Bill > HB179

This bill allows public K-12 schools and public charter schools in Alabama to voluntarily adopt policies permitting campus chaplains to serve as volunteers starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Local boards of education and charter school governing bodies would first need to take a recorded vote to approve such a policy. If approved, campus chaplains could provide support, services, and programs at a teacher's request. These chaplains would not need state teaching certification but must have completed a recognized chaplain training program. Before volunteering, chaplains must undergo a criminal background check and cannot have been convicted of or adjudicated for any sex offenses requiring registration. The bill emphasizes that chaplain involvement is optional and subject to local approval, providing a framework for schools to potentially access spiritual support personnel while maintaining safeguards for student safety. The provisions would take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing schools time to consider and potentially implement the new policy.