S.B. No. 1871 aims 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 procedures for student removal from class, requiring notification to parents and establishing guidelines for alternative educational placements, while emphasizing the need for a review of in-school suspensions and alternatives for homeless students.

The legislation also enhances disciplinary measures for specific offenses, allowing for the removal of students who engage in conduct against school employees or volunteers that constitutes retaliation or harassment. It expands the list of offenses warranting removal, introduces virtual disciplinary alternative education programs, and mandates compliance with educational requirements. The bill establishes an accountability system for juvenile justice alternative education programs and requires school districts in larger counties to collaborate with county juvenile boards. Furthermore, it introduces the Texas Child Health Access through Telemedicine program for mental health services, mandates reporting on its effectiveness, and repeals certain sections of the Education Code related to disciplinary measures. The provisions will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect possible if passed by a two-thirds majority.

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 (Education Code 37, Health and Safety Code 113)
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, Education Code 37, Health and Safety Code 113)
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, Education Code 37, Health and Safety Code 113)