Allow public schools to authorize an individual to volunteer or be employed as a school chaplain.
Impact
The enactment of HB1054 will modify state regulations concerning the employment of school chaplains in public schools, allowing for a more formalized role for these individuals within the educational environment. School districts must maintain transparency by publishing a list of chaplains on their websites, which includes the religious affiliations of the chapel as part of the policy, thereby enhancing awareness regarding school-supported religious figures.
Summary
House Bill 1054 permits public schools in South Dakota to authorize an individual as a school chaplain, either in a volunteer capacity or as an employee. The bill requires each school district to establish a policy that outlines the application process, minimum qualifications, and the types of services or support that chaplains may provide. It explicitly states that participation by students in any of the services offered by the chaplain is voluntary, ensuring that no student is compelled to partake in support from a chaplain.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB1054 is likely mixed, reflecting diverse opinions regarding the inclusion of religious roles in public schools. Supporters may view this bill as a positive step toward providing additional support for students' emotional and spiritual needs, while detractors might express concerns regarding the separation of church and state or the appropriateness of religious personnel in a public school setting.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB1054 include discussions on the implications for student autonomy and the potential for perceived bias in educational environments. Critics may argue that the presence of chaplains could influence students' beliefs or decisions, while proponents could counter that the chaplains' role is strictly supportive and well-regulated, emphasizing that chaplains will not have any disciplinary or supervisory authority over students.
Expand eligibility for the reduced tuition benefit for certain school district and Head Start employees at Board of Regents institutions to school counselors.
Establish scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the behavioral health field, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.
Establish an individual's right to make autonomous decisions about the individual's reproductive health care, and to repeal provisions related to abortion.
Increase the number of years the discretionary formula may be applied to a structure, and to allow for the individual application of the discretionary formula for a structure.
Allows municipality to determine if newly appointed individual serving as municipal fire department chaplain will hold rank and receive salary and benefits.
Allows municipality to determine if newly appointed individual serving as municipal fire department chaplain will hold rank and receive salary and benefits.
Public preK-12 schools, campus chaplains, public schools authorized to hire or accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies required to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided
AL HB8
Campus chaplains; public K-12 schools authorized to accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies authorized to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided
Campus chaplains; public K-12 schools authorized to hire or accept as volunteers, local boards of education and governing bodies authorized to vote on whether to allow, limitations provided