The proposed bill authorizes public schools in Arkansas to employ or accept volunteers as school chaplains, who will provide support and services to students, staff, and parents. The bill outlines that schools can determine their own selection criteria for chaplains and may have more than one chaplain. Importantly, chaplains are not required to be credentialed by the Department of Education. However, before hiring or accepting a chaplain, schools must conduct criminal background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks, with the school bearing the costs of these checks. Additionally, individuals who are registered sex offenders are prohibited from serving as chaplains.

The bill also includes provisions for liability protection for chaplains acting within the scope of their duties, although this immunity does not apply to actions intended to harm or intimidate individuals seeking support. Definitions are provided for key terms such as "public school," "parent," "religious organization," and "school chaplain," clarifying the roles and responsibilities associated with the position. Overall, the legislation aims to formalize the role of chaplains in public schools while ensuring safety and accountability through background checks and liability protections.