Committee approves bill letting local school boards decide on campus chaplains

Clerk called House Bill 8 by Representative Gidley and the sponsor described the measure as permissive local policy that allows school districts to decide whether to accept campus chaplains to provide support services to teachers and staff. "This bill does not require a school board," the sponsor said, "It just requires them to make the decision. Yes or no."

The sponsor said school chaplains could provide support similar to other institutional supports and stressed the role is not intended to be proselytizing. Members raised local-control concerns; Representative Baker emphasized the bill is permissive and does not impose chaplains on districts. After brief discussion the committee moved and approved a favorable report by voice vote.

The transcript shows the sponsor apologized for a scheduling conflict and left for another committee after the bill passed. The committee recorded a voice vote and did not take a roll-call tally in the transcript.