School districts around Texas are dealing with at least five new state laws just in the area of student mental health and counseling.

A review of the new laws and regulations were part of the last Bryan school board meeting by counseling director Donna Willett.

Willett says Bryan ISD is ahead of the game complying with at least one new house bill. That's because the state's requirement for teaching character education in HB 1026 mirrors the district's Essential Eights program.

According to background information presented to the board, SB 11 requires districts to train employees, parents, and students about how to deal with grief and trauma.

HB 18 requires districts to provide instruction for students and parents about topics that includes how to manage emotions and have reasonable decision making skills.

HB 111 and HB 403 requires public schools in Texas have to find time to teach about human trafficking...not only to students, but their parents, school board members, and administrators.

New state laws also require school districts to create mental health safety plans and a threat assessment team.