Texas House Bill HB155

Texas 2023 - 88th 3rd C.S.

• Filed: 10/16/23

Caption

Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 155 will significantly impact state laws related to the employment of school counselors. It will require districts with increasing student enrollments to hire more counselors, thereby mandating additional funding to support these positions. To aid districts in meeting these requirements, the bill stipulates that certified school counselors must be employed according to specified ratios, effectively increasing overall staffing levels in schools. Additionally, the bill also introduces provisions for additional state aid specifically earmarked for hiring certified counselors, enabling schools to better address student needs.

Summary

House Bill 155 focuses on the employment of certified school counselors by school districts in Texas. The bill aims to amend the Education Code, establishing guidelines for the required counselor-to-student ratio based on school enrollment. Specifically, it mandates that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, school districts must employ a sufficient number of counselors to support their student populations, with specific ratios to be phased in over subsequent years. This legislative effort seeks to enhance student support services and improve educational outcomes by ensuring schools have adequate counseling resources.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 155 appears to be positive among educators and proponents of student welfare. Advocates argue that increasing the number of certified counselors in schools will contribute to a supportive learning environment and assist in addressing mental health issues among students. However, there remains some concern regarding the fiscal implications of mandating increased hiring, particularly for smaller districts that may struggle to meet these requirements without adequate funding. The bill’s reception among stakeholders reflects a general understanding of the necessity of improving student services, balanced by caution regarding financial constraints.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 155 include discussions on the practicality of enforcing the specified ratios, especially in districts with fluctuating enrollments. Some critics argue that the phased approach to counselor employment may still leave gaps in student support in the interim. Additionally, there are concerns about how districts that cannot meet the employment requirements will be held accountable. The bill attempts to address these issues by establishing a framework for state aid; however, questions about the sufficiency of funding and long-term sustainability may persist as the bill progresses through legislative channels.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: New Section