OH SB249

Establishes the position of Chaplain of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate with Senate consent within 30 days after the first day of the first regular session of each General Assembly.

Chaplain serves at the pleasure of the Senate for the term of the General Assembly during which appointed; may serve multiple non-successive terms.

Chaplain duties include opening each Senate session with prayer and providing spiritual counseling and care to Senate members, staff, and their families while maintaining nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and nondenominational conduct.

Chaplain may be from any religious community and may permit guest chaplains from any religious community to give opening prayers, provided they remain nonpartisan and nondenominational.

Chaplain position is unpaid and entitled to no expense reimbursement; an initial Chaplain must be appointed within 30 days of the bill's effective date with a term coinciding with the remainder of the 130th General Assembly.