The bill authorizes school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa to employ chaplains or engage volunteer chaplains to provide support and services to students. It amends existing law by adding provisions that allow these educational institutions to utilize chaplains in a manner similar to the provisions outlined in section 279.87. Specifically, the bill introduces new language in sections 256E.7 and 256F.4, permitting the employment or engagement of chaplains without compensation, and establishes a new section, 279.87, detailing the roles and responsibilities of school chaplains.

Under the new section, the board of directors of a school district can set qualifications and requirements for chaplains, but they cannot mandate that chaplains possess licenses or certifications from the board of educational examiners. The bill also stipulates that students cannot be required to use the services provided by chaplains, and chaplains cannot replace licensed school counselors. Additionally, the procedures for background checks and termination for chaplains will follow the existing guidelines set forth in section 279.69.

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