Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill which would allow schools to accept chaplains is making progress in both chambers of the Tennessee legislature, with the Senate Education Committee and full House set to consider the proposal this week.
SB1041/HB1250 would allow a local board of education or public charter school to employ or accept as a volunteer a “member of the clergy who is credentialed by a religious organization to function in a pluralistic environment and support, directly or indirectly, the free exercise of religion by all individuals in schools.”
The chaplain’s function would be to “provide support, services, and programs for students, school staff, and students’ parents,” and they would not have to be certified by the state board of education, though they would be required to undergo any relevant background checks and investigations.
Parents would have to give permission, like a waiver, for a student to interact directly with the chaplain, with those rules set by each local school board.
While the bill has made steady progress in the House, it appeared to have stalled in the Senate after being general subbed at the end of last year’s session. However, the bill tracking page now shows a change of sponsorship from Sen. Janice Bowling to Sen. Mark Pody and that it has been placed back on notice for consideration.
The Senate Education Committee will hear SB1041 on Wednesday, 2/25 while the House will vote on HB1250 on Thursday, 2/26.
To contact members of the Senate Education Committee, use the information below:
Sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov; sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov; sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov; sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.mark.pody@capitol.tn.gov; sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
To find your Representative’s contact information, use this tool.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
