HB 789 Texas House · 89th Legislature (2025)

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

HB 789 requires school districts to obtain written parental consent before school staff conduct psychological or psychiatric assessments, tests, or treatment for students. It applies to all school personnel, including contractors, and defines "mental health activities" broadly to include surveys, check-ins, or screenings disguised as academic exercises. Exceptions include mandated special education evaluations, safety recordings (like discipline footage), classroom instruction, and student safety programs. The bill also clarifies it does not override existing child counseling consent rules or mandatory child abuse reporting requirements. This law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 5, 2025 Last action Mar 5, 2025
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Total actions
3
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0
Committee
1
Mar 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Public Education
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
2 primary · 9 co-sponsors

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