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AlabamaHB82026 Regular SessionHouse

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

Sponsored By: Mark Gidley (Republican)

Enacted

Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Alabama public schools can accept volunteer chaplains

The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with volunteer chaplains allowed starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Local school boards and public charter school governing bodies can adopt a policy through a recorded vote; participation is optional. Approved chaplains can provide support, services, and programs at a teacher’s request. Volunteers must complete recognized chaplain training but do not need State Board of Education certification. Schools must ensure volunteers meet Alabama’s criminal history background check requirements before they begin. Schools cannot accept anyone adjudicated or convicted of an offense requiring sex-offender registration.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark Gidley

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Arnold Mooney

    Republican • House

  • Ben Harrison

    Republican • House

  • David Standridge

    Republican • House

  • Ginny Shaver

    Republican • House

  • Jim Carns

    Republican • House

  • Kenneth Paschal

    Republican • House

  • Leigh Hulsey

    Republican • House

  • Patrick Sellers

    Democratic • House

  • Phillip Rigsby

    Republican • House

  • Rolanda Hollis

    Democratic • House

  • Susan DuBose

    Republican • House

  • TaShina Morris

    Democratic • House

  • William Brock Colvin

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 427 • No: 36

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1190

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading in Second House

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 2/24/2026

Gidley motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 532

Yes: 80 • No: 22

House vote • 2/24/2026

Third Reading in House of Origin

Yes: 93 • No: 4 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/24/2026

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 533

Yes: 91 • No: 7 • Other: 6

House vote • 2/24/2026

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 531

Yes: 97 • No: 3 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Enacted

    4/16/2026House

  2. Signature Requested

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Delivered to Governor

    4/8/2026House

  4. Third Reading in Second House

    4/7/2026Senate

  5. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1190

    4/7/2026Senate

  6. Ready to Enroll

    4/7/2026House

  7. Enrolled

    4/7/2026House

  8. Reported Out of Committee Second House

    4/1/2026Senate

  9. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    4/1/2026Senate

  10. Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education Policy

    2/25/2026Senate

  11. Pending Committee Action in Second House

    2/25/2026Senate

  12. Third Reading in House of Origin

    2/24/2026House

  13. Gidley 1st Amendment Offered

    2/24/2026House

  14. Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 531

    2/24/2026House

  15. Lands 1st Amendment Offered

    2/24/2026House

  16. Gidley motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 532

    2/24/2026House

  17. Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 533

    2/24/2026House

  18. Engrossed

    2/24/2026House

  19. Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

    2/5/2026House

  20. Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

    2/4/2026House

  21. Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy

    1/13/2026House

  22. Pending Committee Action in House of Origin

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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