Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB33

Introduced
6/18/25  

Caption

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

Impact

Should SB33 be enacted, it will significantly impact state laws related to educational standards and mental health provisions in schools. The bill is designed to outline the responsibilities of school districts regarding the provision of counseling services and the qualifications required for counselors. This legislative approach may lead to improved mental health support frameworks within schools, benefiting students and educators alike by providing structured resources for addressing student needs.

Summary

SB33 proposes to establish comprehensive school counseling services across the state, aiming to enhance the mental health resources available to students in educational institutions. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing dedicated counseling services that address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. By implementing such services, the bill seeks to create a supportive environment within schools that fosters both academic achievement and personal well-being.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB33 has been positive, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for mental health support in educational settings. Advocates argue that the bill will fill crucial gaps in student support services, enabling schools to better address the diverse challenges faced by students today. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the allocation of funding and resources necessary to implement these services effectively, drawing attention to the logistical challenges that may arise.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround potential disparities in the availability of resources and the quality of counseling services provided across different school districts. Critics express concerns that without adequate funding and oversight, the bill may lead to a patchwork of services, where some students receive comprehensive support while others may not have access to essential mental health resources. Thus, while SB33 aims to be a progressive step forward, the implementation and equity of the proposed services remain vital issues for debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB33

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB1665

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB662

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB1805

Providing for school counseling services.

PA SB1055

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB341

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB1530

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB1422

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB2597

In school health services, providing for school-based health centers.

PA HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

Similar Bills

IL SB0136

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING

NJ A3424

Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.

NJ A1516

Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.

NJ S2323

Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.

NJ S1784

Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE.

MS HB286

Elementary professional school counselors; allocate funds under Mississippi Student Funding Formula for.

CA AB2473

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HI HB876

Relating To Healthcare Preceptors.