Florida House Bill H0931

Florida 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/19/23
• Refer: 1/5/24
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/23/24
• Engrossed: 3/7/24
• Passed: 4/18/24
• Enrolled: 3/7/24
• Chaptered: 4/19/24

Caption

School Chaplains

Impact

If enacted, HB 0931 will amend the Florida Statutes by adding specific provisions for volunteer school chaplains, thereby impacting how schools can offer spiritual and emotional support to students. The bill requires that any volunteer chaplain has to undergo background screening in compliance with existing regulations for non-instructional personnel within schools. This integration reflects a broader push to provide additional non-academic support in schools, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being among students.

Summary

House Bill 0931 establishes a framework for the inclusion of volunteer school chaplains within Florida school districts and charter schools. The bill allows these institutions to create a policy that authorizes volunteer chaplains to provide various support services and programs to students. Importantly, any policy adopted must outline the roles and services provided by the chaplains, ensure that principals inform parents about these offerings, and secure written parental consent before students can participate in any program facilitated by the chaplain. Furthermore, a list of all volunteer chaplains, including their religious affiliations, must be publicly available via the school’s website.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 0931 appears to lean towards support from proponents who argue it addresses a crucial need for emotional and spiritual support in schools. Supporters believe that providing students with a designated chaplain can enhance the support systems available to them. However, there are noteworthy concerns among skeptics, particularly regarding the implications of introducing religious figures into public schools. Critics fear this could lead to issues regarding separation of church and state and might compel students into religious activities without fully understanding their choices.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 0931 are rooted in the balance between providing support to students while respecting diverse beliefs and the secular nature of public education. Opponents raise alarms about the potential for the policy to inadvertently favor specific religious viewpoints or influence students inappropriately. The requirement for parental consent mitigates some concerns, but debates continue about the broader implications of allowing chaplains in public schools and how these policies might vary across different districts, leading to disparate experiences for students based on their school's adopted practices.