Texas House Bill HB1334

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the employment of certified counselors by school districts.

Impact

The implications of HB 1334 include a mandated increase in the number of certified counselors in school districts, which is intended to enhance student support services. This shift is expected to provide better mental health resources and educational guidance, particularly for larger districts. Additionally, the bill guarantees state aid for districts to help finance the employment of these required counselors, thus reducing the financial burden on smaller districts that may struggle to meet these new requirements without additional support.

Summary

House Bill 1334 focuses on the employment of certified counselors within school districts in Texas. The bill aims to amend existing sections of the Texas Education Code to establish specific requirements for school districts in terms of counselor employment. According to the proposed changes, a school district with 300 or more students must employ certified counselors, with at least one counselor for every 300 students. For smaller districts with fewer than 300 students, they are allowed to employ part-time certified counselors or enter into shared service agreements with other districts to provide these counseling services. These amendments are set to improve access to professional guidance in educational settings.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that increasing the number of certified counselors will address the rising mental health needs of students and improve overall educational outcomes, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts. Critics argue that while the state aid is intended to assist, it may not fully cover the costs associated with hiring additional staff, especially in districts facing budget constraints. The legislation highlights the ongoing debate about resources dedicated to mental health in schools and the effectiveness of investment in counselors compared to other educational priorities.