The Georgia State Legislature's Senate Committee on Education & Youth convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss House Bill 81, which aims to establish a compact among states for school psychologists. The primary goal of the bill is to streamline the certification process for school psychologists, thereby increasing the availability of qualified professionals in Georgia's schools.

The meeting began with an overview of the bill's objectives, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that only qualified individuals provide psychological services to students. Proponents highlighted that school psychologists play a crucial role in assessing students for dyslexia and other special education needs. The compact would allow for standardized requirements across member states, facilitating the movement of certified psychologists into Georgia without lowering existing standards.

Currently, Georgia has a significant shortage of school psychologists, with a ratio of one psychologist for every 2,240 students. This bill is seen as a potential solution to address both the labor shortage and the increasing demand for mental health services in schools. The compact requires participation from seven states to become effective, and as of now, West Virginia and Colorado have joined, with Nebraska and New Jersey also considering the legislation.

Margaret Chiarelli, representing the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, expressed strong support for the bill, noting that teachers have identified the need for more school psychologists and counselors as a top priority for enhancing school safety and mental health support. She emphasized that the bill would alleviate barriers for psychologists moving to Georgia, allowing them to begin serving students more quickly.

The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of the compact, including the potential for bringing in counselors from other states during crises, as they would have received the same training as Georgia's psychologists. The conversation also touched on the need for ongoing efforts to reduce the counselor-to-student ratio, which remains a long-term goal for the legislature.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the pressing need for more mental health professionals in Georgia's schools and the potential benefits of House Bill 81 in addressing these challenges. The bill is positioned as a critical step toward improving student support and safety in educational environments. Further actions and follow-ups will be necessary as the compact progresses and more states consider joining.