Texas Senate Bill SB1892

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for school counselors employed by a school district.

Impact

The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for school counselors who wish to receive this assistance, including holding a master's or doctoral degree related to counseling and holding certification as a school counselor. Counselors must work consecutively for a specified period and apply annually for this financial assistance. The program allows counselors to receive repayment assistance for a maximum of five years, with the total amount capped at $40,000 for those with a master's degree and $80,000 for those with a doctoral degree.

Summary

Senate Bill 1892 aims to provide student loan repayment assistance to school counselors employed by school districts in Texas. It proposes the establishment of a new Subchapter LL in Chapter 61 of the Education Code to authorize the board to assist eligible school counselors in repaying their student loans. This assistance is intended to alleviate the financial burden on counselors, encouraging retention and recruitment in school districts, particularly those in areas with mental health professional shortages or schools receiving federal Title I funding.

Contention

Concerns regarding the bill may arise from its limitations on funding based on annual appropriations, as well as its stipulation that applicants cannot have loans in default. This condition could exclude some potential candidates in need of support but unable to meet this criterion. Additionally, while the bill aims to strengthen support for counselors in high-need areas, discussions could emerge over the equity of funding distribution and the sufficiency of allocated resources to meet demand, particularly in districts facing severe staffing shortages.