AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas lawmakers placed school safety front and center during the 86th legislative session and passed a bill that boosts safety on campuses and enhances access to mental health services for students. ​

Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB11 into law in June. It was prompted by a meeting the Governor convened soon after the May 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting that left 10 dead and 13 wounded. 

The law instructs school districts to implement training and plans in the event of a threat or emergency. It also created a Texas Mental Health Consortium, to get mental health services to children who need them. Some districts across the state, including Austin ISD, already have programs in place to address student mental health. Dr. Elizabeth Minne is the founder of the Vida Clinic, which partners with Austin ISD and specializes in the development and implementation of school-based mental health programs.

Dr. Minne says SB11 provides a clear road map for how to best address the mental health needs of students, parents and teachers. 

"We're really excited with the emphasis that our lawmakers have placed on addressing the mental health needs of our Texas students," said Minne. "The need is quite real and the time to act is now."

Click the video link above to watch the full interview with Dr. Minne, including more on the Vida Clinic and how it's bolstering mental health services for students in Central Texas.