Relating to providing a designation for school district campuses that take certain action to address the mental and behavioral health and well-being of students.
Impact
The implementation of HB 2880 is expected to create a more supportive environment for students' mental and emotional health within Texas schools. By formalizing the criteria for AWARE Campuses, the bill encourages schools to adopt a systematic approach to address mental health challenges that students may face. The bill is particularly relevant in the context of increasing awareness and demand for mental health resources in educational settings. Supporters of the bill believe it will lead to better resources for students, while critics may argue that the effectiveness of implementation will vary across districts, especially in underfunded areas.
Summary
House Bill 2880 aims to address mental and behavioral health in Texas schools by establishing a new designation for school district campuses that meet specific criteria. This designation, referred to as the Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) Campus, would recognize schools that actively implement programs and partnerships geared towards enhancing student mental health and well-being. The bill requires schools to employ school counselors dedicated to comprehensive counseling programs, maintain partnerships with local mental health service providers, and offer staff training on mental and behavioral health issues.
Contention
While the intent of HB 2880 is to enhance student mental health, there are potential concerns about measures of accountability and adequacy of funding for schools to meet the requirements set forth in the bill. The discussion around the bill could highlight divisions between lawmakers who advocate for comprehensive mental health reforms in schools and those who may view it as an unfunded mandate. Resources and support systems vary widely among school districts, meaning that some may struggle to fulfill the new requirements without additional state funding or guidance on best practices.
AN ACT Relating to providing school districts and public schools with the assistance, resources, and training necessary to coordinate comprehensive supports across the behavioral health continuum for their students;
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.
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.
Relating to the provision of on-campus mental health services by a school district and reimbursement under Medicaid for certain services provided to eligible students.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Health occupations: health professionals; limited license for certain individuals engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis; provide for. Amends secs. 16343a, 18253 & 18257 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16343a et seq.).