COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
BILL NO. 
36-0104 
 
Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
 
 
June 24, 2025 
 
 
 
An act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 137 to allow a 
school district to accept volunteer school chaplains to provide support, services, and programs 
for students as assigned by the Board of Education 
 
 
 
PROPOSED BY: 
 
 
Senator Carla J. Joseph 
 
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 
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SECTION 1.  Title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 is amended by adding the 
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following section 137: 
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Ҥ137.  School Chaplains 
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(a) 
A school district may accept volunteer school chaplains to provide support, 
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services, and programs for students as assigned by the Board of Education. 
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(b) 
A student’s participation in chaplain-related programs or activities is voluntary and 
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no student may be coerced or required to participate in chaplain-related programs or activities. 
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(c) 
A school district may not accept a chaplain who has been convicted of or placed in 
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a deferred prosecution program for an offense for which a defendant is required to register as 
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a sex offender under title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 86.” 
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BILL SUMMARY 
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This bill amends title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 137 to allow 
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a school district to accept volunteer chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for 
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students as assigned by the Board of Education; require that a student’s participation in 
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chaplain-related programs or activities be voluntary; and provide that a school district not 
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accept a chaplain who has been convicted of or placed in a deferred prosecution program for 
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an offense that would require registration as a sex offender. 
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BR25-0378/March 25, 2025/GC 
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