A growing movement across state legislatures seeks to allow chaplains to serve in public schools. Bills have been introduced in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah during the 2025-2026 legislative sessions.
These bills would allow trained chaplains to provide counseling and support services to students, often as a voluntary alternative to school counselors. Supporters argue that many students need spiritual support, while opponents raise concerns about separation of church and state.
Allowing chaplains in schools provides students access to spiritual counsel and support. This represents an important expansion of religious presence in public education.
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
— Psalm 34:18 (KJV)