An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, providing for school counseling services.

HB 249 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career schools) to develop a written school counseling plan focused on academic and career development for all students. The plan, created by a certified counselor, must include four components: foundation (vision/goals), management (data-driven), delivery (direct services like classroom instruction and individual counseling), and accountability (regular analysis), while excluding medical guidance, social and emotional learning, critical race theory, and behavioral health from its framework. School counselors must dedicate sufficient time to direct services (e.g., student counseling) and indirect services (e.g., parent consultations), and the plan must be reviewed annually with input from school staff, parents, and students. This bill directly affects schools and counselors by standardizing counseling services under state-mandated requirements.