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Subcommittee adopts amendment, advances changes to school‑counselor certification (PCS for HB 753)
Summary
The panel voted to report PCS for HB 753 favorably after adopting a friendly amendment clarifying that school counselors should be evaluated under Florida school counselor standards rather than classroom teacher standards; sponsor Representative Hunchovsky said the bill removes two non‑counseling certificate requirements while preserving the master’s‑degree requirement and clinical experience.
Representative Hunchovsky presented PCS for HB 753 to remove two educator‑certificate requirements — mastery of general knowledge and professional preparation and education competence — that the sponsor said are not related to counseling and can act as barriers to entry for school counselors. He emphasized the bill does not change the requirement that school counselors hold a master’s degree in school counseling or equivalent experience.
A friendly amendment, presented on behalf of Representative McFarland by Representative Hunchovsky, specifies that school counselors are to be evaluated according to Florida school counselor standards and not teacher classroom standards. The amendment was adopted without objection.
One public commenter, Marquise McMiller, waived in opposition; there was no extended public testimony. The clerk called the roll and the chair announced 15 yays, 0 nays; PCS for HB 753 was reported favorably.
Next steps: The measure will advance to the next legislative stage; fiscal impacts and any statutory drafting adjustments will be handled in subsequent committee or appropriations review.
