summary
Introduced
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
In Committee
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill requires school administrative units to employ or accept as volunteers at least one chaplain to provide support, services or programs to students, staff or parents of students of the school administrative unit. A school chaplain must be certified, licensed or ordained by a faith organization recognized by the United States Department of Defense but is not required to be certified by the Department of Education. A school chaplain must undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check and may not be listed on a sex offender registry in this State or another jurisdiction. A school chaplain is immune from civil liability for acts and statements made as a school chaplain except for malicious, willful and deliberate acts or statements intended to cause harm or intimidate.
AI Summary
This bill requires school administrative units in Maine to employ or accept at least one volunteer chaplain to provide support, services, and programs to students, staff, and parents. The chaplains must meet specific qualifications, including being certified, licensed, or ordained by a faith organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense. They are required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check, and must not be registered as a sex offender. Unlike school counselors or other educational staff, these chaplains are not required to be certified by the state's Department of Education. The bill provides legal protection for chaplains, stating that they cannot be held civilly liable for acts or statements made in their official capacity, except in cases where they intentionally cause harm or intimidate someone. This legislation appears aimed at bringing faith-based support into public school settings while establishing basic screening and accountability measures for these volunteer chaplains.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (9)
Reagan Paul (R)*,
Scott Cyrway (R),
John Eder (R),
Paul Flynn (R),
Steven Foster (R),
David Haggan (R),
Matt Harrington (R),
Joseph Martin (R),
Jim White (R),
Last Action
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Apr 1, 2025 (on 04/01/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=927&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN092701.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0592&item=1&snum=132 |
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