A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students.

HF 884 authorizes public school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains or engage them as volunteers to provide services and support to students. Schools can establish qualifications for these chaplains, but they are not required to hold a license from the board of educational examiners. The bill specifies that schools cannot require students to use chaplain services, nor can chaplains be employed in place of licensed school counselors. Background investigations and termination procedures for school employees also apply to chaplains.