(a) As used in this section: (1) 'Religious leader or member of the clergy' includes without limitation a:(A) Minister;(B) Pastor;(C) Preacher;(D) Priest;(E) Nun;(F) Rabbi;(G) Imam; or(H) Layperson who is engaged in the ministering in, instruction of, or teaching of a religion; and(2) 'Religious organization' means an organization that qualifies as a religious organization under state or federal tax law.(b) In a civil action or other civil administrative proceeding to which the state or a local government is a party, the state or the local government may not compel the:(1) Production or disclosure of a written copy or an audio or video recording of a sermon, religious instruction, or religious teaching delivered by a religious leader or member of the clergy during religious services of a religious organization; or(2) Religious leader or member of the clergy to testify regarding the sermon, religious instruction, or religious teaching described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section.(c) This section does not apply to a civil action or other civil administrative proceeding to which the state or a local government is a party and that concerns a legitimate investigation into ection.(c) This section does not apply to a civil action or other civil administrative proceeding to which the state or a local government is a party and that concerns a legitimate investigation into terrorism-related activities.Added by Act 2019, No. 816,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Arkansas Legal Code