To amend sections 3314.03 and 3326.11 and to enact section 3313.475 of the Revised Code to enact the School Chaplain Act to permit public schools to engage volunteer chaplains to provide support services.
Summary
HB531, titled the School Chaplain Act, would allow Ohio public school districts, community schools, and STEM schools to accept volunteer chaplains to provide student support services, programs, and counseling. The bill defines a chaplain as a religious professional endorsed or certified by a recognized ecclesiastical agency and says chaplain services may supplement, but not replace, school counselor services. Schools that choose to participate would have to adopt a policy by public vote by December 1, 2026 for use beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The bill also sets conditions for chaplain volunteers, including criminal records checks and registration with the Department of Education and Workforce, and bars individuals with certain disqualifying criminal histories from serving. Student participation in chaplain-provided services during school hours would require written parental permission. Schools and districts could also set their own implementation procedures, and chaplains would not need state licensure or certification from the state board of education.
Impact
HB531 would add a new section to the Revised Code, section 3313.475, and cross-reference that section into the community school and STEM school statutes so that the chaplain authorization applies across those school types. It would also amend sections 3314.03 and 3326.11 to require community schools and STEM schools to comply with the new chaplain provisions as part of their governing contracts and statutory obligations. In practical terms, the bill would create a new optional framework for schools to bring in volunteer religious support providers, while preserving existing counselor services and adding screening, parental consent, and local policy requirements.
Sentiment
Because the bill was only introduced and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no formal legislative record of support or opposition yet. The bill’s structure suggests an effort to frame chaplains as an additional student support resource rather than a replacement for counseling, which may appeal to supporters who favor expanded faith-based assistance in schools. At the same time, the inclusion of parental consent, criminal background checks, and local board approval indicates an attempt to address concerns about student safety and school control.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to center on the role of religion in public schools, whether volunteer chaplains could blur the line between secular education and religious activity, and whether the program could pressure students or schools in ways that raise constitutional or policy concerns. Supporters are likely to emphasize voluntary participation, parental permission, and the fact that chaplains would supplement rather than replace counselors. Opponents are likely to focus on church-state separation, the appropriateness of religious professionals in public school settings, and whether schools should instead invest in licensed mental health staff.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.