INDIANAPOLIS — A new bill presented by Republican lawmakers calls into question the separation of church and state.

Republican lawmakers in Indiana are pushing to add religious figures into public schools as a proposed solution for an ongoing school counselor shortage.

Opponents of the bill argue that religious figures aren’t trained mental health advisors and putting them in schools opens up students to religious indoctrination, supporters claim the bill only provides a choice to parents, students and school districts and doesn’t require anyone to participate.

Senator Stacey Donato (R-District 18) authored Senate Bill 50 which would grant public and charter schools the authority to appoint chaplains.

The chaplains could provide both religious and non-religious support to students, staff and parents.

They could be either employees or volunteers at the school, according to the bill, and would be required to have at least two years of experience counseling children.

The chaplains must also undergo standard criminal background check processes like any school hire.