88R13776 MM-D
By: Lalani H.B. No. 3631
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher
education provide certain information regarding mental health
services to entering students.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 51.9194, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 51.9194. REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR ENTERING STUDENTS
REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES. (a) In
this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) An institution of higher education [A general academic
teaching institution] shall provide to each entering [full-time]
undergraduate, graduate, or professional student, including each
[full-time] undergraduate, graduate, or professional student who
transfers to the institution, information about:
(1) available mental health and suicide prevention
services offered by the institution or by any associated
organizations or programs; and
(2) early warning signs that are often present in and
appropriate intervention for a person who may be considering
suicide.
(c) [(b)] The information required under this section:
(1) may be provided through:
(A) a live presentation; or
(B) a format that allows for student interaction,
such as an online program or video; [and]
(2) may not be provided in a paper format only; and
(3) must include a campus map identifying any location
at which mental health services are provided to students on campus.
(d) If an institution of higher education provides an
on-campus orientation for entering students, the orientation must
include a tour of any location described by Subsection (c)(3).
SECTION 2. Section 51.9194, Education Code, as amended by
this Act, applies beginning with entering students at public
institutions of higher education for the 2023 fall semester.
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.