WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 497

Relating to requiring parental consent for behavioral or mental health treatment by school district personnel.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carrie Isaac and 2 co-sponsors

Texas bill requires parental consent before schools provide mental health counseling, potentially limiting student access to crisis support and confidential school-based mental health services.

Returned to committee
#education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #family--parent&child(i0355) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #parentalconsent(s0318)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 497

Legislative bill overview

HB 497 would require Texas school districts to obtain parental consent before providing behavioral or mental health treatment or counseling services to students. The bill aims to give parents greater control over mental health interventions their children receive while in school, rather than allowing school personnel to initiate such services independently.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how schools handle student mental health crises and ongoing counseling needs. The requirement could delay or prevent students from accessing mental health support during school hours, potentially impacting vulnerable youth while also shifting notification and consent burdens onto already-stretched school counseling departments and parents.

Potential points of contention

  • Student safety vs. parental rights: Requires parental consent even in situations where a student may be in crisis or at risk, potentially preventing immediate intervention for students whose parents are unavailable, unsupportive, or abusive
  • School counselor effectiveness: May undermine school counselors' ability to provide confidential support, as mandatory parental notification could discourage students from seeking help for sensitive issues like abuse, substance use, or suicidal ideation
  • Implementation burden: Creates administrative complexity for schools determining which services require consent, documenting parental notification, and handling situations where parents refuse necessary mental health support

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

Sign in to ask a question.