78R617 SMJ-D

By:  Shapleigh                                                    S.B. No. 491


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an assessment of school-based mental health and substance abuse programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. (a) The Texas Education Agency, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Texas Department of Health, and the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, shall assess existing school-based mental health and substance abuse programs. The assessment must include recommendations regarding further development of such programs, including the incorporation of information regarding substance abuse prevention, mental health education, and access to related services. (b) The Texas Education Agency shall report on the results of the assessment to the 79th Legislature not later than January 11, 2005. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2003.