TX SB400

Requires school district employees to obtain signed written parental consent before conducting psychological or psychiatric examinations, tests, or treatments on students, with parents required to actively return consent forms (opt-in rather than opt-out)

Broadly defines "psychological or psychiatric examination or test" to include any method designed to elicit information about attitudes, habits, opinions, beliefs, feelings, or mental disorders, including surveys, check-ins, screenings, or content embedded in academic lessons

Defines "psychological or psychiatric treatment" as any planned, systematic method designed to affect behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal characteristics of individuals or groups

Exempts employees from needing consent to verbally ask students about their general well-being, and preserves existing child abuse reporting duties and children's ability to consent to counseling under Family Code Section 32.004

Applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect if passed by two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025 otherwise