Public schools; require each school to employ licensed mental health counselor, with whom students shall meet once a year.

SB 2493 requires every Mississippi public school to employ a licensed mental health counselor starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and mandates that all students meet with this counselor at least once annually. The bill directly affects all K-12 public school students and districts across Mississippi by adding this new mental health support requirement to existing school counseling services. If enacted, the law would create a new position for licensed mental health counselors in every school building, distinct from current school counselors, with the annual student meeting requirement taking effect in 2026. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.