The bill, S.B. No. 400, mandates that school district employees must obtain written parental consent before conducting any psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatments on students. The bill amends Section 26.009 of the Education Code, specifically adding new definitions and requirements for consent. It clarifies that psychological or psychiatric examinations or tests include methods designed to gather information about a child's mental state, regardless of how they are presented, such as surveys or embedded assessments in academic lessons. Additionally, it defines psychological or psychiatric treatment as systematic methods aimed at influencing behavioral or emotional characteristics.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that written consent must be signed by a parent and returned to the school district before a child can participate in any related activities. The new provisions 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)