Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2454

Introduced
2/16/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

Impact

The introduction of HF2454 is significant in the context of addressing growing mental health concerns among students. By permitting the employment of counselors with temporary licenses, schools are expected to enhance the support systems for students in need of mental health services. This legislation reflects a proactive approach to fill the gaps arising from a shortage of licensed counselors in educational settings, ultimately benefiting students by increasing their access to mental health resources.

Summary

House File 2454 seeks to address the mental health services available to students by allowing school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ temporary licensed mental health counselors. This bill stipulates that individuals who meet the necessary educational requirements for licensure in mental health counseling, but have not yet completed their supervised clinical experiences, can apply for a temporary license. This would enable them to provide counseling services under supervision, thereby expanding the resources available for student mental health support.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the proposed bill, particularly concerning the qualifications and supervision of temporary licensed counselors. Opponents might argue that temporary licenses could undermine the quality of care provided to students if these counselors lack sufficient hands-on experience. Additionally, discussions could arise around the oversight responsibilities of schools in ensuring that such counselors deliver adequate support while under supervision, and whether the temporary license period of three years is sufficient for obtaining permanent licensure.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF100

A bill for an act relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to provide success-sequence education in grades seven through twelve.

IA HF2381

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to grant coaches leaves of absence to attend professional development activities.

IA SF58

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

IA HSB276

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the minimum amount of instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA SSB3015

A bill for an act relating to the verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the board of educational examiners, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 2218.)

IA HF536

A bill for an act relating to firearm, hunting, and wildlife instruction provided to students enrolled in grades six through eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF586

A bill for an act relating to the development of a policy governing responses to a fire alarm activated on school grounds outside of a scheduled fire drill by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF121

A bill for an act relating to student resources for the submission of applications for home and community-based services waivers by the parents or guardians of students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, or innovation zone schools.

IA SSB1028

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See SF 175.)

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