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Bill

SB 325

Education; local school systems and public schools to employ or accept as volunteers school chaplains; authorize

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Albers and 9 co-sponsors

Georgia bill permits public schools to hire or volunteer school chaplains to provide student and staff support services in educational settings.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 325

Legislative bill overview

SB 325 authorizes Georgia's local school systems and public schools to employ or accept school chaplains as paid staff or volunteers. The bill removes barriers that may have previously prevented schools from hiring chaplains to provide support services to students and staff.

Why is this important

School chaplains could provide counseling, spiritual support, and crisis intervention services in schools. This addresses potential gaps in mental health and pastoral care resources, particularly in rural areas where counseling services may be limited. The decision affects how schools allocate resources and what role religious or spiritual guidance plays in educational settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of church and state concerns: Critics may argue that school-employed chaplains blur the line between religious institutions and public education, especially regarding which faiths are represented and how neutrality is maintained
  • Chaplain qualifications and oversight: Unclear standards for chaplain credentials, training, and accountability could create inconsistencies in service quality and potential liability issues for school districts
  • Student access and opt-in procedures: Questions about whether chaplain services are mandatory, how students opt in/out, and whether vulnerable minors might feel pressured to participate in religious or spiritual counseling

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

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