By: Bernal H.B. No. 316
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to social work services in public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.905 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.905. SOCIAL WORK SERVICES. (a) In this section,
"social work services" means services specialized to assist
students and families and designed to alleviate barriers to
learning, connect the home, the community, and the school, advocate
for the best interest and academic success of students, strengthen
relationships, and assist with basic and psychosocial needs.
(b) A social worker may provide social work services to
students and families in a school or district.
(c) A social worker shall collaborate with school
administrators and other school professionals in order to enhance
students' learning environments.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024
school year.
SECTION 3. 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, 2023.