HB 4550

relating to permissible uses of the school safety allotment under
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 48.115(b), Education Code, is amended to
(b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to
improve school safety and security, including costs associated
(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; and
(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
(3)  school safety and security measures, including:
(A)  active shooter and emergency response
(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
(iii)  providing behavioral health
services, including services provided by chaplains;
(iv)  establishing threat reporting
(v)  developing and implementing programs
focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant
instruction, and providing mental health support, including
(4)  providing programs related to suicide prevention,
intervention, and postvention, including programs provided by
(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.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.