SB64 would require Hawaii’s Department of Education and public charter schools to provide a minimum level of school-based mental health staffing beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. For every 250 students enrolled in a K-12 department school or charter school, the school would need to employ or contract with at least one mental health professional; schools with fewer than 250 students would still need at least one. The bill defines eligible professionals broadly to include licensed mental health counselors, psychologists, school psychologists, and social workers, including certain exempt social workers.
The bill also requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature by early 2026 on progress toward meeting the staffing benchmark. In addition, it includes an appropriation from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund mental health professional positions or contracts, and it expressly acknowledges that the spending would exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling. The measure would add new statutory requirements to chapters 302A and 302D of the Hawaii Revised Statutes governing department schools and public charter schools.
Impact
If enacted, SB64 would create a new statewide staffing mandate for school mental health services in both traditional public schools and public charter schools, effectively setting a minimum ratio of one mental health professional per 250 students. It would impose new compliance obligations on the Department of Education and charter schools, require interagency cooperation, and likely increase state education spending through appropriations for staffing and contracting. The bill would also add new statutory sections to chapters 302A and 302D and require a legislative progress report before the 2026 session.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a supportive student-services and school-wellness initiative rather than a controversial policy change. The inclusion of an appropriation and a delayed implementation date suggests an effort to make the mandate feasible and phased in over time. No formal vote history or transcript is available to indicate opposition or support from specific legislators or stakeholders.
Contention
The main likely points of contention are funding, staffing feasibility, and implementation logistics. Requiring every school to meet a fixed mental health staffing ratio could be costly and difficult in areas with workforce shortages, especially for smaller schools or remote communities. The bill also explicitly exceeds the general fund expenditure ceiling, which may raise fiscal concerns among budget-conscious lawmakers. Supporters would likely emphasize student mental health needs and access to counseling services, while critics may focus on the availability of qualified professionals and the open-ended appropriation language.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.