Farmersville Lights 300 x 250

Mental health bills’ passage offers hope

by | Jul 10, 2019 | Latest

The 86th Texas Legislature ended on Memorial Day, but most of the effects won’t be felt for a few more months.

Mental health proved one of the most prevalent topics of discussion.

In February, Gov. Greg Abbott declared mental health an emergency and called for more student screenings. He cited the Santa Fe High School shooting in May 2018 as an example of why school safety plans should be formed.

“Mental health issues are not just confined to our schools,” he said in his State of the State address. “They touch our entire society.”

Five months later, four major bills addressing the issue have passed through the House and Senate. Two went into immediate effect and two will become law later this year.

Senate Bill (SB) 11 is one that went into effect immediately. Introduced by State Sen. Larry Taylor, a Republican from the Houston area, it creates the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.

For the full story, see the July 10 issue or subscribe online.

By Morgan Howard • [email protected]

Best of 2025 Leaderboard

0 Comments

Subscribe RH Love

Related News

Storm spotters trained

Storm spotters trained

Patricia Sánchez, a forecaster/meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, explains how a thunderstorm develops. Bob Wieland/C&S Media The difference between a storm watch and a storm warning could be likened to making tacos, a National Weather...

read more
Applicants file for council, college elections 

Applicants file for council, college elections 

The filing period for the May 3, 2025, Wylie city council and Collin College trustee elections are underway. As of presstime, Todd J. Pickens has filed for Place 3 on Wylie city council, currently held by Mayor pro tem Jeff Forrester who has announced he will not seek...

read more
Two fatalities in mobile home fire  

Two fatalities in mobile home fire  

Wylie firefighters battle a fire at a home in Southfork Mobile Home Community Friday, Jan. 24. Courtesy Rick White Authorities have completed their investigation into the deadly fire that claimed the lives of two residents in the Southfork Mobile Home Community on...

read more
New elementary, new school boundaries

New elementary, new school boundaries

National Merit Commended Scholars from Wylie High and Wylie East were recognized at the Jan. 20 board of trustees meeting. In this photo, 18 Wylie High students earned commendations, and from Wylie East, two students (not pictured) earned commendations. Courtesy Wylie...

read more
Wylie author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Wylie author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Wylie author John Hobbs recently released his latest book, “Digging Deep into Scripture.,”  which takes an in-depth look at issues such as true discipleship, the nature of the Bible, the Holy Spirit and much more. John Hobbs, DMin., a retired math teacher and pastor...

read more
Order photos