What's happening
This bill requires all New York public school districts to establish a voluntary, non-sectarian chaplaincy program for students and employees.
Why it matters
Ensures access to emotional and moral support for students and staff. by requiring districts to compile lists of experienced, non-sectarian chaplains who have served in government or equivalent roles, potentially providing guidance in times of personal or community crisis.
Protects religious neutrality and voluntariness. by mandating that chaplains be non-sectarian and that their services are only provided upon request (for adults) or with parental consent (for minors), aiming to balance support with respect for diverse beliefs.
Sets guardrails for student involvement. by explicitly requiring parental notification and consent before students under 18 can access chaplaincy services, aiming to protect family preferences and student autonomy.
Imposes no cost on districts or individuals. since chaplains would serve voluntarily and without compensation, potentially expanding support services without new expenditures, but raising questions about recruitment and quality control.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow Volunteer School Chaplains
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
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History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6108
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 23, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CRESPO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to providing for a voluntary chaplaincy program for the public schools
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 1502-b to read as follows:
§ 1502-b. Voluntary chaplaincy program. 1. Every school district and every supervisory district shall establish a voluntary chaplaincy program to serve pupils and employees in accordance with the provisions of this section.
2. Each district shall compile a list of experienced and reputable non-sectarian chaplains who are willing to serve the district in a chaplaincy capacity. Chaplains who have previously served a municipal, state, or federal government agency or department, or who have served the equivalent thereof, will be considered reputable. Chaplains shall receive no compensation for their services.
3. The services of such chaplains shall be made available to pupils eighteen years of age or older and to employees upon their request and without charge.
4. (a) With respect to pupils under eighteen years of age, referrals of a pupil to a chaplain shall not be made without the consent of the pupil's parent or guardian. Referrals shall be made without any charge.
(b) In the event that pupils under eighteen raise questions of a religious nature, or generate other cause to believe that a consultation with a chaplain may be helpful to the pupil, the pupil's teacher or principal shall give notice thereof to the parent or guardian of the pupil and shall inform such parent or guardian of the availability of a chaplain for a consultation with the pupil.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07310-01-7
A. 6108 2
5. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that the commissioner of education is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act on its effective date on or before such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.