H.R.2739 - Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2739, the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, aims to divert federal funding from supporting police presence in schools towards evidence-based and trauma-informed services. The bill seeks to address the needs of marginalized students and improve academic outcomes. It proposes a grant program for local educational agencies to replace law enforcement officers with mental health professionals and reform school safety policies.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill, if enacted, would be a reduction in the number of police officers in schools and an increase in the availability of counseling and mental health services. This could lead to a decrease in school-related arrests and disciplinary actions, particularly for marginalized students. It could also lead to improved school climate and academic outcomes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced criminalization of students, especially marginalized groups.
- Increased access to mental health and trauma-informed services for students.
- Improved school climate and a greater sense of safety and support for students.
- Potential for better academic outcomes due to improved student well-being.
- Empowerment of local educational agencies to tailor safety and disciplinary policies to their specific needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased safety risks if alternative safety measures are not effectively implemented.
- Concerns from some communities about the removal of police officers from schools.
- Possible challenges in hiring and training sufficient numbers of qualified mental health professionals.
- Risk that the grant program may not be effectively managed or that funds may be misused.
- Potential for increased costs for local educational agencies if federal funding is insufficient.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on education aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble. The emphasis on addressing disparities in school discipline could be seen as supporting equal protection under the law, although the Constitution does not explicitly address education. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or religion.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).