School districts must require mental health training for employees who regularly interact with students, with an exception for employees who already completed qualifying training elsewhere.
Sec. 22.904. MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a school district shall require each district employee who regularly interacts with students enrolled at the district to complete an evidence-based mental health training program designed to provide instruction to participants regarding the recognition and support of children and youth who experience a mental health or substance use issue that may pose a threat to school safety. (b) A school district may not require a district employee who has previously completed mental health training offered by a local mental health authority under Section 1001.203, Health and Safety Code, to complete the training required by this section. (c) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the agency shall provide an allotment to each school district to assist the district in complying with this section. The amount of an allotment provided to a school district under this subsection may not exceed the costs incurred by the district for employees' travel, training fees, and compensation for the time spent completing the training required by this section. The agency may proportionally reduce each district's allotment if the amount appropriated is insufficient to pay for all costs incurred by districts under this subsection. (d) The State Board for Educator Certification shall propose rules allowing an educator to receive credit toward the educator's continuing education requirements under Section 21.054(g) for the educator's participation in mental health training under this section. (e) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section, including rules specifying the training fees and travel expenses subject to reimbursement under Subsection (c). Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023.