Bill
Bill > SB266
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/05/2025
05/05/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)
Bill Summary
AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL CHAPLAINS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes public schools in Arkansas to adopt policies allowing school chaplains to provide support, services, and programs for students, staff, and parents. The bill requires that any school implementing a chaplain program must: inform parents about chaplain availability, obtain parental consent before a student can participate in chaplain-provided services, and allow parents to choose a specific chaplain if multiple are available. The bill mandates that schools publish a list of chaplains, including their religious affiliations, on their websites. Before a chaplain can access school grounds or interact with students, they must undergo comprehensive background checks, including statewide and nationwide criminal records checks and a Child Maltreatment Central Registry check, paid for by the school. Chaplains who are registered sex offenders are prohibited from participating. The bill defines a school chaplain as a clergy member who volunteers or is employed by a public school, functions in a pluralistic environment, and supports the free exercise of religion for all individuals. The legislation applies to both traditional public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools, emphasizing parental choice and child safety in the implementation of chaplain programs.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment. (on 05/05/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb266&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R |
Senate Amendment S1 | https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FAMEND%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FSB266-S1.pdf |
BillText | https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FSB266.pdf |
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