Texas Senate Bill SB920

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to data collection by and consultation with the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services regarding the task force's duties and requiring the Texas Education Agency to report on mental health services provided to public school students.

Impact

If enacted, SB920 would impact state laws related to educational policies by creating a systematic approach to monitor and report on mental health services in public schools. This includes specific tasks for the TEA, such as regularly publishing a report detailing the mental health resources available to students, disaggregating data by relevant demographics. This structured data collection is intended to inform policy decisions and funding allocations, ultimately aiming to improve the mental health support systems in educational settings across Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 920 focuses on enhancing mental health services within Texas public schools by establishing a framework for data collection and reporting. The bill mandates the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to collaborate with the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services. This collaboration aims to assess the mental health services provided to students and ensure that relevant data is collected and maintained in a secure electronic database. The task force is given the authority to consult with various education and mental health stakeholders to gather necessary information and assist in evaluating the effectiveness of mental health services in schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB920 include concerns about privacy and data security, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive student information. The bill contains provisions to ensure that personally identifiable information remains confidential, addressing potential worries from parents and guardians. Additionally, advocates for mental health initiatives may push for comprehensive approaches in how the task force evaluates and recommends mental health services, emphasizing the need for effective service delivery and resource allocation tailored to the diverse needs of students.