House Bill No. 2861 aims to implement telehealth services programs in public primary and secondary schools that do not employ a full-time school nurse, starting in the 2029-2030 school year. The bill introduces new sections to the Education Code, specifically Sections 38.0341 and 38.0342. Section 38.0341 defines telehealth services and mandates that participating school districts provide these services at no cost to students and employees, requiring written consent from a student's parent or guardian for service provision.

Additionally, Section 38.0342 establishes a telehealth services program task force appointed by the commissioner of education, in consultation with the State Board of Education. This task force will conduct a study on the implementation of telehealth services in applicable school districts, evaluate their availability, and identify necessary changes to state law or policy. A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted by September 1, 2026. The task force's provisions will expire on September 1, 2029. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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