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H 554

An Act establishing comprehensive school counseling programs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carol Doherty and 1 co-sponsor

Requires every MA public school to implement a comprehensive counseling program with licensed counselors, 80% time on services, and a 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio.

Hearing scheduled for 07/21/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · H 554

Summary of Bill H. 554: An Act Establishing Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Overview

  • Bill Number: H. 554
  • Title: An Act establishing comprehensive school counseling programs
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status / Upcoming Proceedings: Hearing scheduled for July 21, 2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, Gardner Auditorium.
  • Sponsor(s): Representatives Carol A. Doherty and Ryan M. Hamilton
  • Legislative Actions to Date: Referred to the Committee on Education (02/27/2025); hearing scheduled (07/21/2025). Related filing references include House Docket No. 3017.

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to ensure that every student in public schools (pre-K through 12) in Massachusetts has access to a comprehensive school counseling program delivered by licensed school counselors. It establishes standards derived from the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, with a focus on counselor staffing ratios and time allocation to maximize direct and indirect student services.

Key provisions

  • Mandatory comprehensive program: Each public school district must develop and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
  • Universal student access: All students from pre-K through 12 will receive school counseling services from licensed school counselors.
  • Time allocation: Each school counselor must spend at least 80% of their work time providing direct or indirect services to students.
  • Student-counselor ratio: To maintain equity in access, districts must staff one school counselor for a maximum of 250 students (the nationally recommended average).
  • Model adherence: Programs must adhere to the specified Massachusetts Model, implying standardized practices, service delivery, and possibly assessment and reporting requirements (as defined by the Model).

Who is affected

  • Students: All public school students from pre-K through 12 in the Commonwealth’s school districts.
  • Licensed school counselors: Those employed within public districts who must meet the 80% direct/indirect service standard.
  • School districts and LEAs: Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining compliant counseling programs and staffing at or below the 1:250 ratio.
  • Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): Likely involved in oversight, guidance, and ensuring model compliance (implied by model adherence in the bill).

Implementation and timeline

  • Implementation trigger: If enacted, districts would be required to develop and implement a comprehensive counseling program in line with the model.
  • Effective date: The text provided does not specify an exact effective date; typical implementation would follow enactment and any subsequent regulatory guidance or deadlines set by the Department.
  • Reporting and compliance: While not detailed in the summary, the model-based standard suggests potential reporting or periodic review to verify staffing ratios and time allocation.

Legislative context and related measures

  • Related bill: HD 3017 (replaces) — indicates a related or predecessor filing with similar objectives.
  • Hearing notice: The bill has a scheduled public hearing as part of the 2025-2026 session process.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Education outcomes: Aimed at improving access to counseling services, which can support student well-being, mental health, and college/career planning.
  • Budget and staffing implications: Implementing a 1:250 counselor ratio and 80% direct/indirect service time may require districts to hire additional licensed counselors or reallocate staff, with potential budgetary implications.
  • Equity and access: The staffing and service standards are designed to promote equitable access to counseling across districts.

This summary captures the essential substantive elements of the bill as filed. If enacted, further guidance from DESE and accompanying regulations would clarify implementation timelines, definitions of “direct or indirect services,” and any funding mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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