Bill > HB1759

This bill modifies the statutory definition and responsibilities of public school counselors in Texas, expanding their role to more comprehensively address student well-being. Specifically, the bill updates the primary responsibility of school counselors to explicitly include emotional abilities alongside academic, career, personal, and social development. The legislation broadens the counselors' mandate to participate in a comprehensive developmental school counseling program with a focus on identifying and supporting students at risk, including those potentially choosing unhealthy solutions or engaging in harmful behavior toward themselves or others. The bill also maintains existing requirements for counselors to consult with parents, school staff, and community members, coordinate resources, interpret assessment data, deliver guidance activities, and serve as a neutral resource for interpersonal conflicts. These changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with the bill becoming law either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met. The modifications aim to provide a more holistic approach to student support and counseling in the educational system.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1759