Relating to the employment of certified school counselors by school districts.

SB 559 requires Texas school districts to employ certified school counselors at specific student-to-counselor ratios, phasing in stricter standards over time. Starting in 2027, districts with 500+ students must have one counselor per 500 students (expiring in 2027), progressing to one counselor per 350 students for districts with 350+ students by 2033-2034 (expiring in 2033). The bill also mandates that districts maintain or increase local funding for counseling programs year over year and allocates state funds for districts with high concentrations of students at risk of dropping out. These provisions directly affect all Texas public school districts with enrollments meeting the specified thresholds.