Tennessee House Bill HB7076

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/22/23
• Failed: 8/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to school counselors.

Impact

The implementation of HB7076 could significantly impact school staffing and budget allocations. By mandating the employment of school counselors, the bill addresses concerns regarding insufficient mental health support for students in Tennessee. Each LEA will need to ensure adequate funding in its budget to hire counselors, and while the act does not allocate new funds, it emphasizes the necessity for the General Assembly to appropriate the necessary resources. This requirement may lead to increased municipal budget discussions and potential reallocations to meet these mandates.

Summary

House Bill 7076 aims to amend Tennessee's education laws by establishing a requirement for each Local Educational Agency (LEA), including public charter schools, to employ a licensed professional school counselor. The bill stipulates that there should be one counselor for every 250 students, or one full-time position per LEA and each charter school, whichever is greater. This change is intended to enhance student support services and improve mental health resources in schools, which many argue is critical for student well-being and academic success.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB7076 appears to be generally positive, especially among educators and mental health advocates who see the necessity of having professional counselors in schools to address students' emotional and psychological needs. However, there could be concerns articulated by financial oversight committees regarding the unfunded mandate aspect of the bill, questioning how LEAs will manage the costs without additional funding from the state, potentially leading to debates in the General Assembly regarding resource allocation.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB7076 is the stipulation that it does not directly appropriate funds for these counseling positions, which raises questions about the feasibility of its implementation. Critics may argue that while the intention to improve student support is commendable, the lack of earmarked funding creates uncertainty for LEAs. This aspect may lead to disparities in the availability of counselors across different regions, potentially exacerbating inequities in educational resources and support.