AR HB1686

Amends the definition of "volunteer organization" under Arkansas Code § 12-12-1603 to explicitly include public schools and school districts, as well as persons or organizations designated by schools to organize volunteers.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 12-18-909(g)(21) to allow the Department of Human Services to release Child Maltreatment Central Registry information to school-designated volunteer coordinators upon submission of a signed, notarized volunteer release form.

Limits registry information released to volunteer coordinators to only: confirmation of a true report, the investigation completion date, and the type of report.

Authorizes school district superintendents, building principals, and the Department of Education to access child maltreatment registry information to ensure child safety in school environments and off-campus school activities.

Declares an emergency to ensure public school students and parents have confidence that volunteers do not pose criminal threats to children's safety.