Rep. Lambeth files bill in North Carolina House to boost school psychologist workforce

A new bill filed by State Rep. Donny Lambeth in the North Carolina House seeks to improve the number and quality of school psychologists through enhanced pay and training programs, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 588 on March 31 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘School Psychologist Omnibus.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to improve the number and quality of school psychologists in North Carolina through several measures effective July 1, 2025. It increases compensation for school psychologists, providing them with a $650 monthly salary supplement and an additional 12% for those with a Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential. The legislation appropriates $8.1 million for these salary increases. It establishes a School Psychologists Grant Program with a $5 million fund to recruit school psychologists, offering signing bonuses up to $5,000. The bill also creates an internship program for school psychologists, with $5 million allocated for stipends, and provides $5 million for a virtual training program at Appalachian State University. An additional $1.6 million is designated to expand training programs at five North Carolina universities. The bill also enacts an interstate compact to facilitate the practice of school psychology across state lines, enhancing the availability of services by streamlining licensure processes among member states. The compact will come into effect when the statute is enacted in seven member states.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Lambeth proposed the most bills (44) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lambeth graduated from High Point University in 1972 with a BA.

Lambeth, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2013 to represent the state’s 75th House district, replacing previous state representative Bill McGee.