(a) A person who meets the eligibility requirements of § 6-17-2603 may apply for a lifetime teaching license by filing an application with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(b)
(1) The State Board of Education shall review the application.
(2) If the state board approves the application, the state board shall reissue the applicant's current or expired Arkansas teaching license as a lifetime teaching license.
(3) A lifetime teaching license applicant is subject to the criminal background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check under § 6-17-410:
(A) Upon application; and
(B) If more than twelve (12) months have elapsed since the last time the background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check were successfully completed, upon employment in an educational environment.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the lifetime teaching license shall terminate upon the death or legal incapacity of the license holder.
(d) A lifetime teaching license is subject to the same laws for revocation as any Arkansas teaching license.
(e) A person who holds a lifetime teaching license is not required to renew his or her teaching license.
(f) Except to the extent required by § 6-17-2605, a lifetime teaching license holder is not subject to the requirements for annual professional development.