Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

Texas House Bill HB103

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the duties of a public school counselor.

Impact

If enacted, HB 103 will amend existing stipulations regarding school counselor responsibilities in the Texas Education Code. It is designed to strengthen the role of counselors in addressing issues such as student dropout risks, substance abuse, and mental health. The bill emphasizes collaboration between counselors, parents, and school staff to foster an inclusive environment focusing on student success. The legislation is set to take effect from the 2024-2025 school year, which allows schools to prepare for the new expectations placed on their counseling staff.

Summary

House Bill 103 aims to refine and clarify the duties of public school counselors in Texas. The bill focuses on ensuring that school counselors prioritize the comprehensive development of students, encompassing academic, career, and personal growth. Among its key provisions, the bill mandates counselors to implement effective developmental counseling programs addressing the unique needs of at-risk students, while also establishing an impartial role in managing interpersonal conflicts, including bullying situations. These changes seek to improve the support system for students, particularly those facing significant challenges.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 103 has been broadly positive among educational stakeholders, particularly those advocating for enhanced mental health support within schools. Supporters argue that the bill will lead to better educational outcomes by providing counselors with a clearer framework to assist vulnerable students. However, some critics have expressed concerns about the potential implementation challenges, especially regarding adequate funding and training for school counselors to meet the expanded requirements outlined in the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions about the adequacy of resources that will be needed to implement the bill's requirements effectively. Critics argue that without proper support and funding, the well-intentioned provisions of HB 103 may not translate into meaningful improvements for students. Additionally, some stakeholders are concerned that the emphasis on academic and career counseling could inadvertently diminish focus on the social and emotional support that is equally vital in a student's development.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3833

Relating to the duties of a public school counselor.

TX HB154

Relating to the duties of a public school counselor.

TX HB498

Relating to policies and procedures for addressing bullying and harassment in public schools.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB4715

Relating to the establishment of paternity and the duty to pay child support and to victim restitution or compensation for certain sexual offenses resulting in pregnancy.

TX HB2929

Relating to continuing education and training requirements for classroom teachers and public school counselors.

TX SB2318

Relating to continuing education and training requirements for classroom teachers and public school counselors.

TX SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.