The bill, H.B. No. 2880, introduces a new designation for school district campuses in Texas that actively work to enhance the mental and behavioral health and well-being of their students. This designation is called the Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) Campus. To qualify for this designation, campuses must meet several criteria, including employing a school counselor who dedicates at least 80% of their time to a comprehensive counseling program, maintaining partnerships with community-based mental health providers, offering training for staff on mental health issues, and implementing a multitiered support system that addresses various aspects of school climate and student well-being. Additionally, campuses must provide accessible information on mental health resources on their websites.

The bill mandates that the Texas Education Agency will oversee the designation process and adopt necessary rules for its administration. It is set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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