S.B. No. 1871 seeks to improve discipline management and access to telehealth mental health services in Texas public schools. The bill amends the Education Code to prevent local innovation plans from exempting districts from key provisions related to discipline management. It introduces a new section granting immunity to school employees who report violations or take actions in good faith to remove disruptive students. Additionally, the bill designates a campus behavior coordinator to monitor disciplinary referrals and report concerning student behaviors. It revises student removal procedures, allowing teachers to remove students for disruptive behaviors while ensuring parental notification, and establishes guidelines for suspensions, particularly for younger students and those experiencing homelessness.

The legislation also enhances the disciplinary framework by expanding the list of offenses that can lead to expulsion, including serious crimes like kidnapping and robbery, and allows for expulsion based on off-campus conduct. It introduces virtual disciplinary alternative education programs for expelled students when in-person options are unavailable, ensuring compliance with educational requirements and state funding considerations. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to develop an accountability system for juvenile justice alternative education programs and requires school districts in larger counties to collaborate with juvenile boards. It also establishes the Texas Child Health Access through Telemedicine program to provide mental health services in schools, ensuring parental consent for students under 18 and requiring reporting on the program's effectiveness. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen discipline management while enhancing mental health support for students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.0012, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.005, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.011, Education Code 37.015, Education Code 37.019, Education Code 37.115, Education Code 37.125, Health and Safety Code 113.0251 (Health and Safety Code 113, Education Code 37)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 37.0012, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.005, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.009, Education Code 37.010, Education Code 37.011, Education Code 37.015, Education Code 37.019, Education Code 37.115, Subchapter F, Chapter , Education Code 37.0012, Health and Safety Code 113.0251 (Subchapter F, Chapter , Education Code 37, Health and Safety Code 113, Education Code 37)
Engrossed: Education Code 37.0012, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.005, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.009, Education Code 37.010, Education Code 37.011, Education Code 37.015, Education Code 37.019, Education Code 37.115, Subchapter F, Chapter , Education Code 37.0012, Health and Safety Code 113.0251 (Subchapter F, Chapter , Education Code 37, Health and Safety Code 113, Education Code 37)