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Bill

SB 400

Relating to requiring parental consent for psychological or psychiatric examination, testing, or treatment conducted by a school district employee.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Campbell and 7 co-sponsors

SB 400 mandates Texas schools obtain parental consent before school employees conduct student psychological or psychiatric examinations, testing, or treatment.

Referred to Public Education
#education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #education--primary&secondary--teachers(i0242) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #minors--health&safety(i0533) #parentalconsent(s0318)
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Bill Summary · SB 400

Legislative bill overview

SB 400 would require Texas school districts to obtain explicit parental consent before school employees conduct psychological or psychiatric examinations, testing, or treatment of students. The bill establishes parental notification and authorization requirements for mental health interventions administered within schools.

Why is this important

This addresses the balance between student mental health support and parental authority in educational settings. It affects how schools identify and assist students with potential mental health needs, potentially delaying interventions while requiring parental approval, and raises questions about student privacy, early intervention effectiveness, and parental rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Timing and urgency: Requiring parental consent before any mental health screening could delay identification of students in crisis or at risk, though supporters argue parents should direct their children's mental health care
  • Definition scope: The bill's language on what constitutes "examination, testing, or treatment" is unclear—it could restrict routine wellness checks, teacher observations, or only clinical assessments, creating implementation ambiguity
  • Equity concerns: Requirement may disproportionately affect students whose parents are difficult to contact, unavailable, or opposed to mental health care, potentially leaving vulnerable students without school-based support systems

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

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