89R15964 MM-F
By: Talarico H.B. No. 5306
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and
the creation of a mental and behavioral 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 in accordance with the
requirements of Section 37.351, including:
(A) improvements to school infrastructure;
(B) the use or installation of perimeter security
fencing conducive to a public school learning environment or
physical barriers, which may not include razor wire;
(C) exterior door and window safety and security
upgrades, including exterior door numbering and locking systems and
security film that provides resistance to a forced entry; and
(D) the purchase and maintenance of:
(i) security cameras and, if the district
has already installed security cameras, other security equipment,
including video surveillance as provided by Section 29.022; and
(ii) technology, including communications
systems or devices, such as silent panic alert devices, two-way
radios, or wireless Internet booster equipment, 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;
(3) school safety and security measures, 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, chaplains, and individuals trained in restorative
discipline and restorative justice practices;
[(ii) providing mental health personnel and
support, including chaplains;
[(iii) providing behavioral health
services, including services provided by chaplains;
[(iv) establishing] threat detection and
reporting systems; and
[(v) developing and implementing programs
focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant
instruction, and providing mental health support, including
support provided by chaplains;]
(4) [providing programs related to suicide
prevention, intervention, and postvention, including programs
provided by chaplains; and
[(5)] employing a school safety director and other
personnel to manage and monitor school safety initiatives and the
implementation of school safety requirements for the district.
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 to support mental
health services at the district in an amount of:
(1) $100,000 for a school district with 1,000 or fewer
students; or
(2) $100 for each enrolled student for a school
district with more than 1,000 students.
(b) 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;
(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; and
(3) must be allocated in coordination with school
counselors, social workers, and other individuals trained to
provide mental health support and behavioral health services.
(c) Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be
used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same
purpose.
(d) 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.
(e) 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, 2025.