Bill > SB737

This bill authorizes county boards of education, which are local governing bodies responsible for public schools, to hire or accept as volunteers individuals who are certified chaplains to offer support, services, and programs to students, staff, and parents. These chaplains will be selected by and report to the county school board, and importantly, they will not be required to meet state certification or licensing requirements that other professionals might need. The bill also clarifies that a county school board can have more than one chaplain per school and mandates that any hired or volunteer chaplain must undergo a fingerprint-based state and federal background check, similar to those required for licensed child care facilities, before starting their service. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the employment or acceptance of any chaplain who is a registered sex offender or child predator. To encourage participation, the bill includes a limitation of liability provision, meaning individuals generally cannot sue a chaplain for actions or statements made while providing assigned support, services, and programs, unless those actions or statements were maliciously, willfully, and deliberately intended to cause harm, harass, or intimidate.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=737&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill