Senate Education Committee approves bill allowing school chaplains amid split testimony

The Senate Education Committee voted 8-6 to pass Senate Bill 525, a measure that would allow school districts and public charter schools to adopt policies authorizing paid or volunteer school chaplains to provide supports and services, sponsor Sen. Teresa Manzella said.

The bill’s sponsors and supporters described chaplains as an optional, locally chosen resource to help schools meet rising needs for mental‑health and crisis support. Opponents, including school counselor groups and civil‑liberties lawyers, warned the measure could undermine existing licensure standards for school counselors and raise Establishment Clause concerns.

Sen. Teresa Manzella, the bill sponsor, told committee members the bill is “a choice” for local districts and said she was open to amendments that would make the bill “more friendly and workable.” Proponents said chaplains can fill gaps in rural areas that lack licensed counselors. Johnny Davis,…