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HB 1130

Education, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to allocate to each local education agency sufficient funds for the LEA to employ one full-time licensed professional school counselor at each high school in the LEA that enrolls at least 600 students in grades 10 through 12; requires each LEA to employ one full-time licensed professional school counselor at each high school for which the LEA receives such funding from the department. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

Tennessee requires state funding for one full-time school counselor per high school with 600+ upper-grade students, addressing counselor shortages in larger secondary schools.

P2C, ref. to Education Committee- Government Operations for Review
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Bill Summary · HB 1130

Legislative bill overview

HB 1130 mandates that Tennessee's Department of Education allocate funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to employ at least one full-time licensed professional school counselor at each high school with 600+ students in grades 10-12. LEAs receiving this state funding are required to use it for this specific purpose.

Why is this important

School counselors play a critical role in student mental health, college/career planning, and early intervention for at-risk students. The national student-to-counselor ratio averages 482:1, while the American School Counselor Association recommends 250:1, indicating significant shortfalls in many districts. This bill directly addresses staffing gaps in larger high schools where counselor needs are greatest.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill does not specify funding amounts, leaving uncertainty about whether allocated funds will be adequate for full-time salaries plus benefits in different regions
  • Limited scope: The 600-student threshold excludes many high schools and all middle/elementary schools where counselor shortages also exist, raising equity concerns
  • Implementation burden: LEAs must hire licensed counselors in a tight labor market; rural or lower-income districts may struggle to recruit qualified professionals despite funding availability

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

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