88R6738 JTZ-F
By: Kolkhorst S.B. No. 1547
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment
under the public school finance system.
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;
(C) providing stipends to employees who are
authorized under the written regulations or written authorization
of the district to carry a firearm on the physical premises of the
district in accordance with Section 46.03(a)(1)(A), Penal Code; and
(D) reimbursing expenses incurred by retired
peace officers or honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces
of the United States in providing security services as a volunteer
at the district;
(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:
(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. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.