Senate Bill 12 

The Governor of Texas signed Senate Bill 12 into law on June 20, 2025, and recently revised the bill on September 8, 2025.  New legislation from the 89th Texas Legislative Session requires parents and guardians to provide annual consent for certain school-based services and activities. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) distinguishes between services that require opt-in consent (consent must be provided before service can be delivered) and services where parents may opt out (consent is assumed unless declined). Some services are always provided in emergencies or as general caretaking.

Examples of Health-Care Services 

Example of Health-Care Services that require an Opt-In (Parental Consent): 

• Nurse assessment of illness or condition to support possible treatment
• Administration of medication (with written parent request and physician's order)
• Special nursing procedures/medical procedures (with written parent request and physician's order); tube feedings, glucose monitoring, seizure management

Examples of Health-Related Services that do not require an Opt-In (Opt-out allowed):

• First Aid
• State mandated screenings (vision, hearing, spinal, and Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children)
• Wellness promotion and education (nutrition, hygiene, prevention, wellness) beyond what is taught through grade level or course instruction 

Health-Care Services that are always provided:

• Care in a medical emergency or services required by law
• General caretaking (bandages, bloody nose, checking a temperature, clothing changes)

Students will not receive services that require an opt-in without parental consent.  All students will continue to receive opt-out services, unless the parent or guardian chooses to opt-out. To decline health-care services, you may submit your request HERE. 

Examples of Health-Related Counseling Services 

Health-Related Counseling Services that require an Opt-In (Parental consent):

• Psychological treatment/therapy
• Initiating any proposed change in services provided to your student relating to the student’s mental, emotional, or personal well-being; such as small group counseling or intervention. 

Health-Related Counseling Services that do not require an Opt-In (Opt-Out Allowed):

• Individual Planning- Academic and career goal planning, monitoring progress, assessing interest and abilities, creating educational plans, and exploring post-secondary options.
• Guidance Curriculum- Whole group, classroom lessons and activities designed to teach all students the essential life skills, stress management, wellness promotion and education, emotional regulation activities, and other developmental needs. School guidance curriculum- Character Strong
• Responsive Services- Intervention and support for students facing personal, social, career, or academic challenges that put their development at risk. 
• System Support- Activities that support the entire school system and indirectly benefits all students. 

Health-Related Services that are always provided:

• School district emergency responses;
• Law enforcement or Department of Family and Protective Service activities; 
• Behavioral threat assessment required by law; or
• Other rights and duties required by law, including the Texas Family Code. 

Students will not receive services that require an opt-in without parental consent.  All students will continue to receive opt-out services, unless the parent or guardian chooses to opt-out. To decline health-related services, you may submit your request HERE. 

Under state law, a child may consent to counseling for themselves as it relates to suicide prevention; chemical addiction or dependency; or sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. 

Celina ISD counseling staff does not provide medical or psychological diagnosis, long-term therapy, or treatment. When students need these types of services, families are connected with community agencies that require their own parental consent.  

School counseling services are more fully explained in board policy FFEA, and student mental health is covered in board policy FFEB.  

Student Clubs

Parents must provide written consent before a student may join any district-sponsored club. 

• All extracurricular opportunities are reviewed and vetted to ensure compliance with state law and district policy.
• Students may not participate without a signed parental consent form.

District Resources: 

Parental Rights and Options
Senate Bill Frequently Asked Questions

(Revised 9/24/25)