Downloads
HB 931 — School Chaplains
by Reps. McClain, Daniels, and others (CS/SB 1044 by Education Pre-K -12 Committee and Senator Grall)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K -12 Committee (ED)
This bill authorizes each district school board or charter school governing board to adopt a policy to authorize volunteer school chaplains to provide supports, services, and programs to students. The bill requires the policy to:
- Describe the supports, services, or programs that volunteer school chaplains may be assigned;
- Require that principals of schools with a volunteer school chaplain inform all parents of the availability of such supports, services, and programs; and
- Require written parental consent before a student participates in or receives supports, services, and programs provided by a volunteer school chaplain. Parents must be permitted to select a volunteer school chaplain from the list provided by the school district, which must include the chaplain’s religious affiliation, if any.
The bill requires any district school board or charter school governing board that adopts a volunteer school chaplain policy to publish the list of volunteer school chaplains, including any religious affiliation, on the school district’s website.
The bill requires volunteer school chaplains to meet the background screening requirements for noninstructional school district employees or contractual personnel who are permitted access on school grounds when students are present or have direct contact with students.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 28-12; House 89-25