Bill Text: TX SB948 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and the creation of a mental health allotment under the Foundation School Program.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-03 - Referred to Education [SB948 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-SB948-Introduced.html
  88R6938 MM-F
 
  By: West S.B. No. 948
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and
  the creation of a mental 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, 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; and
               (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 the establishment of
  [:
                           [(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.  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 of $100,000 or a greater
  amount provided by appropriation to support mental health services
  at the district.
         (b)  In addition to the allotment under Subsection (a), a
  school district that receives an allotment under Section 48.101 or
  at which more than 50 percent of enrolled students are
  educationally disadvantaged is entitled to an allotment for each
  student enrolled in the district in an amount provided by
  appropriation.
         (c)  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; and
               (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.
         (d)  Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be
  used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same
  purpose.
         (e)  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.
         (f)  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, 2023.
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