PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A bill requiring South Dakota public schools to implement chaplain policies passed through the House Education Committee Monday on a 10-5 vote.
That was despite concerns about religious freedom and local control.
HB 1054, which mandates school districts create policies for volunteer or employed chaplains, sparked debate over constitutional implications and community needs.
“This has really got nothing to do with counselors. This is just different,” said bill sponsor Rep. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen. He emphasized the distinction between chaplains and existing school staff.
Proponent Dane Johnson, a chaplain from Sioux Falls, argued that the bill “has no intent to replace, stop, diminish, or interfere with any of the support or services that are already in place.”
However, ACLU lobbyist Samantha Chapman countered that the bill “violates the constitutional rights of students through both the First Amendment and Establishment Clause.”
An amendment to make the policy optional rather than mandatory failed 7-8.
“I am concerned about somebody I don’t know, who I don’t have a pastoral relationship talking to my children when I am not there,” said Rep. Amber Arlint, R-Sioux Falls, who opposed the measure.
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
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