School chaplains as screened volunteers, purpose — teaching certificate not ...

160.2505. School chaplains as screened volunteers, purpose — teaching certificate not required — criminal background check — registered sex offenders ineligible. — 1. A school district or charter school may employ a chaplain or accept a chaplain as a screened volunteer, as the term screened volunteer is defined in section 168.133 , to provide support, services, or programs for students as assigned by the school board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. 2. A chaplain employed by or volunteering for a school district or charter school pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be employed in any position that requires a teaching certificate unless such chaplain is a certified teacher pursuant to the provisions of section 168.021 . 3. A school chaplain shall be a member of a Department of Defense listed religious-endorsing organization recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board. 4. A school district or charter school that employs a chaplain or accepts a chaplain as a screened volunteer shall ensure that a criminal background check is conducted on such chaplain pursuant to the provisions of section 168.133 before the chaplain begins employment or volunteer service at the district or school. 5. A school district or charter school shall not employ a chaplain or accept a chaplain as a screened volunteer if such chaplain is required to be registered as a sex offender pursuant to the provisions of sections 589.400 to 589.425 . (L. 2025 S.B. 49 & 118)