resources under Subsection (a), a [A]
regional education service center shall consult with a
non-physician mental health professional described by Section
8.153 and may consult with any entity the center considers
necessary [in identifying resources under Subsection (a)],
including:
(1) school districts;
(2) local mental health authorities;
(3) community mental health services providers;
(4) education groups;
(5) hospitals; and
(6) institutions of higher education.
SECTION 2. Section 38.254, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-1) and amending Subsection (d) to read as
follows:
(b-1) In developing the agency's goals under Subsection
(a)(4) or the agency's recommendations under Subsection (a)(6) for
a year before 2026, the agency shall consult with the Collaborative
Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services established
under Section 38.302 in addition to the persons the agency is
required to consult with under Subsection (b). This subsection
expires December 1, 2025.
(d) As soon as practicable after completing or revising the
plan, the agency shall:
(1) submit an electronic copy of the plan to:
(A) the legislature; and
(B) the statewide behavioral health coordinating
council established under Subchapter M-1, Chapter 531, Government
Code;
(2) post the plan on the agency's Internet website; and
(3) hold public meetings in each regional education
service center's region to present the statewide plan and shall
provide an opportunity for public comment at each meeting.
SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
school year.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.