OK SB590

School districts and public charter schools may employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students and employees

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

Schools must request a national criminal history record check through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation before any chaplain can work or volunteer

Schools are prohibited from employing or accepting as a 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 is July 1, 2025