Bill > HB1206

This bill allows Pennsylvania public school entities (including school districts, charter schools, and career schools) to employ or accept volunteers as certified school chaplains who can provide support and services to students and employees. A certified school chaplain is defined as an individual certified by the National School Chaplain Association or a similar organization. These chaplains would not be required to have state teaching certification, but they must still pass background checks related to working with children. Each public school entity's governing board must vote within six months of the bill's effective date on whether to adopt a policy allowing school chaplains. The bill requires that any employed or volunteer chaplain must satisfy existing legal requirements for employees and volunteers who have contact with children, ensuring a baseline of safety and screening. The legislation, known as the Student and Teacher Support Act, would take effect immediately upon passage, giving school entities the option to integrate chaplains into their support systems.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1206