H.B. No. 1759 amends the Education Code to enhance the responsibilities of public school counselors in Texas. The bill specifies that the primary role of a school counselor is to support the academic, career, personal, and emotional development of students. Additionally, it expands the counselor's duties to include planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the needs of at-risk students, including those at risk of unhealthy behaviors or needing modified instructional strategies. The bill also emphasizes the importance of consulting with parents and guardians, collaborating with school staff and community members, and providing guidance on educational and career planning.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of "emotional abilities" to the list of developmental areas counselors must focus on, and the introduction of new categories of at-risk students, such as those who may choose unhealthy solutions to problems or engage in harmful behaviors. The bill also replaces the term "guidance program" with "school counseling program" to reflect a more comprehensive approach. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 33.006 (Education Code 33)