SB492

Senate Bill 492 amends existing Arkansas law to allow for electronic signatures as an alternative to the traditional notarization requirement for maltreatment registry checks. The bill specifically applies to background checks for the Child Maltreatment Central Registry and the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry. By permitting electronic signatures, the bill seeks to streamline the hiring process for individuals working with children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with mental illness. The legislation mandates that the Identification Bureau of the Arkansas State Police ensure their forms accommodate both notarized and electronic signatures. The bill includes an emergency clause, stating that the current requirement for notarization causes undue hardship and delays in hiring for critical childcare and healthcare positions. Consequently, the act is intended to take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.