This bill establishes specific requirements for school counselor certification and outlines the roles and responsibilities of school counselors in New Jersey. It mandates that the State Board of Education develop professional development requirements for school counselors, which must include training in areas such as mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and social and emotional learning. Additionally, the bill requires that school counseling programs at regionally accredited colleges and universities incorporate the American School Counselor Association's national model or a State-approved model, along with training in social and emotional learning and career planning.

Furthermore, the bill creates the position of State School Counselor Liaison within the Department of Education, who will be responsible for promoting best practices in school counseling services that address the mental and behavioral health of students. The Liaison will serve as a resource for school counselors, facilitate professional development, and monitor changes in school counseling practices. The appointed individual must hold a standard educational services certificate with a director of school counseling services endorsement and have relevant experience. The Liaison will also report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on their activities and recommendations regarding school counseling services.