AR SB273

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-80-103 to explicitly extend immunity from civil liability to expert witnesses testifying or offering opinions before professional boards in healing arts professions.

Expert witnesses are protected from lawsuits for slander, libel, defamation, breach of privileged communication, and other damages if they act without malice and with reasonable belief their testimony is warranted by known facts.

Findings state that healing arts boards struggle to recruit expert witnesses willing to testify due to lack of explicit immunity protection, which impairs the boards' ability to fulfill their statutory duty to protect public health and welfare.

Declares an emergency to make the act effective immediately upon Governor approval, without veto period delays, to ensure boards can promptly fulfill their protective responsibilities.

Bill was approved on April 4, 2019.