H.B. No. 4056
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to a list of best practice-based programs and
  research-based practices in certain areas for implementation in
  public schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 161.325, Health and Safety Code, is
  amended by amending Subsections (a), (a-1), (b), and (c) and adding
  Subsection (a-3) to read as follows:
         (a)  The department, in coordination with the Texas
  Education Agency and regional education service centers, shall
  provide and annually update a list of recommended best
  practice-based programs and research-based practices in the areas
  specified under Subsection (a-1) for implementation in public
  elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the
  general education setting.  Each school district may select from
  the list a program or programs appropriate for implementation in
  the district.
         (a-1)  The list must include programs and practices in the
  following areas:
               (1)  early mental health intervention;
               (2)  building skills related to managing emotions,
  establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
  responsible decision-making [mental health promotion and positive
  youth development];
               (3)  substance abuse prevention;
               (4)  substance abuse intervention; [and]
               (5)  suicide prevention;
               (6)  trauma-informed practices;
               (7)  positive school climates; and
               (8)  positive behavior supports.
         (a-3)  For purposes of Subsection (a-1), "school climate"
  means the quality and character of school life, including
  interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and
  organizational structures, as experienced by students enrolled in
  the school district, parents of those students, and personnel
  employed by the district. 
         (b)  The suicide prevention programs on the list must 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 at risk of committing suicide,
  including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in
  bullying;
               (2)  recognize students displaying early warning signs
  and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse
  intervention, which warning signs may include declining academic
  performance, depression, anxiety, isolation, unexplained changes
  in sleep or eating habits, and destructive behavior toward self and
  others; and
               (3)  intervene effectively with students described by
  Subdivision (1) or (2) by providing notice and referral to a parent
  or guardian so appropriate action, such as seeking mental health or
  substance abuse services, may be taken by a parent or guardian.
         (c)  In developing the list of best practice-based programs
  and research-based practices, the department and the Texas
  Education Agency shall consider:
               (1)  any existing suicide prevention method developed
  by a school district; and
               (2)  any Internet or online course or program developed
  in this state or another state that is based on best practices
  recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
  Administration or the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
         SECTION 2.  Section 21.044(c-1), Education Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (c-1)  Any minimum academic qualifications for a certificate
  specified under Subsection (a) that require a person to possess a
  bachelor's degree must also require that the person receive, as
  part of the training required to obtain that certificate,
  instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse, and youth
  suicide.  The instruction required must:
               (1)  be provided through a program selected from the
  list of recommended best practice-based programs and
  research-based practices established under Section 161.325, Health
  and Safety Code; and
               (2)  include effective strategies for teaching and
  intervening with students with mental or emotional disorders,
  including de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral
  interventions and supports.
         SECTION 3.  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, 2017.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 4056 was passed by the House on May 4,
  2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
  No. 4056 on May 21, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 134, Nays 4,
  2 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 4056 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 19, 2017, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays
  0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor