The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act establishes a $5 billion competitive grant program to help school districts remove police from schools and replace them with mental health professionals, counselors, and trauma-informed staff. To qualify for funding, districts must terminate existing police contracts at least 30 days before receiving grants and agree not to hire police or create school police departments during the grant period. Grant money can be used to hire counselors, psychologists, social workers, and violence de-escalation specialists, as well as fund restorative justice programs and professional development, but cannot support punitive discipline policies, surveillance technology, police partnerships, or arming school staff. The bill defines key terms including "trauma-informed services" as evidence-based approaches that prioritize safety and healing, and "credible messengers" as community mentors with shared lived experiences such as prior involvement with the justice system. The legislation fundamentally shifts how schools respond to student behavioral and mental health issues by moving away from law enforcement toward counseling and support services.