OH HB531

Public school districts, community schools, and STEM schools may accept volunteer chaplains to provide support services, programs, and counseling to students

Chaplains must be religious professionals certified by a recognized ecclesiastical endorsing agency and are not required to obtain state board of education licensure

Volunteer chaplains must pass criminal background checks and register with the Department of Education and Workforce; individuals convicted of offenses listed in section 3319.31 are disqualified

School boards and governing authorities must vote by December 1, 2026 at a public meeting on whether to adopt a policy authorizing chaplain volunteers, effective for the 2026-2027 school year

Students may participate in chaplain services during school hours only with written parental permission, and chaplain services must supplement rather than replace school counselor services