Arizona House Approves Senate Bill 1269 Allowing Volunteer Chaplains to Counsel Public School Students With Parental Permission

The Arizona House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1269, which permits volunteer chaplains to provide counseling services to students in public schools, contingent upon parental permission and certain eligibility criteria. The bill specifies that only chaplains affiliated with religious groups that meet regularly within the school district and recognize a higher power are eligible to apply. The measure now awaits a final vote in the Arizona Senate before it can be sent to the governor for approval. While the bill has garnered support from Republican lawmakers who emphasize the need for religious guidance in schools, Representative Nick Kupper is the sole Republican to oppose the expansion of chaplaincy counseling in the public education system. The legislation has sparked debate amid concerns about addressing academic challenges such as literacy and math proficiency among Arizona children.