HB5306 - 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.

  89R15964 MM-F     By: Talarico H.B. No. 5306       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(b), Education Code, is amended 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 detection and     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.          SECTION 2.  Subchapter C, Chapter 48, Education Code, is   amended by adding Section 48.117 to read as follows:           Sec.   48.117.     MENTAL HEALTH ALLOTMENT. (a)   A school   district is entitled to an annual allotment to support mental   health services at the district in an amount of:                 (1)     $100,000 for a school district with 1,000 or fewer   students; or                 (2)     $100 for each enrolled student for a school   district with more than 1,000 students.           (b)  Funds allocated under this section:                 (1)     must be used to develop or enhance a comprehensive   school mental 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;   and                       (F)  staff wellness;                 (2)  may be used to pay for costs associated with:                       (A)     the salary of school personnel responsible   for planning, coordinating, delivering, or monitoring supports and   services described by Subdivision (1);                       (B)     training school personnel regarding   effective practices and district and campus procedures to support   student mental health;                       (C)     a contract-based collaborative effort or   partnership with one or more local community programs, agencies, or   providers; and                       (D)     developing and implementing programs focused   on restorative justice practices; and                 (3)     must be allocated in coordination with school   counselors, social workers, and other individuals trained to   provide mental health support and behavioral health services.           (c)     Funds allocated for purposes of this section may not be   used to supplant any other funds that may be provided for the same   purpose.           (d)     Not later than June 1 of each year and in accordance with   commissioner rule, each school district shall submit to the   commissioner information regarding the outcomes and expenditures   related to funds allocated to the district under this section.           (e)     Not later than September 1 of each year, the   commissioner shall 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.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.