Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2464

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a school safety and mental health grant program.

Impact

This legislation is anticipated to significantly impact state laws relating to education by mandating the administration of grants that can enhance mental health resources within schools. Each qualifying district or charter school can apply for grants, which can be as much as $100,000. These funds will be utilized for initiatives that involve socio-emotional wellness coaches and psychological safety officers who can directly assist staff in addressing student mental health effectively and proactively.

Summary

SB2464 aims to establish a School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program in Texas, designed to provide financial assistance to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The bill outlines provisions for implementing initiatives that focus on the prevention and early identification of student mental health issues. Special emphasis is placed on fostering partnerships between educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, as well as utilizing recognized fusion centers to enhance the support provided to school employees.

Contention

While the bill is poised to contribute positively to the mental health landscape within schools, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives. The choice of evaluating grant applications and monitoring compliance could raise questions about potential oversight issues. Furthermore, there may be differing opinions on how best to allocate resources, particularly if districts perceive disparities in access to these important funding opportunities. The implementation timeline, taking effect on September 1, 2025, may also result in contentious debate regarding immediate needs versus long-term planning.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 38. Health And Safety
    • Section: New Section

Government Code

  • Chapter 421. Homeland Security
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including the establishment of a school safety grant program and a school safety plan implementation grant program, and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the state school safety fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX SB5

Relating to the school safety allotment under the Foundation School Program and the establishment of a school safety grant program; making an appropriation.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX SB1664

Relating to the establishment of the school safety technical advisory committee and the school safety accountability program.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB13

Relating to training, preparedness, and funding for school safety and emergencies in public schools.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1238

Relating to the school health and related services program, including parental consent for program services, the establishment of a school health and related services program advisory council, and the publication of the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) Handbook portion of the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.