Bill > HF4512

This bill amends existing Minnesota law to recommend school counselor-to-student ratios, with a goal of one counselor for every 250 students from pre-K through 12th grade. It establishes specific duties for school counselors, including providing preventive and developmental counseling programs, delivering classroom instruction on academic, social and emotional, and career development topics, providing short-term individual and group counseling, making referrals for long-term mental health support, consulting and collaborating with families and school staff, analyzing data to identify needs and set goals, and acting as a systems change agent. The bill encourages school districts to ensure counselors spend at least 80% of their time providing these direct services to students. The changes are effective as of July 1, 2024.