This bill allows school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa to employ chaplains or engage volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students. It introduces new provisions in Code sections 256E.7 and 256F.4, stating that these educational institutions may employ chaplains in the same manner as school districts under section 279.87. Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 279.87, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of chaplains, including that they are not required to hold any specific licenses or certifications from the board of educational examiners.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the background investigation and termination procedures outlined in section 279.69 must be followed when employing or engaging chaplains. Importantly, it also includes a provision that prohibits any school from requiring or coercing students to utilize the services provided by chaplains, ensuring that participation is voluntary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 256F.4