Senate committee approves bill allowing school chaplains, amid debate on training and church‑state concerns

Summary

The Senate Education and Career Development Committee advanced Senate Bill 523 to the next stage after testimony for and against a proposal that would permit public and charter schools to employ or accept volunteer chaplains; the measure passed the committee 9–4 after extended public comment and was recommitted for appropriations.

The Senate Education and Career Development Committee voted 9–4 Wednesday to advance Senate Bill 523, a measure that would allow public and charter schools to add a chaplain as a volunteer or an employee, subject to local school‑board approval and background checks. Sponsors framed the bill as a local‑control option to expand supports for students, staff and families.

“Senate Bill 523 is a bill aimed to give administration another tool in their toolbox with the option to add an additional resource for the needs of students, teachers, staff, resource officers, administration, and parents,” sponsor Senator Stacy Donato said in opening testimony. The measure includes minimum education and counseling‑experience criteria for a school chaplain and requires criminal background checks consistent with other school volunteers.

Supporters — including the Indiana School Boards Association, the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents and several religious and chaplaincy groups — said chaplains would supplement,…

Senate committee approves bill allowing school chaplains, amid debate on training and church‑state concerns

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading