RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 293 (SB 123) 2024 Regular Session Abraham
New law allows each city, parish, or other local public school board to employ or accept as
a volunteer a certified chaplain to provide support, services, and programs for students, staff,
and parents as assigned by a school board pursuant to new law.
New law provides that a school chaplain employed or accepted as a volunteer is not required
to be certified by BESE.
New law requires that each certified chaplain consent to a fingerprint based state and federal
criminal background check and prohibits the hiring of a chaplain who is a registered sex
offender or child predator.
New law limits the liability of chaplains for any action taken or statement made in adherence
with the provisions for service, support, and programs for students. Furthermore, new law
denies immunity from liability to any action or statement by chaplains if the action or
statement was maliciously, willfully, and deliberately intended to cause harm to harass or
intimidate those seeking support, services, and programs.
Effective May 28, 2024.
(Adds R.S. 17:3011-3014)