DeSantis signs bill allowing chaplains, patriotic organizations in Florida public schools [Video]

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee on Thursday and signed two new bills regarding religious services and patriotic organization in public schools.

Patriotic organizations OK at Florida public schools

DeSantis signed HB 1317, which authorizes schools to bring in “patriotic organizations” to encourage student involvement. The organizations eligible for participation include, but are not limited to:

According to DeSantis, this bill is crucial because “not everyone knows what’s out there in the community” and a student being involved in an extracurricular activity is “better than students going home and being on electronics.” He stressed that the bill mandates parental notification before students are involved in any organization hosted by the school.

Chaplains can offer counseling in Florida public schools

The second bill was HB 931, which establishes a statewide school chaplain program. This initiative permits districts to enlist chaplains to offer additional counseling and support to …