UPDATE: Iowa State Representative Barb Kniff McCulla is pushing forward with her controversial chaplain bill aimed at enhancing support for students in public and charter schools. The bill, which seeks to allow schools to employ chaplains, is set to be a priority in the upcoming 2025 legislative session.
This development comes as educators and lawmakers grapple with mental health challenges among students, making the potential introduction of chaplains a pressing issue. According to a report from Iowa Capital Dispatch, the bill includes provisions ensuring that schools cannot mandate student participation in chaplain services and that chaplains cannot replace existing guidance counselors.
Critics, primarily from the Democratic party, argue that this initiative risks violating the principle of separation of church and state. When asked about these concerns during her interview with Newton News, Kniff McCulla firmly stated, “There isn’t a separation of church and state,” emphasizing that the bill offers an optional support structure rather than a mandatory one.
Kniff McCulla, representing House District 37, believes that incorporating chaplains into schools is essential for fostering emotional well-being among students. “It’s important for children to have access to support,” she declared, underlining her commitment to ensuring that young students are cared for and nurtured.
The chaplain bill gained traction in the previous legislative session, successfully passing in the House and Senate subcommittees, but ultimately stalled before reaching the Senate floor. McCulla is optimistic about reviving the bill this year, stating, “I just want to make sure we can bring that to our great state of Iowa.”
In addition to the chaplain initiative, McCulla is advocating for a less burdensome legislative environment. She shares the sentiment expressed by State Senator Ken Rozenboom, calling for a reduction in the number of bills proposed in the Iowa Legislature. “Less laws are better,” she stated, urging lawmakers to avoid over-legislating and allowing businesses to thrive without unnecessary regulations.
Furthermore, McCulla is also drafting a battery stewardship program to address hazardous battery disposal. Recent visits to recycling centers have highlighted the dangers posed by improperly discarded batteries, including incidents of fires in recycling trucks. “It would be responsible to start collecting used batteries,” she said, indicating that a full proposal is in the works.
As these legislative initiatives unfold, the impact on Iowa’s educational landscape and environmental policies remains to be seen. With the 2025 session fast approaching, all eyes will be on McCulla as she seeks to bring these significant changes to fruition. Stay tuned for further updates on these developing stories.
