TO AUTHORIZE A PUBLIC SCHOOL TO EMPLOY OR ACCEPT AS A VOLUNTEER A CHAPLAIN.

Senate Bill 164 would authorize public schools in Arkansas to employ or accept as volunteers school chaplains. These chaplains would provide support, services, and programs for enrolled students, staff, and parents, with schools determining their selection criteria. Chaplains would not need to be credentialed by the Department of Education but would be required to pass statewide criminal records checks and a Child Maltreatment Central Registry check, paid for by the school. The bill prohibits schools from employing registered sex offenders as chaplains and grants chaplains immunity from liability for actions taken within their duties, unless those actions are maliciously intended to cause harm or harass.