Bills › 91st General Assembly
Authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students
Sponsored by Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla (R)
Topics:K–12 education
Same legislation: HF 884
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 12, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 17, 2025
- Done: House committeeMarch 4, 2025
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 884
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 884 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 884 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Iowa schools, including charter and innovation zone schools, would be allowed to hire or use volunteer chaplains to provide programs and support for students. These chaplains do not need a special teaching license, but schools must still perform background checks on them. Students cannot be forced or pressured to participate in any chaplain services.1
Read the official explanation
This bill authorizes school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide support, services, and programs for students. The bill provides that such chaplains are not required to have a license, endorsement, certification, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners.69 when employing chaplains or engaging volunteer chaplains. The bill prohibits school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from requiring or coercing a student to utilize the support, services, or programs provided by a chaplain.
Changed since by amendment H-1129; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named February 17, 2025. On February 25, 2025 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
18 written public comments to its subcommittee: April 2, 2025 (14), February 25, 2025 (4) · on the Legislature’s site
Family tree
Tried before
91st General Assembly
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.
Tried before
This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.
- HF 2073 Authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chapl…90th General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage · same titleCleared committee
Matched by wording or an identical title.