This bill establishes a new section in South Dakota law that allows public schools to authorize individuals to serve as school chaplains, either as volunteers or employees. It mandates that each school district's board implement a policy outlining the application process, minimum qualifications for chaplains, and the types of support they may provide. Additionally, the policy must include a requirement to publish a list of chaplains and their religious affiliations on the school district's website. Importantly, the policy must ensure that student participation in services provided by chaplains is voluntary and that chaplains do not hold any disciplinary or supervisory authority over students.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that individuals applying to be school chaplains must undergo a criminal background check similar to that required for school district employees. It explicitly prohibits the hiring of individuals with certain criminal convictions, including those involving moral turpitude, violent crimes, sex offenses, or narcotics trafficking. These provisions aim to ensure the safety and well-being of students while allowing for the presence of chaplains in schools.