79R1033 PAM-D

By:  Delisi                                                       H.B. No. 2477



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the qualifications for school counselors in certain 
elementary schools.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 33.002(c), Education Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
	(c)  A school district with fewer than 500 students enrolled 
in elementary school grades shall provide guidance and counseling 
services to elementary school students by:
		(1)  employing a part-time counselor certified under 
the rules of the State Board for Educator Certification;
		(2)  employing a part-time teacher certified as a 
counselor under the rules of the State Board for Educator 
Certification; [or]
		(3)  employing a part-time social worker licensed under 
Chapter 505, Occupations Code; or
		(4)  entering into a shared services arrangement 
agreement with one or more school districts to share a counselor 
certified under the rules of the State Board for Educator 
Certification.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.