H.B. 240 Summary

• Permits school districts, community schools, and STEM schools to employ or accept chaplains as volunteers to provide support services and programs for students without requiring state licensure or certification.

• Requires chaplains to undergo criminal records checks as prescribed by state law, submit results to the Department of Education, and register during their employment or volunteer period.

• Prohibits the Department of Education from accepting chaplains who have pleaded guilty to, been found guilty of, or been convicted of offenses listed in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

• Specifies that chaplain services must be offered in addition to, not in place of, existing school counselor services.

• Allows each school district or school to establish requirements and procedures as necessary to implement the chaplain program.