Bill > SB400

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to require explicit written parental consent before a school district employee can conduct psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatments involving a student. The bill broadly defines these activities as methods designed to elicit information about a student's attitudes, habits, mental states, or behaviors, including surveys, screenings, or activities embedded in academic lessons. Parents must sign and return a consent form before a child can participate in such activities, and the child cannot participate without the signed consent. The bill clarifies that employees do not need parental consent to verbally ask a child about their general well-being and does not affect existing laws regarding a child's ability to consent to counseling or the mandatory reporting of child abuse. The provisions will apply starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will take effect either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the necessary immediate voting support.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB400