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Bill

SB 525

Authorize use of school chaplains in school districts and public charter schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Theresa Manzella

Montana bill authorizing public schools to hire chaplains for student spiritual and emotional support; passed Senate, died in House Education Committee.

(H) Died in Standing Committee
#religion #education-k-12
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Bill Summary · SB 525

Legislative bill overview

SB 525 would authorize Montana school districts and public charter schools to employ chaplains who provide spiritual and emotional support to students. The bill allows schools to voluntarily hire chaplains, potentially from various faith traditions or secular backgrounds, to work alongside counselors and other support staff.

Why is this important

This proposal addresses debates about the role of religion in public schools and how schools meet students' spiritual and emotional needs. It directly impacts school budgets, hiring practices, and the nature of support services available to students, while raising questions about religious expression in tax-funded institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Establishment Clause concerns: Critics argue that using public funds to employ chaplains—even if multi-faith—may violate the constitutional separation of church and state, while supporters contend chaplains provide secular emotional support
  • Counselor vs. chaplain roles: Questions about whether chaplains would duplicate existing school counselor functions or provide unique services, and how their religious duties would be distinguished from their school responsibilities
  • Student access and opt-out: Unclear whether students could decline chaplain services and whether schools serving diverse religious communities could fairly represent all traditions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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