The 2023 legislative session in Austin will end on May 29. (Credit: Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images/FILE)

(CNN) -- Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow public schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains who are not certified by the state.

Senate Bill 763, which passed 84-60, reads, "A school district or open enrollment charter school may employ or volunteer a chaplain to provide support, services, and programs for students as assigned by the district board of trustees or school governing body."

"A chaplain employed or volunteer under this chapter is not required to be certified by the State Board of Educator Certification," the bill adds.

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Funds allocated to improve safety would include chaplains, social workers, licensed counselors and behavioral health services, according to the bill, which was amended before being approved identically by both legislative bodies this week.

Some of the services provided by chaplains would include suicide prevention programs, mental health support, and behavioral health services.

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The bill will now go to Governor Greg Abbott's desk.

ACLU of Texas attorney David Donatti criticized the bill in a statement. "The same Texas politicians who are trying to control what students think by banning books and censoring curricula now want to dictate what students love," Donatti said.

"This bill is part of a coordinated campaign by Christian-based conservative organizations and their legislative advocates to force state-sponsored religion into public schools without parental consent.

"Replacing licensed, well-trained professionals with uncertified chaplains threatens the safety and education of Texas students. The First Amendment guarantees families and religious communities the right to inculcate religious beliefs in their children, not politicians or the government."

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CNN reached out to the bill's author, state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, for comment.

The bill's passage comes days after the 86-64 Texas House of Representatives, in which Republicans hold an <>-<> majority, failed to pass a bill that would have forced public schools to display the Ten Commandments in all classrooms.

The bill died early Wednesday after House lawmakers missed a midnight deadline for a vote that would have advanced the bill to a third and final pass. The Senate approved the bill in April.

Texas' legislative session ends May 29.

These aren't the only measures in Texas related to religion and school. The state Senate also passed House Bill 1396 last month, which would require schools to allow students and employees time to pray and read the Bible each school day.