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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to creating a mental health allotment under the Foundation |
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School Program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 48.117. MENTAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a) For each student |
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in average daily attendance, a school district is entitled to an |
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annual allotment equal to the basic allotment multiplied by 0.008. |
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(b) At least 85 percent of the funds allocated under this |
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section must be used to establish and maintain appropriate mental |
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health supports for students in the district, including to pay |
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costs associated with: |
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(1) hiring and providing compensation for counselors, |
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social workers, and staff dedicated to student mental health; |
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(2) implementing screenings for adverse childhood |
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experiences and anxiety disorders for students who are eight years |
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of age, using tools selected by the agency based on guidance from |
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mental health professionals; |
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(3) selecting and implementing evidence-based |
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programs to provide a positive school climate and promote student |
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skills in dealing with bullying and conflicts, solving problems, |
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developing healthy peer relationships, and engaging in activities |
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to prevent suicide and substance use; and |
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(4) developing: |
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(A) early intervention services for students in |
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need of additional support, such as skill groups to deal with grief, |
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anger, anxiety, or sadness; |
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(B) treatment programs and services that address |
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the various mental health needs of students; |
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(C) student and family support and mental health |
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resources; |
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(D) a school culture in which teachers and other |
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student support staff are trained to recognize the early warning |
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signs of student mental health issues; and |
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(E) a mental health referral process to ensure |
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that all students have equal access to mental health services and |
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supports. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |