This bill amends Section 33-130 of the Idaho Code to expand the scope of individuals subject to criminal history checks for school district employees. The revised language specifies that criminal history checks will now include school chaplains, in addition to certificated and noncertificated employees, applicants for certificates, substitute staff, and individuals with unsupervised contact with students. The bill also establishes a new section, 33-1212B, which allows school districts and public charter schools to employ or accept volunteers as school chaplains. These chaplains will provide support and services to students, staff, and parents, and the schools will determine the selection criteria for these positions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that school chaplains are not required to be certificated or credentialed by the state department of education, but they must still undergo the same criminal history checks as other school personnel. The legislation includes provisions for the implementation of these changes and declares an emergency, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-130