The bill, H.B. No. 497, amends Section 26.009(a) of the Education Code to require school district employees to obtain written parental consent before providing behavioral or mental health services or treatment to a child. This includes services related to contraceptives, such as emergency contraceptives, and the distribution of informational materials on family planning, human sexuality, and mental health. The bill also retains the requirement for consent before conducting psychological examinations or making recordings of a child.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous provision that allowed for certain actions without parental consent, specifically regarding the making of videotapes or recordings of a child's voice. The new requirements will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 26.009 (Education Code 26)
House Committee Report: Education Code 26.009 (Education Code 26)