CT SB00186

Adds "school counselors" alongside "guidance counselors" in multiple statutes throughout Connecticut education and human services law, effective July 1, 2018.

Expands the definition of "mental health professionals" in sections 10-76u to 10-76x to explicitly include school counselors.

Updates school-related committees and programs (including manufacturing career education and attendance review teams) to include school counselors as participants alongside guidance counselors.

Modifies the definition of "school employee" across multiple sections to include school counselors for purposes of discipline policies, abuse reporting requirements, and victim compensation disclosures.

Updates the Office of Higher Education's duties to include assisting secondary school counselors (in addition to guidance counselors) with financial assistance information.