2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle I - School Finance and Fiscal Management › Chapter 48 - Foundation School Program › Subchapter C. Student-Based Allotments › Section 48.115. School Safety Allotment

Sec. 48.115.  SCHOOL SAFETY ALLOTMENT.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a school district is entitled to an annual allotment equal to the sum of the following amounts or a greater amount provided by appropriation:
(1)  $10 for each student in average daily attendance, plus $1 for each student in average daily attendance per every $50 by which the district's maximum basic allotment under Section 48.051 exceeds $6,160, prorated as necessary; and
(2)  $15,000 per campus.
(a-1)  A school district campus that provides only virtual instruction or utilizes only facilities not subject to the district's control is not included for purposes of determining a school district's allotment under Subsection (a).
(b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to improve school safety and security, including costs associated with:
(1)  securing school facilities in accordance with the requirements of Section 37.351, including:
(A)  improvements to school infrastructure;
(B)  the use or installation of perimeter security fencing conducive to a public school learning environment or physical barriers, which may not include razor wire;
(C)  exterior door and window safety and security upgrades, including exterior door numbering and locking systems and security film that provides resistance to a forced entry; and
(D)  the purchase and maintenance of:
(i)  security cameras and, if the district has already installed security cameras, other security equipment, including video surveillance as provided by Section 29.022; and
(ii)  technology, including communications systems or devices, such as silent panic alert devices, two-way radios, or wireless Internet booster equipment, that facilitates communication and information sharing between students, school personnel, and first responders in an emergency;
(2)  providing security for the district, including:
(A)  employing school district peace officers, private security officers, and school marshals; and
(B)  collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the district;
(3)  school safety and security measures, including:
(A)  active shooter and emergency response training;
(B)  prevention and treatment programs relating to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and
(C)  the prevention, identification, and management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based, effective prevention practices and including:
(i)  providing licensed counselors, social workers, chaplains, and individuals trained in restorative discipline and restorative justice practices;
(ii)  providing mental health personnel and support, including chaplains;
(iii)  providing behavioral health services, including services provided by chaplains;
(iv)  establishing threat reporting systems; and
(v)  developing and implementing programs focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant instruction, and providing mental health support, including support provided by chaplains;
(4)  providing programs related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, including programs provided by chaplains; and
(5)  employing a school safety director and other personnel to manage and monitor school safety initiatives and the implementation of school safety requirements for the district.
(b-1)  The agency may designate certain technologies that a school district, in using funds allocated under this section, may purchase only from a vendor approved by the agency.
(b-2)  If the agency, in coordination with the Texas School Safety Center, determines that entering into a statewide contract with a vendor for the provision of a technology designated under Subsection (b-1) would result in cost savings to school districts, the agency may, after receiving approval from the Legislative Budget Board and office of the governor, enter into a contract with a vendor to provide the technology to each district that uses funds allocated under this section to purchase that technology.
(c)  A school district may use funds allocated under this section for equipment or software that is used for a school safety and security purpose and an instructional purpose, provided that the instructional use does not compromise the safety and security purpose of the equipment or software.
(c-1)  The agency, or if designated by the agency, the Texas School Safety Center, shall establish and publish a directory of approved vendors of school safety technology and equipment a school district may select from when using funds allocated under this section.  If a school district uses funds allocated under this section to purchase technology or equipment from a vendor that is not included in the directory, the district must solicit bids from at least three vendors before completing the purchase.
(d)  The commissioner shall annually publish a report regarding funds allocated under this section including the programs, personnel, and resources purchased by districts using funds under this section and other purposes for which the funds were used.
(e)  Notwithstanding any other law, a school district may use funds allocated under this section to provide training to a person authorized by the district to carry a firearm on a district campus.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 464 (S.B. 11), Sec. 20, eff. June 6, 2019.
Transferred, redesignated and amended by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 806 (H.B. 1525), Sec. 31, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 3), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2023.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (S.B. 763), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.