Chaplain’s bill laid on table
A measure of sanity settled over the Tennessee House earlier this week when a bill that would have provided a chaplain for public schools was essentially killed.
The measure by state Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, would have authorized local school boards (and public charter boards) to employ or accept as a volunteer a school chaplain for supports, services and programs for students, staff and parents.
The bill was heard on the House floor on Feb. 4, then rolled for one week, then rolled for two more weeks. On Thursday, the sponsor asked that the bill be laid on the table, meaning it likely is dead for the year.
The last voice heard on it on Feb. 4 — after numerous other House members asked questions — was that of state Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, who repeatedly quizzed Maberry, a pastor, on what a credentialed chaplain meant, who would credential the chaplain and who determines whether an established religious organization is legitimate.