Virginia Senate Bill SB859

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/25
• Refer: 1/3/25
• Report Pass: 1/23/25
• Engrossed: 1/27/25
• Refer: 2/3/25

Caption

School boards; policies relating to volunteer student life counseling and support services.

Impact

The implementation of SB859 would require school boards in Virginia to establish public policies that facilitate the provision of volunteer counseling services while adhering to strict approval protocols. Key provisions include background checks for volunteers, mandated parental consent for student participation, and the necessity of public input before policy adoption. This change aims to broaden the support mechanisms available to students, particularly those facing various life challenges, thereby enhancing mental health resources in schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 859 aims to amend the Code of Virginia to introduce policies related to after-school volunteer student life counseling and support services provided by individuals affiliated with community organizations. The bill outlines specific guidelines for school boards to adopt these policies, ensuring that students have access to support that addresses social, emotional, and personal issues outside of regular school hours. Notably, this legislation emphasizes that these services are distinct from academic counseling and must not interfere with the standard educational environment.

Contention

While proponents of SB859 argue that it fosters a supportive environment for students dealing with personal crises, critics raise concerns about the adequacy of volunteer training and the potential for unauthorized influence in counseling. There may be apprehensions regarding the neutrality of the services, particularly concerning religious affiliations. The bill stipulates that volunteer groups must not express any religious bias, which could be a contentious point in communities with strong religious influences. Critics also question whether the new policies could lead to inconsistency in the quality of counseling services offered across different school districts.