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Bill

HB 5257

Relating to mental health first aid training for certain school district volunteers.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Charlene Ward Johnson

Texas bill requiring school district volunteers to complete mental health first aid training to improve student crisis response and early intervention capabilities.

Referred to Public Education
#education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #education--primary&secondary--teachers(i0242) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #staffdevelopment&training(s0317) #safety(i0740) #volunteers(s1314)
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Bill Summary · HB 5257

Legislative bill overview

HB 5257 would require certain school district volunteers to complete mental health first aid training. The bill establishes standards for this training and likely specifies which volunteer positions must participate in the program before or during their service.

Why is this important

Mental health crises among students have increased significantly, and early intervention by trained individuals can prevent escalation and connect students to appropriate resources. Equipping volunteers with mental health first aid skills creates an additional layer of support and awareness within school communities, potentially identifying students in distress before situations become critical.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and implementation costs – Schools may face budget constraints in providing mandatory training to all qualifying volunteers, raising questions about who bears the expense
  • Scope and definition – Unclear which volunteer positions would be covered (tutors, coaches, office helpers, etc.) and whether training requirements might discourage volunteer participation
  • Liability and liability protection – Questions may arise about whether volunteers receive legal protection when responding to mental health situations and what responsibilities they carry versus school staff

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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