Mississippi House Bill HB1426

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Professional School Counselors Pilot Program; establish in certain school districts with high incidences of teen pregnancy or school violence.

Impact

The implementation of this pilot program is expected to have a significant impact on the educational landscape within the targeted school districts. By placing professional counselors in schools, the program seeks to mitigate issues related to teen pregnancy and school violence through proactive and preventive counseling measures. Additionally, the pilot is envisioned to demonstrate the measurable effectiveness of these counseling services, which could support arguments for broader funding and integration of such programs across additional school districts statewide.

Summary

House Bill 1426 establishes a Professional School Counselors Pilot Program in certain school districts in Mississippi identified with high incidences of teenage pregnancy and school violence. The aim is to provide comprehensive counseling services that include personal and social counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and educational guidance. It emphasizes the role of professional school counselors in addressing immediate social and personal issues faced by students and fostering a supportive educational environment. The bill mandates the involvement of the State Board of Education, the State Board of Health, and the Mississippi Department of Human Services in the program's implementation and assessment.

Contention

One notable point of contention concerning HB 1426 is the provision that explicitly prohibits counselors from discussing abortion as a means of preventing the birth of a baby. This aspect may lead to debates on the limits of discussions that counselors can have with students regarding health and personal choices. Furthermore, there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness and effectiveness of funding comprehensive counseling programs within the public school system, especially in light of varying community values and opinions on education related to health and personal choices.