Education; school districts; volunteer chaplains; certification requirements; prohibitions; effective date.

HB 1232 allows Oklahoma school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains without requiring state certification from the Department of Education. It prohibits school districts from employing or accepting as a volunteer any chaplain who has been convicted of or is a defendant in a sex offense requiring sex offender registration. The bill directly affects school districts and potential chaplain volunteers by changing certification rules and adding a criminal background restriction. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.