Campus chaplains; public K-12 schools authorized to accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies authorized to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided

HB 8 allows local school boards and public charter school governing bodies to vote on whether to permit volunteer campus chaplains in Alabama public K-12 schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. If approved, schools may offer chaplain services at a teacher's request, but volunteers must complete recognized training and pass a background check. The bill prohibits individuals convicted of sex offenses requiring registration from serving as chaplains. This policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all public K-12 schools and charter schools in Alabama.