Rep. Biggs files bill in North Carolina House to allow chaplains in public schools

A new bill filed by State Rep. Brian Biggs in the North Carolina House seeks to authorize public schools to engage qualified chaplains, establishing policies and protections for their services, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 939 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘School Chaplains.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows public schools in North Carolina to hire, contract, or accept as volunteers qualified chaplains, with services beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Governing bodies of public school units are required to adopt policies for school chaplains, mandating certified training through specified chaplain associations, detailing the support services chaplains will provide, and establishing continuing education and disciplinary procedures. A criminal history check of potential chaplains must be conducted and reviewed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure no relevant convictions. Chaplains will be protected from civil liability for their official duties unless there is gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing. Schools are not obligated to hire or accept volunteer chaplains, and employing them does not indicate an endorsement of any particular religion.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Biggs proposed the most bills (54) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Biggs, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 70th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia Hurley.