HB 687

relating to the establishment of a bullying prevention pilot
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 37.0833 to read as follows:
Sec. 37.0833.  BULLYING PREVENTION PILOT PROGRAM.  (a)  In
(1)  "Bullying" has the meaning assigned by Section
(2)  "Pilot program" means the bullying prevention
pilot program established under this section.
(1)  develop a bullying prevention pilot program to
reduce incidents of bullying on public school campuses; and
(2)  award grants to eligible school districts to
implement the pilot program on district campuses.
(c)  In developing the pilot program under Subsection (b),
(1)  use research-based best practices for the
(2)  collaborate with qualified experts and
researchers with experience in child and youth psychology, mental
(d)  From money appropriated for the purpose, the
commissioner shall award grants to school districts that
demonstrate a substantial need for bullying prevention, as
determined by the commissioner.  A school district that is awarded a
grant under this subsection shall implement the pilot program at
not more than three campuses in the district.
(e)  The agency shall use money appropriated for purposes of
the pilot program under this section to provide technical
assistance to grant recipients.  The agency may provide technical
assistance through regional education service centers.
(1)  establish application criteria for a school
district to apply to receive a grant under this section; and
(2)  determine allowable uses of grant money by a
school district under this section.
(g)  The commissioner may use money otherwise available and
may solicit or accept grants or donations to implement this
(h)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to
(i)  The commissioner is not required to develop the pilot
program or award grants under this section unless money is
specifically appropriated for that purpose.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.