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Senate Bill 12

Image promoting Senate Bill 12, featuring text and a computer icon.

In accordance with the new Texas law, Senate Bill 12, Mesquite ISD is requesting written consent for your child to participate in clubs and organizations and receive school-based health and counseling services from qualified district personnel. The personnel may include school nurses, counselors, social workers, athletic trainers, and other certified health and mental health professionals.

This legislation mandates that parents/guardians are fully informed and give permission for care and support. In a serious emergency, staff will still act to protect your child’s safety and will contact you immediately. Staff may verbally inquire about a student’s daily well-being.

Providing consent allows your child access to timely and reliable services that support their health, safety, wellness, and readiness to learn. Without your consent, staff will be limited in the services they can provide to your child during the school day.

 

Complete the Consent Forms in Skyward Family Access As Soon As Possible (Click on the Online Forms tab)

During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 12, which requires schools to obtain parental consent each year before providing certain routine services. These include physical health care through our school nurses, mental health support through our school counselors, and student participation in school-based clubs.

Participation in Clubs

An icon featuring a graduation cap, books, a guitar, a basketball, and a clock.

Students cannot participate in school-sponsored clubs or organizations without the consent of their parent or guardian. Some of these opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Spanish Club
  • FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
  • Crimestoppers
  • Student Council
  • Reading Club
  • Chess Club

Consent for Counseling Services
An illustration of a blue brain with radiating lines, next to a gold heart.

School counseling services (by school counselors or mental health staff) include, but are not limited to: 

  • Short-term individual counseling and check-ins
  • Support during emotional distress
  • Group support 
  • Substance abuse prevention and intervention

Consent for Health Services
Hands cupping a circular medical symbol, representing care.

Routine school health services include but are not limited to:

  • General first aid
  • Injury treatment at school or during athletics
  • Temperature checks for illness
  • Administration of medications as prescribed and authorized by a physician and parent/guardian
  • Basic health assessments (blood pressure, height/weight checks, symptom evaluation)
  • Medical procedures as ordered by a health care provider
  • Lice screening
  • Acanthosis nigricans screening (diabetes risk indicator)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • SB 12 is a new Texas law that requires schools to obtain annual parental consent before providing certain routine physical or mental health services to students, as well as before allowing participation in clubs.

  • Log into Skyward Family Access and complete the SB 12 Consent Forms online, or request a paper form from your campus. Once logged in, click on the Online Forms tab. 

    Click Here to Access Skyward

  • Once each school year. Consent can also be changed or revoked at any time by notifying the school in writing. 

  • Without signed forms, your child cannot:

    • Participate in school-sponsored clubs or organizations
    • Receive routine counseling or health services on campus (except in emergencies). 

    Emergency care, academics, tutoring, instructional support, and classroom guidance lessons are not affected.