Senate Bill 7016, also known as House Bill 7076, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, to enhance the availability of licensed professional school counselors in local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools. The bill mandates that the Department of Education allocate sufficient funds to each LEA to employ one full-time licensed professional school counselor for every 250 students or one full-time position for the LEA and each public charter school within the LEA, whichever is greater. Additionally, it requires that each LEA and public charter school employ a licensed professional school counselor for each position funded under this provision. The funds allocated for this purpose are specified to be in addition to those allocated for the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA).

Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not constitute an appropriation of funds, meaning that the funds for these positions will only be available if specifically appropriated by the General Assembly. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2023, and will apply to the 2023-2024 school year and subsequent years.