Concerning Civil Immunity For A Church Or Other Place Of Worship; And To Provide Civil Immunity For Volunteer Security Personnel In A Church Or Other Place Of Worship.
The bill amends the Arkansas Code concerning charitable immunity, specifically by defining 'volunteer security person' and specifying that both such individuals and the institutions they serve will enjoy civil immunity from certain legal claims. By facilitating this protection, supporters argue that it will promote the presence of security personnel at religious gatherings, potentially improving safety and reassuring congregants. Additionally, it may encourage more individuals to volunteer for these security roles if they feel secure from liability while performing their duties.
House Bill 1306 aims to enhance the legal protections for churches and other places of worship by granting civil immunity to both the institutions and volunteer security personnel working in these settings. Specifically, the bill stipulates that volunteer security personnel, who provide safety and protection services without any expectation of compensation, will not be subject to civil liability for any injuries, damages, or deaths that arise from negligent acts performed during their duties. This legislation is intended to encourage more churches to employ volunteer security measures without fearing potential lawsuits.
While proponents of HB 1306 believe it is a necessary measure to enhance safety at places of worship, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of broad civil immunity. Critics argue that granting immunity could lead to a lack of accountability among volunteer security personnel. This concern is particularly significant in light of the provision that civil immunity applies to the use of nonlethal or lethal force when providing protection. Opponents fear this could create situations where excessive force might be employed without repercussions, thus raising ethical and legal questions about the standard of care expected from volunteer responders.