Certified chaplains in public schools permission

SF 2281 would allow Minnesota public school districts and charter schools to hire or accept as volunteers certified chaplains, defined as individuals certified by a national/state chaplaincy organization or endorsed by a religious group. The bill requires background checks meeting state standards, exempts chaplains from needing a professional educator license, and prohibits employment of individuals convicted of certain offenses. It also limits liability for chaplains unless their actions were maliciously intended to harm someone. The bill appropriates $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support school chaplain programs.