TX SB559

Reduces the required school counselor-to-student ratio from 1:500 to 1:300 through a phased implementation: 1:500 until 2027, 1:450 in 2027-2028, 1:400 in 2029-2030, 1:350 in 2031-2032, and 1:300 beginning 2033-2034

Expands the counselor requirement from elementary school students only to all students in the district

Requires districts with 300+ students (under the final ratio) to employ at least one certified school counselor per school, while smaller districts may use part-time counselors, certified teachers, or shared services arrangements

Changes funding distribution priorities to give preference to districts with the highest concentration of students at risk of dropping out, removing the previous preference for districts that received funds in the prior year

Creates new state aid (Section 48.2641) to help districts employ the required number of certified school counselors, with the amount determined by the commissioner