ID H0654

Expands the definition of school counselor to include certified social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical professional counselors licensed under Idaho Code chapters 32 and 34, title 54, in addition to those with approved graduate degrees in school guidance and counseling

Requires the state board of education to adopt rules specifically providing that certified social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical professional counselors meet school counselor requirements

Allows local school districts to request waivers from counselor/counseling requirements if they submit data annually approved by the state department of education demonstrating an alternative program model meets the board's intent

Takes effect July 1, 2022, with an emergency declaration