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New Parental Consent Forms – What You Need to Know
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.
What this means for you as a parent
If you select YES (Consent):
Your child may receive all services that require parental opt-in, as well as services that are opt-out and always provided.
If you select NO (Do Not Consent):
Your child will only receive services that are always provided.
If you do not complete the form:
Your child will not receive services that require opt-in. They will continue to receive opt-out services (unless you decline in writing) and services that are always provided.
Consent forms required by Senate Bill 12
Health services
Opt-In Required (Must provide consent before the service can be provided.)
- Administration of medication (with written parent request and physician order)
- Special nursing procedures (with written parent request and physician order)
- Medical procedures (with written parent request and physician order)
Opt-Out Allowed (Service is assumed unless the parent declines.)
- First Aid
- Routine 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
Always Provided
- Care in a medical emergency or services required by law
- General caretaking (bandages, bloody noses, checking a temperature, clothing changes)
At any time, if you wish to change your preferences or indicate consent for specific services, please complete the form below and return it to your school nurse.
FAQs: Consent for health services
Expand AllWho provides these services?
Licensed school nurses, teachers, athletic trainers, administrators, clinic aides, or other trained GISD staff.
If I deny consent, what happens in an emergency?
Staff will always act to protect your child’s safety and contact you immediately.
Will my child’s health information be kept private?
Yes. All records are protected under state and federal privacy laws.
Health-related counseling services
Opt-In Required (Must provide consent before the service can be provided.)
- Psychological treatment/therapy
Opt-Out Allowed (Service is assumed unless the parent declines.)
- Health-related counseling services such as, but not be limited to, school counseling services related to mental or emotional health; mental health screenings; social skills training; stress management; wellness promotion and education; emotional regulation activities; substance abuse prevention; suicide prevention; crisis prevention training; and other services offered in alignment with decisions made by the local school health advisory council.
Always Provided
- Emergencies or services required by law (e.g., suicide risk, suspected abuse/neglect, immediate crisis support).
At any time, if you wish to change your preferences or indicate consent for specific services, please complete the form below and return it to your school counselor.
FAQs: Health-related counseling services
Expand AllDoes this affect academic counseling?
No. Academic advising (course selection, college/career readiness, academic goal-setting) does not require consent.
Who provides these services?
School Counselors and Responsive Services Counselors provide short-term support. Teachers/staff may lead SEL activities, but these are not counseling or therapy.
Will information be kept private?
Yes, records are confidential under state and federal law.
Student clubs
Parents must provide written consent before a student may join any district-sponsored club.
- All extracurricular opportunities are reviewed and vetted to comply with state law and district policy.
- Students may not participate without a signed parental consent form
FAQs: Consent for student clubs
Expand AllWhat does SB 12 say about student clubs?
SB 12 adds Education Code §33.0815. Key points:
- Districts may authorize or sponsor student clubs.
- Districts may not authorize or sponsor a student club based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Before a student participates in any authorized or sponsored club, the district must have written parental consent.
Does this include Fine Arts and Athletics?
No. This requirement does not apply to UIL-sponsored extracurricular activities such as Fine Arts programs (band, choir, theater, art) or Athletics. Those programs follow UIL participation guidelines and do not require this separate parental consent form.
Will my child be allowed to participate in a student club if I do not complete the form?
Students will not be allowed to participate in a club without a signed parent permission form.
Will my child be allowed to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), such as HOSA, DECA, FFA, TSA, SkillsUSA, TAFE, FCCLA, Esports, and Vex Robotics, if I do not complete the form?
Students will not be allowed to participate in a CTSO without a signed parent consent form.