TITLE: Relating to the commissioner of education establishing an annual conference on methods to improve the mental health of students in public schools.

SUMMARY: Relating to the commissioner of education establishing an annual conference on methods to improve the mental health of students in public schools.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the commissioner of education establishing an annual conference on methods to improve the mental health of students in public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 7, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 7.066 to read as follows: Sec. 7.066. CONFERENCE TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS. (a) The commissioner shall conduct an annual conference on mental health in schools to be attended by school district employees. The commissioner shall collaborate with the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in organizing and conducting the conference and may collaborate with nongovernmental entities as needed. (b) The conference shall be held to discuss strategies to improve the mental health of students, including: (1) trauma informed practices; (2) social and emotional learning; (3) partnering with community service providers; (4) addressing homelessness; and (5) proactive classroom management techniques. (c) The commissioner may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations for the purposes of this section. (d) The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.