Relating to discipline management and access to telehealth mental health services in public schools.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 81 co-sponsors

Texas HB 6 expands school-based telehealth mental health services and reforms student discipline management, effective immediately as of June 2025.

Effective immediately

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Legislative bill overview

HB 6 modifies discipline management protocols in Texas public schools while expanding access to telehealth mental health services. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025, indicating urgent legislative priority. It addresses both student behavioral management and mental health support infrastructure.

Why is this important

Mental health crises among school-age students have increased significantly, and many rural and under-resourced districts lack adequate counseling services. This bill attempts to address that gap through telehealth while simultaneously reforming how schools handle student discipline, which directly affects student records, educational trajectories, and school safety outcomes.

Potential points of contention

Discipline standards ambiguity: Without reviewing specific language, "discipline management" reforms could either strengthen student protections or expand administrator authority—stakeholders may disagree on whether changes help struggling students or weaken accountability

Telehealth implementation costs: Schools must establish new mental health infrastructure; debate exists over adequate state funding, training requirements, and whether telehealth adequately replaces in-person counseling

Data privacy and access: Expanded mental health service access raises questions about student data protection, parental consent requirements, and potential over-medicalization of normal adolescent behavior