HB687 - Relating to the establishment of a bullying prevention pilot program for public schools.

  89R2802 ANG-F     By: Goodwin H.B. No. 687       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the establishment of a bullying prevention pilot   program for public schools.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 37.0833 to read as follows:           Sec.   37.0833.     BULLYING PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In   this section:                 (1)     "Bullying" has the meaning assigned by Section   37.0832.                 (2)     "Pilot program" means the bullying prevention   pilot program established under this section.           (b)  The agency shall:                 (1)     develop a bullying prevention pilot program to   reduce incidents of bullying on public school campuses; and                 (2)     award grants to eligible school districts to   implement the pilot program on district campuses.           (c)     In developing the pilot program under Subsection (b),   the agency shall:                 (1)     use research-based best practices for the   prevention of bullying; and                 (2)     collaborate with qualified experts and   researchers with experience in child and youth psychology, mental   health, and education.           (d)     From money appropriated for the purpose, the   commissioner shall award grants to school districts that   demonstrate a substantial need for bullying prevention, as   determined by the commissioner. A school district that is awarded a   grant under this subsection shall implement the pilot program at   not more than three campuses in the district.           (e)     The agency shall use money appropriated for purposes of   the pilot program under this section to provide technical   assistance to grant recipients. The agency may provide technical   assistance through regional education service centers.           (f)  The commissioner shall:                 (1)     establish application criteria for a school   district to apply to receive a grant under this section; and                 (2)     determine allowable uses of grant money by a   school district under this section.           (g)     The commissioner may use money otherwise available and   may solicit or accept grants or donations to implement this   section.           (h)     The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to   implement this section.           (i)     The commissioner is not required to develop the pilot   program or award grants under this section unless money is   specifically appropriated for that purpose.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.