88R6738 JTZ-F     By: Kolkhorst S.B. No. 1547       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the permissible uses of the school safety allotment   under the public school finance system.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 48.115(b), Education Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (b)  Funds allocated under this section must be used to   improve school safety and security, including costs associated   with:                (1)  securing school facilities, including:                      (A)  improvements to school infrastructure;                      (B)  the use or installation of physical barriers;   and                      (C)  the purchase and maintenance of:                            (i)  security cameras or other security   equipment; and                            (ii)  technology, including communications   systems or devices, that facilitates communication and information   sharing between students, school personnel, and first responders in   an emergency;                (2)  providing security for the district, including:                      (A)  employing school district peace officers,   private security officers, and school marshals; [and]                      (B)  collaborating with local law enforcement   agencies, such as entering into a memorandum of understanding for   the assignment of school resource officers to schools in the   district;                      (C)  providing stipends to employees who are   authorized under the written regulations or written authorization   of the district to carry a firearm on the physical premises of the   district in accordance with Section 46.03(a)(1)(A), Penal Code; and                      (D)  reimbursing expenses incurred by retired   peace officers or honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces   of the United States in providing security services as a volunteer   at the district;                (3)  school safety and security training and planning,   including:                      (A)  active shooter and emergency response   training;                      (B)  prevention and treatment programs relating   to addressing adverse childhood experiences; and                      (C)  the prevention, identification, and   management of emergencies and threats, using evidence-based,   effective prevention practices and including:                            (i)  providing licensed counselors, social   workers, and individuals trained in restorative discipline and   restorative justice practices;                            (ii)  providing mental health personnel and   support;                            (iii)  providing behavioral health   services;                            (iv)  establishing threat reporting   systems; and                            (v)  developing and implementing programs   focused on restorative justice practices, culturally relevant   instruction, and providing mental health support; and                (4)  providing programs related to suicide prevention,   intervention, and postvention.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.