Montana bill proposed letting schools assign chaplains to students

A school district or public charter school could adopt a policy allowing paid or volunteer chaplains to provide assigned supports, services, or programs to students. The option would apply to a school district or public charter school that chooses to adopt a chaplain policy. The school board or charter school's governing board would assign the chaplain's work. The policy would have to describe the work, require the principal to tell all parents it is available, and require written parental consent before a student receives services from a chaplain on the school's published list. The bill proposed an effective date of July 1, 2025, if enacted.

A school district or public charter school that adopts a chaplain policy would publish a list of its chaplains on its website. The requirement would apply only to districts and charter schools that adopt a chaplain policy. The list would include each chaplain's religious affiliation, if applicable. The bill proposed an effective date of July 1, 2025, if enacted.

A school district or public charter school could engage a chaplain instead of a school counselor to perform counselor duties. This option would apply to school districts and public charter schools. A chaplain would have to meet the background check rules for noninstructional school employees or contractors, be at least 18, and be of good moral character. A chaplain employed under this section would also have to be certified by the superintendent of public instruction. The bill proposed an effective date of July 1, 2025, if enacted.