By: Middleton S.B. No. 798 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the certification requirements for a public school counselor. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.0462 to read as follows: Sec. 21.0462. QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION AS SCHOOL COUNSELOR. The qualifications for certification as a school counselor may not include a requirement that a candidate for certification have experience as a classroom teacher. SECTION 2. As soon as possible after the effective date of this Act but not later than January 1, 2024, the State Board for Educator Certification shall propose any rules necessary to implement Section 21.0462, Education Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.