This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section that authorizes school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies to allow volunteer school chaplains to provide various forms of support, services, or programs to students. Each governing body that permits volunteer chaplains must adopt a policy detailing the types of support offered, procedures for maintaining a list of approved chaplains, and requirements for parental notification and consent. The bill also specifies that the list of chaplains must include their religious affiliations and be posted on the school's website.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific qualifications for volunteer school chaplains, including educational requirements, experience, and a commitment to uphold academic standards. It allows school principals to refuse to include any chaplain who does not meet these qualifications or if their involvement would conflict with the school's educational interests. Definitions for terms such as "chaplain," "local religious group," and "religious group" are also provided to clarify the scope of the legislation. Overall, the bill aims to formalize the role of volunteer chaplains in schools while ensuring compliance with educational standards and parental involvement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-120.05
House Engrossed Version: 15-120.05