SB649 - 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.

  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.