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A 3196

Establishes mandatory training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting students with autism spectrum disorder

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelo Santabarbara

Requires every NY high school guidance counselor to complete mandatory autism spectrum disorder training, aiming to improve academics, planning, and transitions for ASD students.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 3196

Summary: New York Bill A 3196 — Mandatory ASD Training for High School Guidance Counselors

Overview

  • Bill number: A 3196
  • Title: Establishes mandatory training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting students with autism spectrum disorder
  • Sponsor (primary): Angelo Santabarbara
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Classification: House bill

Purpose and Intent

A 3196 would require all high school guidance counselors to complete mandatory training focused on assisting students who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim is to improve counselors’ ability to support ASD students in academics, planning, and transition processes, and to enhance collaboration with families and relevant professionals.

Key Provisions (as disclosed)

  • Mandatory training for all high school guidance counselors: The bill would require every high school guidance counselor to undergo training related to autism spectrum disorder.
  • Scope: Applies to high schools within the scope of the state education system (specific district applicability and definitions would be addressed in the bill’s text).
  • Curriculum details: The information provided does not specify the exact training topics, duration, or delivery method; those details would be defined in the bill’s text or subsequent amendments.
  • Implementation mechanics: The legislative text we have does not specify timelines for rollout, reporting requirements, or enforcement mechanisms.

Who is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Students with autism spectrum disorder in high school settings.
  • Secondary beneficiaries: High school guidance counselors, school administrators, families of ASD students, and the broader school community that relies on effective guidance services.

Potential Impacts

  • Educational outcomes: Potential improvements in academic planning, accommodations, and transition planning (e.g., postsecondary options, vocational pathways) for ASD students.
  • Equity and access: Standardized training could reduce variability in counselor support for ASD students across schools.
  • Operational considerations: School districts may need to allocate time and resources for training; curriculum development and ongoing updates could require funding and oversight.
  • Equity and inclusivity: Training could address communication strategies, collaboration with families, and coordination with special education, speech-language pathology, and other supports.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current status: Referral to the House Committee on Education (two identical entries listed on the same date).
  • Next steps in process: Movement through the Education committee, potential amendments, and floor consideration; final passage would lead to a vote and, if approved, eventual enactment.
  • Related legislation: A 7262, A 1367, A 1667, and A 3613—bills from prior sessions related to autism or guidance counseling topics, indicating ongoing legislative interest in ASD supports in schools.

Notes

  • The provided information does not include the bill’s full text, definitions of key terms (e.g., “guidance counselor,” “ASD training scope”), funding provisions, or implementation timelines. The specifics will become clearer as the bill advances or if amended.

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

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