Texas SB12 goes into affect. Mandated parental consent for heath, mental services and clubs

Central Texas lawmaker speaks on 'Parent Bill of Rights' after passage of SB 12 | kcentv.com
https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/central-texas-lawmaker-on-parent-bill-of-rights/500-969e56f7-bedd-4527-b839-c7533d8ad49c

TEXAS, USA — Central Texas school districts are implementing new requirements under Texas Senate Bill 12, known as the "Parent Bill of Rights," which mandates parental consent for a wide range of school services and activities.

The legislation represents a significant shift in how schools deliver basic health services to students. Under the new law, parents must now actively opt-in to some services, like nurses and guidance counselors, that were previously considered standard school care.


The Texas Education Agency (TEA) defines covered services to include physical and mental health care ranging from basic first aid to comprehensive counseling services. This encompasses everything from a nurse applying a band-aid to check-ins with school counselors. Some of those services are as follows:

Physical Health Services: First aid, temperature checks, vital sign monitoring, vision and hearing screenings and medication administration.

Mental Health Services: School counseling services, mental health screening, stress management, suicide prevention and crisis prevention training.

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According to the TEA, the bill requires the agency to prepare parental rights and options forms for school districts to post on their websites. Parents must complete annual consent forms for each student, covering health services, instructional programs and school clubs.