BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3887
	By: Coleman (Zaffirini)
	Education
	5/17/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Twenty-six percent of children in the United States will witness or experience a traumatic event before they turn four. Physical and emotional trauma often leads to failure in school, dropping out, disciplinary placements, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and, in extreme cases, suicide. Schools serve as a critical point of entry for treatment, and teachers play a critical role in identifying children who may need help. Currently, educators, counselors, nurses, administrators, and other key school staff do not receive adequate training on how to recognize and respond to these issues. H.B. 3887 seeks to give relevant school employees the ability to provide more information to parents regarding what services and supports may be available to their children.

H.B. 3887 requires teachers, principals, counselors, and other school personnel to receive training on how to recognize signs of trauma and respond appropriately to these behaviors, which would enable them to inform parents or guardians of available services and supports, including the opportunity to request an evaluation for special education services.

H.B. 3887 amends current law relating to trauma training for public school personnel.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 161.325, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (b-1) and amending Subsection (c-1), as follows:

(b-1) Requires that the programs on the list include components that provide for training counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to:

(1) recognize students displaying signs of physical or emotional trauma; and

(2) intervene effectively with students described by Subdivision (1) by providing the written explanation required under Section 26.0081(c) (relating to producing and providing to school districts a written explanation of the options and requirements for providing assistance to certain students), Education Code, and notice and referral to a parent or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or substance abuse services, may be taken by the parent or guardian.

(c-1) Requires each school district, except as otherwise provided by this subsection, to provide training described in the components set forth under Subsections (b) (relating to the programs including components that provide training for certain professionals) and (b-1), rather than Subsection (b), for teachers, counselors, principals, and all other appropriate personnel.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.