AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1306

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1306

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Contention

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB572

To Amend Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning School Employee Misconduct And Background Checks For Registered Volunteers.

AR HB1567

To Amend The Law Concerning The Placement Of Identification And Safety Devices On A School Bus.

AR HB1730

To Provide That Buildings Used As Dedicated Church Property Are Exempt From Property Tax Regardless Of Whether The Building Is Owned Or Leased By The Church Using The Property.

AR SB41

To Regulate Environmental, Social Justice, Or Governance Scores Or Metrics; And To Allow The Treasurer Of State To Divest The State Of Stocks, Securities, Or Other Obligations.

AR HB1811

To Require The Department Of Human Services To File A Motion When It Recommends A Nonemergency Change In A Child's Placement From One Foster Home To Another And For A Hearing To Be Held Before The Change In Placement Occurs.

AR HB1848

To Allow For A Guardianship Subsidy In Order To Keep A Child From Being Removed From The Custody Of His Or Her Parent And Placed Into Foster Care.

AR HB1446

To Provide State Oversight Of Quality Of Care Provided To Children In Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities And Other Regulated Facilities.

AR SB399

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning The Use Of Cellular Telephones Or Other Communication Devices In Courthouses And Courtrooms.

AR SB512

Concerning School District Personnel Policies; And Concerning A School District Committee On Personnel Policies.

AR SB346

To Promote Permanency And To Strengthen Kinship Placements For Children In Foster Care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.