Louisiana Senate Bill SB291

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Requires that the state Department of Education develop a program to train and certify volunteers to assist school counselors. (gov sig)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws regarding school counseling practices. By allowing the certification of volunteers under specific guidelines, it enhances the existing framework for providing counseling support in schools. However, it also introduces strict requirements for volunteer certification, including a thorough background check to disqualify individuals with certain criminal histories or child abuse records. This provision aims to ensure the safety and security of students receiving counseling services.

Summary

Senate Bill 291 establishes a program within the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) aimed at training and certifying volunteers to assist school counselors. The bill mandates that the DOE conduct at least two training sessions annually, ensuring that information regarding these sessions is disseminated promptly to local school boards. This initiative is designed to enhance support for school counselors by enabling trained volunteers to contribute to the well-being and guidance of students in educational settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 291 is generally supportive, particularly among educational stakeholders who see the value of increasing resources for school counseling. Advocates describe the initiative as a proactive step towards enriching the educational experience for students by addressing mental health and guidance needs. Nonetheless, there are concerns about the feasibility of implementing background checks and the administrative burden it may place on the Department of Education and local school boards.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the criteria established for volunteer certification. While the background checks are crucial for ensuring the safety of students, some argue that the process might hinder the availability of potential volunteers. This tension reflects a broader societal concern about balancing the need for enhanced student support services against the necessity of safeguarding children from harmful influences. As such, the implementation of SB 291 may face scrutiny regarding its operational practicality and overall effectiveness in enhancing school counseling.