# Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

This bill aims to shift how schools handle student misbehavior by encouraging counseling and support services instead of pushing students into the criminal justice system. The core idea is that when students break school rules or have behavioral problems, schools should try to help them through counseling, mental health services, and other supportive interventions rather than automatically suspending them, expelling them, or involving police and the courts.

The bill would affect students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. For students—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are often disciplined more harshly—this could mean getting access to counselors, therapists, or social workers who help address the root causes of their behavior, like trauma, mental health issues, or family problems. Instead of a student being arrested at school for a fight or talking back to a teacher, they might be required to attend counseling sessions or conflict resolution programs. This approach recognizes that many young people act out because they need help, not punishment.

For schools, this bill likely creates incentives or requirements to invest in counseling staff and mental health resources rather than relying on police officers in schools or harsh discipline policies. Teachers would work with counselors to address behavioral issues. Parents would be involved in finding solutions that keep their kids in school and learning rather than sitting at home during a suspension or dealing with criminal charges that could follow them into adulthood.

The practical effect is that students get a second chance through support rather than being pushed out of school or into the criminal system, which research shows can actually make young people's lives worse and increase the likelihood they'll drop out or reoffend.

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

Murphy, Christopher

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for law enforcement officers in schools. It also establishes a grant program to replace law enforcement officers in schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to hire, maintain, or train law enforcement officers in elementary or secondary schools. Further, it prohibits the use of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for law enforcement officers in schools. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies to (1) replace law enforcement officers in elementary and secondary schools with personnel and services that support mental health and trauma-informed services, and (2) reform school safety and disciplinary policies to reflect evidence-based practices that do not rely on the criminal justice system. A recipient must use grants funds to hire, maintain, or train specified staff. The bill prohibits the use of grant funds for (1) establishing or enforcing punitive school discipline policies, (2) purchasing or installing surveillance equipment (e.g., metal detectors), or (3) arming teachers or other school personnel.