OK SB1738

School districts and public charter schools may employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students and employees, with assignments determined by the school board or charter governing body

Chaplains are exempt from State Board of Education certification requirements and are defined as ordained or authorized pastors, ministers, priests, or other ecclesiastical dignitaries of any denomination

Schools must request a national criminal history record check through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) before any chaplain begins working or volunteering

Schools are prohibited from employing or accepting as volunteer any chaplain convicted of or charged with an offense requiring sex offender registration

Students and school employees cannot be required to seek support or services from a chaplain; effective date July 1, 2026, with emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage