State Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) pre-filed legislation this week to grant Alabama's public school boards the option of allowing chaplains on their campuses. The lawmaker's bill will be considered in the upcoming 2026 legislative session, which kicks off in January.
On Wednesday, Gidley spoke to 1819 News about HB-8's projected effect on boards and systems across the state if passed.
"Obviously, school boards could implement chaplains without legislation; however, to my knowledge, this had not been done," said Gidley.
"The legislation does not require that school boards put chaplains in place, just that they make the decision whether to or not," he added. "This legislation also gives guidelines as to the qualifications of the chaplains and also protections that are put in place, requiring them to pass the same background checks as teachers and administrators. This also provides legislative cover for the schools that choose to implement chaplains."
Gidley explained what he hopes the legislation will achieve in the future.
"Simply put, to provide for those who serve in our educational system the same resources that are already provided for almost every service entity in the nation - firefighters, policemen, military, the U.S. Congress, hospitals, etc.," he said.
The legislator also addressed the obstacles HB-8 is facing, stressing that chaplains will not be on campus to "proselytize."
"We have faced some opposition from those who suppose this as placing pastors in the schools and want to use the 'separation' argument. This is not that. Chaplains are trained in dealing with crisis situations in a very professional and appropriate manner. They are there for that purpose," Gidley added.
In April, Gidley introduced a similar bill that passed the House 91-4. The legislation eventually died before being taken up by the Senate Education Committee.
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