Idaho Bills

Amends existing law to provide for the licensure of certain persons who have served as a chaplain in any branch of the United States military.

This legislation will allow military chaplains to work as licensed counselors in the state of Idaho. Chaplains are required by the U.S. Department of War to obtain a Master of Divinity degree with a 72-credit minimum. This equates to 20% more credits than the typical master's in counseling. This degree covers religious and counseling education. In addition to this degree, chaplains attend a 12-13 week (depending on the branch of military) Chaplains Officer Leadership Course where their counseling education continues. A certified military Chaplain's initial certification's required hours exceed that of a potential counselor seeking to work in this field as a civilian.