BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 239

By: Farrar

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

There are concerns about the lack of a clear definition of the role of social workers who provide services in public schools, and it has been suggested that social workers and school administrators would benefit from a clearer understanding of that role. H.B. 239 seeks to address these concerns by defining "social work services" for purposes relating to the provision of those services in public schools.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 239 amends the Education Code to authorize a social worker to provide social work services to students and families in a public school or public school district and to require such a social worker to collaborate with school administrators and other school professionals in order to enhance students' learning environments. The bill defines "social work services" for such purposes as services specialized to assist students and families and designed to alleviate barriers to learning, connect the home, the community, and the school, advocate for the best interest and academic success of students, strengthen relationships, and assist with basic and psychosocial needs. The bill applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.