SB294 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rodger SmithermanSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Public preK-12 schools, campus chaplains, public schools authorized to hire or accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies required to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided
Summary: The bill would let public K-12 and charter schools hire or accept campus chaplains, but only after background checks, training, and local policy approval.
What This Bill Does
Public schools and public charter schools could hire or accept campus chaplains to provide support, services, and programs. Chaplains must pass a criminal history background check and complete a recognized training program before starting, and those with sex offender offenses may not serve. Local boards of education and charter school governing bodies must vote on whether to allow campus chaplains, with a recorded vote by April 1, 2025. The act becomes effective October 1, 2024 and chaplains are not required to be state-certified by the State Board of Education.

Who It Affects
Public K-12 schools and public charter schools in Alabama would be able to hire or accept campus chaplains if their local board or governing body votes to allow it.
Potential campus chaplains and volunteer applicants would need to complete a recognized training program, pass a criminal history background check, and may not be registered sex offenders.

Key Provisions
Authorizes public schools to employ or accept campus chaplains to provide support, services, and programs.
Requires campus chaplains to undergo a criminal history background check before employment or volunteering.
Prohibits anyone adjudicated or convicted of offenses requiring sex offender registration from serving as a campus chaplain.
Requires campus chaplains to complete a recognized chaplain training program.
Requires compliance with criminal history background check requirements under Section 16-22A-5.
Local boards of education and charter school governing bodies must vote on whether to adopt a policy authorizing campus chaplains.
Votes must be recorded no later than April 1, 2025.
Effective date of October 1, 2024.
Chaplains are not required to be state-certified by the State Board of Education.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education