88R6738 JTZ-F
 
  By: Kolkhorst S.B. No. 1547
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment
  under the public school finance system.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 48.115(b), Education Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to
  improve school safety and security, including costs associated
  with:
               (1)  securing school facilities, including:
                     (A)  improvements to school infrastructure;
                     (B)  the use or installation of physical barriers;
  and
                     (C)  the purchase and maintenance of:
                           (i)  security cameras or other security
  equipment; and
                           (ii)  technology, including communications
  systems or devices, that facilitates communication and information
  sharing between students, school personnel, and first responders in
  an emergency;
               (2)  providing security for the district, including:
                     (A)  employing school district peace officers,
  private security officers, and school marshals; [and]
                     (B)  collaborating with local law enforcement
  agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for
  the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the
  district;
                     (C)  providing stipends to employees who are
  authorized under the written regulations or written authorization
  of the district to carry a firearm on the physical premises of the
  district in accordance with Section 46.03(a)(1)(A), Penal Code; and
                     (D)  reimbursing expenses incurred by retired
  peace officers or honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces
  of the United States in providing security services as a volunteer
  at the district;
               (3)  school safety and security training and planning,
  including:
                     (A)  active shooter and emergency response
  training;
                     (B)  prevention and treatment programs relating
  to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and
                     (C)  the prevention, identification, and
  management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based,
  effective prevention practices and including:
                           (i)  providing licensed counselors, social
  workers, and individuals trained in restorative discipline and
  restorative justice practices;
                           (ii)  providing mental health personnel and
  support;
                           (iii)  providing behavioral health
  services;
                           (iv)  establishing threat reporting
  systems; and
                           (v)  developing and implementing programs
  focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant
  instruction, and providing mental health support; and
               (4)  providing programs related to suicide prevention,
  intervention, and postvention.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.