This bill authorizes 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. New provisions allow these educational institutions to hire chaplains without requiring them to hold a license, endorsement, certification, or any form of recognition from the board of educational examiners. Additionally, the bill mandates that the background investigation and termination procedures outlined in Code section 279.69 must be followed when employing or engaging chaplains.

Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools cannot require or coerce students to utilize the services provided by these chaplains. This legislation aims to enhance the support systems available to students while ensuring that participation in chaplaincy services remains voluntary.

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