By: Allison H.B. No. 4845

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to bullying prevention in public schools, including the establishment of a bullying prevention program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is amended by adding Sections 37.0833 to read as follows:

Sec. 37.0833. BULLYING PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In this section, "bullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.0832.

(b) The commissioner shall establish and administer a bullying prevention pilot program to help reduce incidents of bullying in public schools.

(c) In establishing the bullying prevention program under Subsection (b), the commissioner may collaborate with:

(1) qualified experts and researchers in the areas of child and youth wellbeing, mental health, and education; and

(2) other appropriate stakeholders.

(d) Using funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner shall establish and administer a grant program under which a school district that demonstrates a substantial need for bullying prevention may receive a grant to implement the bullying prevention pilot program at no more than three campuses within the district.

(e) The commissioner shall establish application criteria for receipt of a grant under this section.

(f) The commissioner shall establish allowable uses of grant funds under this section.

(g) The agency shall use funds allocated for the grant program under this section to provide technical assistance to grant recipients under this section, including through regional education service centers.

(h) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section.

(i) The commissioner may use funds otherwise available, including funds provided through grants or donations sought and accepted by the agency, to implement this section. If funds are not appropriated to implement this section, the commissioner is not required to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.