H.B. No. 2050 amends the Education Code to redefine the responsibilities of public school counselors in Texas. The bill emphasizes that a school counselor's primary role is to support students in developing their academic, career, and personal abilities. Additionally, it expands the scope of the school counselor's duties to include planning and implementing a comprehensive developmental school counseling program that addresses the needs of various student populations, particularly those at risk of dropping out, substance abuse, gang involvement, or self-harm. The bill also introduces new responsibilities for counselors, such as identifying students who may choose unhealthy solutions to problems or engage in harmful behaviors.

The bill modifies existing language by replacing "guidance" with "school counseling" and clarifying the categories of students that counselors should focus on, including those needing modified instructional strategies and those who are gifted and talented. It also specifies that counselors should serve as impartial resources for resolving interpersonal conflicts among students. 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; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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