Volunteer chaplains will soon be allowed to counsel students in Florida’s public schools

Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to make it happen as soon as the coming school year. Under HB 931, both public and charter schools can adopt a volunteer chaplain program to provide students with additional support services beyond guidance counselors. Districts would have to inform parents that chaplains are present, their services, and any religious affiliation. Students would need written parental consent to access them. The idea was controversial during the 2024 legislative session. Both the state House and Senate chambers were split on the measure.