Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding criminal history checks for school district employees and to establish provisions regarding a school chaplain policy.

With the reality of our nation’s mental health epidemic, we all stand to benefit from more peacemakers, motivators, and community builders. This is especially true in schools, which can be difficult, high-pressure environments for students and teachers alike. From legislators to first responders, a variety of public servants have access to chaplains, yet teachers do not. This legislation honors the demanding work of education by making it possible for vetted professionals to serve our school communities. School districts and charter schools will be allowed to accept a school chaplain as an employee or volunteer, to serve students, staff, and parents. Whether to adopt such a policy and which types of services a chaplain would provide will be at the discretion of the school district or charter school.