During the 2001 legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 158 and Senate Bill 518 pertaining to the work of the school counselor. Senate Bill 158 relates to counseling students regarding higher education. Beginning in the 2001-2002 school year, Senate Bill 158 requires each counselor at an elementary, middle or junior high school, including an open-enrollment charter school offering those grades to advise students and their parents or guardians regarding the importance of higher education, coursework designed to prepare students for higher education, financial aid availability and requirements.

Guidance and Counseling Program for Texas Public Schools