BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4480

By: Meza

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to study the utility, efficacy, and feasibility of using art therapy in public schools as well as the feasibility of offering accredited higher education art therapy programs in Texas. H.B. 4480 seeks to heed these calls by providing for the study of these topics.

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. 4480 requires the commissioner of education to establish a task force to study the utility, efficacy, and feasibility of providing art therapy to improve the mental health of public school students in Texas. The bill provides for the appointment of members to the task force by the commissioner and for the content and submission of a written report to the governor, lieutenant governor, legislature, and commissioner not later than December 1, 2020.

H.B. 4480 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study on the feasibility of public institutions of higher education in Texas offering accredited higher education art therapy programs. The bill provides for the content and submission of a written report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature not later than December 1, 2020. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2021.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.