Texas Senate Bill SB1784

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to information regarding the number of school counselors in public schools.

Impact

The implications of SB1784 on state laws are significant, as it introduces mandatory reporting requirements that institutions must adhere to, which could impact budget allocations and employment decisions regarding school counselors. The data collected under this bill will serve as a valuable tool for policymakers to analyze the counselor-student ratio in Texas schools, with potential effects on future legislation aimed at enhancing student support services. Ultimately, the bill aims to assess and improve the mental health counseling framework within the education system.

Summary

SB1784 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing transparency and data reporting regarding the availability of school counselors in public schools across Texas. The bill mandates that each school district and open-enrollment charter school report specific information about their counseling services through the Public Education Information Management System. This includes detailing the number of full-time equivalent school counselors who provide counseling services at various campuses, thereby standardizing the data collection process.

Contention

There may be concerns raised regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly around the logistics of data collection, the definition of full-time equivalent counselors, and the potential strain on school districts as they adapt to new reporting requirements. Advocates for mental health in schools may support the bill due to its aim to highlight the importance of counseling services, while those wary of increased bureaucracy in education may question the necessity and feasibility of these reporting changes.