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HB 8

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Lowen

HB 8 allows Alabama public K-12 schools to vote on accepting volunteer campus chaplains, enhancing support for students and teachers with specific training and background checks.

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Bill Summary · HB 8

Summary of HB 8: Campus Chaplains in Public K-12 Schools

Bill Number: HB 8
Title: Campus chaplains; public K-12 schools authorized to accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies authorized to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2026 (if passed)
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education

Purpose and Intent

HB 8 aims to authorize local boards of education and governing bodies of public charter schools in Alabama to vote on whether to allow the acceptance of campus chaplains as volunteers in public K-12 schools. The bill seeks to provide additional support services to students and teachers through volunteer chaplains while establishing specific requirements and limitations for those serving in this role.

Key Provisions

  • Local Authority: Each local board of education and governing body of public charter schools can take a recorded vote to adopt a policy allowing campus chaplains as volunteers.

  • Volunteer Services: If approved, campus chaplains may provide support, services, and programs at the request of teachers within the school district.

  • Training Requirements:

    • Campus chaplains must complete a recognized chaplain training program.
    • They are not required to be certified by the State Board of Education.

  • Background Checks:

    • Prior to volunteering, chaplains must undergo a criminal history background check in accordance with Alabama law.
    • Individuals who have been adjudicated or convicted of offenses requiring registration as sex offenders are prohibited from serving as campus chaplains.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students and Teachers: The bill is designed to benefit students and teachers by providing additional support through volunteer chaplains.

  • Local Education Authorities: Local boards of education and charter school governing bodies will have the authority to decide on the implementation of this program in their jurisdictions.

  • Potential Volunteers: Individuals interested in serving as campus chaplains must meet specific training and background check requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • Voting Timeline: The bill allows local boards to vote on the acceptance of campus chaplains beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

  • Legislative Process: As of January 13, 2026, the bill is pending committee action in the House of Origin (Education Policy).

Conclusion

HB 8 seeks to enhance the support available to students and teachers in Alabama's public K-12 schools by allowing the introduction of volunteer campus chaplains, contingent upon local approval and adherence to specific training and background requirements. If passed, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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

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