Bill requiring public schools set policies for chaplain visits, services in SD passes committee • South Dakota Searchlight

Bill requiring public schools set policies for chaplain visits, services in SD passes committee • South Dakota Searchlight

Sen. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, on the Senate floor during the 2024 legislative session. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)Public school districts in South Dakota would be required to set policies to allow chaplains to serve within school buildings under legislation approved in committee Monday. Lawmakers in several other states are introducing similar bills this year, said Rep. Al Novstrup, R-Aberdeen, the bill’s primary sponsor. A chaplai…

Bill requiring public schools set policies for chaplain visits, services in SD passes committee

Public education advocates opposed the bill, saying it could force school districts to pay for chaplains instead of investing in other aspects of education or mental wellness.

Ten Commandments Bill Clears South Dakota School Committee

A South Dakota Senate committee narrowly voted 4-3 on January 24, 2025, to advance a bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom and their inclusion in history and civics curricula. The legislation now proceeds to the full state Senate. The proposed law requires 8×14-inch posters with easily readable font and repeals existing provisions allowing local school boards to decide on Ten Commandments displays. T…