Bill > HB1122

This bill modifies Texas law regarding school counselor employment by gradually lowering the student-to-counselor ratio in school districts over several years, ultimately requiring districts with 300 or more students to employ a school counselor for each school and at least one counselor for every 300 students by the 2033-2034 school year. The legislation introduces a phased approach, starting with 500 students in the 2025-2026 school year and progressively reducing the threshold to 300 students by 2033-2034, with each phase expiring after its designated period. For smaller districts with fewer than 300 students (eventually scaling down to this number), the bill provides flexibility in meeting counseling requirements, such as employing part-time counselors, using part-time certified teachers as counselors, or establishing shared services agreements with other districts. Additionally, the bill ensures that districts receiving funds for counseling programs maintain or increase their local funding for these programs and introduces a new provision for state aid to help districts employ the required number of certified school counselors. The legislation defines a school counselor as someone certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, and is set to take effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1122