DES MOINES, Iowa — A new bill allowing schools in Iowa to hire unlicensed chaplains was advanced in the House on Tuesday.

HF 334 would allow public, private, charter, and innovation zone schools in the state to either employ or have volunteer chaplains. The bill also states that the chaplains wouldn’t be required to have a license or certification from the board of educational examiners in order to work inside schools. A background check would have to be performed an any chaplain working in a school under the bill.

In 2024 the same bill was introduced and passed through Senate and House subcommittees, but was later tabled.

At a subcommittee meeting Tuesday afternoon many individuals, including religious leaders, spoke out against the bill and urged the committee members not to pass the bill. Many expressed issues with the lack of specifications on what the chaplains could do, as well as the lack of qualifications and training required.

Reverend Brigit Stevens stated during the meeting that with her background as a chaplain she strongly opposed the bill. She said this bill is dangerous as it doesn’t require qualifications for the chaplains wanting to enter schools and would put already vulnerable children at risk.

Greg Baker, executive director of the Church Ambassador Network at the Family Leader, argued for the bills advancement, saying chaplains have benefitted agencies like fire departments and police departments. Baker argued that schools are becoming more like first responding locations as teachers are on the front lines of the community, and it could be beneficial for teachers, staff, and students to have a chaplain in their school.

According to the bill, schools would be prohibited from requiring students to utilize the services provided by the chaplains.

The bill passed out of the house subcommittee and was sent to the House Education Committee for consideration.

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