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Kansas education committee hears competing testimony on bill to allow volunteer school chaplains
Summary
The Committee on Education heard hours of testimony for and against HB 2034, which would permit school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains. Proponents cited student and staff support and mental-health benefits; opponents warned of First Amendment risks, missing training standards and accountability. No vote was taken.
The Committee on Education held a hearing on HB 2034, a bill that would authorize Kansas school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support services directed by local boards or designated school administrators. Sponsor Representative Bill Riley said the proposal is permissive and would not create a state-funded payroll obligation.
Supporters argued chaplains could be a non‑clinical layer of support for students and staff. "I believe that if I would have had a chaplain at school that it would have been very beneficial to not only me, but to all students and staff at the school," said Braylen Bullock, a 15‑year‑old who testified as a proponent. Eighth grader Paige Ovato told the committee chaplains could help reduce bullying and anxiety; she noted youth suicide is a leading cause of death among teens and said Kansas rates exceed the national average.
Sponsor Representative Bill Riley (Wellington, 80th District) described chaplains as a…
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