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 noncertificated employees, applicants for certificates, substitute staff, and individuals with unsupervised contact with students. The bill also makes technical corrections to the language regarding the criminal history check process and establishes a fee structure to cover the costs associated with these checks.

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, with the authority to determine their selection criteria and the specific programs they may offer. Importantly, school chaplains are not required to be certificated or credentialed by the state department of education but must still comply with 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