This bill amends Section 33-130 of the Idaho Code to expand the scope of individuals required to undergo criminal history checks for school district employees. The amendments include the addition of "school chaplains" to the list of individuals subject to these checks, which previously included certificated and non-certificated employees, applicants for certificates, substitute staff, and individuals with unsupervised contact with students. The bill also clarifies that the criminal history check will be based on a completed fingerprint card or scan and will include checks against state and national databases.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 33-1212B, which allows school districts and public charter schools to adopt policies for employing or accepting school chaplains as volunteers. These chaplains will provide support and services to students, staff, and parents, and the schools will determine the selection criteria and the specific programs offered by the chaplains. Importantly, school chaplains are not required to be certificated or credentialed by the state department of education but must still meet the criminal history check requirements outlined in Section 33-130. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-130