KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 931 into law Thursday, clearing the way for volunteers to serve as school chaplains. During the signing, he said that Satanists need not apply, since they are “not a religion,” according to the governor. 

“Some have said that if you do a school chaplain program, that somehow you’re going to have Satanists running around in all our schools,” DeSantis said at a press conference Thursday. “We’re not playing those games in Florida. That is not a religion. That is not qualifying to be able to participate in this.”

The new law allows school districts to adopt a policy for chaplains to provide support services for public and charter students from kindergarten through 12th grade. According to the parameters of the law, the policy should describe the supports and services that a chaplain could be assigned, require that schools notify parents of the change, and obtain written permission from parents before their children receive any support services from chaplains.

While there are many supporters of the bill, there’s one key critic alluding to how he believes challenges would play out in court.

Supporters say chaplains can help fill the gaps in terms of student services. On the other hand, critics wonder if schools are the right place for religious leaders.

The Satanic Temple is fighting back. They’re pointing to the U.S. Constitution where they say the details matter.

“He can pass a law that allows chaplains in schools, but he’s directly inviting satanic chaplains into public schools. He can say he’s doing otherwise. He will not prevail in court,” Satanic Temple Cofounder Lucian Greaves said.

The American Civil Liberties Union is also among the critics of the new law.

In addition, school districts are required to provide a list of school chaplains that are available, along with their religious affiliation.

Any potential chaplain will have to undergo the same background screening a noninstructional school employee would.

The measure passed the state Senate 28-12, and the state House 89-25.

Additionally, DeSantis signed CS 1317, a bill that would clear the way to allow school districts to allow members of patriotic organizations to speak to students and distribute materials on school property.

The new law does say that such organizations should have an educational purpose that promotes civic involvement, and some of the organizations listed in the language of the bill include the Big Brothers Big Sisters of American, the Boy Scouts of America, the Future Farmers of America, and the Marine League Corp. among others.

Similar to HB 931, the patriotic organizations law requires school districts to identify the date and time such speaking engagements will occur, and to notify parents of such activities. Parents also retain the right to withhold consent for their child to attend any such events. 

Both laws will take effect July 1, 2024.