Texas Senate Bill SB113

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to parental consent for certain activities engaged in by a school district employee or contractor with respect to the parent's child.

Impact

If enacted, SB113 would introduce significant changes to existing laws regarding student interactions with school personnel. Under the new regulations, any psychological evaluation or treatment a child undergoes in a school setting would require explicit consent from a parent, thereby strengthening parental authority. The bill is particularly aimed at safeguarding children from potentially unwanted psychological assessments disguised as educational tools. This could lead to a shift in how schools conduct psychological screenings and assessments, creating more transparency in educational processes.

Summary

SB113 is an act proposing amendments to the Education Code that mandates school district employees and contractors to obtain written informed consent from a child's parents prior to conducting psychological tests or treatments, as well as before making recordings of a child's voice or video. This bill aims to enhance parental rights in the educational settings, ensuring that parents are aware and give approval for certain activities involving their children, particularly those related to emotional and psychological matters.

Contention

There has been a notable division in the discourse surrounding this bill. Supporters argue that it empowers parents, allowing them the right to protect their children from unwanted psychological interventions and ensuring that they are informed about their child's experiences at school. However, some critics might view this bill as potentially hindering necessary mental health support for students who may need it, arguing that it could limit the ability of educators or mental health professionals to act swiftly in crisis situations without parental consent. This dichotomy presents a challenge in balancing parental rights with the need for timely mental health interventions for students.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
  • Section: New Section