Bill > LB549

This bill allows school boards in Nebraska to employ chaplains, including in a volunteer capacity, to provide academic, career, emotional, and behavioral health supports to students. A chaplain is defined as a clergy member licensed, ordained, or endorsed by a religious organization and trained to serve in secular environments. The bill specifically states that employing a chaplain does not constitute an endorsement of any particular religion. Before employment, chaplains must undergo a criminal history record check and can be denied employment by the Commissioner of Education based on their background. School boards are required to develop a policy governing the employment, discipline, continued education, and termination of chaplains, and are not mandated to employ chaplains. Importantly, chaplains would not be required to hold a teaching certificate, which is typically mandatory for educators. The bill modifies existing statutes to exempt chaplains from rules requiring certification and liability for uncertified personnel, while ensuring that background checks and appropriate policies are in place to protect students.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58818