Spending Study - House Bill 906

The City of Houston applauds that the Texas Legislature is spending more on the mental and behavioral health of our children in 2019. Texas is arriving at a consensus that more needs to be done to nurture the mental health of our children. However, it's also essential that the taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and that mechanisms are developed to evaluate this spending. House Bill 906 by Rep. Senfronia Thompson establishes a university-based, collaborative task force to study mental health services in Texas public schools.

HB 906 will provide accountability by addressing the outcomes and effectiveness of the new services and training provided. It will track improvements in student academic achievement, attendance, reductions in student disciplinary proceedings, suspensions and expulsions. It will track the relative successes in providing early mental health prevention and intervention. The measure will evaluate whether students are developing the skills needed to manage emotions and maintaining positive relationships. Further, it will track any reductions in substance abuse and suicide.

Additionally, HB 906 will study the effectiveness of promoting a positive school climate, including improving public school safety and will promote best practices for schools in providing these services. Lastly, it will track any disparities in the race, ethnicity, gender, special education status, and geographic location of students receiving these essential services.

HB 906 requires the task force, not later than November 1^st^ of each even-numbered year, to submit to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of representatives, and TEA a report of the results of the task force's activities in fulfilling its duties and any recommendations for legislative or other action

The Texas legislature is poised to spend millions in mental and behavioral health. HB 906 will provide needed accountability to make certain these monies are spent effectively and efficiently.

The legislation passed the House 113-30, and the Senate (with amendments) 29-2. The House subsequently approved the Senate version 126-14.