Bill Text: TX SB649 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and the creation of a mental and behavioral health allotment under the Foundation School Program.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-12-18 - Filed [SB649 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-SB649-Introduced.html

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89R4087 AND-F
By: West S.B. No. 649

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment and
the creation of a mental and behavioral health allotment under the
Foundation School Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 48.115, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (f) 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 in accordance with the
requirements of Section 37.351, including:
(A) improvements to school infrastructure;
(B) the use or installation of perimeter security
fencing conducive to a public school learning environment or
physical barriers, which may not include razor wire;
(C) exterior door and window safety and security
upgrades, including exterior door numbering and locking systems and
security film that provides resistance to a forced entry; and
(D) the purchase and maintenance of:
(i) security cameras and, if the district
has already installed security cameras, other security equipment,
including video surveillance as provided by Section 29.022; and
(ii) technology, including communications
systems or devices, such as silent panic alert devices, two-way
radios, or wireless Internet booster equipment, 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;
(3) school safety and security measures, 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 the establishment of
[:
[(i) providing licensed counselors, social
workers, chaplains, and individuals trained in restorative
discipline and restorative justice practices;
[(ii) providing mental health personnel and
support, including chaplains;
[(iii) providing behavioral health
services, including services provided by chaplains;
[(iv) establishing] threat reporting
systems; and
[(v) developing and implementing programs
focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant
instruction, and providing mental health support, including
support provided by chaplains;]
(4) [providing programs related to suicide
prevention, intervention, and postvention, including programs
provided by chaplains; and
[(5)] employing a school safety director and other
personnel to manage and monitor school safety initiatives and the
implementation of school safety requirements for the district.
(f) Funds allocated under this section may not be used for
the provision of mental and behavioral health services.
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:
Sec. 48.117. MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a)
In this section, "student at risk of dropping out of school" has the
meaning assigned by Section 29.081(d).
(b) A school district is entitled to an annual allotment for
the provision of mental and behavioral health services in the
district in an amount equal to:
(1) the sum of:
(A) $100,000; and
(B) $70 for each enrolled student at risk of
dropping out of school; or
(2) a greater amount provided by appropriation.
(c) Funds allocated under this section must be used to:
(1) provide mental and behavioral health services to
students at risk of dropping out of school; and
(2) develop or enhance a comprehensive school mental
and behavioral health system that, through the implementation of
programs, practices, and procedures in accordance with Section
38.351, provides a tiered array of supports and services in the
educational setting that contribute to:
(A) a positive school climate;
(B) the development of skills related to managing
emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
responsible decision-making;
(C) the learning and well-being of students with
or at risk of mental health or substance use conditions;
(D) family and community engagement;
(E) reduced exclusionary discipline practices;
(F) the alleviation of mental or emotional
symptoms, illnesses, conditions, or disorders;
(G) the resolution of emotional, attitudinal, or
relational conflicts;
(H) the management of feelings, attitudes, or
behaviors that interfere with effective emotional, social, or
intellectual functioning;
(I) a continuum of care for improving school
performance; and
(J) staff wellness.
(d) Funds allocated under this section may be used to pay
for costs associated with:
(1) the salary of school personnel responsible for
planning, coordinating, delivering, or monitoring supports and
services described by Subsection (c), including:
(A) a registered nurse with a doctoral degree in
psychiatric nursing;
(B) a child psychiatrist;
(C) a licensed clinical social worker;
(D) a licensed master social worker under
clinical supervision;
(E) a licensed professional counselor;
(F) a licensed professional counselor associate
under the supervision of a Texas Behavioral Health Executive
Council-approved supervisor;
(G) a licensed marriage and family therapist; or
(H) a licensed marriage and family therapist
associate under clinical supervision;
(2) training school personnel regarding effective
practices and district and campus procedures to support student
mental and behavioral health;
(3) a contract-based collaborative effort or
partnership with one or more local community programs, agencies, or
providers; and
(4) telehealth services from mental and behavioral
health care providers, if sufficient in-person mental and
behavioral health care providers are not available.
(e) Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be
used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same
purpose.
(f) In accordance with commissioner rule, each school
district shall annually submit through the Public Education
Information Management System (PEIMS) information regarding the
outcomes and expenditures related to funds allocated to the
district under this section.
(g) The commissioner shall annually publish a report
regarding the use of funds allocated under this section during the
preceding school year, including information regarding the
programs, personnel, and resources implemented, employed, or
purchased by school districts using the funds and other purposes
for which the funds were used.
(h) This section expires September 1, 2034.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.