The bill, S.B. No. 649, aims to amend the Education Code to enhance school safety and establish a new mental and behavioral health allotment under the Foundation School Program. It modifies Section 48.115 by specifying that funds allocated for school safety must be used for various security measures, including infrastructure improvements, security personnel, and emergency response training. Notably, the bill introduces a new subsection (f) that explicitly states that funds allocated under this section cannot be used for mental and behavioral health services.

Additionally, the bill creates Section 48.117, which establishes a mental and behavioral health allotment for school districts. This allotment provides funding for mental and behavioral health services specifically for students at risk of dropping out of school, with a minimum annual amount of $100,000 plus $70 for each enrolled at-risk student. The funds must be used to develop a comprehensive mental health system within schools, focusing on positive school climates, emotional management, and community engagement. The bill also outlines the types of personnel and services that can be funded, while ensuring that these funds do not replace existing funding for similar purposes. The provisions of this section will expire on September 1, 2034, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 48.115 (Education Code 48)