Bill > SB590

This bill allows school districts and public charter schools in Oklahoma to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers to provide support and services to school employees and students. The bill defines a chaplain as an ordained or authorized religious leader from any denomination. Schools must request a national criminal history record check from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for any chaplain before they can work or volunteer, and they are prohibited from employing chaplains who are registered sex offenders or have pending sex offense charges. Importantly, the bill specifies that no student or school employee can be required to seek support or services from these chaplains. Chaplains are exempt from State Board of Education certification requirements. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause, which means it can take effect immediately upon passage and approval. The legislation aims to provide additional support resources for schools while maintaining safeguards to protect students and ensure volunteer chaplains have clean criminal backgrounds.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb590&Session=2600