HB 1727
AN ACT relating to social workers employed by school districts.
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
This Texas bill defines and expands the role of social workers in school districts, requiring them to collaborate with administrators, serve on committees addressing student safety, and provide behavioral health services. The bill mandates that social workers focus on alleviating learning barriers, connecting home and school, and developing prevention programs for school violence, suicide, and child abuse. School districts may require social workers to spend at least 80% of their time on these specific student-focused services, with the new requirements taking effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to social workers employed by school districts. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 33.905 to read as follows: Sec. 33.905. SOCIAL WORKERS. (a) In this section, "school social work services" means services specialized to assist students and families and designed to alleviate barriers to learning, connect the home, the community, and the school, advocate for the best interest and academic success of students, strengthen relationships, and assist with basic needs. (b) A social worker employed by a school district: (A) collaborate with district administrators and other district professionals to enhance students' learning (B) as appropriate, serve on district committees that address education and safety issues for students; and (C) collaborate with parents, teachers, district administrators, and the community to develop and implement school violence prevention, suicide prevention, and child abuse (A) school social work services to students and (B) behavioral health referrals and group intervention services as needed. (c) The board of trustees of a school district may adopt a policy that requires a social worker employed by the district to spend at least 80 percent of the social worker's total work time on duties described by this section. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to social workers employed by school districts.
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