Honorable Dan Huberty, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1640 by Martinez (Relating to establishing a pilot program to employ a life skills counselor at public high school campuses in certain counties.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1640, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2020
$0
2021
$0
2022
$0
2023
$0
2024
($200,000)
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
2020
$0
2021
$0
2022
$0
2023
$0
2024
($200,000)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to establish a pilot program in certain counties. The program would require school districts in those counties to employ a life skills counselor at each high school campus. The life skills counselors would be required to collaborate with other entities and professionals; instruct students on skills and techniques to cope with anxiety, frustration, and other emotions; and implement a counseling program. The bill would allow school districts required to implement the pilot program to solicit and accept a gift, grant, or donation from any source, including a foundation, private entity, governmental entity, or institution of higher education to implement or administer the program.
The bill would require the TEA to review the pilot program's progress in addressing emotional and mental health concerns of students. The report would be required to be submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and the presiding officers of legislative committees with jurisdiction over primary and secondary education by January 1, 2025.
Methodology
TEA assumes it would contract with a vendor to conduct an evaluation of the program and prepare a written report in fiscal year 2024 for a cost of $200,000.
Local Government Impact
TEA assumes school districts that would be required to implement the pilot program would incur costs to employ a life skills counselor at each high school campus. To the extent districts receive additional gifts, grants, or donations as allowed under the bill, the funds would offset the anticipated costs.