PA HB2253

Pennsylvania public high schools must employ "school life support coaches" — trained, nonclinical staff providing daily emotional support, mentorship, and crisis response — at ratios of 1:300 students in high-need districts and 1:500 in other districts

Coaches must hold a bachelor's degree with 2 years experience (or associate's degree with 4 years) and complete training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, cultural competence, and restorative practices, plus 15 hours of annual continuing education

Coaches are prohibited from performing therapy, diagnosis, or duties assigned to counselors, social workers, or psychologists; they must refer students needing clinical intervention to licensed staff

High-need districts must implement the program in the first full school year after the act takes effect; all districts must comply by the 2029-2030 school year

Funding may come from district allocations, state and federal grants, or public-private partnerships; districts must report annually on coach staffing, student ratios, and outcomes including attendance and disciplinary incidents