PA HB1743

Requires all Pennsylvania school entities (school districts, charter schools, cyber charter schools, intermediate units, and career and technical schools) to develop and implement written comprehensive school counseling plans covering kindergarten through grade 12

Mandates school counselors spend at least 80% of their working time during student contact days providing direct services (classroom instruction, individual/group counseling, risk assessments, crisis interventions) and indirect services (consultations with parents, staff, and community agencies)

Limits administrative activities (test coordination, schedule development, hallway monitoring, data entry) to no more than 20% of counselor time during student contact days

Plans must include academic advisement, career planning guidance, and social-emotional support including bullying prevention, suicide awareness, conflict resolution, and dropout intervention programs

Department of Education must begin monitoring compliance in the 2025-2026 school year, employ at least one certified school counselor, and provide technical assistance to school entities; plans must be posted on school websites