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Bill

Bill

HB 588

School Psychologist Omnibus.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Amber Baker and 33 co-sponsors

North Carolina omnibus bill modifying school psychologist policies, currently in House Appropriations Committee review after first reading passage.

Passed 1st Reading
0
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Bill Summary · HB 588

Legislative bill overview

HB 588 is an omnibus bill addressing school psychologist policies in North Carolina. The bill was filed on March 31, 2025, and passed first reading on April 1, 2025, with referral to the House Appropriations Committee pending favorable review before moving to Rules, Calendar, and Operations.

Why is this important

School psychologists play critical roles in student mental health support, behavioral interventions, and special education evaluations. Omnibus legislation affecting this profession can impact staffing levels, qualifications, training requirements, and the scope of services available to students across the state's public school systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Staffing and funding requirements - Changes to school psychologist positions or mandates may require additional state or local budget allocations during tight fiscal periods
  • Qualification and certification standards - Modifications to licensing requirements could affect workforce pipeline, competitive compensation, or interstate reciprocity
  • Scope of practice definitions - Clarifications on what duties school psychologists can perform may create tensions between education, mental health, and law enforcement responsibilities in schools

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

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