AR HB1048

Permits voluntary respite care as a temporary placement arrangement for minors facilitated by qualified nonprofit organizations, exempting providers from standard child welfare licensing requirements under Arkansas Code § 9-28-407

Requires voluntary respite care providers to pass fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks, Arkansas State Police records checks, and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks, with training provided by the qualified nonprofit organization

Authorizes parents, guardians, or legal custodians to execute a power of attorney with voluntary respite care providers valid for no longer than one year that addresses physical custody and emergency medical treatment but does not transfer legal custody

Establishes that execution of a voluntary respite care power of attorney alone does not constitute child maltreatment, though investigations may proceed if other evidence of maltreatment exists

Imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 for qualified nonprofit organizations that fail to conduct required background checks, disclose information, or continue assisting after substantiated child abuse allegations are discovered