The bill, H.B. No. 3536, establishes the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services in Texas, which is tasked with studying and evaluating mental health services provided in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The bill amends Section 38.302 of the Education Code to include specific purposes for the task force, such as assessing the impact of mental health services on violent incidents, suicide rates, and referrals to outside mental health providers. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding the task force's membership, including staggered three-year terms and procedures for filling vacancies.

Further amendments include the addition of Section 38.3031, which outlines the terms and vacancy procedures for task force members, and updates to Section 38.308(a) to expand the data collection requirements related to mental health services. The bill also extends the expiration date of the task force from December 1, 2025, to December 1, 2031. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance mental health support in schools and ensure effective implementation and evaluation of these services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 38.302, Education Code 38.308, Education Code 38.312 (Education Code 38)