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HF 884

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 884 - Authorizing School Chaplains OverviewBill Number: HF 884 Title: A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ cha

Amendment S-5209 filed.
#charterschools #clergy #innovationzoneschools #schooldistricts #schools #students
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Bill Summary · HF 884

HF 884 - Authorizing School Chaplains

Overview

Bill Number: HF 884
Title: 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.
Status: Amendments S-3124, S-3128, S-3129, and S-3130 filed.
Introduced: March 07, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 884 is to allow public schools, including school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, to employ or engage volunteer chaplains to provide services to students. The bill aims to give schools the option to offer chaplain-led programs and activities that could address students' spiritual, emotional, and mental health needs.

Key Provisions

  • Authorizes school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains or engage volunteer chaplains to provide services to students
  • Allows chaplains to lead activities such as prayer, meditation, counseling, and other programs focused on students' spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being
  • Requires chaplains to be licensed or ordained by a recognized religious organization and to undergo background checks
  • Prohibits chaplains from proselytizing or promoting a specific religious doctrine, and mandates that participation in chaplain-led activities be voluntary for students

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Public school students would have the option to participate in chaplain-led programs and activities, which could provide additional support for their spiritual, emotional, and mental health
  • School districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools would have the authority to employ or engage volunteer chaplains to offer these services to students
  • Chaplains would be able to work in public school settings, potentially expanding their reach and influence

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HF 884 has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently under consideration. The bill has received several amendments (S-3124, S-3128, S-3129, and S-3130) that are pending. The next step would be for the bill to be scheduled for a committee hearing, where it would be further discussed and potentially revised before moving to a full floor vote.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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