Public and charter schools could hire chaplains to support students

A principal or superintendent could hire a school chaplain or approve one as a volunteer. This applies to schools run by Indiana school corporations and to charter schools. A school corporation’s governing body would have to approve a hire. Chaplains would need criminal and child protection checks, a qualifying degree, and counseling experience. A disqualifying conviction would bar a chaplain unless it was reversed or set aside. If enacted, this provision would take effect July 1, 2026.

Chaplains could offer general support and, with permission, religious guidance. The services would be for students and employees at public and charter schools. An adult student, a legally independent minor, or an employee would need to give permission for religious guidance. A student who is a minor and is not legally independent would need to give permission along with a parent. If enacted, these rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

Chaplains would generally keep student conversations private but would have to share certain safety concerns with a school counselor. The privacy rule covers what students tell a school chaplain in that role. A chaplain would have to tell a school counselor if a student’s words concern self-harm or an intent to hurt others. Child abuse reporting duties would still apply, and other laws named in the bill could limit privacy. If enacted, this rule would take effect July 1, 2026.