MT HJ58

Requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to study how to better leverage school counselors to enhance student outcomes in Montana K-12 schools

Requires collaboration with school counselors, Board of Public Education, Office of Public Instruction, counselor preparation programs, and school advocacy organizations

Directs investigation into the extent of school counselor shortages in Montana and ways to strengthen the workforce pipeline, including examination of current student-counselor ratios in accreditation standards

Mandates review of best practices, challenges faced by counselors, and successful efforts in other states to improve student outcomes through effective counseling programs

Study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature