AR SB164

Public schools in Arkansas may employ or accept as volunteers school chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students, staff, and parents, with each school determining its own selection criteria.

School chaplains must be credentialed by a religious organization but are not required to hold credentials from the Department of Education.

Chaplains must undergo statewide and nationwide criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks before being employed or volunteering, with schools paying the full cost of these checks.

Schools are prohibited from employing or accepting as a volunteer any chaplain who is registered or required to register as a sex offender.

School chaplains receive immunity from civil liability for actions taken within the scope of their duties, unless the action or statement was maliciously intended to harm, harass, or intimidate an individual seeking their services.