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MS SB2501

Bill

Status

Failed

2/3/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Tate

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • School districts and charter schools in Mississippi may employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students, with selection and oversight by local school boards
  • Chaplains are not required to hold teacher certification, but must pass criminal background checks before beginning service, and individuals required to register as sex offenders are prohibited from serving
  • School boards and charter school governing bodies must vote by December 1, 2026, on whether to adopt a chaplain policy for implementation in the 2026-2027 school year
  • The bill amends existing law to include chaplains on State Department of Education crisis response teams that respond to traumatic or violent situations affecting students and faculty
  • Local school boards gain expanded authority to fund school safety measures including counselors, mental health personnel, behavioral health services, and suicide prevention programs, with chaplains explicitly listed as eligible providers for these services

Legislative Description

Public schools; allow to employ or accept the service of chaplains.

Last Action

Died In Committee

2/3/2026

Committee Referrals

Education1/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available