What's happening
This bill requires every New York school to employ at least one certified guidance counselor to support students' academic and personal development.
Why it matters
Guarantees every student access to a professional counselor. this can help address a wide range of challenges students face, from academic struggles to mental health and behavioral issues, ensuring no school is left without this support.
Separates guidance services from special education funding. , meaning general student populations get dedicated guidance resources without diverting or overlapping with funds meant for students with special needs.
Expands counselor roles to proactive education and family engagement. , requiring counselors not only to help with academic planning but also address issues like attendance, adjustment problems, child sexual abuse prevention, and increased parental involvement—potentially leading to safer, more supportive school environments.
Sets a statewide standard for student support. , which could help reduce disparities among schools in different regions or with varying resources, promoting more equitable access to guidance and intervention services.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Counselors in All Schools
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
21 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Guidance Counselors in Schools
In Senate Committee · Education · Sponsor Andrew Gounardes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2709
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 25, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ, COLTON, JAFFEE -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CUSICK, LUPARDO, SOLAGES, WRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a guidance counselor in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 803-b to read as follows:
§ 803-b. Full-time school guidance counselors required in elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high schools. The board of education or trustees of every school district in the state shall on and after July first, two thousand twenty employ at least one certified or licensed school guidance counselor in each of the schools under their jurisdiction exclusive of any school guidance counselors funded or mandated through any special education funding, aid, regulation or statute. Such school guidance counselor shall perform such duties including, but not limited to: coordinating with the instructional staff to prepare students to participate effectively in their current and future educational programs, helping students who exhibit any attendance, academic, behavioral or adjustment problems, educating students concerning avoidance of child sexual abuse, and encouraging parental involvement.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07364-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.