88R6938 MM-F
By: Allison H.B. No. 2451
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and
the creation of a mental health allotment under the Foundation
School Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 48.115(b), Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
(b) Funds allocated under this section must be used to
improve school safety and security, including costs associated
with:
(1) securing school facilities, including:
(A) improvements to school infrastructure;
(B) the use or installation of physical barriers;
and
(C) the purchase and maintenance of:
(i) security cameras or other security
equipment; and
(ii) technology, including communications
systems or devices, that facilitates communication and information
sharing between students, school personnel, and first responders in
an emergency;
(2) providing security for the district, including:
(A) employing school district peace officers,
private security officers, and school marshals; and
(B) collaborating with local law enforcement
agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for
the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the
district; and
(3) school safety and security training and planning,
including:
(A) active shooter and emergency response
training;
(B) prevention and treatment programs relating
to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and
(C) the prevention, identification, and
management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based,
effective prevention practices and including the establishment of
[:
[(i) providing licensed counselors, social
workers, and individuals trained in restorative discipline and
restorative justice practices;
[(ii) providing mental health personnel and
support;
[(iii) providing behavioral health
services;
[(iv) establishing] threat reporting
systems[; and
[(v) developing and implementing programs
focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant
instruction, and providing mental health support; and
[(4) providing programs related to suicide
prevention, intervention, and postvention].
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:
Sec. 48.117. MENTAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a) A school
district is entitled to an annual allotment of $100,000 or a greater
amount provided by appropriation to support mental health services
at the district.
(b) In addition to the allotment under Subsection (a), a
school district that receives an allotment under Section 48.101 or
at which more than 50 percent of enrolled students are
educationally disadvantaged is entitled to an allotment for each
student enrolled in the district in an amount provided by
appropriation.
(c) Funds allocated under this section:
(1) must be used to develop or enhance a comprehensive
school mental health system that, through the implementation of
programs, practices, and procedures in accordance with Section
38.351, provides a tiered array of supports and services in the
educational setting that contribute to:
(A) a positive school climate;
(B) the development of skills related to managing
emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
responsible decision-making;
(C) the learning and well-being of students with
or at risk of mental health or substance use conditions;
(D) family and community engagement;
(E) reduced exclusionary discipline practices;
and
(F) staff wellness; and
(2) may be used to pay for costs associated with:
(A) the salary of school personnel responsible
for planning, coordinating, delivering, or monitoring supports and
services described by Subdivision (1);
(B) training school personnel regarding
effective practices and district and campus procedures to support
student mental health;
(C) a contract-based collaborative effort or
partnership with one or more local community programs, agencies, or
providers; and
(D) developing and implementing programs focused
on restorative justice practices.
(d) Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be
used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same
purpose.
(e) Not later than June 1 of each year and in accordance with
commissioner rule, each school district shall submit to the
commissioner information regarding the outcomes and expenditures
related to funds allocated to the district under this section.
(f) Not later than September 1 of each year, the
commissioner shall publish a report regarding the use of funds
allocated under this section during the preceding school year,
including information regarding the programs, personnel, and
resources implemented, employed, or purchased by school districts
using the funds and other purposes for which the funds were used.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.