Bill · H.R. 8979· House(119-HR-8979)

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

Age: 58 years

New York

Introduced: 5/21/2026
Last activity: 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Sponsored by: John Mannion
Cosponsors: - 9 - 0

Education

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act addresses mental health needs in public schools by establishing grants to increase access to providers. The bill aims to help high-need public elementary and secondary schools recruit and retain professionals like school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. It sets specific targets for student-to-provider ratios to ensure students receive adequate care and support. The Secretary of Education will award grants to States, which in turn provide competitive subgrants to local educational agencies. States and local agencies must report annually on their progress and how funds are used to improve these ratios. The legislation authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to fund these efforts.

Yes· 3 of 7

Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill provides essential mental health staffing for children in elementary and secondary schools.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+8
The bill increases access to school-based mental health services by funding the recruitment and retention of providers.
Would students be better off under this?+7
The bill aims to improve student well-being through better counselor-to-student ratios.