Plain English Summary
This bill increases pay for school psychologists, creates grant and internship programs to recruit and train more of them, funds university training programs, and establishes an interstate compact allowing school psychologists licensed in one state to practice in other member states more easily.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill addresses a critical shortage of school psychologists in North Carolina by making the profession more attractive through higher pay and creating pathways to increase the supply of trained professionals. The interstate compact allows qualified psychologists to move between states without repeating licensing requirements, potentially bringing more professionals into NC schools to support student mental health and safety.
Arguments Against
Opponents may be concerned about the significant state spending ($28.1 million total for 2025-2026) at a time of competing budget priorities, question whether pay increases alone will solve workforce shortages, or worry that the interstate compact could reduce state control over licensing standards and disciplinary oversight of professionals working with children.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Cosponsors (20)
Senator · District 31
Senator · District 13
Senator · District 15
Senator · District 1
Senator · District 34
Senator · District 3
Senator · District 7
Senator · District 2
Senator · District 12
Senator · District 28
Senator · District 10
Senator · District 49
Senator · District 32
Senator · District 43
Senator · District 44
Senator · District 24
Senator · District 38
Senator · District 16
Senator · District 47
Senator · District 40