HR 8979 United States House · 119th Congress

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act

This bill creates a new funding program to hire more school counselors, psychologists, and social workers at schools with high numbers of low-income students. It provides federal grants to states, which then distribute money to local school districts to help them meet recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor and 500 students per psychologist. To receive these funds, states must contribute matching money and submit detailed plans showing how they will improve student-to-provider ratios in their highest-need schools. The program is designed to address rising mental health issues among youth by increasing access to professional support directly within the school environment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 21, 2026 Last action May 21, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
2
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0
Committee
1
May 21, 2026
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
lower
May 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

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