Bill > HB1728

This bill creates a new mental health allotment for Texas school districts within the Foundation School Program, providing schools with additional funding equal to 0.8% of their basic per-student allotment. The bill requires that at least 85% of these funds be specifically used to establish and maintain mental health supports for students, including hiring dedicated mental health staff like counselors and social workers, implementing screenings for adverse childhood experiences and anxiety disorders for eight-year-olds, developing evidence-based programs to promote positive school climates and student social-emotional skills, and creating comprehensive mental health intervention services. These services include skill groups to address emotional challenges, treatment programs, student and family support resources, training for educators to recognize early warning signs of mental health issues, and establishing a referral process to ensure all students have equal access to mental health support. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving school districts time to prepare for implementing these new mental health initiatives.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1728