Texas Senate Bill SB142

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability of school counselors at public middle, junior high, and high school campuses.

Impact

By mandating the presence of school counselors, SB142 is expected to improve the educational experience and mental well-being of students across public schools in Texas. The legislation directly impacts state law by modifying existing provisions under the Education Code to emphasize the importance of a structured support system through local funding. Schools will not only be required to hire counselors but also to allocate local funds equivalent to or greater than the previous year for this purpose, creating a financial incentive for districts to prioritize student counseling services.

Summary

Senate Bill 142, also known as SB142, focuses on enhancing the availability of school counselors at public middle, junior high, and high school campuses in Texas. The bill mandates that a full-time school counselor, certified under state rules, must be available at any school campus with an enrollment exceeding 350 students. This requirement aims to ensure that all students have access to necessary support systems that can address their educational and personal challenges. The bill stresses that the availability of counselors is vital for students, particularly those at risk of dropping out.

Contention

While the bill proposes a structured approach to student support, there may be concerns regarding funding and resource allocation. Critics may argue that the requirement to have counselors in schools of a certain size could strain the budgets of smaller districts or schools that currently do not have the resources to hire additional certified personnel. Furthermore, there could be debates around how effectively these counselors are integrated into the school community and whether they will be able to provide adequate services to all students, especially in areas where mental health issues are particularly prevalent.