This bill aims to provide civil immunity for churches and other places of worship, as well as for volunteer security personnel who offer safety and protection services at these locations. It introduces a new definition for "volunteer security person," which refers to individuals authorized by a church to provide security without any expectation of payment. The bill amends Arkansas Code to include a new section that outlines the conditions under which civil immunity is granted to both the volunteer security personnel and the church itself, specifically when the church requires training for its security volunteers.

Under the proposed legislation, volunteer security personnel and the churches they serve will not be held liable for damages resulting from negligent acts while providing security services, provided that the church mandates training for these volunteers. The immunity extends to actions involving the use of nonlethal or lethal force in the course of their duties, but it does not cover intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct. This bill seeks to enhance the safety of congregations by encouraging the use of trained volunteer security personnel while protecting them from civil liability.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1306 V2 - 3-13-2025 10:39 AM: 16-120-501
Old version HB1306 Original - 1-29-2025 02:40 PM: 16-120-501
HB 1306: 16-120-501