A bill for an act authorizing school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage volunteer chaplains, to provide services to students.

HF 334 would allow Iowa public school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to hire paid chaplains or use volunteer chaplains to provide student support services. Key provisions include removing requirements for chaplains to hold educational licenses or certifications, mandating background checks and termination procedures similar to other school staff, and prohibiting schools from requiring or pressuring students to use chaplain services. The bill directly affects schools seeking to offer spiritual or emotional support programs to students through chaplaincy services. It does not change existing student rights or create new funding requirements for schools.