Chapter 1 General Provisions

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Cross References. Compensation and benefits, § 21-5-101 et seq.

Retirement, § 24-1-101 et seq.

Veterans preferences, § 21-3-301 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1917, No. 154, § 3: Mar. 1, 1917.

Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 247, § 26: July 1, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Seventh General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1989 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1989 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1989.”

Acts 1993, No. 860, § 38: Apr. 2, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth General Assembly, that payees listed in this Act may be entitled to the sums appropriated and transferred to herein, and that they have been deprived of the use of these funds for a long period of time, and that further delay in paying these just debts of the State would do harm to the reputation of the State of Arkansas. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-1-101. Computation of length of service.

  1. In computing or granting pensions, retirement pay, eligibility lists based on length of service, or any other right under a civil service or merit system in which length of service is the criterion, time spent by any employee, as defined in subsection (b) of this section, in the United States Armed Forces from September 16, 1940, until December 31, 1946, shall be counted as though the employee had remained continuously in the employment of the agency, department, or office.
  2. The provisions of this section shall apply to any employee of any agency, department, or office supported in whole or in part with tax funds by the State of Arkansas or any county or municipality thereof, whose personnel are regulated by civil service or merit system adopted pursuant to an act of the General Assembly, or the governing body of any county or municipality with the following restrictions:
    1. The employee must have been employed under the civil service or merit system at the time of his or her separation to enter the United States Armed Forces; and
    2. The employee must have entered the United States Armed Forces directly after leaving the employment of the agency, department, or office and must have returned thereto within ninety (90) days after separation from the United States Armed Forces.

History. Acts 1947, No. 56, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2323 — 12-2325.

Case Notes

Purpose.

This section requires that time spent in the armed services should be considered for seniority purposes. Smith v. Little Rock Civil Serv. Comm'n, 214 Ark. 765, 218 S.W.2d 366 (1949).

21-1-102. Term of office of certain officers.

    1. The terms of office of the Justices of the Supreme Court, all district officers, except state senators, all county officers, except members of the lower house of the General Assembly, and all township officers and road overseers, when road overseers are elected, shall begin on January 1 following their election.
    2. The term of office of the Commissioner of State Lands shall begin on the same date as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Article 6, § 3, for other constitutional officers.
    3. However, in the case of a special election to fill an unexpired term, or to fill an office created after the last preceding general election, the term of the officer so elected shall begin as soon after the election as the result can be ascertained and the person elected can be commissioned and qualified.
  1. All officers shall hold their respective offices for the term prescribed by the law and until their successors are elected and qualified.

History. Acts 1917, No. 154, § 1, p. 809; C. & M. Dig., §§ 8071, 8072; Pope's Dig., §§ 10400, 10401; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-112; Acts 2009, No. 646, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. This section, as it applied to justices of the peace, was repealed by Acts 1933, No. 103, which was subsequently repealed by Acts 1937, No. 353, § 3.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted “Commissioner of State Lands” following “office of the” in (a)(1); inserted (a)(2) and redesignated the subsequent subdivision accordingly; and made a related change.

Cross References. Continuance in office until successor elected, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 5.

Case Notes

Commissioner of State Lands.

Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 37 (repealed, now see Ark. Const. Amend. 56) did not amend by implication the provisions of Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 3, relating to the election and commencement of term of certain named executive officers so that it applied to the Commissioner of State Lands, and the commencement of the term of the Commissioner was governed by the provisions of this section even after the adoption of Ark. Const. Amend. 37 (repealed). Rankin v. Jones, 224 Ark. 1001, 278 S.W.2d 646 (1955).

Constable.

The term of office of a constable begins on January 1 following his or her election. Hutcheson v. Pitts, 170 Ark. 248, 278 S.W. 639 (1926).

Supreme Court Justice.

Supreme Court Justice, having been duly elected by the people of Arkansas and having begun her eight-year term as a justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court on January 1, 2015, was the qualified justice invested with the judicial power to participate in Case No. CV-14-427; a Special Justice's constitutional authority to participate in Case No. CV-14-427 expired December 31, 2014. Smith v. Wright, 2015 Ark. 189, 461 S.W.3d 687 (2015).

21-1-103. Service recognition program.

  1. There is established a method of recognition of service by employees of the State of Arkansas.
  2. The Office of Personnel Management shall coordinate the purchase, distribution, and presentation of service awards based on years of service with the State of Arkansas for full-time employees in all state agencies, boards, commissions, and others under the Governor's direction.
  3. The awards shall be made upon attainment of ten (10), twenty (20), and thirty (30) years of service in state government.
  4. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall promulgate reasonable rules as he or she deems necessary in carrying out the provisions of this service recognition program.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 247, § 19; 1991, No. 786, § 34; 2019, No. 315, § 2313; 2019, No. 910, § 6119.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former §§ 21-1-103 and 21-5-105, concerning the service recognition program, are deemed to be superseded by this section. Former §§ 21-1-103 and 21-5-105 were derived from Acts 1985, No. 762, § 18, and Acts 1987, No. 1051, § 21, respectively.

This section was also formerly codified as § 21-5-105 which was transferred by Acts 1991, No. 786, § 34, to § 21-1-103.

Acts 1991, No. 786, § 37, provided:

“The enactment and adoption of this Act shall not repeal, expressly or impliedly, the acts passed at the regular session of the 78th General Assembly. All such acts shall have full effect and, so far as those acts intentionally vary from or conflict with any provision contained in this Act, those acts shall have the effect of subsequent acts and as amending or repealing the appropriate parts of the Arkansas Code of 1987.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (d).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in (d).

21-1-104. Limitation on judicial employment — State employee.

  1. No state employee shall serve both in a full-time quasi judicial position, or in a full-time position which provides legal assistance to a quasi judicial position, in the Arkansas State Claims Commission, Arkansas Public Service Commission, Workers' Compensation Commission, State Department for Social Security Administration Disability Determination, or any other quasi judicial agency, department, or commission and as an elected judge.
  2. For purposes of this section, the term “state employee” shall mean anyone who works one thousand (1,000) hours or more per year and participates in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System.

History. Acts 1993, No. 860, § 29.

21-1-105. Employee benefit programs.

  1. Each state agency, board, commission, and institution of higher education shall develop an informational program explaining the various fringe benefit programs that are provided for employees or in which employees may participate.
  2. Each state agency, board, commission, and institution of higher education shall provide each employee with this fringe benefit program information upon the initial employment of an employee at a new employee orientation meeting.
    1. The program shall include information about the employee's:
      1. Health and life insurance programs;
      2. Social Security benefits;
      3. Retirement system benefits;
      4. Workers' compensation benefits; and
      5. Employee assistance programs.
    2. The program may include information on other optional programs available to employees, such as deferred compensation plans, credit unions, or similar kinds of programs available for employees.
  3. Each state agency, board, commission, and institution of higher education shall provide each employee with an annual employee benefits statement, which shall summarize the status of the benefit plans in which the employee participates.
  4. The Office of Personnel Management and the Employee Benefits Division shall assist each state agency, board, commission, and institution of higher education in developing an employee benefits program and employee benefits statement.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1818, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6120.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted by Acts 2001, No. 1818, § 1, subsection (a) began:

“Beginning January 1, 2002,”.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (e).

21-1-106. Public recording and deletion of electronic data — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
      1. “Prohibit” means to interfere with the physical operation of a recording device by threat, duress, coercion, direct order, arrest, detention, or use of force.
      2. “Prohibit” does not include instances when there is no interference with the operation of the recording device or the person who operates it; and
    1. “Recording device” means a device that captures and records data or information, including without limitation a film camera, digital camera, tape recorder, or electronic sound recorder.
    1. A public officer or employee shall not:
      1. Prohibit a person from using a recording device carried on or near the person in a place that is open to and accessible to the general public or any private property where the person is lawfully present unless the act of recording or the location of the recording person:
        1. Presents a risk to the physical safety of anyone present, not including the person making the recording;
        2. Is inside a public drinking water treatment facility and presents a risk to the public drinking water treatment facility;
        3. Constitutes an element of a criminal offense;
        4. Could reasonably be expected to lead to the infringement of copyrighted material;
        5. Appears to circumvent established procedures that ordinarily require permission for or payment in exchange for the viewing, use, reproduction, or recordation of data or information; or
        6. Unreasonably obstructs or inhibits another person's lawful presence or movement;
      2. Delete any electronic data or any other information derived by recording from a recording device carried on or near the person against the wishes of the person possessing the recording device or otherwise destroy information contained in the recording device unless the data are considered contraband; or
      3. Seize or confiscate a recording device carried on or near the person using the recording device unless the recording device appears to be involved in the commission of a crime or unless the seizure is otherwise justified by an exigent circumstance.
    2. If a person uses a recording device to intrude upon the seclusion or solitude of another person or upon the other person's private affairs or concerns, this subsection does not apply if the intrusion:
      1. Violates a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
      2. Would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.
    1. A violation of this section constitutes a waiving of the sovereign immunity of the state.
    2. A public officer or employee who violates this section may only be sued in his or her official capacity.
    3. A court construing this section shall do so consistently with official capacity claims under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution filed through 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, § 16-123-101 et seq.
    4. Punitive damages are not provided under this section.
    5. When a party sues for relief under this section or any other applicable law, the party shall only receive a single remedy for a single injury.
  2. A publicly funded school or publicly funded institution of higher education is exempt from this section.
  3. Nothing in this section is intended to change, diminish, or denigrate the powers of those who rightfully control private property to regulate, place conditions on, or prohibit recording activities that take place on that private property.
  4. This section does not:
    1. Imply any kind of right or power of a person to use devices to change the light levels of his or her surroundings, including without limitation umbrellas, reflectors, lights, or flashes;
    2. Change, diminish, or denigrate the inherent or constitutional powers of the courts to issue binding orders or to regulate the absence, presence, or conduct of citizens occupying buildings or real property under the jurisdiction of the courts; or
    3. Apply to the grounds of a hospital or other medical facility governed by the privacy regulations promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191.
  5. A state agency may adopt policies to limit or prohibit the use of recording devices by that state agency's employees or contractors in the course and scope of their employment if those policies are intended to comply with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191, or the requirements of other state or federal privacy laws.

History. Acts 2015, No. 1063, § 1.

U.S. Code. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191, 110 Stat. 1936, referred to in this section, is codified throughout Titles 18, 26, 29 and 42 of the U.S. Code.

Subchapter 2 — Eligibility for Office

Cross References. Atheists, qualification for office, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 1.

Conviction of embezzlement, bar to holding office, Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 9.

Conviction of felony, bar to holding office, Ark. Const., Art. 3, § 6.

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, acting Governor, ineligibility for appointed office, Ark. Const. Amend. 29, § 2.

Holding of more than one office prohibited, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 6.

Military officers, school officers, public notaries, permitted to hold office, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 26.

Qualification as elector required, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 3.

Religion no bar to holding office, Ark. Const., Art. 2, § 26.

Residence requirement, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 4.

Senators, representatives, barred from holding office, Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 10.

Effective Dates. Acts 1921, No. 59, § 3: approved Feb. 3, 1921. Emergency clause provided: “This act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the same shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage.”

Research References

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 48 et seq.

C.J.S. 67 C.J.S., Officers, § 21 et seq.

21-1-201. Gender not a bar to holding office.

  1. Gender shall not be a bar to the holding of any public or civil office in this state.
  2. Women, where otherwise qualified, shall be entitled to hold public or civil office, whether elective or appointive, under the Arkansas Constitution and statutes of this state.

History. Acts 1921, No. 59, §§ 1, 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 10436, 10437; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-101, 12-102.

Case Notes

Cited: King v. Consolidated Freightways Corp., 763 F. Supp. 1014 (W.D. Ark. 1991).

21-1-202 — 21-1-206. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning ineligibility of defaulters for office, lists of indebted persons, statement of default on certificate of election, withholding of commission or credentials of defaulter elected to office and the office subsequently being deemed vacant, and failure of officer to comply with §§ 21-1-20121-1-205, were repealed by Acts 1993, No. 1279, § 1. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-1-202. Rev. Stat., ch. 47, § 1; C. & M. Dig., § 3435; Pope's Dig., § 4278; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-103.

21-1-203. Rev. Stat., ch. 47, §§ 2, 4; C. & M. Dig., §§ 3436, 3438; Pope's Dig., §§ 4279, 4281; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-104, 12-106.

21-1-204. Rev. Stat., ch. 47, § 3; C. & M. Dig., § 3437; Pope's Dig., § 4280; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-105.

21-1-205. Rev. Stat., ch. 47, §§ 5-8; C. & M. Dig., §§ 3439-3442; Pope's Dig., §§ 4282-4285; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-107 — 12-110.

21-1-206. Rev. Stat., ch. 47, § 9; C. & M. Dig., § 3443; Pope's Dig., § 4286; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-111.

21-1-207. Public employees.

No employee of the state, a county, a municipality, a school district, or any other political subdivision of this state shall be deprived of his or her right to run as a candidate for an elective office or to express his or her opinion as a citizen on political subjects, unless as necessary to meet the requirements of federal law as pertains to employees.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1214, § 1.

Cross References. Certain political activity prohibited, § 20-76-207.

Limitation of political activity by officer or employee, § 20-79-212.

Participation in political activities, § 14-52-306.

Political activity prohibited, §§ 14-49-306, 14-50-306.

Subchapter 3 — Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act

Effective Dates. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 14: Jan. 1, 1962.

21-1-301. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Emergency Interim Executive and Judicial Succession Act”.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-114.

21-1-302. Legislative intent.

Because of the existing possibility of attack of unprecedented size and destructiveness upon the United States, and in order, in the event of such an attack, to assure continuity of government through legally constituted leadership, authority, and responsibility in offices of the government of the state and its political subdivisions, to provide for the effective operation of governments during an emergency, and to facilitate the early resumption of functions temporarily suspended, it is found and declared to be necessary to provide for:

  1. Additional officers who can exercise the powers and discharge the duties of Governor;
  2. Emergency interim succession to governmental offices of this state and its political subdivisions in the event the incumbents thereof and their deputies, assistants, or other subordinate officers authorized, pursuant to law, to exercise all of the powers and discharge the duties of those offices who are in this subchapter referred to as “deputies” are unavailable to perform the duties and functions of those offices; and
  3. Special emergency judges who can exercise the powers and discharge the duties of judicial offices in the event regular judges are unavailable.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-115.

21-1-303. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Attack” means any attack or series of attacks by an enemy of the United States causing, or which may cause, substantial damage or injury to civilian property or persons in the United States in any manner by sabotage or by the use of bombs, missiles, shellfire, or atomic, radiological, chemical, bacteriological, or biological means or other weapons or processes;
  2. “Emergency interim successor” means a person designated pursuant to this subchapter, in the event the officer is unavailable, to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of an office until a successor is appointed or elected and qualified as may be provided by the Arkansas Constitution, statutes, charters, and ordinances or until the lawful incumbent is able to resume the exercise of the powers and discharge the duties of the office;
  3. “Office” includes all state and local offices, the powers and duties of which are defined by the Arkansas Constitution, statutes, charters, and ordinances, except the Office of Governor, and except those in the General Assembly and the judiciary;
  4. “Political subdivision” includes counties, cities, towns, villages, townships, districts, authorities, and other public corporations and entities whether organized and existing under charter or general law; and
  5. “Unavailable” means either that a vacancy in office exists and there is no deputy authorized to exercise all of the powers and discharge the duties of the office or that the lawful incumbent of the office, including any deputy exercising the powers and discharging the duties of an office because of a vacancy, and his or her duly authorized deputy are absent or unable to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-116.

21-1-304. Additional successors to Office of Governor.

  1. In the event that the Governor, for any of the reasons specified in the Arkansas Constitution, is not able to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of his or her office, or is unavailable, and in the event the Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are not able, for any of the reasons specified in the Arkansas Constitution, to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Office of Governor, or are unavailable, then the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, or Commissioner of State Lands, in the order named, shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Office of Governor until a new Governor is elected and qualified, or until one (1) of the officers who precedes him or her in the order of succession becomes available.
  2. However, no emergency interim successor to the offices mentioned in subsection (a) of this section may serve as Governor.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-117; Acts 2017, No. 380, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment inserted “Auditor of State, or Commissioner of State Lands” in (a).

21-1-305. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning emergency interim successors for state officers, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 380, § 2. The section was derived from Acts 1961, No. 489, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-118.

21-1-306. Emergency interim successors for local officers.

    1. With respect to local offices for which the legislative bodies of cities, towns, villages, townships, and counties may enact resolutions or ordinances relative to the manner in which vacancies will be filled or temporary appointments to office made, the legislative bodies are authorized to enact resolutions or ordinances providing for emergency interim successors to offices of those governmental units.
    2. The resolutions and ordinances shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter.
    1. The provisions of this subsection shall be applicable to officers of political subdivisions including, but not limited to, cities, towns, villages, townships, and counties, as well as school, fire, power, and drainage districts not included in subsection (a) of this section.
      1. The officers, subject to any regulations which the executive head of the political subdivision may issue, shall designate by title, if feasible, or by named person, emergency interim successors and specify their order of succession.
      2. The officer shall review and revise, as necessary, designations made pursuant to this subchapter to ensure their current status.
      3. The officer will designate a sufficient number of persons so that there will be not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) deputies or emergency interim successors or any combination thereof, at any time.
      1. In the event that any officer of any political subdivision or his or her deputy provided for pursuant to law is unavailable, the powers of the office shall be exercised, and the duties shall be discharged, by his or her designated emergency interim successors in the order specified.
      2. The emergency interim successor shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office to which designated until such time as a vacancy which may exist shall be filled in accordance with the Arkansas Constitution or statutes or until the officer, or his or her deputy or a preceding emergency interim successor, again becomes available to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of his or her office.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, §§ 6, 7; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-119, 12-120.

21-1-307. Special emergency judges.

  1. In the event that any judge of any court is unavailable to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of his or her office and in the event no other judge authorized to act in the event of absence, disability, or vacancy or no special judge appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Arkansas Constitution or statutes is available to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office, the duties of the office shall be discharged and the powers exercised by the special emergency judges provided for in this section.
    1. The Governor shall designate, for each member of the Supreme Court, special emergency justices in the number of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) for each member of the court and shall specify the order of their succession.
    2. For each court of record except the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in consultation with the other members of the court shall designate special emergency judges in the number of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) for each judge of the courts and shall specify the order of their succession.
    3. The judge of the circuit court shall designate not less than three (3) special emergency judges for courts not of record within that circuit and shall specify their order of succession.
    4. The designating authority shall review and revise, as necessary, designations made pursuant to this subchapter to ensure their current status.
    1. The special emergency judges shall, in the order specified, exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office in case of the unavailability of the regular judge or judges or persons immediately preceding them in the designation.
    2. The special emergency judges shall discharge the duties and exercise the powers of the office until such time as a vacancy which may exist shall be filled in accordance with the Arkansas Constitution and statutes or until the regular judge or one preceding the designee in the order of succession becomes available to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-121.

21-1-308. Formalities of taking office.

  1. At the time of their designation, emergency interim successors and special emergency judges shall take any oath which may be required for them to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office to which they may succeed.
  2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person, as a prerequisite to the exercise of the powers or discharge of the duties of an office to which he or she succeeds, shall be required to comply with any other provision of law relative to taking office.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-122.

21-1-309. Period in which authority may be exercised.

  1. Officials authorized to act as Governor pursuant to this subchapter, emergency interim successors, and special emergency judges are empowered to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of an office as authorized in this subchapter only after an attack upon the United States, as defined in this subchapter, has occurred.
  2. At any time, the General Assembly by concurrent resolution may terminate the authority of emergency interim successors and special emergency judges to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of office as provided in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-123.

21-1-310. Removal of designees.

Until such time as the persons designated as emergency interim successors or special emergency judges are authorized to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of an office in accordance with this subchapter, including § 21-1-309, those persons shall serve in their designated capacities at the pleasure of the designating authority and may be removed or replaced by the designating authority at any time, with or without cause.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-124.

21-1-311. Disputes.

Any dispute concerning a question of fact arising under this subchapter with respect to an office in the executive branch of the state government, except a dispute of fact relative to the Office of Governor, shall be adjudicated by the Governor or other official authorized under the Arkansas Constitution and this subchapter to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the Office of Governor, and his or her decision shall be final.

History. Acts 1961, No. 489, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-125.

Subchapter 4 — Constitutional Officers and Their Spouses

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 12: Feb. 9, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is an immediate need to establish restrictions and procedures regarding constitutional officers becoming employees of the state or entering into grants, contracts or leases with the state; that this act establishes those restrictions and procedures; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible to help restore the public confidence in state government. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015, No. 1280, § 16: Apr. 8, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of Arkansas adopted Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, at the 2014 General Election, which added Sections 28, 29, and 30 to Article 19 of the Arkansas Constitution; that Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, requires the General Assembly to provide by law that Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 be under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Ethics Commission; that this act should become effective at the earliest opportunity to allow the commission to enforce Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 and issue guidance to affected public officials; and that the additional provisions of this act provide clarity to the ethics laws of the State of Arkansas and should become effective at the earliest opportunity to prevent confusion and avoid incorrect applications of the state's ethics laws. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 661, § 4: Apr. 2, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act establishes certain employment restrictions on former members of the General Assembly that are in the best interests of the state; and that these restrictions should become effective at the earliest opportunity to provide for the full implementation of the act. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto”.

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-1-401. Definitions.

For purposes of this subchapter:

  1. “Constitutional officer” means Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Attorney General, Commissioner of State Lands, Auditor of State, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and member of the Arkansas Senate; and
  2. “State agency” means every board, commission, department, division, institution, and other office of state government whether located within the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of government and including state-supported colleges and universities.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 1.

21-1-402. Restrictions on other employment.

    1. Subject to any restriction or condition prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution and except as provided under subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) of this section and subsection (f) of this section, and unless the person resigns before entering into the employment, a person elected to a constitutional office, after being elected to the constitutional office and during the term for which elected, shall not enter into employment with:
      1. Any state agency;
      2. Any public school district of this state in a noncertified position;
      3. Any vocational education school funded by the state; or
      4. Any education service cooperative.
      1. A constitutional officer who was employed by a state agency, a public school district of this state in a licensed or nonlicensed position, a state-supported vocational education school, an education service cooperative, or a state-supported college or university and who receives the prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee during a legislative session or the Legislative Council between legislative sessions, and the Governor, may:
        1. Transfer employment to or become reemployed by another state agency, public school district of this state, state-supported vocational education school, an educational service cooperative, or a state-supported college or university;
        2. Change positions under his or her current employer; or
        3. Upon retirement from a state agency, public school district of this state, state-supported vocational education school, an education service cooperative, or a state-supported college or university, enter into part-time or temporary employment with a state agency, public school district of this state, state-supported vocational education school, an educational service cooperative, or a state-supported college or university.
      2. Employment under this subdivision (a)(2) shall not be approved if the employment will violate §§ 19-11-701 — 19-11-709.
    2. If a constitutional officer is credentialed or certified as a tutor, teacher, professor, or adjunct professor, he or she is not prohibited from employment as a tutor, teacher, professor, or adjunct professor with a public school district, educational service cooperative, state-supported vocational education school, or state-supported college or university in this state.
    3. Subject to any restriction or condition prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution, any constitutional officer who was employed by a state agency prior to being elected a constitutional officer may continue the employment, but the employment shall not thereafter be reclassified unless it is the result of a general reclassification affecting all positions of the class and grade equally, nor shall the constitutional officer receive any pay increase for that employment other than the cost-of-living increases authorized by the General Assembly without the prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee during a legislative session, the Legislative Council between legislative sessions, and the Governor.
  1. No person whose spouse is elected to a constitutional office may, after the spouse is elected to the constitutional office and during the term for which the spouse is elected, enter into employment with any state agency without the prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee during a legislative session, the Legislative Council between legislative sessions, and the Governor.
  2. This subchapter does not prohibit the spouse of any constitutional officer from being elected and serving in an elected office or from being appointed to fill the vacancy in any elected office.
  3. Any person who was employed by a state agency prior to the person's spouse being elected a constitutional officer and any person who entered into employment with a state agency during the spouse's service as a constitutional officer is subject to the following:
    1. The person's position shall not thereafter be reclassified unless it is the result of a general reclassification affecting all positions of the class and grade equally nor shall the person, while the spouse serves as a constitutional officer or within two (2) years after the spouse leaves office, be promoted or transferred without the prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee during a legislative session, the Legislative Council between legislative sessions, and the Governor; and
    2. The person shall not receive any pay increase in excess of fifteen percent (15%) without the prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee during a legislative session, the Legislative Council between legislative sessions, and the Governor.
  4. A former member of the General Assembly and his or her spouse shall not be eligible to be employed by any state agency within twenty-four (24) months after the member leaves office in any job or position that:
    1. Was newly created by legislative action within the twenty-four (24) months prior to the member's leaving office; or
    2. Had a maximum salary level increase of more than fifteen percent (15%) authorized by legislative action within the twenty-four (24) months prior to the member's leaving office.
    1. A former member of the General Assembly shall not take the following actions until two (2) years after the expiration of the term of office for which he or she was elected:
      1. Register as a lobbyist under § 21-8-601 et seq.; or
      2. Enter into employment as the director of an:
        1. Educational cooperative under The Public School Educational Cooperative Act of 1981, § 6-13-901 et seq.; or
        2. Area agency on aging.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (f)(2)(B) of this section, subdivision (f)(1) of this section applies to a person elected or reelected to the General Assembly on or after November 6, 2018.
      2. Subdivision (f)(1)(A) of this section shall apply to a person elected or reelected to the General Assembly on or after November 4, 2014.
  5. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Commissioner of State Lands are not eligible to be registered as lobbyists under § 21-8-601 et seq. until one (1) year after the expiration of the respective terms of office to which they were elected.
  6. An individual employed in the office of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, or Commissioner of State Lands is not eligible to be registered as a lobbyist under § 21-8-601 et seq. until one (1) year after the expiration of the individual's employment in that office.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 2; 2003, No. 1453, § 1; 2005, No. 1962, § 91; 2009, No. 1398, § 1; 2011, No. 48, § 2; 2011, No. 71, § 2; 2013, No. 486, § 1; 2015, No. 1280, § 11; 2017, No. 961, § 1; 2019, No. 661, §§ 2, 3.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 1398, § 2, provided: “The provisions of the Arkansas Code added by this act are nonseverable. In the event any part of the provisions of the Arkansas Code added by this act, including but not limited to the provisions requiring prior approval of the Joint Budget Committee or Legislative Counsel and the Governor, are found to be unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the amendments to Arkansas Code § 21-1-402 contained in this act shall be null and void and Arkansas Code § 21-1-402 before amendment by this act shall remain in full force and effect.”

Amendments. The 2003 amendment added (f).

The 2005 amendment deleted (a)(1)(E), and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2009 amendment inserted “and except as provided under subdivision (a)(2) of this section” in (a)(1); inserted (a)(2) and redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(3).

The 2011 amendment by identical acts Nos. 48 and 71 added (f)(2); and inserted “one (1) year after” in (f)(1).

The 2013 amendment added (g) and (h).

The 2015 amendment substituted “two (2) years” for “one (1) year” in (f)(1); and substituted “November 4, 2014” for “July 27, 2011” in (f)(2).

The 2017 amendment substituted “subdivisions (a)(2) and (3)” for “subdivision (a)(2)” in (a)(1); inserted present (a)(3) and redesignated former (a)(3) as (a)(4); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment inserted “and subsection (f) of this section” in the introductory language of (a)(1); and rewrote (f).

21-1-403. Restrictions on lease agreements, contracts, and grants.

  1. No constitutional officer may enter into any lease agreement, contract, or grant with any state agency unless:
    1. The lease agreement, contract, or grant is awarded as a result of competitive bidding or a request for proposal and the constitutional officer played no role, directly or indirectly, in the administrative:
      1. Determination of specifications for the bid or request for proposal;
      2. Evaluation or consideration of the bid or request for proposal; or
      3. Decision to accept the bid or request for proposal; or
    2. If competitive bidding or a request for proposal was not required by law, the lease agreement, contract, or grant has received the prior approval of:
      1. The Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions or the Legislative Council between legislative sessions; and
      2. The Governor.
  2. No constitutional officer may receive any subgrant, subcontract, or assignment of any lease with a state agency unless the constitutional officer:
    1. Is disclosed as a subgrantee or subcontractor in the competitive bid or request for proposal; or
    2. If competitive bidding or a request for proposal was not required by law, receives prior approval from:
      1. The Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions or the Legislative Council between legislative sessions; and
      2. The Governor.
    1. Constitutional officers shall not enter into professional and consultant services contracts with state agencies subject to §§ 19-11-1001 — 19-11-1011.
    2. Any professional and consultant services contracts obtained by constitutional officers or their spouses with any state agency exempt from §§ 19-11-1001 — 19-11-1011 must receive prior review of the Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions and the Legislative Council between legislative sessions.
  3. The restrictions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section also apply to spouses of constitutional officers and to any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or any other legal entity of which a constitutional officer or the constitutional officer's spouse has an ownership interest of at least ten percent (10%).
  4. If a constitutional officer, a constitutional officer's spouse, or an entity listed in subsection (d) of this section becomes the recipient of a grant, contract, or lease through competitive bidding or a request for proposal, the awarding state agency shall give written notice of the selection of the constitutional officer, constitutional officer's spouse, or entity to:
    1. The Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions or the Legislative Council between legislative sessions; and
    2. The Governor.
  5. Grants, contracts, and leases entered into prior to the person's becoming a constitutional officer are not subject to the provisions of this section, but renewals and extensions of those grants, contracts, and leases are subject to the provisions of this section.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 3; 2003, No. 1315, § 14.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote (c).

21-1-404. Rules — Disclosure statement.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to promulgate and implement any necessary rules or policies to ensure compliance with this subchapter subject to the prior review and approval of the Joint Budget Committee during legislative sessions and the Legislative Council between legislative sessions.
  2. All disclosure statements and other information required to be furnished by constitutional officers and their spouses shall be certified by the constitutional officer or spouse under penalty of perjury.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 4; 2019, No. 315, § 2314; 2019, No. 910, § 3489.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “regulations” following “rules” in (a).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (a).

21-1-405. Violations.

  1. Any knowing violation of this subchapter is a Class D felony.
  2. The violation of any rule or policy promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration under this subchapter or the failure of a constitutional officer or spouse of a constitutional officer to disclose his or her interest in any contract, grant, or lease agreement or in any subcontract, subgrant, or assignment of lease as required by this subchapter or as required by any rule or policy of the department shall be grounds for voiding the contract, grant, lease agreement, subcontract, subgrant, or lease assignment, and the constitutional officer or spouse may be required to refund any moneys received thereunder.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 5; Acts 2007, No. 827, § 172; 2019, No. 315, § 2315.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulation” following “rule” in (b) twice.

21-1-406. Venue for violation proceedings.

The venue for the judicial proceedings for violating § 21-1-405(a) shall be in the county of the defendant's domicile.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 6.

21-1-407. Employment by state agency.

A person whose spouse is elected to a constitutional office may be employed by a state agency without the approval of the employment required by § 21-1-402(b) if the person's entry salary does not exceed the amount prescribed by Level 4 of Grade 13 of the state compensation plan found in § 21-5-209.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 7.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The reference in this section to “Level 4 of Grade 13” is obsolete. The compensation plan under the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., was completely revised by Acts 2005, No. 2198.

21-1-408. Investigation of violations.

  1. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is authorized to investigate any complaints or allegations of violations of the provisions of this subchapter and to make findings thereon.
  2. In the investigation of such matters, the commission is specifically given all authority and powers as granted to it under the provisions of §§ 7-6-217 and 7-6-218.

History. Acts 1999, No. 34, § 8.

Subchapter 5 — Public Employees' Political Freedom Act of 1999

21-1-501. Title.

This subchapter shall create the “Public Employees' Political Freedom Act of 1999”.

History. Acts 1999, No. 658, § 1.

21-1-502. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Elected public official” means the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, Attorney General, Commissioner of State Lands, a member of the Senate, and a member of the House of Representatives;
  2. “Public employee” means any person providing services for the State of Arkansas, a county, a municipal corporation, or any other political subdivision of this state for which compensation is paid; and
  3. “Public employer” means the State of Arkansas and each political subdivision of the State of Arkansas, as defined in § 21-5-603.

History. Acts 1999, No. 658, § 2; 2005, No. 1962, § 92.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted former (b) and the former subsection (a) designation; inserted “any” in present (2); and substituted “21-5-603” for “21-5-603(b)” in present (3).

21-1-503. Employer not to penalize employee's political activity.

  1. A public employee shall not be prohibited from communicating with an elected public official concerning a matter related to the public employee's job, except for a matter exempted under § 25-19-105.
  2. A public employee shall not be prohibited from exercising a right or privilege under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
    1. It shall be unlawful for any public employer to discipline, to threaten to discipline, to reprimand either orally or in writing, to place any notation in a public employee's personnel file disciplining or reprimanding the public employee, or to otherwise discriminate against a public employee because the public employee exercised the right to communicate with an elected public official or exercised a right or privilege under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., as granted under this subchapter.
    2. A public employer shall not be prohibited from disciplining a public employee who has intentionally made an untrue allegation to an elected public official concerning a matter related to the public employee's job.
  3. Any person willfully violating a provision of this subchapter shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

History. Acts 1999, No. 658, § 3; 2005, No. 1962, § 93; 2009, No. 771, § 1; 2015, No. 102, § 1.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted present (a); redesignated former (a) as present (b)(1); inserted present (b)(2); redesignated former (b) as present (c); deleted former (c); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2009 amendment inserted (b) and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly.

The 2015 amendment inserted “or exercised a right or privilege under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.” in (c)(1).

Subchapter 6 — Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act

Effective Dates. Acts 2005, No. 2190, § 24: Apr. 13, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the services of the county boards of education are no longer needed by the school districts; that there will be no funding available for the operation of the county boards of education; and that this act is immediately necessary because county boards of education need sufficient authority to transfer functions, duties, and records prior the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-1-601. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act”.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 1.

Research References

ALR.

What Constitutes Activity of Private-Sector Employee Protected under State Whistleblower Protection Statute Covering Employee's “Report,” “Disclosure,” “Notification,” or the Like of Wrongdoing — Nature of Activity Reported. 36 A.L.R.6th 203.

What Constitutes Activity of Public or State Employee Protected under State Whistleblower Protection Statute Covering Employee's “Report,” “Disclosure,” “Notification,” or the Like of Wrongdoing — Nature of Activity Reported. 37 A.L.R.6th 137.

Construction and Application of Whistleblower Provision of Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1514A(a)(1). 15 A.L.R. Fed. 2d 315.

Ark. L. Rev.

Robert C. Dalby, Comment: Too Plain to Be Misunderstood: Sovereign Immunity Under the Arkansas Constitution, 71 Ark. L. Rev. 761 (2019).

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Per the holding in Board of Trustees v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, to the extent the legislature subjected the State to liability in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., it is prohibited by Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20, and the circuit court erred when it denied defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity. The General Assembly’s choice to abrogate sovereign immunity in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution. Ark. Cmty. Corr. v. Barnes, 2018 Ark. 122, 542 S.W.3d 841 (2018).

No Violation Shown.

Police chief did not show a mayor violated the Arkansas Whistleblower Protection Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., by terminating the chief after the chief reported to the city attorney that the mayor ordered the chief to arrest an individual for a zoning violation because, even if the chief asserted a violation of a clearly established right, the chief did not show the mayor would have known the mayor violated such a right, as (1) the zoning violation provided a criminal penalty, and (2) the chief admitted knowing the individual violated the ordinance. Sullivan v. Coney, 2013 Ark. 222, 427 S.W.3d 682 (2013).

Sovereign Immunity.

Because former employee's claims for injunctive relief were unquestionably legal claims against the State of Arkansas, sovereign immunity barred his claims under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., and the state and federal constitutions against the state officials in their official capacities; and plaintiff's conclusory statements and bare allegations were insufficient to establish an illegal, unconstitutional, or ultra vires act such that sovereign immunity would not apply. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Arkansas Governor did not waive sovereign immunity by signing the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act because the governor does not enact legislation. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Supreme Court of Arkansas declined to overturn Bd. of Trs. of Univ. of Ark. v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Where former state employee alleged that he was terminated because he refused to violate the state policy to hire the most qualified individual for a position, and asserted claims under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., and the federal and state constitutions, the circuit court erred when it found that sovereign immunity barred plaintiff's claims against the state officials in their individual capacities; in their individual capacities, the state officials did not enjoy the immunity granted to the State under Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Cited: Crawford County v. Jones, 365 Ark. 585, 232 S.W.3d 433 (2006); City of Farmington v. Smith, 366 Ark. 473, 237 S.W.3d 1 (2006); Ark. Dep't of Health & Human Servs. v. Storey, 372 Ark. 23, 269 S.W.3d 803 (2007).

21-1-602. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Adverse action” means to discharge, threaten, or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against a public employee in any manner that affects the employee's employment, including compensation, job location, rights, immunities, promotions, or privileges;
    1. “Appropriate authority” means:
      1. A state, county, or municipal government department, agency, or organization having jurisdiction over criminal law enforcement, regulatory violations, professional conduct or ethics, or waste; or
      2. A member, officer, agent, investigator, auditor, representative, or supervisory employee of the body, agency, or organization.
    2. “Appropriate authority” includes, but is not limited to, the office of the Attorney General, the office of the Auditor of State, the Arkansas Ethics Commission, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and Arkansas Legislative Audit, and the offices of the various prosecuting attorneys having the power and duty to investigate criminal law enforcement, regulatory violations, professional conduct or ethics, or waste;
  2. “Communicate” means to give a verbal or written report to an appropriate authority;
    1. “Public employee” means a person who performs a full or part-time service for wages, salary, or other remuneration for a public employer.
    2. “Public employee” includes without limitation a state employee under § 21-1-610;
  3. “Public employer” means any of the following:
    1. An agency, department, board, commission, division, office, bureau, council, authority, or other instrumentality of the State of Arkansas, including the offices of the various Arkansas elected constitutional officers and the General Assembly and its agencies, bureaus, and divisions;
    2. A state-supported college, university, technical college, community college, or other institution of higher education or department, division, or agency of a state institution of higher education;
    3. The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the circuit courts, and prosecuting attorneys' offices;
    4. An office, department, commission, council, agency, board, bureau, committee, corporation, or other instrumentality of a county government or a municipality or a district court, a county subordinate service district, a municipally owned utility, or a regional or joint governing body of one (1) or more counties or municipalities; or
    5. A public school district, school, or an office or department of a public school district in Arkansas;
  4. “Violation” means an infraction or a breach which is not of a merely technical or minimal nature of a state statute or rule, of a political subdivision ordinance or regulation, or of a code of conduct or code of ethics designed to protect the interest of the public or a public employer;
  5. “Waste” means a public employer's conduct or omissions which result in substantial abuse, misuse, destruction, or loss of public funds, property, or manpower belonging to or derived from the state or local political subdivision's resources; and
  6. “Whistle-blower” means a person who witnesses or has evidence of a waste or violation while employed with a public employer and who communicates in good faith or testifies to the waste or violation, verbally or in writing, to one of the employee's superiors, to an agent of the public employer, or to an appropriate authority, provided that the communication is made prior to any adverse action by the employer.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 2; 2005, No. 2190, § 21; 2013, No. 211, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2316.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted “county board of education or a” in (5)(E) and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2013 amendment rewrote (4).

The 2019 amendment substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (6).

Case Notes

Affirmative Defense.

Because the circuit court previously ruled that the employee violated multiple rules and policies, it was clear that his termination was the result of that misconduct and not related to any communication between the employee and the city administrator; that previous ruling did, in fact, establish the city's affirmative defense to the whistle-blower claim. Barrows v. City of Fort Smith, 2010 Ark. 73, 360 S.W.3d 117 (2010).

Jury Trial.

There were no undisputed facts that warranted proceeding to a jury trial; the circuit court determined as a matter of law that the city had an affirmative defense to the employee's whistle-blower claim in that his termination was the result of his violating departmental rules and policies. As the circuit court reasoned, the employee should not be allowed to force the city to prove that misconduct yet again. Barrows v. City of Fort Smith, 2010 Ark. 73, 360 S.W.3d 117 (2010).

Public Employee.

There was sufficient evidence that the employee was a public employee, because the employee was a person, and it was undisputed that he performed part-time services in exchange for wages from the Arkansas Department of Career Education, a public employer. State v. Means, 2013 Ark. 173, 426 S.W.3d 922 (2013).

In the nurse's action under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, the trial court did not err by denying the motion for summary judgment of the Administrator of the Arkansas State Hospital and its employee based on sovereign immunity because the suit against the Administrator in his official capacity was in effect a suit against a public employer for which sovereign immunity was waived by this section. Smith v. Daniel, 2014 Ark. 519, 452 S.W.3d 575 (2014).

Public Employer.

Per the holding in Board of Trustees v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, to the extent the legislature subjected the State to liability in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., it is prohibited by Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20, and the circuit court erred when it denied defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity. The General Assembly’s choice to abrogate sovereign immunity in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution. Ark. Cmty. Corr. v. Barnes, 2018 Ark. 122, 542 S.W.3d 841 (2018).

Law professor's Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act (AWBA) individual-capacity claims against state university officials were properly dismissed because the AWBA does not provide for suits against individuals. Steinbuch v. Univ. of Ark., 2019 Ark. 356, 589 S.W.3d 350 (2019).

Reporting.

Because terminated county employee's actions of reporting alleged misdeeds to quorum court members, sitting as a grievance committee, was reporting to the “appropriate authorities,” under subdivision (2)(A)(ii) of this section, evidence supporting terminated employee's claim under the Whistle-Blower Act created a question of fact and, thus, it was error for the trial court to have granted the county's motion for a directed verdict. Crawford County v. Jones, 365 Ark. 585, 232 S.W.3d 433 (2006).

Whistle-Blower.

Bullying and harassment do not amount to either a waste of public funds or a violation of the law for purposes of the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Cited: Hollis v. Fayetteville Sch. Dist. No. 1, 2015 Ark. App. 544, 473 S.W.3d 45 (2015).

21-1-603. Public employer conduct prohibited — Good faith communication.

    1. A public employer shall not take adverse action against a public employee because the public employee or a person authorized to act on behalf of the public employee communicates in good faith to an appropriate authority:
      1. The existence of waste of public funds, property, or manpower, including federal funds, property, or manpower administered or controlled by a public employer; or
      2. A violation or suspected violation of a law, rule, or regulation adopted under the law of this state or a political subdivision of the state.
    2. The communication shall be made at a time and in a manner which gives the public employer reasonable notice of need to correct the waste or violation.
    1. For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, a public employee communicates in good faith if there is a reasonable basis in fact for the communication of the existence of waste or of a violation.
    2. Good faith is lacking when the public employee does not have personal knowledge of a factual basis for the communication or when the public employee knew or reasonably should have known that the communication of the waste or of the violation was malicious, false, or frivolous.
  1. A public employer shall not take an adverse action against a public employee because the employee participates or gives information in an investigation, hearing, court proceeding, legislative or other inquiry, or in any form of administrative review.
  2. A public employer shall not take an adverse action against a public employee because an employee has objected to or refused to carry out a directive that the employee reasonably believes violates a law or a rule or regulation adopted under the authority of laws of the state or a political subdivision of the state.
  3. A public employer shall not take an adverse action against a public employee because of a report of a loss of public funds under § 25-1-124.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 3; 2003, No. 601, § 1; 2015, No. 1103, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment added the subdivision designations in (a); in present (a)(1), inserted “public” preceding the third occurrence of “employee” and added “to an appropriate authority” at the end; in present (a)(1)(A), substituted “including” for “excluding” and inserted “administered or controlled by a public employer”; and deleted “to an appropriate authority” from the end of present (a)(1)(B).

The 2015 amendment added (e).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

What constitutes activity of employee protected under state whistleblower protection statute covering employee's “report,” “disclosure,” “notification,” or the like of wrongdoing—Sufficiency of report. 10 A.L.R.6th 531.

What constitutes activity of employee, other than “reporting” wrongdoing, protected under state whistleblower protection statute. 13 A.L.R.6th 499.

What Constitutes Activity of Private-Sector Employee Protected under State Whistleblower Protection Statute Covering Employee's “Report,” “Disclosure,” “Notification,” or the Like of Wrongdoing — Nature of Activity Reported. 36 A.L.R.6th 203.

What Constitutes Activity of Public or State Employee Protected under State Whistleblower Protection Statute Covering Employee's “Report,” “Disclosure,” “Notification,” or the Like of Wrongdoing — Nature of Activity Reported. 37 A.L.R.6th 137.

Ark. L. Notes.

Norwood, The At-Will Doctrine Twenty Years After Gladden and Sterling Drug, 2008 Ark. L. Notes 55.

Case Notes

Affirmative Defense.

Because the circuit court previously ruled that the employee violated multiple rules and policies, it was clear that his termination was the result of that misconduct and not related to any communication between the employee and the city administrator; that previous ruling did, in fact, establish the city's affirmative defense to the whistle-blower claim. Barrows v. City of Fort Smith, 2010 Ark. 73, 360 S.W.3d 117 (2010).

Teacher did not have a cause of action against a school district under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., because the teacher was terminated for misconduct — insubordination, inappropriate and offensive behavior, and making defamatory statements, rather than for any statements he made under the Act. The teacher offered no proof whatsoever of any retaliation or that the reasons given for his termination were a pretext. Hollis v. Fayetteville Sch. Dist. No. 1, 2015 Ark. App. 544, 473 S.W.3d 45 (2015).

Circuit court erred in denying a university's motion to dismiss because a terminated employee failed to state facts that would entitle him to relief under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act (AWBA), § 21-1-601 et seq., and that would constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity under that statute. Because the complaint did not identify any conduct attributable to the university's board of trustees that violated the AWBA, no exception to sovereign immunity existed, and the suit was barred by the doctrine of sovereign immunity. Johnson v. Butler, 2016 Ark. 253, 494 S.W.3d 412 (2016).

Circuit court properly granted a city and police officers summary judgment because an employee failed to demonstrate the existence of a genuine issue of material fact that he was not terminated for poor job performance; the city and officers presented the employee's deposition testimony in which he admitted to various performance issues, and the chief of police stated he terminated the employee based on information he received from the employee's chain of command. Entmeier v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 517 (2016).

Causal Connection.

Summary judgment on an employee's claim under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., was improper because reasonable minds could determine there was evidence connecting the employee's whistle-blowing communication to the adverse actions he incurred; the employee became the subject of internal investigations almost immediately after his whistle-blowing communication and he presented evidence supporting a causal connection. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Circuit court erred in granting a city and the chief of the police department summary judgment on an employee's claim under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act because reasonable minds could conclude that the adverse actions the employee suffered were a result of his whistle-blowing communication; evidence showed that the chief may not have been a neutral arbiter during the investigatory proceedings against the employee. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Although the third employee had established an issue of fact as to whether he was a whistle-blower in connection with his report on improper overtime usage, summary judgment was properly granted against him as he failed to offer evidence linking his formal reprimand to his alleged whistle-blowing communication; the employee therefore failed to meet defendants' evidence that the disciplinary measures he received were the result of employee misconduct or poor work performance and were not retaliatory. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Public Employee.

There was sufficient evidence that the employee was a public employee, because the employee was a person, and it was undisputed that he performed part-time services in exchange for wages from the Arkansas Department of Career Education, a public employer. State v. Means, 2013 Ark. 173, 426 S.W.3d 922 (2013).

Public Employer.

Law professor's Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act (AWBA) individual-capacity claims against state university officials were properly dismissed because the AWBA does not provide for suits against individuals. Steinbuch v. Univ. of Ark., 2019 Ark. 356, 589 S.W.3d 350 (2019).

21-1-604. Civil liability — Definition.

  1. A public employee who alleges a violation of this subchapter may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief or actual damages, or both, within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the occurrence of the alleged violation of this subchapter.
  2. An action commenced under this section may be brought in the circuit court for the county where the alleged violation occurred, for the county where the complainant resides, or in the Pulaski County Circuit Court if the complaint is filed against an agency, department, or institution of state government.
  3. To prevail in an action brought under the authority of this section, the public employee shall establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the employee has suffered an adverse action because the employee or a person acting on his or her behalf engaged or intended to engage in an activity protected under this subchapter.
  4. As used in this section, “damages” means damages for a job-related injury or loss caused by each violation of this subchapter, including, but not limited to, fringe benefits, retirement service credit, compensation for lost wages, benefits, and any other remuneration, and reasonable court costs and attorney's fees.
    1. A public employer shall have an affirmative defense to a civil action brought by a public employee under this subchapter if the adverse action taken against a public employee was due to employee misconduct, poor job performance, or a reduction in workforce unrelated to a communication made pursuant to § 21-1-603.
    2. The public employer must prove the existence of the public employee's misconduct unrelated to the communication by a preponderance of the evidence.
    1. In the event the Office of Personnel Management implements an employee grievance mediation program, a public employee or public employer may voluntarily participate in mediation under the office's mediation program if either one wishes to resolve a dispute between them that involves an adverse action taken against the public employee.
    2. Voluntary mediation shall occur before a civil action in which the public employee and public employer are parties has been initiated in a court.
    3. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall adopt voluntary mediation application and request forms.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 6121.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (f)(3).

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Per the holding in Board of Trustees v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, to the extent the legislature subjected the State to liability in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., it is prohibited by Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20, and the circuit court erred when it denied defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity. The General Assembly’s choice to abrogate sovereign immunity in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution. Ark. Cmty. Corr. v. Barnes, 2018 Ark. 122, 542 S.W.3d 841 (2018).

Evidence.

Because terminated county employee's actions of reporting alleged misdeeds to quorum court members, sitting as a grievance committee, was reporting to the “appropriate authorities,” under § 21-1-602(2)(A)(ii), evidence supporting terminated employee's claim under the Whistle-Blower Act created a question of fact and, thus, it was error for the trial court to have granted the county's motion for a directed verdict. Crawford County v. Jones, 365 Ark. 585, 232 S.W.3d 433 (2006).

Summary judgment on an employee's claim under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., was improper because reasonable minds could determine there was evidence connecting the employee's whistle-blowing communication to the adverse actions he incurred; the employee became the subject of internal investigations almost immediately after his whistle-blowing communication and he presented evidence supporting a causal connection. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Circuit court erred in granting a city and the chief of the police department summary judgment on an employee's claim under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act because reasonable minds could conclude that the adverse actions the employee suffered were a result of his whistle-blowing communication; evidence showed that the chief may not have been a neutral arbiter during the investigatory proceedings against the employee. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

Although the third employee had established an issue of fact as to whether he was a whistle-blower in connection with his report on improper overtime usage, summary judgment was properly granted against him as he failed to offer evidence linking his formal reprimand to his alleged whistle-blowing communication; the employee therefore failed to meet defendants' evidence that the disciplinary measures he received were the result of employee misconduct or poor work performance and were not retaliatory. Bales v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 491 (2016) (substituted op. on reh'g).

No Violation.

Teacher did not have a cause of action against a school district under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., because the teacher was terminated for misconduct — insubordination, inappropriate and offensive behavior, and making defamatory statements, rather than for any statements he made under the Act. The teacher offered no proof whatsoever of any retaliation or that the reasons given for his termination were a pretext. Hollis v. Fayetteville Sch. Dist. No. 1, 2015 Ark. App. 544, 473 S.W.3d 45 (2015).

Circuit court did not err in dismissing the whistle-blower claims where a former employee failed to provide any proof that her suspension and termination were the result of reporting the transit director's alleged theft, rather than the stated insubordination and budget cuts, and another employee had testified that his problems at work began before he reported the director's alleged theft. Fennell v. City of Pine Bluff, 2016 Ark. App. 275, 492 S.W.3d 887 (2016).

Circuit court properly granted a city and police officers summary judgment because an employee failed to demonstrate the existence of a genuine issue of material fact that he was not terminated for poor job performance; the city and officers presented the employee's deposition testimony in which he admitted to various performance issues, and the chief of police stated he terminated the employee based on information he received from the employee's chain of command. Entmeier v. City of Fort Smith, 2016 Ark. App. 517 (2016).

Statute of Limitations.

Whistleblower retaliation suit under False Claims Act (FCA) was not time-barred by 180-day limit applied to Arkansas public employee whistleblowers because protections of FCA extend to any employee, not just those in public sector, and other state statutes with longer limitations periods were more closely analogous. Townsend v. Bayer Corp., 774 F.3d 446 (8th Cir. 2014).

Cited: Barrows v. City of Fort Smith, 2010 Ark. 73, 360 S.W.3d 117 (2010).

21-1-605. Remedies.

  1. A court in rendering judgment under this subchapter may order any or all of the following remedies:
    1. An injunction to restrain continued violation of the provisions of this subchapter;
    2. The reinstatement of the public employee to the same position held before the adverse action or to an equivalent position;
    3. The reinstatement of full fringe benefits and retirement service credit;
    4. The compensation for lost wages, benefits, and any other remuneration; or
    5. The payment by the public employer of reasonable court costs and attorney's fees.
    1. A public employee alleging in a civil action that he or she was terminated from his or her position as the result of adverse action prohibited under § 21-1-603 may request an expedited hearing on the issue of the public employee's being reinstated to the public employee's position until the resolution of the civil action brought under this subchapter.
    2. If at an expedited hearing the public employee demonstrates that a reasonable person would conclude that his or her termination was a result of adverse action prohibited under § 21-1-603, the court shall order that the public employee be:
      1. Reinstated to his or her position until the conclusion of the civil action brought under this subchapter; or
      2. Reinstated to his or her position and placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of the civil action brought under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 5; 2017, No. 791, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (b); designated the existing language as (a); and added “or” at the end of (a)(4).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Robert C. Dalby, Comment: Too Plain to Be Misunderstood: Sovereign Immunity Under the Arkansas Constitution, 71 Ark. L. Rev. 761 (2019).

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Per the holding in Board of Trustees v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, to the extent the legislature subjected the State to liability in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., it is prohibited by Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20, and the circuit court erred when it denied defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity. The General Assembly’s choice to abrogate sovereign immunity in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution. Ark. Cmty. Corr. v. Barnes, 2018 Ark. 122, 542 S.W.3d 841 (2018).

Applicability.

Employee who prevailed on appeal of a postjudgment order related to judgments entered pursuant to the Whistle-Blower Act, subdivision (5) of this section, was denied attorneys' fees under the act because the judgment on appeal was not rendered under this act, but rather was decided based primarily on federal and state income tax law. Arkansas Dep't of Health & Human Servs. v. Storey, 372 Ark. 175, 271 S.W.3d 500 (2008).

Sovereign Immunity.

Because former employee's claims for injunctive relief were unquestionably legal claims against the State of Arkansas, sovereign immunity barred his claims under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., and the state and federal constitutions against the state officials in their official capacities; and plaintiff's conclusory statements and bare allegations were insufficient to establish an illegal, unconstitutional, or ultra vires act such that sovereign immunity would not apply. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Arkansas Governor did not waive sovereign immunity by signing the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act because the governor does not enact legislation. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Supreme Court of Arkansas declined to overturn Bd. of Trs. of Univ. of Ark. v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Where former state employee alleged that he was terminated because he refused to violate the state policy to hire the most qualified individual for a position, and asserted claims under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., and the federal and state constitutions, the circuit court erred when it found that sovereign immunity barred plaintiff's claims against the state officials in their individual capacities; in their individual capacities, the state officials did not enjoy the immunity granted to the State under Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20. Harris v. Hutchinson, 2020 Ark. 3, 591 S.W.3d 778 (2020).

Cited: Crawford County v. Jones, 365 Ark. 585, 232 S.W.3d 433 (2006).

21-1-606. Attorney's fees.

  1. A court may order that reasonable attorney's fees and court costs be awarded to an employer if the court determines that an action brought by a public employee under this subchapter is without basis in law or fact.
  2. A public employee shall not be assessed attorney's fees under this section if, after exercising reasonable and diligent efforts after filing the suit, the public employee files a voluntary nonsuit concerning the employer within sixty (60) calendar days after determining that the employer would not be liable for damages.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 6.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Per the holding in Board of Trustees v. Andrews, 2018 Ark. 12, to the extent the legislature subjected the State to liability in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq., it is prohibited by Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20, and the circuit court erred when it denied defendant’s motion for judgment on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity. The General Assembly’s choice to abrogate sovereign immunity in the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act is prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution. Ark. Cmty. Corr. v. Barnes, 2018 Ark. 122, 542 S.W.3d 841 (2018).

21-1-607. Protection of confidentiality.

  1. This subchapter shall not be construed to permit a disclosure which would diminish or impair the rights of any person or any public official to the continued protection of confidentiality of records or working papers where a statute or the common law provides for protection.
    1. All materials and documentation, including without limitation notes, memoranda, recordings, preliminary drafts of investigation reports, and other data gathered in connection with a communication regarding the existence of waste or of a violation, are privileged and confidential and are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., except as provided in subdivisions (b)(2) and (3) of this section.
    2. Final reports issued by a public employer or an appropriate authority concerning a communication regarding the existence of waste or of a violation and any supporting documentation shall be open to public inspection and copying, except for documents that are exempt from disclosure under other law.
    3. This section does not apply to the name and identifying information of a state employee eligible to receive a reward under § 21-1-610 who does not request confidentiality under § 21-1-610(g).
  2. This section applies without limitation to communications regarding the existence of waste or of a violation received by a telephone hotline allowing for the reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse in government.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 7; 2015, No. 1103, § 2.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment added the (a) designation; and added (b) and (c).

21-1-608. Notification of rights.

  1. A public employer shall use appropriate means to notify its public employees of their protection and obligations under this subchapter.
    1. A public employer shall post in a conspicuous place a printed sign at least eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8½" x 11") in size that:
      1. Informs a public employee of the provisions of this subchapter;
      2. Describes an appropriate authority to whom the public employee may communicate in good faith regarding the existence of waste or of a violation; and
      3. If a telephone hotline exists for the reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse in government, contains the number of the telephone hotline.
    2. Arkansas Legislative Audit shall:
      1. Prepare the printed sign under subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
      2. Make the sign available electronically on its Internet website in a format that allows it to be printed by a public employer for posting in compliance with subdivision (b)(1) of this section.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 8; 2015, No. 1103, § 3.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment added the (a) designation; and added (b).

Case Notes

Sovereign Immunity.

State university's provision of statutorily required notice of employees’ rights under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act did not waive the university’s sovereign immunity; providing the notice did not voluntarily abandon a known right because the university was required by statute to notify employees. Steinbuch v. Univ. of Ark., 2019 Ark. 356, 589 S.W.3d 350 (2019).

21-1-609. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the severability of the subchapter, was repealed by Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 94. The section was derived from Acts 1999, No. 1523, § 9.

21-1-610. Reward to state employee when communication of waste or violation results in savings of state funds — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “State employee” means a person who performs a full-time or part-time service for wages, salary, or other remuneration for a state employer; and
    2. “State employer” means:
      1. An agency, department, board, commission, division, office, bureau, council, authority, or other instrumentality of the State of Arkansas, including without limitation the:
        1. Offices of the various Arkansas elected constitutional officers; and
        2. General Assembly and its agencies, bureaus, and divisions; or
      2. A state-supported college, university, technical college, community college, or other institution of higher education or department, division, or agency of a state institution of higher education.
  2. A state employee making a communication under § 21-1-603 shall be eligible to receive a reward in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of any savings in state funds attributable to changes made based on a communication under § 21-1-603.
  3. Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, upon the resolution of a matter communicated to an appropriate authority under § 21-1-603, the appropriate authority shall provide a written report detailing the content of the communication and the outcome of the communication to the:
    1. State employee who made the communication; and
    2. State employer that was the subject of the communication.
  4. After receiving a written report under subsection (c) of this section, a state employer shall:
    1. Document the savings in state funds attributable to changes made based on the communication filed under § 21-1-603 for one (1) full fiscal year; and
      1. Within thirty (30) days of the end of the first full fiscal year in which the changes made based on the communication filed under § 21-1-603 were implemented, issue a report containing:
        1. The total savings in state funds resulting from the communication under § 21-1-603 for the first full fiscal year in which the changes were implemented;
        2. The name of the state employee who made the communication resulting in the savings of state funds; and
        3. The amount of the reward for which the state employee is eligible. The amount of the reward shall be equal to ten percent (10%) of the total savings in state funds reported under subdivision (d)(2)(A)(i) of this section. If the state employer concludes that the state employee is not eligible for a reward, the state employer shall state the reasons for that determination in the report.
      2. A report under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be submitted to the:
        1. Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Review/PEER Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee;
        2. State employee who made the communication under § 21-1-603 unless the state employee has elected to maintain confidentiality under subsection (g) of this section. The report to the state employee shall include a notice to the state employee of the right to an appeal under subsection (e) of this section; and
        3. Clerk of the Arkansas State Claims Commission.
    1. A state employee may appeal to the Arkansas State Claims Commission in the same manner for filing a claim under § 19-10-208 if the state employee believes that:
      1. A report under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section does not accurately reflect the savings attributable to the changes made based on the communication under § 21-1-603; or
      2. The state employer did not accurately assess the determination of a reward under this section, including without limitation denying a reward to the state employee.
    2. A state employee who pursues an appeal under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is granted the same protection provided to a public employee under § 21-1-603.
      1. A written request for an appeal under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be filed within forty (40) days of the submission of the report under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section.
      2. An appeal to the commission under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall follow the rules and procedures of the commission.
    3. In an appeal to the commission, a state employee shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the:
      1. Amount of savings reported by the state employer under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section does not accurately reflect the savings attributable to the changes made based on the communication under § 21-1-603; or
      2. State employer did not accurately assess the determination of a reward under this section.
      1. The decision of the commission in a matter appealed under this subsection may be appealed only to the Claims Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Claims Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee.
        1. Notice of appeal under subdivision (e)(5)(A) of this section shall be filed with the commission within forty (40) days after the commission renders a decision.
        2. The commission, in a timely manner, shall notify the Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee and all parties to the matter when a notice of appeal to the Claims Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council or Claims Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee is filed with the commission.
        3. When the commission notifies parties of a decision of the commission, it shall advise the parties of the right of appeal.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (f)(2) of this section, within thirty (30) days of the end of the period for appeal under subdivision (e)(3)(A) of this section or the resolution of an appeal under subsection (e) of this section, whichever is later, the clerk of the commission shall notify a state employer of the amount of a reward to be paid to a state employee.
      2. Upon receipt of notification under subdivision (f)(1) of this section, the state employer shall deliver a check to the clerk of the commission who shall deposit the same as a nonrevenue receipt into the Miscellaneous Revolving Fund from which he or she shall disburse the amount of the reward to the state employee.
      1. No reward under this section shall be paid in excess of twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500).
      2. If the amount of a reward is greater than twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500), the reward shall be referred to the General Assembly for an appropriation.
      3. If a reward is appropriated to a state employer for the benefit of a state employee, it shall be paid from the funds available to the state employer.
    1. A state employee wishing to maintain confidentiality under § 21-1-607 or who otherwise chooses to forego a reward under this section shall request to the appropriate authority that the report under subsection (c) of this section not include the state employee's name or identifying information.
    2. A state employee making a request under subdivision (g)(1) of this section shall not receive a reward under this section.
    3. The name and identifying information of a state employee who requests confidentiality under subdivision (g)(1) of this section is not disclosable under applicable state or federal law.
    1. Except as provided in subdivisions (h)(2) and (3) of this section, a reward under this section shall not be payable for a communication made by a state employee in the normal course of the state employee's job duties.
    2. If a communication in the normal course of a state employee's job duties detailing waste or a violation is not acted upon by the state employer within ninety (90) days, the state employee may make a communication under § 21-1-603 to an appropriate authority and be eligible for a reward under this section.
    3. A report by a state employee of a loss of public funds under § 25-1-124 shall be considered a communication in the normal course of the state employee's job duties if the state employee:
      1. Handles or exerts control over the funds of the state employer;
      2. Participates in making decisions or recommendations concerning the deposit, investment, or expenditure of the funds of the state employer; or
      3. Is responsible for auditing the funds of the state employer.

History. Acts 2013, No. 211, § 2; 2013, No. 1080, § 1; 2015, No. 1103, § 4.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “is not disclosable under applicable state or federal law” for “shall be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.” in (g)(3).

The 2015 amendment, in (h)(1), substituted “subdivisions” for “subdivision” and inserted “and (3)”; and added (h)(3).

Subchapter 7 — State Employee Grievances

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 1448, § 2, provided: “The Office of Personnel Management of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration shall begin offering nonbinding mediation under this act on July 1, 2014.”

Effective Dates. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-1-701. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Employee” means a person regularly appointed or employed in a position of state service by a state agency for which:
      1. He or she is compensated on a full-time basis or on a pro rata basis; and
      2. A class title and pay grade are established in the appropriation act for the agency or institution in accordance with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq.
    2. “Employee” does not include a supervisory employee;
  1. “Grievance” means an employee's complaint resulting from a termination or suspension;
    1. “State agency” means a board, commission, department, division, or office of state government within the executive branch.
    2. “State agency” does not include:
      1. An institution of higher education;
      2. A public school district;
      3. The Arkansas Department of Transportation; and
      4. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission; and
  2. “Supervisory employee” means an individual having:
    1. Authority in the interest of a state agency to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees of the state agency; or
    2. If his or her exercise of authority requires the use of independent judgment and is not of a merely routine or clerical nature, the responsibility to direct other employees of the state agency by which he or she is employed.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1448, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 66; 2019, No. 1054, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (6)(B)(iii).

The 2019 amendment deleted former (1) through (3), (5), (8), and (9); inserted present (2); and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

21-1-702. Grievances.

  1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish a procedure for the filing, hearing, adjudication, and appeal of grievances by state agencies.
    1. An employee of a state agency may file a grievance under this subchapter if his or her termination or suspension from employment was inconsistent with the terminating or suspending state agency's disciplinary policy.
    2. At the hearing on or appeal of the grievance filed under this subchapter, the sole issue for the trier of fact shall be whether the state agency's decision concerning termination or suspension was consistent with the state agency's disciplinary policy.
      1. The procedure established under subsection (a) of this section shall provide without limitation that an employee be afforded a hearing within fifteen (15) business days of the filing of his or her appeal if the employee alleges that he or she was terminated by a state agency for the following actions under § 21-1-603:
        1. Communicating in good faith to an appropriate authority:
          1. The existence of waste of public funds, property, or manpower, including federal funds, property, or manpower administered or controlled by a public employer; or
          2. A violation or suspected violation of a law or rule adopted under the law of this state or a political subdivision of the state;
        2. Participating or giving information in an investigation, hearing, court proceeding, legislative or other inquiry, or in any form of administrative review;
        3. Objecting to or refusing to carry out a directive that the employee reasonably believes violates a law or rule adopted under the authority of the laws of the state or a political subdivision of the state; or
        4. Reporting a loss of public funds under § 25-1-124.
      2. A hearing under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall take place before the occurrence of a state agency hearing pursuant to the grievance filed by the person.
          1. An employee requesting a hearing under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall submit with his or her request for a hearing evidence that he or she committed one (1) of the actions under subdivisions (c)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) of this section.
          2. Evidence under this subdivision (c)(1)(C)(i) that is confidential under § 21-1-607 or other provisions of law shall remain confidential when submitted in support of a request for a hearing or otherwise utilized in the appeal of the grievance decision.
        1. If the person fails to demonstrate that he or she committed one (1) of the actions under subdivisions (c)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) of this section, the office shall not schedule a hearing under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section.
    1. If the employee demonstrates at the hearing that a reasonable person would conclude that the state agency terminated the employee as a result of the employee's activities under subdivisions (c)(1)(A)(i)-(iv) of this section, the employee shall be:
      1. Reinstated to his or her position until the conclusion of the grievance review procedure under this section; or
      2. Reinstated to his or her position and placed on administrative leave until the conclusion of the grievance review procedure under this section.
    2. An employee filing an appeal of a grievance decision under this section does not waive his or her right to file a claim under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, § 21-1-601 et seq.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1448, § 1; 2019, No. 1054, § 1.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment added (b) and (c) and designated the former provisions as (a).

21-1-703. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning appeals of grievance decisions, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 1054, § 1, effective July 24, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 2013, No. 1448, § 1; 2017, No. 791, § 2.

For current law, see § 21-1-702.

21-1-704. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. The amendment of this section by Acts 2019, No. 910, is superseded by the repeal of this section by Acts 2019, No. 1054. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3490, amended subdivision (c)(2)(A)(ii) to read as follows: “(ii) The mediator shall report within ten (10) business days of the nonbinding mediation his or her suggested resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6122, amended subdivision (c)(2)(A)(ii) to read as follows: “(ii) The mediator shall report within ten (10) business days of the nonbinding mediation his or her suggested resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.”

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning nonbinding mediation, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 1054, § 1, effective July 24, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 2013, No. 1448, § 1; 2017, No. 791, § 3; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3490, 6122.

Chapter 2 Commission, Oath, And Bond

Research References

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 123 et seq.

C.J.S. 67 C.J.S., Officers, § 70 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Provisions of this subchapter concerning bonds may be affected by subchapter 7 of this chapter. Subchapter 7 of this chapter establishes a Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program for state, county, municipal, and school district officials and employees.

Cross References. Fees for issuing commissions, § 21-6-202.

Form of oath, Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 20.

Recording in recorder's office, § 14-15-402.

Sureties on official bonds, Ark. Const. Amend. 4.

Effective Dates. Acts 1845, § 5, p. 61: effective on passage.

Acts 1875, No. 77, § 53: effective on passage.

Acts 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 21, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1881, No. 40, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 50, § 4: effective on passage.

Acts 1899, No. 14, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1927, No. 85, § 5: effective on passage.

Acts 1937, No. 329, § 10: Jan. 1, 1939.

Acts 1939, No. 89, § 3: Feb. 15, 1939.

Acts 1945, No. 3, § 4: approved Jan. 17, 1945. Emergency clause provided: “That because many persons of this State are now in the armed forces of the United States and are now located in the various States of the United States, as well as in many foreign countries, and are unable to comply with the technical requirements of the Arkansas laws as to the taking of oaths of office, an emergency is declared to exist and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1945, No. 5, § 4: approved Jan. 26, 1945. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, many officers and officers-elect of the State and county offices in the State of Arkansas are beyond the boundaries of this State and engaged in the military service of the United States and great confusion and difficulty exists on account of the uncertainty as to how the official oath may be taken by such persons and when their bonds may be executed and filed, and whereas it is necessary for the orderly carrying on of the State and County Governments and the preservation of the public peace, health and safety that there be no uncertainty regarding the validity of the official oaths and bonds of such officers, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1977, No. 531, § 2: Mar. 18, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it would greatly facilitate the requirements that various public officials take an oath of office for their respective office if the Secretary of State and/or his official designee had the ability and authority to administer said oaths, that it is essential to the proper and efficient administration of state government that said authority designed to grant that authority and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1987, No. 1023, § 5: Apr. 14, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that because of the case Ricarte v. State, CR 86-31, a question has arisen over the validity of Act 1186 of the Extended Session of 1976; that this Act is a reenactment of the former law; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to clarify the state of the law on this issue. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

21-2-101. Officers commissioned by Governor.

Each Justice of the Supreme Court, judge of a circuit court, presiding judge of a county court, the Secretary of State, the Auditor of State, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, coroner, clerk of a circuit court, county treasurer, county surveyor, notary public, justice of the peace, judge of a district court, mayor of a city or town, and militia officer elected or appointed in this state shall be commissioned by the Governor.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 27, § 1; C. & M. Dig., § 1428; Pope's Dig., § 1675; Acts 1955, No. 24, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-201.

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section was enacted before the establishment of the Court of Appeals in 1979.

Cross References. Issuance of commissions, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 10.

Officers commissioned by Governor, Ark. Const., Art. 7, § 48.

Secretary of State to attest commissions issued by Governor, § 25-16-403.

Case Notes

De Facto Officers.

A commission constitutes one an officer de facto. It is superseded upon the issuance of a commission to another who has been legally elected to fill the office. State v. Johnson, 17 Ark. 407 (1856).

What constitutes color of title by election, appointment, or commission is not essential as between other parties to constitute one an officer de facto. Pierce v. Edington, 38 Ark. 150 (1881).

21-2-102. Commission fee and duplicate oath to be forwarded to Secretary of State.

    1. With the exception of judges elected at the nonpartisan judicial general election without a runoff, all civil and military state and county officers who are required by law to be commissioned by the Governor are required to forward the legal fee for their commissions to the Secretary of State within sixty (60) days after their election.
    2. All judges elected at the nonpartisan judicial general election without a runoff are required to forward the legal fee for their commissions to the Secretary of State within sixty (60) days after the November general election.
    3. Within fifteen (15) days after the commissions have been received, the officers shall forward their duplicate oaths to the Secretary of State to be recorded and filed in his or her office.
    1. In case any officer, elected or appointed and commissioned by the Governor, shall fail or neglect to apply for or procure his or her commission from the office of the Secretary of State within the time specified in subsection (a) of this section or shall, after the commission has been obtained, fail or neglect to forward to the office of the Secretary of State his or her duplicate oath for recordation in that office, within the time specified, then the office to which that person was commissioned shall be deemed vacant.
    2. The Governor, on being satisfied from the official records of the office of the Secretary of State, by reason of any of the causes enumerated in this section, shall proceed to fill the vacancy in the manner provided by law.

History. Acts 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 21, §§ 1, 2, p. 22; C. & M. Dig., §§ 1430, 1431; Pope's Dig., §§ 1677, 1678; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-202, 12-206; Acts 2003, No. 1298, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment, in (a)(1), substituted “With the exception … and military” for “All” and deleted “both civil and military” following “officers”; added (a)(2); redesignated former (a)(2) as present (a)(3); and made stylistic and gender neutral changes.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Subsection (a) of this section is constitutional. Boyett v. Cowling, 78 Ark. 494, 94 S.W. 682 (1906).

21-2-103. Sending commission fees directly to Treasurer of State — Issuance of commission.

  1. Any officer entitled to a commission may send the fee for the commission to the Treasurer of State, who shall at once execute duplicate receipts for the fee.
    1. The Treasurer of State shall present the receipts to the Auditor of State, who shall countersign them and charge the amount therein specified to the Treasurer of State.
    2. The Treasurer of State shall then file one (1) of the receipts with the Auditor of State and the other with the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State shall immediately forward the commission to the officer.

History. Acts 1883, No. 50, § 3, p. 73; C. & M. Dig., § 1429; Pope's Dig., § 1676; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-205.

21-2-104. District, county, and township officers — Issuance of commissions — Collection of fees.

    1. The Secretary of State is authorized, after each general election in this state, and as soon as the full returns of the election in any county are received by him or her, to issue and forward the commissions of all the newly elected district, county, and township officers required by law to be commissioned to the county or circuit clerks of the respective counties for delivery to the person entitled to them.
    2. The clerks shall collect the fees required to be paid for the commissions, before the delivery thereof, and return the fee, or the commissions when default is made, to the Secretary of State.
    3. The Secretary of State shall account for the fee to the State Treasury as directed in § 21-6-202.
  1. It shall be the duty of the county clerk, upon receipt of the commissions from the Secretary of State for the several officers of his or her county, to notify each elected officer of the receipt of the commission and to enter the commission in a well-bound book which shall be kept for that purpose and shall be ruled and divided into columns in the following order:
    1. Name of officer;
    2. Title of office;
    3. Date of commission;
    4. Date of qualification; and
    5. Mailing address.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 1, p. 167; 1881, No. 40, §§ 1, 2, p. 73; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-203, 12-204.

21-2-105. Administration of oaths generally.

    1. The Governor shall take the oath of office before:
      1. A justice or judge of the:
        1. Supreme Court;
        2. Court of Appeals; or
        3. Circuit court;
      2. The county clerk; or
      3. The clerk of the circuit court.
    2. The justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, judges of the circuit courts, judges of the district court, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, and Auditor of State shall take their oaths before:
      1. The Governor;
      2. A justice or judge of the:
        1. Supreme Court;
        2. Court of Appeals; or
        3. Circuit court;
      3. The clerk of the county court; or
      4. The clerk of the circuit court.
    3. All other officers, both civil and military, shall take their oaths before:
      1. The Secretary of State or his or her official designee;
      2. A justice or judge of the:
        1. Supreme Court;
        2. Court of Appeals;
        3. Circuit court;
        4. District court; or
        5. County court;
      3. The clerk of the county court;
      4. The clerk of the circuit court;
      5. A justice of the peace;
      6. A clerk of a city of the first class; or
      7. A recorder of a city of the second class or incorporated town.
  1. However, if the officer is serving in or with the United States Armed Forces, he or she may take the oath of office before any commissioned officer in active service of the United States Armed Forces with the rank of second lieutenant or higher in the United States Army, United States Air Force, or United States Marine Corps, or ensign or higher in the United States Navy or United States Coast Guard.
  2. The oath shall not be rendered invalid by failure to recite a venue or to state the place of execution of the oath, nor is a special form of jurat of affidavit or any authentication thereof required, provided it appears on the instrument that the person taking the oath is a commissioned officer provided for in this section.
    1. If necessary, a county or district official listed under subsection (a) of this section may act as a holdover officer and administer the oath of office to any incoming county or district official, including without limitation his or her successor.
    2. Upon the completion of the oath:
      1. The outgoing officer immediately vacates his or her position; and
      2. The incoming officer assumes all the rights, privileges, and duties of his or her respective office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 106, § 1; Acts 1845, § 1, p. 61; C. & M. Dig., § 8074; Pope's Dig., § 10403; Acts 1945, No. 3, § 1; 1977, No. 531, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-207; Acts 1999, No. 641, § 1; 2009, No. 633, § 19; 2011, No. 582, § 1; 2011, No. 612, § 1; 2019, No. 194, § 1.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment inserted “Air Force” in (b); substituted “or” for “nor” in (c); and made minor punctuation changes.

The 2009 amendment inserted “judges of the Court of Appeals” and “judges of the district courts” in (a)(2), and made related changes.

The 2011 amendment by No. 582 rewrote (a).

The 2011 amendment by No. 612 added (d).

The 2019 amendment added (a)(3)(F) and (a)(3)(G).

Case Notes

Administration by Municipal Court Clerk.

Although a municipal court clerk can administer oaths under § 16-17-211, subdivision (a)(3) dictates that a municipal judge can only receive his oath of office from certain designated persons, who do not include a municipal court clerk. City of Crossett v. Switzer, 302 Ark. 239, 788 S.W.2d 738 (1990) (decision under prior law).

21-2-106. Endorsement of oath on commission.

  1. It shall be the duty of every officer administering the oath of office to any officer of this state to endorse the oath on the commission of the officer.
  2. However, if the officer is serving in or with the United States Armed Forces at the time his or her oath is taken and the oath is taken before a commissioned officer in the manner provided in § 21-2-105, the oath may be attached to the commission of the officer whose oath is taken in lieu of being endorsed thereon.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 106, § 4; C. & M. Dig., § 8075; Pope's Dig., § 10404; Acts 1945, No. 3, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-208.

21-2-107. Bonds of state, county, and district officers generally.

  1. The official bonds of all state, county, and district officers required by law to furnish official bonds shall be executed by those officials as principal and shall be executed by some surety company authorized to do business in Arkansas as surety.
    1. The official bonds of all state officers covered by subsection (a) of this section shall be filed in the offices of the Secretary of State and the Auditor of State, with the original's being filed in the office of the Secretary of State and a true and correct copy thereof filed in the office of the Auditor of State.
    2. The official bonds of all county officers covered by subsection (a) of this section shall be filed in the office of the recorder in the county in which the officers are elected or appointed.
    3. The official bonds of all district officers covered by subsection (a) of this section shall be filed in the office of the recorder of the county in which the district officer resides.
  2. The recorders of the various counties whose duty it is to file the bonds under the provisions of this section, shall maintain a special record book and shall record therein each official bond filed as provided in this section.
  3. When the original of any bond provided for or covered by this section shall be lost or destroyed, the record of the bond provided for in this section shall be deemed the original, and suit may be instituted on the recorded bond.
  4. When any bond is required of any officer as described in subsection (a) of this section, then the Governor, county judge, mayor, or board of directors of the political entity affected may, in their discretion, make an order providing that the State Treasury or the treasury of a county, city, town, or district shall be drawn upon for the purpose of paying, and in such amount as may be necessary to pay, the expenses of premiums of surety bonds required by this section.
  5. This section is cumulative and supplemental to all existing statutes. It shall repeal, alter, or modify them only where in direct conflict therewith.

History. Acts 1937, No. 329, §§ 1-7, 9; Pope's Dig., §§ 10415-10421, 10423; Acts 1939, No. 89, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-212 — 12-219.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

This section does not offend against constitutional provision relating to sureties on official bonds. Gower v. Looney, 199 Ark. 272, 133 S.W.2d 451 (1939).

Mandatory Nature.

This section is mandatory, and a bond not in compliance with this section in that it was signed by individuals was without validity. Gower v. Looney, 199 Ark. 272, 133 S.W.2d 451 (1939).

21-2-108. Duration of bond.

All official bonds shall be executed for a definite period not to exceed two (2) years.

History. Acts 1975, No. 331, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-240.

21-2-109. Payment of premium on bonds.

If state, county, or city officials, including officials of incorporated towns, required to give bond for the faithful performance of their duties and the paying over of funds which may come into their hands shall elect to make a corporate surety bond in a guaranty or bonding company authorized to do business within the state, then the state, county, city, or incorporated town, as the case may be, shall pay the premium on the bonds.

History. Acts 1927, No. 85, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 10439; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-220.

21-2-110. Liability of surety generally.

The surety on an official's bond shall be liable for losses or other liabilities covered by the bond which occur within the term to which the bond applies, regardless of when the loss or liability is discovered.

History. Acts 1975, No. 331, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-239.

21-2-111. Discharge of sureties on official bonds.

    1. Any person bound as surety in any bond given by an officer for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office, whether the office is held under an election or an appointment by the laws of the state or by any ordinance or resolution of any municipal corporation in this state, or by appointment by a board of any municipal corporation in this state, may be discharged from all future liability on the official bond upon his or her petition in writing adduced to the court authorized by law to take and approve the official bond.
    2. In the event the bond is not required to be approved by a particular court, then his or her petition in writing shall be adduced to the circuit court of the county in which the bond is given and required to be filed.
  1. The petition shall set forth the facts upon which the application for a discharge is founded and shall be verified by the affidavit of the petitioner.
    1. A notice in writing of the intended application, together with a copy of the petition, shall be personally served on the principal in the bond at least twenty (20) days before the making of the application.
    2. If the principal in the bond has been absent from the state for the period of six (6) months, the publication of notice and petition, for three (3) successive weeks, in some newspaper printed in this state shall be a sufficient service of notice.
    1. The court to whom the petition is addressed shall hear the application and may, on examination thereof, in its discretion, make an order requiring the principal in the bond to give new bond and security for the performance of his or her official duties.
    2. If new bond and security is given, it shall be taken, approved, filed, and recorded in the same manner that the official bond of the officer is required by law to be taken, approved, and recorded.
    3. When a new bond is taken, approved, and filed, it shall immediately operate as a discharge of all the securities on the former bond from all liability arising from any subsequent misconduct or default of the principal therein. The securities on the former bond shall thenceforth be liable on that bond only for breaches thereof which happened prior to the taking, approving, and filing of the new bond.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 137, §§ 10-16; Acts 1899, No. 14, § 1, p. 13; C. & M. Dig., §§ 8297-8303; Pope's Dig., §§ 10874-10880; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-228 — 12-234.

Case Notes

Guardian's Bond.

This section embraces guardian's bonds, and the securities in those bonds may apply by petition to require the guardian to give a new bond. Dempsey v. Fenno, 16 Ark. 491 (1855).

Scope of Discharge.

The county court can discharge the sureties on the bond of the county treasurer and require a new bond, but it cannot discharge the sureties from liabilities already incurred. Ex parte Talbot, 32 Ark. 424 (1877).

21-2-112. Remedy of surety against principal and cosureties.

Any person bound as a security in any bond given by an officer to secure the faithful performance of his or her duties, who shall pay any money he or she shall have been liable to pay by reason of the bond, shall have the same right and remedy against the principal and cosureties as are provided in this section and § 21-2-111 against principal and security in bonds, bills, or notes for the payment of money or the delivery of property.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 137, § 17; C. & M. Dig., § 8304; Pope's Dig., § 10881; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-237.

21-2-113. Discrepancies in accounts — Effect on surety.

  1. If any discrepancies are found in the accounts of an officer, the Auditor of State and the county clerk shall immediately notify the bonding company, and the penalties as prescribed in §§ 26-39-215, 26-39-501, and 26-39-502 shall not apply until sixty (60) days have expired from the official notification.
      1. If the accounts are found to be correct, then, after final settlement has been made, the county clerk shall issue a quietus to the officer and shall forward a copy to the Auditor of State.
      2. Issuance of a quietus shall automatically release bondsmen or sureties of the official from any and all liability on the bond in force for the term or part thereof covered by the final settlement.
    1. However, if any discrepancy is found in the account of the county clerk or circuit clerk, the county judge shall immediately notify the bonding company.

History. Acts 1927, No. 85, § 4; Pope's Dig., § 10443; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-236.

21-2-114. Bond required of people employed by public officials.

Each public official or employee of this state, or political subdivision thereof, who has appointed deputies or employed individuals who handle any funds for the performance of their duties shall bond the deputies and employees in those amounts which he or she deems necessary to indemnify the state or political subdivision for any loss or mishandling of funds by the deputies or employees.

History. Acts 1975, No. 331, § 1; 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1186, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-238; reen. Acts 1987, No. 1023, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section was reenacted by Acts 1987, No. 1023, § 1. Acts 1987, No. 834, provided that 1987 legislation reenacting acts passed in the 1976 Extended Session should not repeal any other 1987 legislation and that such other legislation would be controlling in the event of conflict.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1987, No. 1023, § 3, provided that nothing in that act shall repeal or supersede Acts 1985, No. 13, or any other law providing for blanket bonding of public officials or public employees.

Case Notes

Cited: Dilday v. State, 300 Ark. 249, 778 S.W.2d 618 (1989).

21-2-115. Persons in armed forces — Oath — Bond.

    1. Any person in the armed forces of the United States who has been granted leave of absence under §§ 21-4-301 — 21-4-304 and 21-4-306 — 21-4-313 may take and subscribe the official oath of office required by the Arkansas Constitution and statutes of this state at any time after his or her election and before he or she enters upon the duties of his or her office.
    2. The oath may be administered by any officer of this state or of any other state or of the United States or of any foreign country who may administer oaths.
  1. The person taking and subscribing the official oath of office under the terms of this section must cause the oath of office, together with the attestation of the oath or office, to be filed with the Secretary of State before entering upon the duties of his or her office.
    1. Any person enumerated in subsection (a) of this section who is required by law to enter into a bond for the faithful performance of the duties of the office may execute and file the bond at any time within thirty (30) days after he or she shall have taken the official oath of office.
    2. If the bond is not executed and filed within that time, the office shall be deemed and considered vacant.

History. Acts 1945, No. 5, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-209 — 12-211; Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 95.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment, in (a), inserted the subdivision (1) and (2) designations; in (a)(1), deleted “21-4-305 [repealed],” and “before any” at the end; and inserted “The oath may be administered by any” in (a)(2).

Subchapter 2 — School District Public Employees Blanket Bond Program

21-2-201 — 21-2-211. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the School District Public Employees Blanket Bond Program, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 188, § 3. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-2-201. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6001.

21-2-202. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6002.

21-2-203. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6009.

21-2-204. Acts 1985, No. 557, §§ 4, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-6004, 80-6006.

21-2-205. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6005.

21-2-206. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6007.

21-2-207. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6003.

21-2-208. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6010.

21-2-209. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6011.

21-2-210. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6012.

21-2-211. Acts 1985, No. 557, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-6008.

For present law on self-insured fidelity bond programs, see § 21-2-701 et seq.

Subchapter 3 — Municipal Public Employees Blanket Bond Program

21-2-301 — 21-2-311. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the Municipal Public Employees Blanket Bond Program, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 188, § 3. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-2-301. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6101.

21-2-302. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6102.

21-2-303. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6109.

21-2-304. Acts 1985, No. 5, §§ 4, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 19-6104, 19-6106.

21-2-305. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6105.

21-2-306. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6107.

21-2-307. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 3; 1985, No. 380, § 2; 1985, No. 396, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6103.

21-2-308. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6110.

21-2-309. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6111.

21-2-310. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6112.

21-2-311. Acts 1985, No. 5, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-6108.

For present law on self-insured fidelity bond programs, see § 21-2-701 et seq.

Subchapter 4 — County Public Employees Blanket Bond Program

21-2-401 — 21-2-411. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the County Public Employees Blanket Bond Program, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 188, § 3. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-2-401. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4301.

21-2-402. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4302.

21-2-403. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4309.

21-2-404. Acts 1985, No. 4, §§ 4, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 17-4304, 17-4306.

21-2-405. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4305.

21-2-406. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4307.

21-2-407. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 3; 1985, No. 380, § 1; 1985, No. 396, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4303.

21-2-408. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4310.

21-2-409. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4311.

21-2-410. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4312.

21-2-411. Acts 1985, No. 4, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4308.

For present law regarding self-insured fidelity bond programs, see § 21-2-701 et seq.

Subchapter 5 — State Public Employees Blanket Bond Program

21-2-501 — 21-2-509. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the State Public Employees Blanket Bond Program, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 188, § 3. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-2-501. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-254.

21-2-502. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-255.

21-2-503. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-261.

21-2-504. Acts 1985, No. 286, §§ 3, 5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-256, 12-258.

21-2-505. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-257.

21-2-506. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-259.

21-2-507. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-262.

21-2-508. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-263.

21-2-509. Acts 1985, No. 286, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-260.

For present law on self-insured fidelity bond programs, see § 21-2-701 et seq.

Subchapter 6 — Public Employees Blanket Bond Program

21-2-601 — 21-2-613. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the Public Employees Blanket Bond Program, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 188, § 3. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-2-601. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-241.

21-2-602. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-242.

21-2-603. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-249.

21-2-604. Acts 1985, No. 13, §§ 3, 5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-243, 12-245.

21-2-605. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-244.

21-2-606. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-246.

21-2-607. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-252.

21-2-608. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-248.

21-2-609. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-251.

21-2-610. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-248.

21-2-611. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-253.

21-2-612. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-247.

21-2-613. Acts 1985, No. 13, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-250.

For present law on self-insured fidelity bond programs, see § 21-2-701 et seq.

Subchapter 7 — Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program

Effective Dates. Acts 1995, No. 339, § 5: Feb. 16, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that financial audits of governmental entities covered by the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program are necessary to maintain financial stability of the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program. This act is designed to accomplish this purpose for governmental entities or subdivisions thereof participating in the Program which are not audited by Arkansas Legislative Audit; and this act should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 250, § 258: Feb. 24, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 1211 of 1995 established the procedure for all state boards and commissions to follow regarding reimbursement of expenses and stipends for board members; that this act amends various sections of the Arkansas Code which are in conflict with the Act 1211 of 1995; and that until this cleanup act becomes effective conflicting laws will exist. Therefore an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governer, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 208, § 2: Feb. 9, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-third General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas Code 21-2-704 refers to the term ‘participating governmental entities’ as one defined in Arkansas Code 21-2-702 but there is no definition for this term in that section, and this causes confusion, hinders the operation of the Governmental Bonding Board and creates uncertainty in how the term is interpreted that can be avoided by defining the term. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2005, No. 506, § 54: Mar. 2, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the laws of this state as to insurance regulation and the Governmental Bonding Board, among others, are inadequate for the protection of the public, and the immediate passage of this act is necessary in order to provide for the adequate protection of the public. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

Research References

Am. Jur. 35A Am. Jur. 2d, Fid. Bonds, § 1 et seq.

Case Notes

Cited: In re Sutherland, 161 B.R. 657 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. 1993); Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

21-2-701. Purpose.

It is found and determined that:

  1. The State of Arkansas and the counties, municipalities, and school districts of the State of Arkansas are expending large sums of money each year for premiums on blanket bonds for officers and employees;
  2. Considerable savings might be effected by the establishment of a self-insured fidelity bond program for state officials and employees, county officials and employees, municipal officials and employees, and school district officials and employees;
  3. This subchapter is designed to establish a governmental bonding board to develop a self-insured fidelity bond program for those officials and employees; and
  4. This subchapter is designed to provide that self-insured fidelity bonds would be in lieu of the various blanket bonds which are presently required under this chapter for various officials and employees and to thereby effectuate substantial savings in the cost of blanket bonds for those officials and employees.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 1.

Case Notes

In General.

The Fidelity Bond Program is designed to cover losses sustained by participating governmental entities. Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

21-2-702. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Audit” or “audit report” means an audit or other statutorily allowed financial examination of the books and records;
  2. “Commissioner” means the Insurance Commissioner;
  3. “County” means the county or counties of the State of Arkansas;
  4. “County public official” or “county public employee” means any elected officer of the counties and the employees or deputies of any elected officer, members of the quorum court, and the members of the various county boards and commissions, excluding officials and employees of county hospitals, county nursing homes, and conservation and improvement districts;
  5. “Money” means currency, coins, and bank notes in current use and having a face value and travelers' checks, register checks, and money orders held for sale to the general public;
  6. “Municipal” or “municipality” means the municipalities of the State of Arkansas;
  7. “Municipal public official” or “municipal public employee” means any elected officer of the municipalities and the employees or deputies of any elected officer, specifically including salaried municipal employees of municipally owned utilities, members of the city council, including the mayor, and the members of the various municipal boards and commissions, but excluding officials and employees of municipal hospitals, nursing homes, and improvement districts;
  8. “Participating governmental entity” means those organizations defined in subdivisions (3), (6), (10), and (13) of this section;
  9. “Property other than money and securities” means any tangible property, other than money and securities, that has intrinsic value;
  10. “School district” means the school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools of the State of Arkansas;
  11. “School district public official” or “school district public employee” means all school district salaried officials and salaried school district employees, whether elected or appointed, and the members of local school boards of directors;
  12. “Securities” means negotiable and nonnegotiable instruments or contracts representing either money or other property and includes:
    1. Tokens, tickets, and revenue and other stamps in current use whether represented by actual stamps or unused value in a meter; and
    2. Evidences of debt, other than money, issued in connection with credit or charge cards;
  13. “State” means the State of Arkansas;
  14. “State officers and employees” means all elected and appointed salaried officials of the state and their salaried state employees, the salaried officials and salaried employees of all state boards and commissions, members of the General Assembly, and nonsalaried appointed members of the various state boards and commissions; and
  15. “State public official” or “state public employee” means any elected or appointed salaried officer of the State of Arkansas and the salaried governmental employees of that elected or appointed officer, members of the General Assembly, and the nonsalaried members of the various state boards and commissions.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 2; 1993, No. 319, § 1; 2001, No. 208, § 1; 2001, No. 1038, § 1; 2015, No. 846, § 37.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment by Nos. 208 and 1038 added present (1) and (8) and placed the remaining subdivisions in alphabetical order.

The 2015 amendment inserted “and open-enrollment public charter schools” in (10).

21-2-703. Coverage in lieu of statutory bonds.

    1. The fidelity bond coverage provided under this subchapter shall be in lieu of all statutorily required bonds for the various public officers, officials, and employees participating in the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program.
    2. The various laws specifically requiring surety bonds or blanket bonds for the respective public officials, officers, and employees shall not be applicable so long as the fidelity bonds as provided in this subchapter are in effect covering the officials, officers, and employees.
  1. In the event coverage shall cease to be provided for any or all of the officials, officers, or employees pursuant to this subchapter, the laws currently in effect providing for surety bonds or blanket bonds shall again become applicable to the officials, officers, and employees.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 14.

21-2-704. Establishment — Scope of coverage.

  1. There is established a Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program for state officials and employees, county officials and employees, municipal officials and employees, and school district officials and employees, to be administered by the Governmental Bonding Board.
    1. The fidelity bond coverage provided by the program shall cover actual losses sustained by a participating governmental entity through any fraudulent or dishonest act or acts committed by any official or employee of the participating governmental entity acting alone or in collusion with another, during the bond period to an amount not exceeding the lesser of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) or the amount of the bond.
    2. Coverage for loss of property other than money and securities shall be limited to the actual cash value of the property on the day the loss was discovered.
    3. No coverage shall be provided for any claim in which a participating governmental entity through fraudulent means takes money or other property from another participating governmental entity.
  2. This coverage shall not include compensatory, punitive, or exemplary damages, and no interest or penalty amounts shall accrue on a bond claim made pursuant to this subchapter including, but not limited to, investigative expenses, legal fees, or court costs.
  3. The fidelity bond coverage provided by the program shall not cover a loss sustained by a participating governmental entity as a result of:
    1. Liability imposed upon or assumed by the participating governmental entity to exonerate or indemnify an official or employee from or against liability incurred by the official or employee in the performance of duties;
    2. Damages for which the participating governmental entity is legally liable as a result of:
      1. The deprivation or violation of a civil right of any person by an official or employee; or
      2. The tortious conduct of an official or employee, except conversion of property of another party held by the participating governmental entity in any capacity; or
    3. Loss of property other than money and securities unless the participating governmental entity or Arkansas Legislative Audit shall be able to designate the specific official or employee causing such loss.
  4. Fidelity bond coverage shall not cover a loss sustained by any party other than a participating governmental entity.
  5. Except as provided in subdivision (d)(3) of this section, in case of a loss alleged to have been caused to a participating governmental entity through any fraudulent or dishonest act or acts by an official or employee covered under the fidelity bond coverage afforded under the provisions of this subchapter, when the participating governmental entity or Arkansas Legislative Audit shall be unable to designate the specific official or employee causing the loss, the participating governmental entity shall nevertheless have the benefit of fidelity bond coverage.
    1. For valid coverage under the program, each participating governmental entity, including each segment or component of the participating governmental entity for which coverage is available under the program, shall procure an audit of its books and records for each fiscal year.
      1. If a participating governmental entity, or covered segment or component of the participating governmental entity, is not audited by Arkansas Legislative Audit, the participating governmental entity, or covered segment or component of the participating governmental entity, shall procure an audit of its books and records by accountants in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy in accordance with government auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
      2. The audit must be completed within eighteen (18) months of the close of each participating governmental entity's fiscal year.
    2. All audit reports revealing or disclosing unauthorized expenditures, asset shortages, or unaccounted-for funds shall be forwarded immediately upon completion to Arkansas Legislative Audit, the State Risk Manager, and the appropriate prosecuting attorney.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, §§ 3-5; 1993, No. 319, § 2; 1995, No. 339, § 1; 2001, No. 1383, § 1; 2005, No. 506, § 2; 2007, No. 425, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted by Acts 1995, No. 339, § 1, subdivision (g)(1) ended with:

“ending January 1, 1995”.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment redesignated former (b)(1) as present (b)(1)(A) and substituted “the lesser of three … amount of the bond” for “three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) per occurrence.”

The 2005 amendment inserted “of the participating governmental entities” in (b)(1); and added (b)(3).

Case Notes

Governmental Entity.

The Volunteer Council, Arkadelphia Human Development Center, Inc., a non-profit organization formed to benefit the residents and staff of the Arkadelphia Human Development Center, is not a governmental entity as contemplated by this section. Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

Scope of Coverage.

The Fidelity Bond Program covers only losses sustained by a participating governmental entity. Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

Subdivision (d)(2)(B) does not provide that fidelity bond coverage shall cover losses sustained by the other parties whose property is converted; rather, the exception provides the fidelity bond coverage shall cover losses of the participating governmental entity under such circumstances. Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

21-2-705. Governmental Bonding Board.

  1. There is created the Governmental Bonding Board, which shall be composed of the following five (5) members:
    1. The President of the Association of Arkansas Counties;
    2. The President of the Arkansas Municipal League;
    3. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education;
    4. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration; and
    5. The Insurance Commissioner, who shall serve as chair.
    1. The members of the board shall receive no compensation for their services, but members other than the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Insurance Commissioner may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.
    2. The expense reimbursement of members of the board shall be paid from the Fidelity Bond Trust Fund.
        1. The board shall meet at least quarterly.
        2. However, if there is no proof of loss or other business for the board to consider, the chair may cancel a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting upon written notice to the members.
      1. The board shall also meet at any other time as necessary to carry out its responsibilities and duties, at the call of the chair, or upon the request of a majority of the board.
    1. All action of the board shall be by majority vote of the membership in attendance.
    2. If a board member is unable to attend any board meeting, the member shall appoint a designee to act as his or her representative. The representative shall have all the rights and privileges of the member represented.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, §§ 6, 7; 1991, No. 188, §§ 1, 2; 1997, No. 250, § 212; 2005, No. 506, § 3; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3491, 3492.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment substituted “from the Fidelity Bond Trust Fund” for “by the State Insurance Department from funds specifically appropriated to the State Insurance Department for that purpose or from other funds available to the State Insurance Department for paying expense reimbursement” in (b)(2).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education” in (a)(3) and (b)(1); and substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (a)(4) and (b)(1).

21-2-706. Administration.

It shall be the responsibility of the Governmental Bonding Board to develop and administer the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program for state officers and employees, state public officials and public employees, and county, municipal, and school district public officials and public employees.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 8.

21-2-707. Operations and recommendations.

  1. The Insurance Commissioner, at the direction of the Governmental Bonding Board, shall receive and disburse funds necessary for the establishment and operation of the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program.
  2. The State Risk Manager shall assist in the operations of the program and shall submit to the board recommendations for the establishment of:
    1. Premium schedules for all participating governmental entities;
    2. Schedules for deductible amounts;
    3. Loss histories, loss reporting, and loss payment procedures;
    4. Program enrollments;
    5. Annual review of funds income, balances, and expenditures;
    6. Proposed invitations to bid, and retention levels, if the board determines that excess bonds or reinsurance is necessary; and
    7. Other information required by the board for efficient operation of the program.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 10.

21-2-708. Notice and proof of losses — Investigations — Restitution.

  1. The Legislative Auditor, with the approval of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, shall give notice and make proof of loss to the Governmental Bonding Board under the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program on behalf of a public official, officer, or employee when the audit of the records of the public official, officer, or employee reflects unauthorized disbursements or unaccounted-for funds or property for which the public official, officer, or employee may be liable.
  2. If an audit reflects unauthorized disbursements or unaccounted-for funds or property for which a public official, officer, or employee may be liable, then the Legislative Auditor shall request that:
    1. The appropriate prosecuting attorney or the Attorney General assist the state or the appropriate political subdivision in obtaining restitution; and
    2. The appropriate city attorney, county attorney, prosecuting attorney, or the Attorney General assist the state or appropriate political subdivision in filing a civil lawsuit against the public official, officer, or employee if the board determines that civil remedies should be pursued under § 21-2-709(a).
    1. To obtain restitution under subsection (b) of this section and as authorized by § 5-4-205, the board shall consider the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program and the participating governmental entity as victims.
    2. In any criminal prosecution against the official or employee causing the loss, where such official or employee enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or is found guilty following a trial, restitution shall be awarded to the participating governmental entity for the entire amount of its unreimbursed losses and to the program for the entire amount of its payment to the participating governmental entity.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 12; 1993, No. 179, § 2; 1993, No. 319, § 3; 2013, No. 1056, § 1; 2015, No. 231, § 2.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote (a) and (b).

The 2015 amendment, in (c)(1), substituted “To obtain restitution under” for “For the purpose of obtaining restitution as provided in,” inserted “and as authorized by § 5-4-205, the board shall consider” and substituted “as victims” for “shall be deemed victims”.

Case Notes

Effect of Amendments.

This section, relating to the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program, under which the Arkansas Fidelity Bond Trust Fund was created, was recently amended to expressly provide that the Arkansas Fidelity Bond Trust Fund is a victim who is entitled to restitution. In re Sutherland, 161 B.R. 657 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. 1993).

21-2-709. Determination of coverage — Assignment of rights.

      1. Upon the receipt of the proof of loss from the Legislative Auditor, the Governmental Bonding Board shall determine whether the loss is covered under the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program.
      2. The board may withhold claim determination and a loss payment until the investigation in each case has been completed and all information deemed necessary for determination of coverage under the program has been received.
    1. If the board determines that the loss is covered under the program, then:
      1. The Insurance Commissioner shall authorize fidelity bond loss payments from the Fidelity Bond Trust Fund to the participating governmental entity on a timely basis; and
      2. The board shall:
        1. Provide a timely explanation of a loss payment and a denial of loss to the Legislative Auditor and to the participating governmental entity; and
          1. Determine whether civil remedies should be pursued to recover the loss.
          2. In making a determination under subdivision (a)(2)(B)(ii)(a) of this section, the board shall consider the cost-effectiveness of pursuing civil remedies.
    2. All vouchers for a loss payment shall include as supporting documents a copy of the payment recommendation by the State Risk Manager and a copy of the proof of loss from the Legislative Auditor.
    3. Any loss payment may be adjusted by any applicable deductible, restitution, or coinsurance payment.
    1. Before any loss payment is paid from the fund, the recipient of the loss payment shall sign and return a transfer of rights form assigning to the fund to the extent of the loss payment all rights and claims that the recipient may have against the official, officer, or employee involved. The fund shall be subrogated to all of the rights of the recipients of the loss payment to the extent of the loss payment.
      1. If the participating governmental entity shall sustain any loss that exceeds the amount of indemnity provided by the program, the participating governmental entity shall be entitled to all recoveries, except from suretyship, insurance, reinsurance, security, or indemnity taken by or for the benefit of the program, by whomever made, on account of the loss until fully reimbursed, less the amount of the deductible and coinsurance.
      2. Any remainder shall be applied to reimbursement of the program.
    2. If a participating governmental entity fails to pay over an amount due the program under these provisions, the board may deduct any amount due from future loss payments due the applicable participating governmental entity or from any treasury funds of the applicable participating governmental entity.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 13; 1993, No. 319, § 4; 2005, No. 506, § 4; 2013, No. 1056, § 2.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted the subdivision (1)(A) and (2)(A) designations in (a); inserted (a)(1)(B) and (a)(2)(B); rewrote the first sentence in (b)(1); and deleted former (c).

The 2013 amendment rewrote (a)(2).

Case Notes

Restitution.

The Arkansas Fidelity Bond Trust Fund, which reimbursed a school district for losses caused by an embezzling employee, was the entity entitled to collect the restitution ordered in the judgment of employee's conviction; the fact that the statutorily created bond company was required to reimburse the immediate victim does not obviate the economic loss to the state. In re Sutherland, 161 B.R. 657 (Bankr. E.D. Ark. 1993).

Scope of Coverage.

The Fidelity Bond Program covers only losses sustained by a participating governmental entity. Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

21-2-710. Billing certification — Payment and deposit.

  1. The Governmental Bonding Board, with the assistance of the State Insurance Department, shall prepare a billing certification to be remitted to the:
      1. Department of Finance and Administration. Upon receipt of this certification, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall pay it from funds specifically appropriated for it by the General Assembly or from other funds available therefor.
      2. Funds so appropriated for premiums for fidelity bonds for state public officials and employees and state officers and employees or funds otherwise made available for this purpose shall not be subject to reduction as a result of any shortfall of projected revenues; and
    1. Chief Fiscal Officer of the State who shall pay it from funds withheld from the:
      1. County Aid Fund which are due each county participating in the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program for premiums for fidelity bonds for county public officials and employees;
      2. Municipal Aid Fund which are due each municipality participating in the program for premiums for fidelity bonds for municipal public officials and employees; and
      3. Public School Fund which are due each school district participating in the program for premiums for fidelity bonds for school district officials and employees.
  2. Upon receipt of these funds, the Insurance Commissioner shall deposit them in the Fidelity Bond Trust Fund.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 11; 2019, No. 910, § 3493.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (a)(1)(A).

21-2-711. Fidelity Bond Trust Fund.

  1. There is established on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a separate fund to be known as the “Fidelity Bond Trust Fund”.
    1. No money shall be appropriated from the fund for any purpose except for the use and benefit of participating governmental entities for bond claims and for Governmental Bonding Board expenses, including, but not limited to, travel, actuarial, consultant, and service contract fees.
    2. The fund shall be administered by and disbursed at the direction of the Governmental Bonding Board.
      1. The assets of the fund may be invested and reinvested as the Governmental Bonding Board may determine with the advice of the State Board of Finance.
      2. All incomes derived through investment of the fund shall be credited as investment income to the fund.
      3. For the purposes of investment, fund moneys invested and interest earned on fund moneys invested shall be administered as trust funds pursuant to the provisions of § 19-3-219(a)[repealed].
    1. Further, all moneys deposited to the fund shall not be subject to any deduction, tax, levy, or any other type of assessment.
  2. All moneys received by the Governmental Bonding Board for the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program, including premiums collected by the Governmental Bonding Board under this subchapter, restitution, interest payments, grants, gifts, and refunds shall be deposited into the fund.

History. Acts 1987, No. 728, § 9; 2005, No. 506, § 5.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted “travel” in (b)(1); and substituted “All moneys received … gifts, and refunds” for “The bond premiums collected by the Governmental Bonding Board under the provisions of this subchapter” in (d).

Chapter 3 Recruiting, Hiring, and Appointment

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Applicants for employment with the state are subject to selective service registration requirements under § 6-80-104.

Acts 2015, No. 1068, § 1, provided:

“State of Arkansas Workforce Retention Task Force.

“(a) The State of Arkansas Workforce Retention Task Force is created.

“(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:

“(1) One (1) human resources or payroll officer for the Department of Human Services appointed by the Director of the Department of Human Services;

“(2) One (1) human resources or payroll officer for the Department of Health appointed by the Director of the Department of Health;

“(3) One (1) human resources or payroll officer for the Department of Finance and Administration appointed by the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration;

“(4) One (1) human resources or payroll officer from the Department of Parks and Tourism appointed by the Director of the Department of Parks and Tourism;

“(5) One (1) member from the Office of Personnel Management of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration appointed by the Personnel Director of the Office of Personnel Management of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration;

“(6) One (1) member from the Arkansas State Employees Association appointed by the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Employees Association;

“(7)(A) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor who are Arkansas state employees.

“(B) One (1) of the two (2) members appointed under subdivision (b)(7)(A) of this section shall be a woman.

“(C) One (1) of the two (2) members appointed under subdivision (b)(7)(A) of this section shall be Hispanic or African American; and

“(8)(A) Two (2) members appointed by the Governor who are retired Arkansas state employees.

“(B) One (1) of the two (2) members appointed under subdivision (b)(8)(A) of this section shall be a woman.

“(C) One (1) of the two (2) members appointed under subdivision (b)(8)(A) of this section shall be Hispanic or African American.

“(c)(1) Members of the task force shall serve until December 31, 2016.

“(2) A vacancy on the task force shall be filled by the appointing authority for the unexpired portion of the term.

“(d)(1) The Governor shall designate one (1) member of the task force to:

“(A) Call the first meeting of the task force to be set no later than thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act; and

“(B) Serve as the chair of the task force.

“(2) The Governor shall designate one (1) member of the task force to serve as the vice chair of the task force.

“(e) A majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for conducting business of the task force.

“(f)(1)(A) State agencies shall comply with requests of the task force or the Office of Personnel Management to provide data and other assistance for the use of the task force.

“(B) If the task force obtains information that is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., or is otherwise confidential under law, the information shall:

“(i) Remain exempt or confidential while in the possession of the task force; and

“(ii) Not be disclosed except as provided for by law.

“(2) The Arkansas State Employees Association shall provide staff for the task force.

“(g) Members of the task force shall serve without compensation and shall not receive per diem, mileage, or stipends.

“(h) The task force shall:

“(1) Study the steps the state may take to retain state employees in:

“(A) The employing state agency; and

“(B) Other state agencies;

“(2) Consider the steps other public employers have taken to retain their workforce;

“(3) Set a plan of implementation for the study under this section;

“(4) Design a survey instrument to be administered to state agency heads and employees to determine the perceived and actual barriers to retaining state employees;

“(5) Assess the employee retention rates of the state agencies participating in the study and survey; and

“(6) Provide to the Office of Personnel Management the plan of implementation and the survey instrument.

“(i) The Office of Personnel Management shall survey the state agency heads and employees of the following agencies using the survey instrument designed under this section:

“(1) The Department of Human Services;

“(2) The Department of Health;

“(3) The Department of Finance and Administration; and

“(4) The Department of Parks and Tourism.

“(j) Before October 31, 2016, the Personnel Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall report to the task force on the:

“(1) Results of the study; and

“(2) Recommendations for legislation, rules, and policy changes that the state could take to increase state employee workforce retention.

“(k) Before December 31, 2016, the task force shall report to the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs the results of its findings and activities and of its recommendations.

“(l) The task force shall expire on January 1, 2017.”

21-3-101. Equal employment hiring program.

  1. Every state agency, board, commission, institution of higher education, and every constitutional officer as defined in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 56, § 1, shall adopt and pursue a comprehensive equal employment hiring program designed to achieve a goal of increasing the percentage of minority employees within the agency, board, commission, institution of higher education, or constitutional office to a level that approximates the percentage of minorities in the state's population.
    1. Every state agency, board, commission, institution of higher education, and constitutional officer shall report to the Legislative Council on June 30 of each year regarding its efforts to achieve its equal employment hiring program goal.
    2. However, the report required of any institution by § 6-63-103 may be used in lieu of the report required under this subsection and shall be filed as provided in this subsection.

History. Acts 1993, No. 426, § 1; 2001, No. 1226, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a), substituted “Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 56” for “Constitutional Amendment 56” and substituted “that approximates” for “which approximates”; and deleted “December 31 and” preceding “June 30” in (b)(1).

21-3-102. Selective Service registration — Definition.

  1. As used in this section, “statement of selective service status” means a statement on an application for employment with the State of Arkansas or for admission to any public institution of higher education, sworn under penalty of perjury, that:
    1. The person filing the certificate is registered with the Selective Service System in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act; or
    2. The person filing the certificate is not required to register with the Selective Service System because the person is:
      1. Under eighteen (18) years of age;
      2. In the armed forces of the United States on active duty, other than in a reserve or national guard unit;
      3. An alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101, for so long as he or she continues to maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States;
      4. A permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands; or
      5. Excused from registration for other reason provided by federal law and that reason is included in the certificate.
  2. No person who is required to register with the Selective Service System shall be eligible for employment by any agency of the State of Arkansas or for admission to any public institution of higher education unless the person has signed a statement of selective service status.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 96.

U.S. Code. The Military Selective Service Act, referred to in (a)(1), is codified generally as 50 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq.

Cross References. Selective Service registration, § 6-80-104.

Subchapter 2 — Age Discrimination

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Galchus, Survey of Labor Law, 3 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 251.

Case Notes

Sovereign Immunity.

The Age Discrimination Prohibition Act contains no declaration of legislative intent to waive the state's sovereign immunity, and nothing in this subchapter subjects the state to liability for monetary damages for violations of this subchapter's provisions. State v. Goss, 344 Ark. 523, 42 S.W.3d 440 (2001).

Cited: Palmer v. Arkansas Council on Econ. Educ., 344 Ark. 461, 40 S.W.3d 784 (2001).

21-3-201. Definition.

For the purposes of this subchapter, “public employer” means any agency, department, board, commission, bureau, council, institution, or other entity of the state supported by appropriation of state or federal funds, or any county or municipality or other political subdivision of this state. “Public employer” specifically includes public universities, colleges, and public school districts.

History. Acts 1979, No. 25, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3501.

21-3-202. Applicability.

The prohibitions in this subchapter shall be limited to individuals who are at least forty (40) years of age.

History. Acts 1979, No. 25, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3505; Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 1.

Case Notes

In General.

The statute affords no protection for those who have passed their seventieth birthday and they do not have a protectable property interest in continued employment. Evans v. University of Ark. Bd. of Trustees, 715 F. Supp. 249 (E.D. Ark. 1989), aff'd sub nom. Evans v. Pugh, 902 F.2d 689 (8th Cir. 1990) (decision prior to 1989 amendment).

Purpose.

In this subchapter the Arkansas legislature intended to prohibit age discrimination in public employment against employees under 70 years of age and also to provide public employers the discretion to retain employees who have reached age 70. The statute simply does not afford employees who have reached 70 years of age the same protection that it does younger employees. Evans v. Pugh, 902 F.2d 689 (8th Cir. 1990) (decision prior to 1989 amendment).

21-3-203. Age discrimination prohibited — Exceptions.

  1. It shall be unlawful for a public employer to:
    1. Fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his or her compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's age;
    2. Limit, segregate, or classify employees in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his or her status as an employee because of the individual's age; or
    3. Reduce the wage rate of any employee in order to comply with this subchapter.
  2. It shall not be unlawful for a public employer to:
    1. Take any action otherwise prohibited by this subchapter where age is a bona fide occupational qualification, reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business, or where the differentiation is based on reasonable factors other than age; or
    2. Discharge or otherwise discipline an individual for good cause.

History. Acts 1979, No. 25, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3502, 12-3503; Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 1.

Case Notes

Purpose.

In this subchapter the Arkansas legislature intended to prohibit age discrimination in public employment against employees under 70 years of age and also to provide public employers the discretion to retain employees who have reached age 70. The statute simply does not afford employees who have reached 70 years of age the same protection that it does younger employees. Evans v. Pugh, 902 F.2d 689 (8th Cir. 1990) (decision prior to 1989 amendment).

Applicability.

This section affords no protection for those who have passed their seventieth birthday and they do not have a protectable property interest in continued employment. Evans v. University of Ark. Bd. of Trustees, 715 F. Supp. 249 (E.D. Ark. 1989), aff'd sub nom. Evans v. Pugh, 902 F.2d 689 (8th Cir. 1990) (decision prior to 1989 amendment).

Discretion.

Although an employee can continue to work beyond the attainment of age 70 if he receives written authorization from the chief administrative officer, the chief administrative officer is not required to give written authorization. Because written authorization is entirely within the discretion of the chief administrative officer, it cannot be said that an employee has a protectable property interest in his continued employment. Evans v. University of Ark. Bd. of Trustees, 715 F. Supp. 249 (E.D. Ark. 1989), aff'd sub nom. Evans v. Pugh, 902 F.2d 689 (8th Cir. 1990) (decision prior to 1989 amendment).

21-3-204. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning authorization to continue employment, was repealed by Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 4. The section was derived from Acts 1979, No. 25, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3504.

21-3-205. Compulsory retirement of certain employees.

    1. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained sixty-five (65) years of age, and who, for the two-year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive or a high policy-making position if the employee is entitled to an immediate nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit from a pension, savings, or deferred compensation plan, or any combination of such plans, of the employer of the employee, which equals, in the aggregate, at least forty-four thousand dollars ($44,000).
    2. In applying the retirement benefit test of subdivision (a)(1) of this section, if any such retirement benefit is in a form other than a straight life annuity with no ancillary benefits, or if employees contribute to any such plan or make rollover contributions, that benefit shall be adjusted by the actuary of the employee's public retirement system, so that the benefit is the equivalent of a straight life annuity with no ancillary benefits under a plan to which employees do not contribute and under which no rollover contributions are made.
  1. The prohibitions of this subchapter shall apply to employees with unlimited tenure who retire after July 1, 1982.

History. Acts 1979, No. 25, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3505; Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 2.

21-3-206. [Expired.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning exceptions to compulsory retirement, expired pursuant to its own terms on December 31, 1993. This section was derived from Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 3.

Subchapter 3 — Veterans Preferences

21-3-301. Uniform Classification and Compensation Act rules.

Any requirement or rule set up for the purpose of selecting employees paid in whole or in part with state funds for positions subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., shall include rules under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1947, No. 414, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2318; Acts 2003, No. 653, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2317.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment substituted “Uniform Classification and Compensation Act” for “Civil service or merit system” in the section catchline; deleted “civil service or merit system” preceding “requirement,” inserted “for positions … § 21-5-201 et seq.” and substituted “under this subchapter” for “in accordance with §§ 21-3-30221-3-305.”

The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in the section heading and in the section; and substituted “requirement or rule” for “requirement, rule, or regulation”.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Veterans' Preferences, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 471, 474.

21-3-302. Veterans Preference Law — Definition.

  1. This section shall be entitled the “Veterans Preference Law”.
  2. For purposes of this section, “veteran” means:
    1. A person honorably discharged from a tour of active duty, other than active duty for training only, with the United States Armed Forces; or
    2. Any person who has served honorably in the National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces for a period of at least six (6) years, whether the person has retired or been discharged or not.
  3. A state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., or a school district as defined under § 6-20-1903, shall provide a veterans preference in interviewing and hiring to an applicant if the applicant:
    1. Indicates on the employment application that he or she is:
      1. A veteran;
      2. A disabled veteran; or
      3. The surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who is unmarried at the time of application for employment and remains unmarried until the decision to hire is made;
    2. Is a citizen and resident of this state; and
    3. Meets substantially equal qualifications of other applicants.
      1. If an examination, evaluation, or similar instrument is given to establish a list of qualified candidates to be interviewed for a position at a state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., and an applicant entitled to a veterans preference under this section attains a passing grade, the applicant shall have five (5) points added to his or her final earned rating if the examination, evaluation, or similar instrument is subject to numerical scoring.
      2. If a veteran is not selected for a position for which the successful candidate was selected based on a numerical score, at the veteran's request the selection authority shall provide the veteran with his or her base score, adjusted score, and the successful candidate's score.
      1. If the examination, evaluation, or similar instrument is not subject to numerical scoring, the selection authority shall demonstrate how veterans preference was applied in developing a list of qualified candidates to be interviewed and in selecting the successful candidate for the position.
      2. If the selection authority used a scoring method other than numerical scoring, at the veteran's request the selection authority shall provide all documentation to the veteran to demonstrate to the veteran how the veterans preference was used to:
        1. Develop a list of qualified candidates to be interviewed; and
        2. Select the successful candidate for the position.
      1. A veteran who established by the records of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs the existence of a service-connected disability, or a veteran who is over fifty-five (55) years of age, disabled, and entitled to a pension or compensation under existing laws, or the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability whose disability disqualifies him or her for selection shall have ten (10) points instead of five (5) points added to his or her final earned rating on the examination, evaluation, or similar instrument.
      2. If a veteran is not selected for a position for which the successful candidate was selected based on a numerical score, at the veteran's request the selection authority shall provide the veteran with his or her base score, adjusted score, and the successful candidate's score.
    1. This subsection does not require the selection authority to provide the veteran with testing materials or any other information concerning the successful candidate or other applicants that is not authorized for release under this subsection or authorized for release to the public under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
  4. The qualified veteran's status shall be considered on questions of promotion and retention of employees according to § 21-3-304.
  5. The names of candidates who have qualified in an examination, evaluation, or similar instrument given for the purpose of establishing an interview or employment list shall be entered on an appropriate register or list of eligibles in the following order:
    1. Names of ten-point-preference eligibles shall be placed at the head of the register or applicant list of persons certified as having equal eligibility points;
    2. Names of five-point-preference eligibles shall be placed at the head of the register or applicant list of persons certified as having equal eligibility points; and
    3. Names of all other eligibles who do not have preference as provided in this section shall be placed on the register or applicant list in accordance with their ranking of eligibility points.
  6. The persons entitled to preference shall not be disqualified from holding any position on account of age or by reason of any physical disability, provided that the age or disability does not render the person incapable to perform properly the duties of the position for which he or she applied.
  7. This section does not apply to an elected official or political appointee in:
    1. A state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq.;
    2. A school district as defined under § 6-20-1903; or
    3. The administrative assistant or secretary of an elected official or political appointee.

History. Acts 1981, No. 527, §§ 1-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2322.1 — 12-2322.4; Acts 1995, No. 40, § 1; 2003, No. 653, § 1; 2013, No. 444, §§ 1, 2; 2013, No. 474, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2013 amendment by No. 444 rewrote (c) and (h).

The 2013 amendment by No. 474 rewrote (d).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Michael D. Sutton, Comment: Forging a New Breed: The Emergence of Veterans' Preference Statutes Within the Private Sector, 67 Ark. L. Rev. 1081 (2014).

21-3-303. Failure to hire veteran.

  1. If requested by the veteran applicant and in addition to the requirements under § 21-3-302(d), a hiring official or selection authority for a state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., shall submit in writing to the veteran the reason the veteran was not:
    1. Included on a list of qualified candidates to be interviewed; and
    2. Selected for the position.
  2. The written reason provided under this section shall become a part of the employment application records of the state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., or a school district as defined under § 6-20-1903, and be retained for the same period of time as all other employment applications as established by law or agency policy.

History. Acts 1947, No. 414, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2320; Acts 2003, No. 653, § 1; 2013, No. 444, § 3; 2013, No. 474, § 2.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2013 amendment by No. 444, in (b), added “provided under this section,” substituted “state” for “department” preceding “agency,” inserted “subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., or a school district as defined under § 6-20-1903”.

The 2013 amendment by No. 474 rewrote (a); and, in (b), added “provided under this section” and substituted “state agency or institution of higher education subject to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq.” for “department, agency, or institution of higher education”.

21-3-304. Reduction in force.

  1. A department or agency director or institution of higher education president or chancellor may separate any employee without prejudice because of lack of funds, curtailment of work, or in order to permit reinstatement of employees upon their release from periods of military service from the United States Armed Forces.
  2. However, no employee as defined by § 21-5-203 shall be separated while there are emergency, intermittent, temporary, provisional, or probationary employees serving in the same class of position in the same department or agency.
    1. The order of separation due to reduction in force shall be based upon criteria established by the Statewide Workforce Reduction Policy as issued and administered by the Office of Personnel Management.
    2. For the purpose of establishing this layoff formula, the veteran's service in the United States Armed Forces shall be considered as service with the department or agency and computed as a part of his or her seniority.

History. Acts 1947, No. 414, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2322; Acts 2003, No. 653, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote this section.

21-3-305. Reemployment.

  1. An employee as defined in § 21-5-203 who has established veterans preference eligibility and has resigned while in good standing or who has been separated without prejudice shall be eligible for reemployment within a period of time no less than the continuous period of his or her service in a department, agency, or institution of higher education, provided that he or she has been certified by the department or agency director or institution of higher education president or chancellor as meeting the current minimum qualifications as to training and experience of the class of position to which he or she is being reemployed.
  2. Prior to making the minimum qualifications certification, the department or agency director or institution of higher education president or chancellor may require the employee to pass a qualifying examination.
  3. For the purpose of reemployment eligibility under the provisions of this section, time spent in the United States Armed Forces shall not be counted.

History. Acts 1947, No. 414, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2321; Acts 2003, No. 653, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote this section.

21-3-306. Rights of reservists — Legislative intent.

  1. It is declared to be the intent of the General Assembly that any person who holds an other than temporary position in the employ of the State of Arkansas shall not be denied retention in employment or any promotion or other incident or advantage of employment or transferred involuntarily to another position because the person is a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces.
  2. The provisions of the reemployment rights protections of § 12-62-413 and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994 as in effect on January 1, 2003, shall be applicable, and the refusal of any state official to comply therewith shall subject him or her to removal from office.
  3. This section shall be retroactive and shall take effect as of the date of the entry of any state employee into one (1) of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces.

History. Acts 1973, No. 406, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2352 — 12-2354; Acts 2003, No. 653, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote (b).

U.S. Code. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, referred to in (b), is codified as 38 U.S.C. §§ 101 nt and 4301 et seq.

Cross References. Military leaves for state employees, § 21-4-212.

Subchapter 4 — Merit System Board

21-3-401 — 21-3-404. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning the Merit System Board, was repealed by Acts 1989, No. 536, § 6. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

§ 21-3-401. Acts 1981, No. 693, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3907.

§ 21-3-402. Acts 1981, No. 693, §§ 1-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3901 — 12-3904.

§ 21-3-403. Acts 1981, No. 693, §§ 3, 5, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3903, 12-3905, 12-3906.

§ 21-3-404. Acts 1981, No. 693, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3905.

Subchapter 5 — Cooperative Education Program

Effective Dates. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 11: Mar. 25, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a program should be established to provide students attending institutions of higher learning in this State an opportunity to become better informed and more knowledgeable in Arkansas government by working in the various State agencies, departments, and institutions; that the employment of such students would not only be most beneficial to the student and the agency employing the student but would also encourage graduates of such institutions to remain in the State of Arkansas; that this Act is designed to accomplish this worthy purpose and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

21-3-501. Policy — Purpose.

  1. Recognizing the tremendous potential represented by the young people attending Arkansas institutions of higher education, and in due consideration of the great interest of the people of the State of Arkansas in retaining graduates of Arkansas institutions of higher education within the state, with the further conviction that it is in the best interest of all citizens of the state to recruit and retain qualified college graduates within the State of Arkansas government system, and recognizing the great contribution to the educational process that learning experiences within state government can provide, the General Assembly finds and declares that an affirmative effort to provide college students with employment opportunities within state government is important to the welfare and security of this state and nation and, consequently, is an important public service.
  2. The General Assembly further finds and declares that cooperative education is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on this state in meeting the socially and economically desirable goals of educating and retaining young people within this state.
  3. It is, therefore, the policy of the General Assembly and the purpose of this subchapter to establish a cooperative education program within the State of Arkansas government system to attract and retain qualified personnel from Arkansas institutions of higher education while at the same time contributing to the educational process through learning opportunities within state government.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2355.

21-3-502. Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter:

  1. “Academic credit” means the recognized unit requirements which students attending eligible institutions must accomplish in order to receive a degree for completion of a two-year or four-year course of study;
  2. “Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee” means the committee established by this subchapter to:
    1. Determine the eligibility of educational institutions;
    2. Review the operation of the cooperative education program through periodic meetings;
    3. Make recommendations to the participating institutions, the state personnel administrator, and to the General Assembly; and
    4. Perform all other appropriate functions to provide for the advancement of the cooperative education program;
    1. “Cooperative education” means the process of education which formally integrates the student's academic study with work experience in cooperating employer organizations.
    2. The normal plan is for the student to alternate periods of college study with educational-work experience on assignments which relate to the student's stated career objectives;
  3. “Eligible institutions of higher education” means any public or private two-year or four-year institution of higher education within the State of Arkansas which:
    1. Is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a candidate for such accreditation, or gives satisfactory assurance that it has the potential for accreditation and is making progress which, if continued, will result in its achieving accreditation;
    2. Does not discriminate in the admission of students on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and is in compliance with the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 and executive orders issued pursuant thereto; and
    3. Is certified to the state personnel administrator by the Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee as an eligible institution based on the criteria established in § 21-3-508; and
  4. “State personnel administrator” means the head of the Office of Personnel Management, his or her successor, or the person designated by the state personnel administrator to perform the duties assigned to the administrator or to the office.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2356.

U.S. Code. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in this section, is primarily codified as 42 U.S.C. § 2000c et seq. The Civil Rights Act of 1968, referred to in this section, is codified as 18 U.S.C. §§ 231-233, 241, 242, 1153, 2101, 2102, 25 U.S.C. § 1301 et seq., 28 U.S.C. § 1360 nt and 42 U.S.C. §§ 1973j, 3533, 3535, 3601 — 3619, and 3631.

21-3-503. Student employment not restricted.

Nothing in this subchapter is to be construed as barring or in any way limiting the employment of students within the State of Arkansas governmental system, even though the student is participating in the cooperative education program at an institution of higher education during employment with the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2363.

21-3-504. Creation and administration.

There is established a cooperative education program for hiring qualified students from eligible institutions of higher education within the State of Arkansas to be administered by the state personnel administrator and the Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee, as provided in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2357.

21-3-505. Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee.

  1. The Governor shall appoint an Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee to advise and consult with the state personnel administrator in carrying out the administration of this subchapter.
  2. The state personnel administrator shall serve as chair ex officio of the committee, which shall consist of the following:
    1. Four (4) representatives of the state government system, who shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years, except when a member is appointed to complete an unexpired term; and
      1. Five (5) representatives of institutions of higher education appointed from educational institutions with cooperative education or internship programs with the five (5) members selected from the five (5) institutions with the greatest number participating in this program.
      2. Until such time as experience reveals the number of students in the program, three (3) of the five (5) members shall be appointed from public institutions and two (2) from private institutions.
    1. The committee shall meet as frequently as the state personnel administrator deems necessary but not less than semiannually.
    2. Upon request by five (5) or more members of the committee, the state personnel administrator shall immediately call a meeting of the committee.
    1. The committee shall meet to consider and approve by a favorable vote of five (5) or more members present at such meeting the eligibility of educational institutions having students desirous of applying for the cooperative education program with the state personnel administrator.
    2. Approval shall be considered necessary no more than one (1) time every three (3) years and shall be based upon the criteria established in § 21-3-508.
  3. The committee shall further consider, evaluate, and promote cooperative education within the entire system of state government and on the campuses of all eligible institutions of higher education as the committee sees fit.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2362.

Publisher's Notes. The terms of the four representatives of the state government system are arranged so that one term expires every year.

21-3-506. Agency eligibility.

All offices, branches, and agencies within state government shall be eligible to participate in the cooperative education program.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2361.

21-3-507. Student eligibility.

A student shall be eligible for a cooperative education placement upon:

  1. Certification to the state personnel administrator by the student's cooperative education program director or coordinator that the student:
    1. Has completed twenty-four (24) or more college credit hours or their equivalent measure; and
    2. Is presently enrolled as a full-time student or has completed or will complete the equivalent of twelve (12) college or graduate credit hours in the six-month period prior to taking employment under the cooperative education program; and
  2. Completion of all other application procedures required by the Office of Personnel Management for the administration of the cooperative education program.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2359.

21-3-508. School eligibility.

In order for any institution of higher education within the State of Arkansas to participate in the cooperative education program, that institution must meet the following criteria, as determined by the Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee:

  1. The institution has appointed a director or coordinator whose primary responsibility is the direction of that institution's cooperative education program, for which the director or coordinator receives proportionate compensation or released time from instruction or other administrative duties;
  2. The institution will grant academic credit toward the student's degree program for the work period within the Arkansas state government system; and
  3. The institution agrees to and does so provide the committee with a written summary of the evaluation made by the institution of the student's educational-work experience within sixty (60) days of the conclusion of that placement period.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2358.

21-3-509. State personnel administrator.

  1. The state personnel administrator shall have the responsibility to administer the cooperative education program.
  2. The duties of the administrator include, but are not limited to:
    1. Disseminating information on the availability of students through the cooperative education program and collecting requests for employment of cooperative education students;
    2. Conveying state job opportunity information to eligible institutions, to include job titles, description of duties in general, and salary and wage information;
    3. Promulgating and collecting application forms;
    4. Conveying final employment and assignment decisions, in total, to all eligible institutions;
    5. Keeping all necessary records both for the Office of Personnel Management and, as directed, by the Arkansas Cooperative Education Advisory Committee; and
    6. All other activities necessary to the orderly and lawful administration of this subchapter and not otherwise specifically delegated by this subchapter.

History. Acts 1975, No. 551, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2360.

Subchapter 6 — Internship Program

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 646, § 6: Apr. 7, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined that it may be necessary to extend the regular session of the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly as authorized in the Constitution; that under the provisions of Amendment 7 to the Constitution, enactments of the General Assembly that do not have an emergency clause do not become effective until ninety (90) days after the date of final adjournment of the General Assembly; that the extended session of the General Assembly may not adjourn in time for this Act to take effect prior to July 1, 1971, thereby depriving the agency for which funds are appropriated herein of necessary operating funds to commence the next fiscal biennium; and in order that the appropriation made herein may be available on July 1, 1971, the General Assembly hereby determines that the immediate passage of the Act is necessary for the maintenance and operation of the essential governmental services. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval, provided that the appropriation authorized herein shall not be available until July 1, 1971.”

21-3-601. Internship program.

  1. The Legislative Council and the Department of Finance and Administration are authorized to establish, for their respective agencies, agreements with institutions of higher education to utilize highly qualified graduate level students who are seeking a Master of Arts or Master of Public Administration degree in the departments of political science of such institutions to perform duties for their respective agencies.
  2. The program shall be known as an “internship program” through which graduate level students can obtain practical experience in state government.
    1. Students preparing for careers in government shall be given priority in employment under this program.
    2. Only qualified graduate level students who are citizens of the State of Arkansas shall be eligible to receive the benefits of the provisions of this section.
    3. In addition, internship agreements shall be based on the anticipated benefits and services to be rendered to the Legislative Council or the Department of Finance and Administration under the agreement with the institution of higher education.
  3. All internship agreements entered into under the provisions of this section shall be at such rates as agreed to between the contracting institution of higher education and the Legislative Council or the Department of Finance and Administration, but shall not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per month per student for the time required for the student to complete his or her degree requirements, including the internship work obligations under agreements entered into under the provisions of this section.
  4. No such internship agreement shall be for more than twenty-one (21) months per student.

History. Acts 1971, No. 646, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2351.

Subchapter 7 — Apprenticeship Programs

21-3-701 — 21-3-703. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning apprenticeship programs, was repealed by Acts 1989, No. 684, § 11. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-3-701. Acts 1987, No. 722, § 1.

21-3-702. Acts 1987, No. 722, § 3.

21-3-703. Acts 1987, No. 722, § 2.

Subchapter 8 — Exceptional Employee Recruitment Program

Effective Dates. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-3-801. Title.

This subchapter shall be known as the “Exceptional Employee Recruitment Program”.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1039, § 1.

21-3-802. Recruitment of retired employees.

  1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall promulgate rules providing for the recruitment of retired members of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System to return to employment for the state.
  2. Before a person recruited under the Exceptional Employee Recruitment Program may be rehired by the state, the proposed employment shall be reviewed by the Legislative Council and approved by the Governor.
  3. The retirement benefits of a person rehired pursuant to this subchapter shall terminate upon reemployment. At the conclusion of the employment, the person shall receive retirement benefits with the additional service computed in his or her retirement benefits.
    1. The actuary of the system shall determine the actuarial cost of the additional retirement benefit attributable to the person's employment under the program.
    2. Upon receiving certification of the cost by the Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall transfer the actuarial cost from the fund of the agency that employed the person under the program to the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System Fund.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1039, § 2; 2019, No. 315, § 2318; 2019, No. 910, § 3494.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (a).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (d)(2).

Chapter 4 Attendance and Leave

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Cross References. Computation of length of service for veterans, § 21-1-101.

Effective Dates. Acts 1953, No. 358, § 2: Mar. 28, 1953. Emergency clause provided: “It being found as a matter of fact by the legislature that certain officials in the State of Arkansas who have been elected to public office and are serving in said office may be injured in their jobs or deprived of their seniority rights by their employers because of their absence from work during the tenure of their office to the great injury and damage to said public officials, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1957, No. 242, § 2: Mar. 12, 1957. Emergency clause provided: “It being found as a matter of fact by the General Assembly that certain officials in the State of Arkansas who have been elected to public office and are serving in said office may be injured in their jobs or deprived of their seniority rights by their employers because of their absence from work during the tenure of their office to the great injury and damage to said public official, an emergency is declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1957, No. 246, § 3: approved Mar. 12, 1957. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, it is imperative that the State co-operate with the National Guard, the Reserve components of the Armed Forces and the United States Public Health Service in establishing and carrying out their training programs, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 2003, No. 471, § 2: emergency clause failed to pass. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is necessary for our homeland defense to have the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol ready for activation if called upon; and that this act is immediately necessary because if the Civil Air Patrol is not properly prepared, the security of our nation could be compromised. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

21-4-101. Leave of absence for public service.

  1. Any person who is employed by any person, firm, or corporation in the State of Arkansas shall be granted a leave of absence, upon the election of any such employee to a public office in the State of Arkansas, or upon appointment by the Governor of any such person to a board or commission in the State of Arkansas, which office requires the employee's absence from their employment.
  2. The leave of absence shall be for such period as the employee may request, not to exceed the duration of the term of office to which the employee has been elected.
  3. The granting of the leave of absence by the employer shall not be held to impair the employee's seniority rights of the job, nor shall the departmental seniority of the employee be broken for job purposes.

History. Acts 1953, No. 358, § 1; 1957, No. 242, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2333.

21-4-102. Leave of absence for certain training programs.

    1. All employees of the state, as defined in § 21-4-203, or of any of its political subdivisions, who desire to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in the military training programs made available by the National Guard or any of the reserve and auxiliary branches of the armed forces and all state employees who are members of the United States Public Health Service Ready Reserve Corps who desire to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in the civil defense and public health training programs made available by the United States Public Health Service shall be entitled to such a leave of absence for a period of fifteen (15) days plus necessary travel time for annual training requirements or other duties performed in an official duty status in any one (1) calendar year.
    2. To the extent this leave is not used in a calendar year, it will accumulate for use in the succeeding calendar year until it totals fifteen (15) days at the beginning of the calendar year.
    1. Whenever any employee is granted a leave of absence under the provisions of this section, he or she shall be entitled to his or her regular salary during the time he or she is away from his or her duties during such leave of absence.
    2. The leave of absence shall be in addition to the regular vacation time allowed to the employee.
    1. Employees called to duty in emergency situations by the Governor or by the President of the United States shall be granted leave with pay not to exceed thirty (30) working days, after which leave without pay will be granted. This leave shall be granted in addition to all other leave the employee shall be entitled to.
    2. “Emergency situations” shall have the same meaning as in § 21-4-212.
    1. During a leave of absence, the employee shall be entitled to preserve all seniority rights, efficiency or performance ratings, promotional status, retirement privileges, life and disability insurance benefits, and any other rights, privileges, and benefits to which they have become entitled.
    2. The period of military service shall, for purposes of computations to determine whether such person may be entitled to retirement benefits, be deemed continuous service and the employee shall not be required to make contributions to any retirement fund.
    3. The state or political subdivision shall continue to contribute its portion of any life or disability insurance premiums during the leave of absence on behalf of the employee, if requested, so that continuous coverage may be maintained.
  1. Whenever any employee of a political subdivision is granted military leave for a period of fifteen (15) days per calendar year or fiscal year under the provisions of this section, the military leave will accumulate for use in succeeding calendar years or fiscal years until it totals fifteen (15) days at the beginning of the calendar year or fiscal year, for a maximum number of military leave days available in any one (1) calendar year or fiscal year to be thirty (30) days.

History. Acts 1949, No. 465, § 1; 1957, No. 246, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2332; Acts 1991, No. 673, § 2; 1991, No. 956, § 1; 2017, No. 529, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1991, No. 956, § 1, is also codified as §§ 6-17-306(f) and 21-4-212(e).

Amendments. The 2017 amendment inserted “and auxiliary” in (a)(1).

21-4-103. Service credit for former Office of Child Support Enforcement contractors.

Any employee of the Office of Child Support Enforcement who was formerly employed by a public contractor with a contract in effect as of January 1, 1998, with the office and who moved from employment with the public contractor to employment with the office without a break in service shall be entitled to credit for service for the time he or she was employed by the contractor for the purpose of establishing eligibility for annual leave accrual and career service awards to the same extent as regular state employees.

History. Acts 1999, No. 882, § 1.

21-4-104. Leave of absence for emergency and rescue services.

  1. An employee of the state, a city of the first class, a city of the second class, an incorporated town, or a county who is a member of:
    1. The United States Civil Air Patrol or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and desires to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in a training program for the United States Civil Air Patrol or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or in emergency and rescue services shall be entitled to a leave of absence with pay for a period of fifteen (15) days for that purpose during any one (1) calendar year, if the leave of absence is at the request of the employee's wing commander, the wing commander's designated representative, or District 15 Captain; or
    2. The National Disaster Medical System, a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, or a Disaster Medical Assistance Team, of the Office of Emergency Management of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Services and desires to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in a training program in emergency and rescue services shall be entitled to a leave of absence with pay for a period of fifteen (15) days for that purpose during any one (1) calendar year, if the leave of absence is in response to a United States Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Team Alert Order.
    1. If an employee is granted a leave of absence under this section, the employee shall be entitled to his or her regular salary during the time the employee is away from his or her duties during the leave of absence.
    2. The leave of absence shall be in addition to the regular vacation time allowed to the employee.
  2. During a leave of absence, the employee shall be entitled to preserve:
    1. All seniority rights, efficiency or performance ratings, promotional status, retirement privileges, and life and disability insurance benefits; and
    2. Any other rights, privileges, and benefits to which he or she has become entitled.
  3. For purposes of computations to determine whether the person may be entitled to retirement benefits, the period of the leave of absence shall be deemed continuous service.
  4. The state, city, or county shall continue to contribute its portion of any life or disability insurance premiums during the leave of absence on behalf of the employee, if requested, so that continuous coverage may be maintained.

History. Acts 2003, No. 471, § 1; 2015, No. 1041, § 1.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment, in (a), inserted the (a)(1) designation and added (a)(2); inserted “the Coast Guard Auxiliary or” in (a)(1) and made stylistic changes.

21-4-105. Leave of absence for reexamination or treatment of service-connected disability.

  1. All employees of the State of Arkansas, as defined in § 21-4-203, who have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have incurred a military service-connected disability and have been scheduled by the department to be reexamined or treated for the disability shall be entitled to a leave of absence with pay for a period not to exceed six (6) days for that purpose during any one (1) calendar year.
    1. If an employee receives a leave of absence under this section, the employee shall be entitled to his or her regular salary during the time the employee is away from his or her duties during the leave of absence.
    2. The leave of absence shall be in addition to the regular annual leave and sick leave allowed to the employee.
  2. During a leave of absence, the employee shall be entitled to preserve:
    1. All seniority rights, efficiency or performance ratings, promotional status, retirement privileges, and life and disability insurance benefits; and
    2. Any other rights, privileges, and benefits to which he or she has become entitled.
  3. For purposes of computations to determine whether the employee may be entitled to retirement benefits, the period of the leave of absence shall be deemed continuous service.
  4. The state shall continue to contribute its portion of any life or disability insurance premiums during the leave of absence on behalf of the employee, if requested, so that continuous coverage may be maintained.

History. Acts 2005, No. 653, § 1.

21-4-106. Leave of absence for participation in Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Agency” means a department, agency, bureau, including the Bureau of Legislative Research, board, or commission of any branch of state government;
    2. “Employee” means a full-time employee of the State of Arkansas or any branch, department, agency, board, bureau, including the Bureau of Legislative Research, or commission of any branch of state government; and
    3. “Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program” means the incentive program of the Department of Health that will reward regular exercise, good nutrition, and other healthy lifestyle choices.
    1. Upon completion of a pilot program to be conducted by the department, the department shall:
      1. Make the Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program available to all agency directors; and
      2. Assist the agencies in the Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program's implementation.
    2. Upon completion of the pilot program, every agency director shall consider making the Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program available to the agency's employees.
    1. At the discretion of the agency director, an employee may be granted paid leave of up to three (3) days per calendar year for satisfactory compliance with the Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program.
    2. The leave shall be used in the calendar year in which it was granted.
    3. The leave is not compensable at termination.
  2. Each agency shall identify and maintain, if practicable, in or near each agency building an area or areas that employees may use for walking exercise.

History. Acts 2005, No. 724, § 1.

21-4-107. Paid leave for firefighters with occupationally caused cancer.

    1. A paid firefighter for the state or any political subdivision of the state who has completed five (5) or more years of employment as a paid firefighter shall be granted a minimum of one thousand four hundred fifty-six (1,456) hours of paid leave upon the initiation of treatment for an occupationally caused cancer.
    2. Paid leave for occupationally caused cancer under subdivision (a)(1) of this section:
      1. Does not reduce the accrued sick leave or annual vacation leave of the firefighter;
      2. Does not impact any other employment benefit of the firefighter; and
      3. May be transferred from a catastrophic leave bank of a fire department that provides a catastrophic leave program if the catastrophic leave program meets the requirements of this subdivision (a)(2).
    3. A firefighter is considered to have an occupationally caused cancer if the firefighter:
      1. While in the official line of duty, was exposed to a known carcinogen as determined by the Department of Health in consideration with the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer; and
      2. Has a disability or an impairment of health as a result of a diagnosis of a cancer listed in § 21-5-705(a)(3)(A)(i).
    4. A firefighter is not entitled to paid leave under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the firefighter's cancer:
        1. Did not result from the firefighter's employment with the state or political subdivision of the state.
          1. An occupationally caused cancer under this section is presumed to result from a firefighter's employment if at the time of employment the firefighter underwent a physical examination that did not reveal substantial evidence that the occupationally caused cancer existed before his or her employment as a firefighter.
          2. To rebut the presumption under subdivision (a)(4)(A)(ii)(a) of this section, the employer shall prove by a preponderance of the medical evidence that the occupationally caused cancer did not occur as a result of employment in the official line of duty; or
      1. Did result from the firefighter's employment with the state or political subdivision of the state, but workers' compensation is provided for the occupationally caused cancer.
      1. A fire department may participate in a firefighter cancer relief network created and governed by the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Inc.
      2. A firefighter cancer relief network under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall be established by September 1, 2019.
    1. A fire department that participates in a network under subdivision (b)(1) of this section may provide a firefighter to a requesting fire department to relieve a firefighter granted leave under this section and employed by the requesting fire department, if:
      1. The fire department that provided the firefighter continues to pay the firefighter's regular rate of pay and benefits, including without limitation any overtime compensation;
      2. The firefighter provided by the fire department continues to be covered by all applicable laws; and
      3. The fire department that requested the firefighter provides evidence to the fire department that provided the firefighter of substantial adverse budgetary impact without relief as the result of granting paid leave under this section.

History. Acts 2019, No. 973, § 1.

Subchapter 2 — Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act

Effective Dates. Acts 1977, No. 664, § 3: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and determined by the General Assembly that proper and effective management and control of state finances and personnel management required that the provisions of this Act be implemented at the commencement of the 1977-79 biennium, therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1977.”

Acts 1979, No. 1077, § 5: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to place the institutions of higher learning under the provisions of the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy and to provide that the same rules and regulations that apply to other classified positions shall also apply to these classified positions located in the institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1979.”

Acts 1981, No. 695, § 5: Mar. 24, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law pertaining to compensatory time under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act is vague and that this Act is immediately necessary to eliminate confusion. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1983, No. 931, § 7: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a Uniform Personnel Classification Plan for State Agencies and to provide that essential changes are implemented for the adequate functioning of those State Agencies. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1991, Nos. 91 and 169, § 7: Feb. 7, 1991 and Feb. 18, 1991, respectively. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the various state agencies should be authorized to establish catastrophic leave bank programs whereby state employees could contribute accrued annual leave and sick leave to the bank so that employees who suffer catastrophic illness could continue to be paid while off work for a length of time in excess of the accrued annual leave and sick leave of the employee; that this Act authorizes the establishment of such programs; and that this Act should be given effect immediately in order to grant the various agencies the power to institute the programs as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1999, No. 1044, § 21 and No. 1438, § 10: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1999 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1999 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1999.”

Acts 1999, No. 1176, § 8: Apr. 7, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that under the current law relating to the catastrophic leave program for state agency employees and for full-time employees of state institutions of higher education, catastrophic illness is defined as a medical condition of an employee only and does not include medical conditions of members of the employee's immediate family; that many times it is necessary that an employee miss work to care for a seriously ill member of the employee's immediate family; that if the employee has exhausted his or her accrued annual and sick leave and is not permitted to benefit from the catastrophic leave program he or she may suffer a substantial loss of income and serious hardship; that this act is designed to expand the term ‘catastrophic illness’ as used in the law which establishes the catastrophic leave bank program to include catastrophic illness of a spouse or parent of an employee or of a child of the employee which may be claimed as a dependent under the Arkansas Income Tax Act of 1929 and should be given effect immediately to avoid serious hardship to certain employees of state agencies and of state-supported institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1999, No. 1438, § 10: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1999 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1999 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1999.”

Acts 2003, No. 194, § 3: Feb. 21, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that certain state employees with severe illnesses are being denied time off to deal with those illnesses; that the employees are in dire need of relief from the strict requirements of the catastrophic leave law; that by denying them the time off an unnecessary hardship has befallen those public employees; and that this act is immediately necessary because of the immediate need for time off for those employees. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2003, No. 835, § 5: July 1, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the provisions of this act are needed to comply with the federal guidelines concerning uniform attendance and leave policies; that this act should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year; and that this act is immediately necessary to prevent confusion and uncertainty for state employees. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2007, No. 1028, § 3: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act adds to the provisions of the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act and that the ideal time to implement this change to the state's leave policies is at the beginning of the state's fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2017, No. 182, § 6: Feb. 16, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is in the best interest of the state to provide paid maternity leave to state employees; that this act is necessary because it provides a state employee the option to participate in a paid maternity leave program; and that this act is immediately necessary so that current public employees may utilize the paid maternity leave program as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-4-201. Title.

This subchapter may be referred to and cited as the “Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act”.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2365.

21-4-202. Legislative intent.

It is the purpose and intent of this subchapter to establish a uniform attendance and leave policy for all affected state employees of agencies, boards, and commissions covered by the provisions of this subchapter.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2364.

21-4-203. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Agency head” or “agency director” means the executive head of an agency, department, board, commission, bureau, council, or other entity of the state;
  2. “Annual leave” means vacation time with pay but does not include compensatory time;
  3. “Catastrophic illness” means a medical condition, as certified by a physician, of an employee, of the spouse or parent of the employee or of a child of the employee who may be claimed as a dependent under the Income Tax Act of 1929 which requires the employee's absence from duty for a prolonged period of time and which, except for the catastrophic leave program, would result in a substantial loss of income to the employee because of the exhaustion of all earned sick and annual leave;
  4. “Catastrophic leave” means leave granted to an employee as a result of a catastrophic illness, upon the employee's exhausting all sick and annual leave;
  5. “Catastrophic leave bank” means a pool of accrued annual and sick leave donated by employees;
  6. “Compensatory time” means time off in lieu of payment for overtime hours;
  7. “Educational leave” means any period of out-service training during which time the employee pursues a regular full-time course of instruction to acquire a specific skill or skills needed;
  8. “Employee” means a person regularly appointed or employed in a position of state service by a state agency, as defined in subdivision (11) of this section, for which he or she is compensated on a full-time basis;
  9. “Probationary employee” means a person certified from a list of eligibles or employed through a work test appointment and serving a probationary period;
  10. “Provisional employee” means a person who has been appointed to fill a position pending the establishment of a register for such a position;
  11. “State agencies” means all agencies, departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, councils, state-supported institutions of higher education, or other agencies except the following excluded agencies or positions within agencies:
    1. The elected constitutional officers of this state and their employees;
    2. The General Assembly and its employees, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit;
    3. Members of the Supreme Court, members of the Court of Appeals, the Administrative Office of the Courts, circuit courts, and prosecuting attorneys, but not including deputy prosecuting attorneys;
    4. The Arkansas Department of Transportation; and
    5. All administrative, academic, or other nonclassified employees of the state-supported institutions of higher education;
  12. “Temporary employee” means a person who has been appointed from a register for a period of time not to exceed six (6) months;
    1. “Working day” means all regularly prescribed days of employment in which the employee performs those duties for which he or she was hired.
    2. For the purposes of this subchapter, a working day consists of eight (8) hours; and
  13. “Years of service” includes the total number of years of employment with all agencies of Arkansas state government whether such employment is continuous or not.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 3; 1979, No. 1077, § 1; 1981, No. 695, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2366; Acts 1991, No. 91, § 1; 1991, No. 169, § 1; 1999, No. 1044, § 6; 1999, No. 1176, § 3; 1999, No. 1438, § 4; 2001, No. 1553, § 33; 2013, No. 997, § 1; 2015, No. 389, § 1; 2017, No. 182, §§ 1, 2; 2017, No. 254, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 67.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment by No. 1176, in (4), added “or of the spouse or parent … Tax Act of 1929” and substituted “except for the catastrophic leave program, would result” for “results”; and made stylistic changes.

The 1999 amendment by No. 1438, in (1)(C), inserted “the Administrative Office of the Courts” and substituted “but not including deputy prosecuting attorneys” for “and the Administrative Office of the Courts.”

The 2001 amendment substituted “Arkansas Surpreme Court, members of the Arkansas Court of Appeals, the Administrative” for “Supreme Court, the Administrative” in (1)(C).

The 2013 amendment added the definitions for “Immediate family member,” “Severe illness” and “Shared leave”.

The 2015 amendment added (17)(C) [now (13)(C)].

The 2017 amendment by No. 182 inserted “and sick” in (5); and deleted former (9), (12), and (13) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2017 amendment by No. 254 substituted “an agency, department, board, commission, bureau, council, or other entity” for “all agencies, departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, councils, or other agencies” in (1); substituted “does not” for “shall not” in (2); in (3), deleted “or” following the first occurrence of “employee”, substituted “who” for “that”, deleted “§ 26-51-101 et seq.” following “1929”, and substituted “the employee's” for “an employee's”; inserted “a” preceding “position” at the end of (10); and substituted “consists” for “shall consist” in (13)(B).

The 2017 amendment by No. 707 substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (14)(D) [now (11)(D)].

21-4-204. Annual leave — Accrual and use.

    1. Except for the employees under subdivision (a)(2) of this section, each permanent or probationary employee shall be entitled to annual leave with full pay computed on the basis of the following schedule for each complete month of service including the probationary period:
    2. Each fire and emergency service employee of the Department of the Military who works a regularly scheduled shift of more than forty-seven (47) hours per week is entitled to annual leave with full pay computed on the basis of the following schedule for each complete month of service:
  1. Annual leave with pay shall be allowed to provisional and temporary employees on the basis of one (1) working day for each complete month of service.
  2. Annual leave with pay shall be allowed to permanent, probationary, provisional, and temporary employees who are working one-half (½) time computed on the basis of one-half (½) the rate of the schedule for full-time employees for each complete month of service.
  3. Annual leave with pay shall not be granted to emergency, hourly, intermittent, or per diem employees.
      1. Annual leave shall be cumulative. No employee shall have more than thirty (30) days of annual leave accumulated at the end of each calendar year. However, the thirty-day accumulative annual leave may exceed thirty (30) days prior to the end of the calendar year.
      2. No fire or emergency service employee under subdivision (a)(2) of this section shall accumulate annual leave in excess of forty-five (45) days at the end of each calendar year, except that the forty-five-day maximum of cumulative annual leave may exceed forty-five (45) days during the calendar year.
    1. Accumulated annual leave shall be granted by the agency director at such time or times as will least interfere with the efficient operation of the agency.
    2. Employees transferring between state agencies without a break in service shall retain, at the time of transfer, all accumulated annual leave credits.
    3. Change of positions in the annual leave schedule shall be determined on the basis of completed years of service. Seniority for reinstated employees will be brought forward in completed years of service only.
    4. Accrual rates will change on the first day of the month following eligibility for the next higher accrual rate.
    5. Annual leave may not be accumulated during a period of leave without pay when such leave is for ten (10) or more days within a calendar month.
    6. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and nonworking days within a period of annual leave shall not be charged as annual leave. Annual leave granted shall be based on working days.
    1. Unearned annual leave shall not be loaned.
    2. The minimum charge for absence on account of annual leave shall be fifteen (15) minutes.

Through 3 years 1 day per month 3 through 5 years 1 day and 2 hours per month 5 through 12 years 1 day and 4 hours per month 12 through 20 years 1 day and 6 hours per month Over 20 years 1 day and 7 hours per month

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Through 3 years 1 day and 4 hours per month 3 through 5 years 1 day and 7 hours per month 5 through 12 years 2 days per month 12 through 20 years 2 days and 3 hours per month Over 20 years 2 days and 5 hours per month

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History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2367; Acts 1997, No. 155, § 1; 2003, No. 356, §§ 1, 2; 2019, No. 910, § 5546.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment added (a)(2); in present (a)(1), added “Except for the employees under subdivision (a)(2) of this section” at the beginning and made stylistic changes; added (e)(1)(B); and inserted “of” preceding “annual leave” in (e)(1)(A).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of the Military” for “State Military Department” in the introductory language of (a)(2).

21-4-205. Annual leave — Unused leave.

    1. Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2) of this section, whenever an employee is separated from the agency by reason of resignation, layoff, termination of appointment, or dismissal, the unused annual leave to his or her credit as of his or her last duty date shall be liquidated by a lump-sum payment, not to exceed thirty (30) working days, inclusive of holidays.
    2. Unused annual leave to the credit of a fire and emergency service employee under § 21-4-204(a)(2) shall be liquidated by a lump-sum payment, not to exceed forty-five (45) working days, inclusive of holidays.
    1. Unused accumulated annual leave of a deceased employee, not to exceed thirty (30) days, shall be payable either to the estate of the deceased or to an individual authorized to receive such payment.
    2. Payment for services of an employee on leave with pay status at the time of death shall continue through close of business on the day of demise.
    3. No payment shall be made in any case until it shall have been determined that the deceased was not indebted to the agency.
    4. A voucher shall be prepared for the money due to be made payable either to the estate of the deceased or to an individual authorized to receive such payment.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2367; Acts 2007, No. 606, § 1.

21-4-206. Sick leave — When granted — Definition.

    1. Sick leave with pay shall be granted to employees when they are incapacitated for the performance of their duties by sickness, injury, or for medical, dental, or optical treatment.
    2. Sick leave may not be granted for slight illness or indisposition not incapacitating the employee for the performance of his or her regular duties.
    1. Sick leave may also be granted employees due to a death or serious illness of a member of the employee's immediate family.
    2. For the purposes of this subsection, “immediate family” means the father, mother, sister, brother, husband, wife, child, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild, in-laws, or any individual acting as parent or guardian of an employee.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2368; Acts 2003, No. 835, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The term “immediate family member” is defined for the subchapter in § 21-4-203.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment added the subdivision designations in (b); and, in present (b)(2), substituted “means” for “shall mean” and inserted “grandchild.”

21-4-207. Sick leave — Accrual and use.

      1. Except for the employees under subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section, each permanent or probationary employee shall be entitled to sick leave with full pay computed on the basis of one (1) day for each complete month of service including the probationary period.
      2. Each fire and emergency service employee of the Department of the Military who works a regularly scheduled shift of more than forty-seven (47) hours per week is entitled to sick leave with full pay computed on the basis of one (1) day and four (4) hours for each complete month of service.
      1. Only one hundred twenty (120) days of sick leave may be carried over at the end of the calendar year.
        1. Fire and emergency service employees under subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section may accumulate one hundred eighty (180) days of sick leave to carry over at the end of the calendar year.
        2. Payment to a fire and emergency service employee for unused sick leave at retirement under § 21-4-501 et seq. shall be calculated at the one-hundred-eighty-day maximum rate for a fire and emergency service employee.
        1. An employee shall be required to furnish a certificate from an attending physician for five (5) or more consecutive days of sick leave.
        2. An agency that has a written procedure to identify patterns of sick leave usage may require an employee to furnish a certificate from an attending physician for any use of sick leave.
      1. A certificate from a Christian Science practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal may be submitted in lieu of a physician's certificate.
  1. Sick leave with pay shall not be granted to emergency, hourly, intermittent, or per diem employees.
  2. Sick leave with pay shall be allowed to provisional and temporary employees on the basis of one (1) day for each complete month of service.
  3. Sick leave with pay shall be allowed to permanent, probationary, provisional, and temporary employees who are working one-half (½) time computed on the basis of one-half (½) the rate of the schedule for full-time employees for each complete month of service.
    1. Sick leave may not be accumulated during a period of leave without pay when such leave is for ten (10) or more days within a calendar month.
    2. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and nonworking days within a period of sick leave shall not be charged as sick leave. Sick leave granted shall be based on working days.
    3. Employees transferring between state agencies without a break in service shall, at the time of transfer, retain all accumulated sick leave credits.
    4. Whenever an employee is laid off because of budgetary reasons or curtailment of activities and he or she is reinstated within a period of six (6) months, accumulated sick leave may be restored to his or her credit.
    1. Except in the case of maternity leave, absences due to sick leave shall be charged in the following order:
      1. Earned sick leave;
      2. Earned annual leave;
      3. Shared leave, when authorized;
      4. Catastrophic leave, when authorized; and
      5. Leave without pay, when authorized.
      1. Requests for sick leave shall be applied for in advance.
      2. If the nature of the sickness makes this impossible, notification of absence on account of sickness shall be given as soon as possible on the first day of absence to the head of the department or the person in charge of the office, and application for sick leave shall be filed within two (2) days after return to duty.
      3. If notification is not made in accordance with the procedure in this section, the absence shall be charged to annual leave or leave without pay, at the discretion of the agency director.
    2. The minimum charge for absence on account of sickness shall be fifteen (15) minutes.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 5; 1983, No. 129, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2368; Acts 1989, No. 265, § 1; 1991, No. 91, § 3; 1991, No. 169, § 3; 1997, No. 155, § 2; 2003, No. 356, § 3; 2003, No. 835, § 2; 2007, No. 606, § 2; 2013, No. 997, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 5547.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment by No. 356 redesignated the former introductory language of (a), (a)(1) and (2) as present (a)(1)(A), (2)(A) and (3), respectively; added the exception at the beginning of (a)(1)(A); added (a)(1)(B) and (a)(2)(B); and added the subdivision designations in present (a)(3).

The 2003 amendment by No. 835 substituted “ten (10) or more days” for “more than ten (10) days” in (e)(1).

The 2013 amendment inserted (f)(1)(C) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of the Military” for “State Military Department” in (a)(1)(B).

21-4-208. Sick leave — Use in conjunction with workers' compensation.

    1. Employees who are absent from work due to a temporary occupational injury or illness and who are entitled to workers' compensation benefits, upon proper application, may utilize their accrued sick leave as a supplement to their workers' compensation benefits so as to receive benefits from both sources equal to but not in excess of their normal weekly pay at the time of their injury or onset of illness.
    2. Such option, when exercised, shall reduce the employee's accrued sick leave on a proportional basis.
    1. In the event an employee receives workers' compensation payments as a salary benefit in addition to sick leave payments and the combined payments exceed the employee's normal weekly pay, the employee shall pay the excess amount to the agency for deposit into the agency's fund from which the sick leave has been paid.
    2. Upon receipt of the excess amount of pay, the agency shall then restore to the employee's credit that amount of sick leave that was used in a proportion that the workers' compensation payment is to the employee's weekly pay.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 5; 1977, No. 664, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2368.

21-4-209. Maternity leave.

  1. Maternity leave shall be treated as any other leave for sickness or disability. Accumulated sick leave and annual leave, if requested by the employee, shall be granted for maternity use, after which leave without pay may be used.
  2. Catastrophic leave under § 21-4-214 may be used for maternity leave.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2368; Acts 2017, No. 182, § 3.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (b).

21-4-210. Leave of absence without pay.

    1. Upon application in writing to and written approval by the agency director, a state employee may be eligible to obtain a continuous leave of absence without pay up to six (6) months unless:
      1. Granted in accordance with § 21-4-212; or
      2. The agency director has determined that the state employee's request for leave of absence without pay would cause an undue hardship on the agency.
    2. At the expiration of such leave, the employee shall be reinstated in the service without loss of any of his or her benefits or shall extend the leave of absence without pay up to an additional six (6) months unless:
      1. The agency director has determined that reinstatement or continuing the leave without pay status of the state employee would cause an undue hardship on the agency; or
      2. The position is no longer available due to a budgetary reduction in staff of the agency.
  1. Failure on the part of an employee to report promptly at the expiration of the leave of absence except for satisfactory reasons submitted in advance shall be a cause for dismissal.
      1. Except in accordance with § 21-4-212 and in the case of maternity leave, leave of absence without pay shall not be granted until all of the employee's accumulated annual leave has been exhausted.
      2. However, an agency may place an employee in a leave-without-pay status:
        1. For disciplinary reasons in accordance with the agency's written and publicized personnel policy;
        2. Due to inclement weather as designated by state policy; or
        3. Due to necessary budget reduction as determined by the state agency director.
    1. Leave of absence without pay due to illness shall not be granted until all of the employee's accumulated sick leave has been exhausted.
    2. In the case of maternity leave, the employee may elect to take leave of absence without pay without exhausting accumulated annual and sick leave.
    1. Any employee on leave of absence without pay shall not accumulate leave time, participate in agency group insurance programs to which the state contributes, or receive pay for any legal holidays.
    2. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an employee from paying the total costs of agency group insurance during such leave and being reinstated into such programs on return to duty.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 6; 1983, No. 129, § 2; 1983, No. 931, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2369; Acts 2003, No. 835, § 3.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment rewrote (a); added the subdivision designations in (c) and made stylistic changes; and added (c)(1)(B)(ii) and (iii).

21-4-211. Educational leave.

A permanent employee who is given out-service training may be granted educational leave by the agency director on the following basis:

  1. The employee will continue in the service of the agency for a period of time as statutorily required or, in the absence of a specific law, at least two (2) times the length of his or her course of training;
    1. Any employee who does not fulfill these obligations shall be required to pay to the agency the total cost, or a proportionate share of the cost, of the out-service training and compensation paid during the training period.
    2. A written contract shall be signed by the employee and the agency setting forth all terms of the agreement;
  2. The employee shall retain all rights in the position held at the time when leave was granted or in a position with comparable security and pay;
  3. The employee shall retain all benefits and rights during the training period that accrued during that time to regular employees;
  4. The amount of salary paid during the training period shall be as agreed by the employee and agency director but shall not exceed the regular salary paid the employee; and
    1. Payment of tuition, fees, books, and transportation may be made if moneys have been specifically appropriated by the General Assembly for those purposes or if the Department of Health provides assistance to employees of the department who are seeking a master's degree, a doctor of public health degree, or a doctor of philosophy degree in public health.
    2. The department shall not provide the assistance authorized under subdivision (6)(A) of this section to more than twelve (12) employees in any fiscal year.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2372; Acts 1999, No. 193, § 1; 2007, No. 280, § 1; 2009, No. 252, § 1.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment made minor stylistic changes in (5); in (6)(A), substituted “department” for “Division of Health of the Department of Health,” substituted “a doctor of public health” for “DrPH” and substituted “a doctor of philosophy degree” for “PhD degree.”

21-4-212. Military leave — Definition.

    1. Employees who are members of the armed forces of this state or any other state, including without limitation the National Guard or a reserve component or auxiliary of the United States Armed Forces, shall be granted leave at the rate of fifteen (15) days per calendar year plus necessary travel time for annual training requirements or other duties performed in an official duty status.
    2. To the extent this leave is not used in a calendar year, it will accumulate for use in the succeeding calendar year until it totals fifteen (15) days at the beginning of a calendar year.
    3. The leave shall be granted without loss of pay and in addition to regular vacation time.
    4. Each employee who requests military leave shall furnish a copy of his or her orders for his or her personnel file.
    1. An employee who is drafted or called to active duty in the United States Armed Forces or who volunteers for military service shall be placed on extended military leave without pay and upon application within ninety (90) days after the effective date of his or her release from active duty shall be reinstated to the position vacated or an equivalent position at no loss of seniority or any of the other benefits and privileges of employment.
    2. The right of reemployment shall conform with all federal government rules and regulations.
    1. Personnel called to duty in emergency situations by the Governor or the President of the United States shall be granted leave with pay not to exceed thirty (30) working days after which leave without pay will be granted. This leave shall be granted in addition to regular vacation time.
    2. As used in this section, “emergency situations” means:
      1. Any case of invasion, disaster, insurrection, riot, breach of peace, or imminent danger thereof;
      2. Threats to the public health or security; or
      3. Threats to the maintenance of law and order.
    1. During any military leave of absence, the employee shall preserve all seniority rights, efficiency or performance ratings, promotional status, retirement privileges, life and disability insurance benefits, and any other rights, privileges, and benefits to which the employee has become entitled.
    2. For purposes of computations to determine whether the person may be entitled to retirement benefits, the period of military service shall be deemed continuous service, and the employee shall not be required to make any contributions to any retirement fund.
    3. The state shall continue to contribute its portion of any life or disability insurance premiums during the leave of absence on behalf of the employee, if requested, so that continuous coverage may be maintained.
  1. Whenever an employee as defined under § 21-4-203 or an employee of a political subdivision is granted military leave for a period of fifteen (15) days per calendar year or fiscal year under this section, the military leave shall accumulate for use in succeeding calendar years or fiscal years until it totals fifteen (15) days at the beginning of the calendar year or fiscal year, for a maximum number of thirty (30) military leave days available in any one (1) calendar year or fiscal year.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2370; Acts 1989, No. 586, § 1; 1991, No. 673, § 3; 1991, No. 956, § 1; 2011, No. 1164, § 3; 2017, No. 529, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1991, No. 956, § 1, is also codified as §§ 6-17-306(f) and 21-4-102(e).

Amendments. The 2011 amendment rewrote (a)(1); deleted former (c) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; and inserted “As used in this section” in the introductory language of present (c)(2).

The 2017 amendment inserted “or auxiliary” in (a)(1).

21-4-213. Court and jury leave — Definition.

  1. An employee serving as a juror in state or federal court shall be entitled to full compensation in addition to any fees paid for such services, and such services or necessary appearances in any court shall not be counted as annual leave.
  2. If an employee is subpoenaed as a witness to give a deposition or testimony in state or federal court, at a hearing, or before any body with power to issue a subpoena, the employee is:
    1. Entitled to his or her salary if the employee is a witness in a matter:
      1. Within the employee's scope of state employment; or
      2. Outside the employee's scope of state employment and the employee is not serving as a paid expert witness or is not a party to the matter; and
    2. Required to take annual leave to attend the deposition, hearing, or appear in court only if the matter is outside of the employee's scope of state employment and the employee is serving as a paid expert witness or is a party to the matter.
    1. If a law enforcement officer is subpoenaed to appear at a time when the law enforcement officer is not scheduled for regular duty:
      1. This section shall not apply; and
      2. The law enforcement officer shall be entitled to retain witness and mileage fees tendered to the law enforcement officer.
    2. As used in this section, “law enforcement officer” means any public servant vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for offenses.

History. Acts 1975, No. 567, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2371; Acts 2003, No. 835, § 4; 2005, No. 1845, § 3.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment substituted “a juror or subpoenaed as a witness … scope of state employment” for “a witness or juror or party litigant.”

The 2005 amendment added (b) and (c); and, in (a), substituted “An” for “Any,” deleted “or subpoenaed as a witness to give a deposition in a court or hearing not involving personal litigation or service as a paid expert witness outside the scope of state employment,” following “a juror,” and inserted “in state or federal court.”

21-4-214. Catastrophic leave program.

    1. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall have administrative responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining the statewide catastrophic leave bank program.
      1. Each state agency shall participate in a catastrophic leave bank to be administered by the Office of Personnel Management.
      2. The following governmental entities may voluntarily participate in the catastrophic leave bank program or establish a catastrophic leave bank for its employees:
        1. The General Assembly;
        2. The Bureau of Legislative Research;
        3. Arkansas Legislative Audit;
        4. The Arkansas Department of Transportation;
        5. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;
        6. The Supreme Court;
        7. The Court of Appeals;
        8. The Administrative Office of the Courts;
        9. A constitutional office; and
        10. Institutions of higher education.
  1. Accrued annual leave and sick leave of employees may be donated to a catastrophic leave bank.
  2. Catastrophic leave with pay may be granted to an employee when the employee is unable to perform his or her duties due to a catastrophic illness, including maternity purposes.
  3. An employee may be eligible for catastrophic leave when:
      1. The employee has been employed by the state for one (1) year or more or was previously employed by a public school district or state-supported institution of higher education for one (1) year or more.
      2. A person who was employed by a public school district or state-supported institution of higher education for less than one (1) year also is eligible for catastrophic leave if:
        1. The person's combined years of employment with the state and with a public school district or state-supported institution of higher education totals more than one (1) year; and
        2. The lapse in the person's employment between the state and a public school district or state-supported institution of higher education is less than six (6) months;
    1. The employee is female, and the catastrophic leave is to be used for maternity purposes after:
      1. The birth of the employee's biological child; or
      2. The placement of an adoptive child in the home of the employee;
      1. At the onset of the illness or injury the employee had to his or her credit at least eighty (80) hours of combined sick and annual leave and has exhausted all such leave, unless the combined sick and annual leave requirement is waived under subdivision (d)(3)(B) of this section.
      2. A state agency director or a president of an institution of higher education may waive the minimum eighty-hour requirement for combined sick and annual leave if the agency director determines that the employee warrants eligibility because of extraordinary circumstances under the standards and guidelines promulgated under subdivision (g)(2) of this section;
        1. An employee on catastrophic leave for maternity purposes is not required to exhaust sick or annual leave before being granted catastrophic leave.
        2. An employee on catastrophic leave for maternity purposes does not accrue any leave;
    2. An acceptable medical certificate from a physician supporting the continued absence is on file; and
    3. The employee has not been disciplined for any leave abuse during the past year from the time of application.
    1. Up to four (4) consecutive weeks of catastrophic leave with full pay may be granted to an employee for maternity purposes.
    2. The employee shall be eligible for the leave only within the first twelve (12) weeks after the birth or adoption of a child.
    3. After the expiration of the four (4) weeks of leave under subdivision (e)(1) of this section, maternity leave shall be treated as any other leave for sickness or disability under § 21-4-209.
    4. Catastrophic leave for maternity purposes shall run concurrently with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, Pub. L. No. 103-3.
  4. If the illness or injury is that of an employee and is covered by workers' compensation, the compensation based on catastrophic leave when combined with the weekly workers' compensation benefit received by the employee shall not exceed the compensation being received by the employee at the onset of the illness or injury.
  5. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, or the secretary's designee, shall establish policies and procedures:
    1. As deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this section; and
    2. To prescribe the standards and guidelines of the extraordinary circumstances that the state agency director or the president of an institution of higher education may use to waive the minimum requirement for combined sick and annual leave.

History. Acts 1991, No. 91, § 2; 1991, No. 169, § 2; 1999, No. 1176, § 4; 2003, No. 194, §§ 1, 2; 2009, No. 870, § 1; 2017, No. 182, § 4; 2019, No. 390, §§ 1, 2; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3495, 6123, 6124.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The introductory language of subsection (g) was amended by Acts 2019, No. 910, §§ 3495 and 6124. The amendments cannot be reconciled. Under rules of statutory construction, Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6124, being the later section, has the effect of repealing Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3495. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3495, amended the introductory language of (g) to read as follows: “(g) The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, or the secretary's designee, shall establish policies and procedures:”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “when such employee is unable to perform his or her duties” for “when such employee is incapacitated for the performance of the employee's duties” in (c); rewrote (d)(2); deleted former (d)(3); redesignated former (d)(4) and (d)(5) as present (d)(3) and (d)(4); added (e); redesignated former (e) as present (f); and made stylistic changes.

The 2003 amendment redesignated former (d)(2) as present (d)(2)(A) and added “unless the combined … this section”; added (d)(2)(B); added (f)(2); and made stylistic and gender neutral changes in (f).

The 2009 amendment rewrote (d)(1).

The 2017 amendment substituted “the statewide” for “a” in (a)(1); substituted “shall” for “approved by the department to participate in the catastrophic leave bank program may establish a catastrophic leave bank for its employees, or the state agency may” in (a)(2)(A); added (a)(2)(B); added “including maternity purposes” to the end of (c); substituted “one (1) year” for “two (2) years” in (d)(1)(A), the introductory language of (d)(1)(B), and (d)(1)(B)(i); inserted present (d)(2) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; added (d)(3)(C); substituted “year from the time of application” for “two (2) years” in (d)(5); inserted present (e) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; substituted “establish policies and procedures” for “promulgate rules and regulations” in (g); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment by No. 390, in (d)(1)(A), substituted the first occurrence of “one (1) year or more” for “more than (1) year” and substituted the second occurrence of “one (1) year or more” for “more than two (2) years”; and substituted “The employee is female, and the catastrophic leave is to be used for maternity purposes” for “Catastrophic leave for maternity purposes may be granted to a female employee” in the introductory language of (d)(2).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, § 3495, in the introductory language of (g), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” and “secretary’s” for “director’s”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, §§ 6123, 6124, substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in (a)(1); and, in the introductory language of (g), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” and “secretary’s” for “director’s”.

U.S. Code. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, Pub. L. No. 103-3, referred to in this section, is primarily codified as 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. and 5 U.S.C. § 6381 et seq.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Catastrophic Leave Program, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 474.

21-4-215. Leave for bone marrow or organ donation — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Bone marrow donor” means a person from whose body bone marrow is taken to be transferred to the body of another person;
    2. “Organ” means a human organ that is capable of being transferred from the body of a person to the body of another person, including eyes;
    3. “Organ donor” means a person from whose body an organ is taken to be transferred to the body of another person;
    4. “Public school” means any public school or education service cooperative located in the State of Arkansas;
    5. “Public school employee” means a full-time employee of a public school or education service cooperative;
    6. “State agency” means an agency, bureau, board, or commission of any branch of state government, and all state-supported institutions of higher education; and
    7. “State employee” means a full-time employee of the State of Arkansas or any branch, department, board, bureau, commission, or state-supported institution of higher education.
  2. In any calendar year, a state employee or public school employee is entitled to the following leave in order to serve as an organ donor or a bone marrow donor:
    1. No more than seven (7) days of leave to serve as a bone marrow donor; and
    2. No more than thirty (30) days of leave to serve as an organ donor.
  3. In order to qualify for the leave, the state employee or public school employee must:
    1. Request the leave in writing;
    2. Provide the employing agency written verification by the physician to perform the transplantation that the employee is to serve as a human organ or bone marrow donor; and
    3. Provide the employing agency written verification by the physician performing the transplantation that the employee did serve as a human organ or bone marrow donor.
  4. A state employee or school employee may use the leave as provided in this section without loss or reduction in pay, leave, or credit for time of service.
  5. A state agency or public school shall not penalize an employee for requesting or obtaining leave pursuant to this section.

History. Acts 2003, No. 546, § 3; 2007, No. 617, § 41.

Cross References. Organ and tissue donation education in driver's instruction manual, § 27-18-109.

Organ donor awareness education, § 6-16-501.

21-4-216. Leave for participation in children's educational activities — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
      1. “Child” means a person enrolled in an educational program for prekindergarten through grade twelve (preK-12) who is of the following relation to a state employee:
        1. Natural child;
        2. Adopted child;
        3. Stepchild;
        4. Foster child;
        5. Grandchild;
        6. Ward of the state employee by virtue of the state employee's having been appointed the person's legal guardian or custodian; or
        7. Any other legal capacity in which the employee is acting as a parent for the child.
      2. “Child” includes a person who meets the criteria of subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section but is over eighteen (18) years of age and:
        1. Has a developmental disability as defined in § 20-48-101; or
        2. Is declared legally incompetent;
      1. “Educational activity” means any school-sponsored activity.
      2. “Educational activity” includes without limitation:
        1. Attending a parent-teacher conference;
        2. Participating in school-sponsored tutoring of the child;
        3. Participating in a volunteer program sponsored by the school in which the child is enrolled;
        4. Attending a field trip with the child;
        5. Attending a school-sponsored program or ceremony in which the child is participating;
        6. Attending a graduation or homecoming ceremony in which the child is participating;
        7. Attending an awards or scholarship presentation in which the child is participating;
        8. Attending a parents' or grandparents' breakfast in which the child is participating;
        9. Attending a classroom party in which the child is participating;
        10. Attending a school committee meeting of the school in which the child is enrolled;
        11. Attending an academic competition in which the child is participating;
        12. Attending an athletic, music, or theater program in which the child is enrolled; and
        13. Engaging in any of the activities listed in subdivisions (a)(2)(B)(i)-(xii) of this section that are connected with a prekindergarten program;
    1. “Prekindergarten” means an educational and child development program that is designed to prepare children who are at least three (3) years of age for an academic kindergarten program;
    2. “State agency” means an agency, a bureau, a board, or a commission of any branch of state government and all state-supported institutions of higher education; and
    3. “State employee” means a full-time employee of the State of Arkansas or any branch, department, board, bureau, commission, or state-supported institution of higher education.
    1. All state employees shall be entitled to eight (8) hours of leave during any one (1) calendar year for the purpose of engaging in and traveling to or from the educational activities of a child.
    2. Leave under subdivision (b)(1) of this section:
      1. That is unused may not be carried over to the next calendar year; and
      2. Is not compensable to the state employee at the time of retirement.

History. Acts 2007, No. 1028, § 2; 2011, No. 584, §§ 1, 2; 2013, No. 134, § 1; 2015, No. 294, §§ 1, 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 1028, § 1, provided:

“Legislative intent. The purpose of this act is to allow state employees an opportunity to participate in their children's educational activities by granting eight (8) hours of children's educational activity leave per calendar year.”

Amendments. The 2011 amendment redesignated former (a)(1)(A) through (G) as (a)(1)(A)(i) through (vii); inserted “an educational program for” in (a)(1)(A); and added (a)(1)(B), (a)(2)(B)(ix), and (a)(3).

The 2013 amendment, in (a)(1)(B), added “over eighteen (18) years of age and,” rewrote (a)(1)(B)(i) and added “Is” preceding “declared” in (a)(1)(B)(ii).

The 2015 amendment rewrote (a)(2); and substituted “engaging in and traveling to or from” for “attending or assisting with” in (b)(1).

21-4-217. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. The repeal of this section by Acts 2017, No. 182, § 5, supersedes the amendment of this section by Acts 2017, No. 707, § 68. The 2017 amendment by Act 707 changed “Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department” to “Arkansas Department of Transportation” in (b)(1)(E).

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning shared leave, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 182, § 5. The section was derived from Acts 2013, No. 997, § 3; 2015, No. 389, § 2.

Subchapter 3 — Military Leave of Absence

Cross References. Rights of reservists, § 21-3-306.

Effective Dates. Acts 1943, No. 247, §§ 17, 20: effective as of date of entry of affected official or employee into military service after Nov. 11, 1940. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas considerable confusion has been caused by the induction of state, county, and municipal officials and employees, into the armed forces of the United States, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.” Approved March 18, 1943.

Acts 1955, No. 72, § 2: approved Feb. 17, 1955. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas the Federal Selective Service Act has been amended to provide the above four-year limitation on re-employment rights, and, whereas there exists considerable confusion regarding the status of public employees in military service, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

21-4-301. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Active service” or “active duty” shall include the period during which a person in military service is absent from duty on account of sickness, wounds, leave, or other lawful cause;
  2. “Military service” shall signify federal service on active duty with any branch of service referred to in subdivision (4) of this section as well as training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service;
    1. “Period of military service” shall include the time between the following dates:
      1. For persons in active service as of March 18, 1943, it shall begin with the date of their induction into active service; and
      2. For persons entering active service, it shall begin with the date of their induction into active service.
    2. It shall terminate with death or a date thirty (30) days immediately next succeeding the date of release or discharge from active military service, or upon return from active military service, whichever shall occur first; and
  3. “Person in military service” and “persons in the military service of the United States” shall include the following persons and no others:
    1. All members of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard; and
    2. All officers of the United States Public Health Service detailed by proper authority for duty with either the United States Army or the United States Navy.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2301.

21-4-302. Officers — Leave of absence granted to perform active military service.

  1. Subject to the provisions of this subchapter, the following officers shall be granted leave of absence from their respective offices and duties to perform active military service:
    1. State officials;
    2. County officials;
    3. County school officials;
    4. Municipal officials;
    5. Township officials; and
    6. All others who hold an elected office under the government of the State of Arkansas.
  2. When an officer volunteers or is called into active duty in the United States Armed Forces during war, the Governor, or person or persons whose duty it is to fill the vacancy should there be one, shall, upon application being made by the officer, grant the officer a leave of absence during the time the officer is retained in the military service, subject to the exceptions provided in this subchapter.
    1. An officer who volunteers or is called into active duty in the United States Armed Forces shall not be deemed to have forfeited his or her office during his or her leave of absence for military duty.
    2. Upon completion of active military duty, the officer shall be permitted to resume his or her office for the remainder of the term for which he or she was elected.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2302, 12-2303; Acts 2009, No. 775, § 1.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rearranged and redesignated the provisions of (a); added (c); and made minor stylistic changes.

21-4-303. Officers — Deputy appointed by officer.

  1. Officers who are authorized by law to appoint deputies shall appoint capable and competent deputies to take over and perform the duties of the office while the officers are on leave.
  2. The deputy shall be required to furnish good and sufficient bond in the same sum as required of the officer appointing him or her for the faithful performance of such duties.
  3. After the bond is furnished by the deputy, the bond of the officer appointing him or her shall be null and void.
    1. Such officer shall file a certificate with the county clerk stating that he or she is taking a leave of absence under the provisions of this subchapter and shall name in the certificate the deputy selected by him or her to fill the office while he or she is on leave.
    2. The county clerk shall record the certificate in the records of the county court.
  4. The deputy so appointed shall have the right to appoint any deputies necessary for the efficient operation of the office.
    1. Any deputy qualifying under the provisions of this subchapter shall perform all duties that may devolve upon the officer appointing him or her, and shall sign all official papers and documents in the name of the officer so appointing him or her as deputy.
    2. The deputy's acts shall in all respects be as binding as if performed by the officer appointing such deputy.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, §§ 5, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2305, 12-2306.

21-4-304. Officers — Deputy appointed by Governor.

    1. Any elected officer who is not authorized by law to appoint deputies to perform the duties of the office which he or she holds, except circuit judges and members of the General Assembly, shall select a competent and qualified person to perform the duties of the office during the time the officer is on leave and certify to the Governor, or the person or persons who would be authorized to fill a vacancy if one should occur in the office, the selection of such person.
    2. The Governor shall confirm the selection by appointment unless he or she shall determine that the person is unfit and not qualified to fill the office.
    3. After it is determined that the person so selected is not qualified, the Governor shall make a statement in writing setting out his or her specific objections to the person selected, and the officer applying for a leave shall certify the selection of a person who is found to be qualified before the leave of absence may be granted.
    4. However, if the officer fails or refuses to appoint or select a person qualified, the Governor, or person who would have the authority to appoint a qualified person to fill the office during the leave, shall make such appointment.
  1. When the officer terminates his or her military service and appears and offers to resume the duties of his or her office, the person appointed to fill the office shall relinquish the same to him or her.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, §§ 9, 11; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2309, 12-2311.

21-4-305. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning military leave of absence for chancery court judges, was repealed by Acts 2003, No. 1185, § 258. The section was derived from Acts 1943, No. 247, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2307.

21-4-306. Circuit court judges.

  1. Whenever a judge of a circuit court shall volunteer or be called into the military service of the United States, the office shall be filled during such leave of absence by the election of an emergency circuit judge by a majority of all regular licensed and practicing attorneys of the judicial district in attendance at a meeting to be called by the circuit judge, after due notice to the attorneys.
  2. The emergency circuit judge shall hold and discharge the duties of the office until such time as the regularly elected circuit judge shall reassume the office and shall be vested with all the powers and charged with all the duties incident to the office.
  3. The emergency circuit judge shall be compensated in the same manner and amount as provided by law to the regularly elected circuit judge holding such office.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2308.

Case Notes

Act Retroactive.

This section amended the previous civil service act and was retroactive, so that city ordinance of 1942 providing for retention of civil service status of all municipal employees while in the armed services was valid. Smith v. Little Rock Civil Serv. Comm'n, 214 Ark. 765, 218 S.W.2d 366 (1949).

21-4-307. Officers — Expiration of term while on leave.

  1. In the event the term of office of an official on leave shall expire during leave, the office of that official shall be filled by election or appointment as may be required by law.
  2. However, the official on leave shall have the right to qualify and become a candidate for such office, and if nominated and elected, shall have the same rights and privileges provided in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2304.

21-4-308. Employees — Leave of absence granted at discretion of employer.

  1. In the discretion of their employer, all employees of the state, counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions of Arkansas may be granted leave of absence under the terms of this subchapter and upon leave of absence’s being granted to officials under this subchapter.
  2. However, an employee shall not have the right to select or in any way control the selection of his or her successor.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2312.

21-4-309. Employees — Reemployment rights.

  1. Any public employee who may be granted a leave of absence under the provisions of this subchapter and who serves for not more than four (4) years, plus any period of additional service imposed pursuant to law shall be entitled, upon release from service under honorable conditions, to reemployment rights as provided by federal law.
  2. The refusal of any state, county, or municipal official to comply therewith shall subject the official to removal from office.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 13; 1955, No. 72, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2313.

Case Notes

Seniority Rights.

Policeman who was at head of list when he entered service was entitled to be restored to position on list on return from service, as court must consider federal, state, and municipal legislation in passing on rights of public employee as returning serviceman. Smith v. Little Rock Civil Serv. Comm'n, 214 Ark. 765, 218 S.W.2d 366 (1949).

21-4-310. Employment and retirement rights.

  1. During a leave of absence, an official shall be entitled to preserve all seniority rights, efficiency rating, promotional status, and retirement privileges.
  2. The period of active military service shall, for purposes of computations to determine whether such persons may be entitled to retirement under the laws of the State of Arkansas, be deemed continuous service in the office of the official or employee.
  3. While absent on leave, the official or employee shall not be required to make contribution to any retirement fund.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2310.

Case Notes

Seniority.

This section undertook to preserve status of both public officers and public employees who entered the armed services. Smith v. Little Rock Civil Serv. Comm'n, 214 Ark. 765, 218 S.W.2d 366 (1949).

Temporary Appointments.

Where city ordinance provided that all appointments to municipal grades were to be considered temporary until six months after termination of emergency by the President of the United States, all appointments would still be temporary until such declaration by the President although hostilities had ceased, but court could not require new examinations for permanent positions until the city council set up machinery for procedure. Smith v. Little Rock Civil Serv. Comm'n, 214 Ark. 765, 218 S.W.2d 366 (1949).

21-4-311. Vacancy in office or position.

  1. Should any person appointed to fill the office or perform the duties of an employee to whom a leave of absence has been granted die, resign, or in any manner or for any cause vacate the office or position to which he or she was appointed, the Governor, or person whose duty it would be to fill the office or position if a vacancy should occur, shall select and appoint a capable and competent person to perform the duties of the office or position until the term of office or employment expires or until the official or employee appears for the purpose of resuming the office or position.
  2. The appointment shall expire and terminate upon either the expiration of the term of office or employment or appearance of the official or employee for the purpose of the resumption of his or her duties.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2315.

21-4-312. Compensation of absentee and deputy or substitute.

  1. The deputies or other persons appointed to fill the office or position of the official or employee during a leave of absence under the provisions of this subchapter shall receive the same compensation and shall be paid in the same manner as the official or employee whose duties he or she assumes.
  2. During the time any official or employee is absent from his or her office or position on a leave of absence granted under the provisions of this subchapter, he or she shall not be entitled to compensation.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, §§ 14, 15; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2314, 12-2315.

21-4-313. Commission, oath of deputy, or substitute.

  1. It shall not be required that a commission issue to any person appointed to fill any office or position of one who has been granted a leave of absence under the provisions of this subchapter.
  2. Every person so appointed shall be required to take and subscribe to the same oath as the officer or employer was required to take before he or she entered upon the performance of the duties of the office or position.

History. Acts 1943, No. 247, § 16; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2316.

Subchapter 4 — Deceased Employees — Payment for Accrued Leave

Cross References. Death benefits for public employees, § 21-5-701 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 97, § 6: Feb. 15, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that employees of the State of Arkansas die from time to time leaving surviving spouses and/or minor children, who are desperately in need of financial assistance, when such employee has accumulated unused vacation time for which there is presently no legal authority to pay sums equitably due and that this Act is immediately necessary to authorize the payment of the same. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1991, No. 692, § 6: Mar. 22, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that this Act will allow the estate of a deceased state employee to receive payment for unused annual leave and holidays accrued to the deceased (not to exceed sixty (60) days) at the time of death; that some families of deceased state employees will receive benefits under this Act; and that this Act should go into effect immediately in order to provide those benefits as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

21-4-401. Specific repeal required.

This subchapter shall remain in full force and effect in the event that subsequent legislation relative to vacations is enacted, unless it is specifically repealed.

History. Acts 1967, No. 97, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2346.

21-4-402. Payment for accrued vacation.

  1. It shall be the duty of the officer in charge of each agency, department, commission, or board of the State of Arkansas, immediately upon the death of any employee thereof, to cause to be ascertained the number of days of vacation which have accrued and which have not been taken by such employee and to cause the preparation of a voucher or other document which shall direct the payment of a sum which is determined by multiplying the number of unused accrued vacation days by the daily rate of pay which was being paid to such deceased employee as of the date of his or her death.
  2. The Auditor of State or other authorized disbursing officer of any agency, department, commission, or board shall prepare a check, draft, or other negotiable instrument made payable to the estate of the decedent.

History. Acts 1967, No. 97, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2343.

21-4-403. Determination of amount of leave and rate of pay — Records.

  1. In the event that the salary of a deceased employee is not fixed on the basis of a day, then the daily rate of pay shall be determined by dividing the monthly salary by thirty (30) or the annual salary by three hundred sixty (360), as the case may be.
    1. The number of days of accumulated leave of any deceased employee shall be determined on the basis of the written rules, resolutions, or policies promulgated by the agency or department head or by the board or commission.
    2. Each agency, department head, board, or commission shall keep complete records of the vacations taken and accrued vacation time as provided by its rules, resolutions, or policies.

History. Acts 1967, No. 97, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2344, 12-2345; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2319.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulations” following “rules” in (b)(1) and (2).

21-4-404. Payment for unused annual leave and holidays.

When a person dies while actively employed by any agency of the State of Arkansas, the deceased's estate or the person entitled to receive payment shall receive payment from the state agency for all unused annual leave and holidays which had accrued to the deceased at the time of death, except that the total shall not exceed sixty (60) days.

History. Acts 1991, No. 692, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1991, No. 692, § 2, provided:

“The provisions of this Act shall apply to not only Department of Correction employees who die after March 22, 1991, but also to those persons who died prior to March 22, 1991 but subsequent to January 1, 1990 and who were actively employed by the Arkansas Department of Correction on the date of death.”

21-4-405. Payment of accrued leave to estate of wildlife officer.

  1. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission may pay all accrued and unused annual, holiday, and sick leave to the estate of a wildlife officer who dies in the line of duty.
  2. A payment under subsection (a) of this section is subject to budgetary constraints and shall be disbursed after receipt of the official death certificate.

History. Acts 2015, No. 552, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2016, No. 83, § 13, provided: “PAYMENT OF ACCRUED LEAVE.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hereby authorized to pay all accrued and unused annual, holiday, and sick leave to the estate of any wildlife officer who dies in the line of duty. Such payments are subject to budgetary constraints and shall be disbursed after receipt of the official death certificate.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.”

21-4-406. Payment of accrued leave to estate of Arkansas Highway Police Division officer.

  1. The State Highway Commission may pay all accrued and unused annual, holiday, and sick leave to the estate of an officer of the Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas Department of Transportation who dies in the line of duty.
  2. A payment under subsection (a) of this section is subject to budgetary constraints and shall be disbursed after receipt of the official death certificate.

History. Acts 2015, No. 552, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 69.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (a).

Subchapter 5 — Financial Incentives to Decrease Use of Sick Leave

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1127, § 8: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the provisions of this act should become effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year; that unless this emergency clause is adopted, this act will not go into effect until after the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1999.”

Acts 2007, No. 447, § 2: Mar. 22, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that some retiring classified and nonclassified employees of two-year colleges have not received the benefits intended by the prior law; that this act clarifies the eligibility of all classified and nonclassified employees for these benefits; and that this act is immediately necessary to preserve that eligibility for those employees of two-year colleges making retirement decisions before the end of the current semester. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2009, No. 220, § 3: Feb. 25, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that some retiring classified and nonclassified employees of two-year colleges have not received the benefits intended by prior law; that this act clarifies the eligibility of nonclassified employees for these benefits; and that this act is immediately necessary to preserve that eligibility for those nonclassified employees of two-year colleges making retirement decisions before the end of the current semester. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2011, No. 337 § 2: Mar. 18, 2011. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that some nonclassified employees who have retired from state-supported institutions of higher education have not received the benefits intended under current law due to unclear language; that clarification of the eligibility of nonclassified employees to receive unused sick leave benefits is needed; and that this act is immediately necessary for nonclassified employees of state-supported institutions of higher education to make retirement decisions for the end of the current academic semester. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

21-4-501. Compensation for unused sick leave at retirement.

  1. Upon retirement or death, any employee or beneficiary of any employee of any agency of the State of Arkansas shall receive compensation for accumulated unused sick leave as follows:
    1. If the employee has accumulated at least fifty (50) days but fewer than sixty (60) days of sick leave, the employee shall receive an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the number of accrued sick leave days rounded to the nearest day multiplied by fifty percent (50%) of the employee's daily salary;
    2. If the employee has accumulated at least sixty (60) days but fewer than seventy (70) days of sick leave, the employee shall receive an amount equal to sixty percent (60%) of the number of accrued sick leave days rounded to the nearest day multiplied by sixty percent (60%) of the employee's daily salary;
    3. If the employee has accumulated at least seventy (70) days but fewer than eighty (80) days of sick leave, the employee shall receive an amount equal to seventy percent (70%) of the number of accrued sick days rounded to the nearest day multiplied by seventy percent (70%) of the employee's daily salary; and
    4. If the employee has accumulated at least eighty (80) or more days of sick leave, the employee shall receive an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the number of accrued sick leave days rounded to the nearest day multiplied by eighty percent (80%) of the employee's daily salary.
  2. For purposes of this section, the employee's daily salary shall be determined by dividing the annual salary by two hundred sixty (260).
  3. The Office of Personnel Management shall promulgate rules necessary to implement this subchapter.
  4. In no event shall an employee or beneficiary of an employee receive an amount that exceeds seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) upon retirement or death due to the provisions of this section.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1127, § 1; 2001, No. 991, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2320.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in the introductory language of (a), inserted “or death” and “or beneficiary of any employee”; substituted “multiplied by” for “times” in (a)(1), (2), (3), and (4); and, in (d), inserted “or beneficiary of any employee” and “or death.”

The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (c).

21-4-502. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning lump sum payment for unused sick leave in 2000, was repealed by Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 97. The section was derived from Acts 1999, No. 1127, § 2.

21-4-503. Applicability of subchapter.

  1. The provisions of §§ 21-4-501 and 21-4-504 apply to:
    1. Employees of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;
    2. Employees of the Arkansas Department of Transportation;
    3. Classified employees of state-supported institutions of higher education; and
    4. Employees of all agencies of this state whether in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of government.
  2. The provisions of this section or any amendments to this section shall not change any employee benefits or agreements established under § 6-57-103, § 6-58-105, or § 6-59-105.
  3. Compensation for accumulated unused sick leave under the provisions of this subchapter shall not be used by the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System in the calculation of final average salary pursuant to § 24-7-202.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1127, § 3; 2005, No. 1288, § 1; 2009, No. 220, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 70.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted the subdivision (a) designation; in present (a), inserted “classified employees of state-supported institutions of higher learning” and deleted “except that this subchapter does not apply to state supported institutions of higher learning” from the end; and added (b) and (c).

The 2009 amendment, in (a), redesignated the text, substituted “§ 21-4-501 and § 21-4-504” for “this subchapter” in the introductory language, substituted “education” for “learning” in (a)(3), and made related and stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (a)(2).

21-4-504. Participation by other state agencies.

All state agencies are encouraged to participate in the Department of Finance and Administration's state leave accounting system.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1127, § 4.

21-4-505. Compensation for unused sick leave of nonclassified employees of state-supported institutions of higher education — Calculation for unused sick leave.

  1. At its discretion, a state-supported institution of higher education may compensate a nonclassified employee of the state-supported institution of higher education for accumulated unused sick leave by providing to the nonclassified employee the same compensation for accumulated unused sick leave provided to a classified employee of the state-supported institution of higher education under § 21-4-501.
  2. Compensation for accumulated unused sick leave under this section shall not be used by the:
    1. Arkansas Teacher Retirement System in the calculation of final average salary under § 24-7-202; or
    2. Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System in the calculation of final average compensation under § 24-4-101.
  3. Unused sick leave for nonclassified employees of state-supported institutions of higher education shall accrue at the same rate as unused sick leave accrues for classified employees for calculations made under this section.

History. Acts 2009, No. 220, § 2; 2011, No. 337, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-4-505, concerning employees of two-year colleges, was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 827, § 173. The former section was derived from Acts 2005, No. 971, § 1.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment rewrote the section heading; in (a), substituted “a state-supported institution” for “a two-year institution” and substituted “the state-supported institution of higher education” for “the institution” twice; and added (c).

Chapter 5 Compensation and Benefits

Research References

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 271 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1991, No. 652, §§ 1-7, provided:

“SECTION 1. Notwithstanding provisions of the Uniform Leave and Attendance Act (A.C.A. § 21-4-201, et seq.) any employee of a state agency or institution of higher education called to active duty as a member of the National Guard or any of the Reserve components of the armed forces for the purpose of participation in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm shall be eligible for continued proportionate salary payments which, when combined with the employees' active duty pay, shall equal the amount they would have otherwise received were it not for their required active duty under Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, until such time as they are released from active duty.

“SECTION 2. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the compensation received by any employee of the State of Arkansas called to active duty after August 2, 1990, for participation in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm shall not be less than the employee would have received had such employee not been called to active duty.

“SECTION 3. The Department of Finance and Administration shall establish appropriate procedures for the administration of this program.

“SECTION 4. All provisions of this Act of a general and permanent nature are amendatory to the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall incorporate the same in the Code.

“SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.

“SECTION 6. General repealer. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

“SECTION 7. Emergency clause. It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly that there is a need to provide compensation to state employees who were called to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and this Act should be given effect immediately in order to grant the various agencies and state supported institutions of higher education the power to institute this program as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 2010, No. 159, § 5, provided: “SALARIES. In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, the Office of the Governor may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in the operation appropriation act after receiving approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.”

Acts 2013, No. 24, § 5, provided: “SALARIES. In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, the Office of the Governor may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in the operation appropriation act after receiving approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.”

Acts 2014, No. 74, § 5, provided: “SALARIES. In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, the Office of the Governor may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in the operation appropriation act after receiving approval from the Arkansas Legislative council or Joint Budget Committee.”

Acts 2016, No. 77, § 5, provided: “SALARIES. In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, the Office of the Governor may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in the operation appropriation act after receiving approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.”

Effective Dates. Acts 1989, No. 882, § 7: July 1, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Seventh General Assembly that the awarding of annual career service recognition payments to career State employees is necessary to promote morale and retention of vital career employees in State service. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1989.”

Acts 1991, No. 566, § 5: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly that the awarding of annual career service recognition payments to career State employees is necessary to promote morale and retention of vital career employees in State service. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1991.”

Acts 1995, No. 490, § 5: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas meeting in Regular Session, that the awarding of annual career service recognition payments to career State employees is necessary to promote morale and retention of vital career employees in State service. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

Acts 2001, No. 1295, § 2: became law without Governor's signature Apr. 5, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that because of Act 51 of 1967, court reporters and case coordinators have been paid on a monthly basis, when the vast majority of all other state employees are paid on a semi-monthly or bi-weekly basis. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2007, No. 386, § 2: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that provisions of this act change the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act and should become effective July 1, 2007, for consistent application and to avoid confusion and that unless this emergency clause is adopted, this act will not go into effect until after the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2007, No. 799, § 4: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act affects the consideration of retirement benefits in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and that the ideal and most efficient time to make revisions to the consideration of retirement benefits is at the beginning of the state's fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2009, No. 688, § 15: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is immediately necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2009.”

Acts 2017, No. 365, § 29: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

21-5-101. Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act.

  1. This section and § 19-4-1601 shall be known as and may be cited as the “Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act”.
  2. Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 4, provides: “Except as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 31, the General Assembly shall fix the salaries and fees of all officers in the State; and no greater salary or fee than that fixed by law shall be paid to any officer, employee, or other person, or at any rate other than par value; and the number and salaries of the clerks and employees of the different departments of the State shall be fixed by law.” Therefore, the following provisions shall be applicable to all authorized regular salary positions in appropriation acts unless specific exception is made otherwise by law:
    1. For any position authorized by the General Assembly for the benefit of any department, agency, board, commission, institution, or program for which the provisions of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., are to be applicable, it is declared to be the intent of the General Assembly that the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., shall govern with respect to:
      1. The entrance pay level;
      2. The procedures by which salary increases may be granted; and
      3. The maximum pay level that may be paid for the grade assigned each employee under the provisions of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq.;
    2. For any position authorized by the General Assembly for the benefit of any department, agency, board, commission, institution, or program for which a maximum pay level is set out in dollars, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the position is to be paid at a rate of pay not to exceed the maximum established for the position during any one (1) fiscal year and that the maximum pay level authorized is for full-time employment;
      1. For all positions authorized by the General Assembly for any department, agency, board, commission, institution, or program, it is the intent of the General Assembly that in determining the annual salaries of these employees, the administrative head of the department, agency, board, commission, institution, or program shall take into consideration ability of the employee and length of service.
      2. It is not the intent of the General Assembly that the maximum pay level as authorized in the appropriation act, or any increases established for the various grades under the provisions of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., be paid unless the qualifications are complied with and then only within the limitations of the appropriations and funds available for this purpose.
      3. An employee authorized by the General Assembly shall not receive from appropriated or cash funds, either from state, federal, or other sources, compensation in an amount greater than that established by the General Assembly as the maximum pay level for the employee unless specific provisions are made therefor by law; and
    3. An employee of the State of Arkansas shall not be paid any additional cash allowances, including without limitation uniform allowance, clothing allowance, motor vehicle depreciation or replacement allowance, fixed transportation allowance, and meals and lodging allowance, other than for reimbursement for costs actually incurred by the employee unless the allowances are specifically set out by law as to eligibility of employees to receive the allowances, and the maximum amount of the allowances is established by law for each employee or for each class of employees eligible to receive the allowances.

History. Acts 1973, No. 284, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1601.1, 12-1601.2; Acts 2009, No. 688, § 2; 2019, No. 390, § 3.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The quotation in this section of Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 4, predates the amendment of Article 16, § 4, by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94. As amended, Article 16, § 4, reads as follows: “Salaries and fees of state officers. Except as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 31, the General Assembly shall fix the salaries and fees of all officers in the State; and no greater salary or fee than that fixed by law shall be paid to any officer, employee, or other person, or at any rate other than par value; and the number and salaries of the clerks and employees of the different departments of the State shall be fixed by law.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment, in (b), deleted “step” at the end of (b)(1)(A), substituted “salary” for “step” in (b)(1)(B), and inserted “and that the maximum annual salary authorized is for full-time employment” in (b)(2).

The 2019 amendment inserted “and § 19-4-1601” in (a); substituted “Except as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 31, the” for “The” in the introductory language of (b); deleted “of the State of Arkansas” following “Assembly” in the introductory language of (b)(1); substituted “pay level” for “salary” in (b)(1)(A); substituted “procedures by” for “frequency with” in (b)(1)(B); substituted “pay level” for “annual salary” in (b)(1)(C), twice in (b)(2), and in (b)(3)(C); in (b)(3)(B), substituted “pay level” for “annual salaries”, “any increases” for “step increases”, and “the qualifications are complied with” for “the employee possesses such qualifications”; substituted “and meals” for “or meals” in (b)(4); and made stylistic changes.

21-5-102. Automobile insurance expenses for employees of Department of Health.

  1. The Department of Health is authorized to pay from maintenance and operation appropriations of either state or federal funds, as reimbursement of actual costs to any regular and full-time employee of the Department of Health, the excess cost to the employee for insurance coverage needed because of employee use of a personal vehicle to transport, as a part of his or her regular duty, individuals, clients, or patients, who are not state employees and who participate in Department of Health programs at clinics, hospitals, doctors' offices, and other locations designated by the Department of Health.
  2. Proof of actual excess cost must be furnished by the employee at the time of request for reimbursement and amount of reimbursement will not exceed the maximum amount as stated in the early periodic screening and diagnosis and treatment contract with the Department of Human Services.
  3. All other costs to an employee for operating a personal vehicle on state business will be considered to be covered by the approved reimbursement rate per mile as prescribed in state travel rules promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration.

History. Acts 1981, No. 223, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1605.1; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2321.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (c).

Cross References. Salary procedures and restrictions, § 19-4-1601.

21-5-103. Insufficient funds for payment of county salaries.

If, in any year, the funds available for the payment of salaries of elected county officers and employees of a county are inadequate to pay all such salaries and it becomes necessary to reduce salaries, the salary of each elected constitutional officer and each employee in the county shall be reduced in the same percentage.

History. Acts 1975, No. 568, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1627.

21-5-104. Deduction of jury duty fees from salary prohibited.

  1. No state, county, or municipal employer in this state shall deduct from the usual compensation of any employee, all or any part of the fees or compensation received by the employee for appearing for grand or petit jury duty or serving on any grand or petit jury in any court in this state.
    1. Any state, county, or municipal employer who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction therefor shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
    2. A violation shall constitute grounds for dismissal of the employer from his or her office or position of public employment.

History. Acts 1969, No. 86, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1615, 12-1616.

21-5-105. [Transferred.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section has been renumbered as § 21-1-103 by Acts 1991, No. 786, § 34.

21-5-106. Annual career service recognition payments for state employees.

      1. Employees of state agencies shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments upon completion of ten (10) or more years of service in either elected positions or classified or nonclassified positions with a state agency.
      2. To receive the full amount authorized in subsection (c) of this section, the service shall have been in either elected positions or regular full-time positions.
      3. Employees who work part-time in regular salary positions may receive annual career service recognition payments on a pro rata basis.
    1. Periods of authorized leave without pay and leave of absence for military service when veterans' reemployment rights are exercised shall not negate eligibility for the payment, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
  1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish and publish policies and procedures for the administration of career service recognition payments to state employees upon a determination by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services that sufficient funds are available for such purpose.
  2. An employee who meets eligibility requirements established by subsection (a) of this section shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments on the anniversary date of the completion of such service according to the following schedule:
  3. Career service recognition payments authorized by this section shall be:
    1. Subject to withholding of all applicable state and federal taxes; and
    2. Included by retirement systems in determining benefits.

STATE SERVICE ANNUAL PAYMENT 10 through 14 years of state service $ 800 15 through 19 years of state service 1,000 20 through 24 years of state service 1,200 25 or more years of state service 1,500

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History. Acts 1989, No. 882, §§ 1-4; 1991, No. 566, § 1; 1995, No. 490, § 1; 1999, No. 882, § 2; 2007, No. 386, § 1; 2007, No. 799, § 1; 2009, No. 688, § 3; 2017, No. 365, § 7; 2019, No. 914, § 1; 2019, No. 981, § 1.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment inserted “either elected positions or” twice in (a); and made stylistic changes.

The 2009 amendment, in (a)(1), substituted “To receive the full amount authorized in subsection (c) of this section” for “However” in (a)(1)(B), and inserted (a)(1)(C).

The 2017 amendment, in (a)(1)(A), deleted “and nonfaculty employees of institutions of higher education” following “agencies” and substituted “a state agency” for “an agency or institution of the State of Arkansas”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 914 , in (c), substituted “$800” for “$600”, “1,000” for “700”, “1,200” for “800”, and “1,500” for “900”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 981 inserted “and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” in (b).

21-5-107. Compensation of person holding more than one elective office.

    1. A person holding more than one (1) elective office shall be entitled to receive compensation from only one (1) of the offices held.
    2. The person shall select the office from which he or she may receive compensation by filing a statement with the Secretary of State and the disbursing officer of each governmental entity in which he or she holds an elective office.
  1. For the purpose of this section:
    1. “Compensation” means all salaries, retirement allowances, group insurance, medical benefits, and anything else of value that a governmental entity provides in return for the services of its officers; and
    2. “Elective office” means any office created by or under authority of the laws of the State of Arkansas, or of a subdivision thereof, that is filled by the voters, except a federal office.

History. Acts 1997, No. 767, § 1.

Case Notes

Elections Held on Same Day.

Candidate could not run for both city treasurer and justice of the peace, even though the candidate would only receive compensation for one office, because the elections for each office were held on the same day, so the candidate was statutorily barred from holding both offices, regardless of compensation. Roberson v. Phillips County Election Comm'n, 2014 Ark. 480, 449 S.W.3d 694 (2014).

21-5-108. Salary distributions.

The annual salaries of court reporters and case coordinators shall be paid in twenty-four (24) equal semimonthly installments.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1295, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted by Acts 2001, No. 1295, § 1, this section began:

“Effective July 1, 2001,”.

Pursuant to Acts 2015, No. 268, the salaries of court reporters and trial court administrators (formerly known as case coordinators) are determined by the Administrative Office of the Courts. See § 16-13-501 et seq., and § 16-13-3301 et seq., respectively.

21-5-109. New employees — Electronic direct deposit — Definition.

      1. As a condition of employment, a person hired or appointed to a position in any agency in state government on or after August 12, 2005, shall be required to accept payment of salary or wages by electronic warrants transfer.
      2. The electronic warrants transfer shall be made in the form of a direct deposit of funds to the account of the beneficiary of the payment in any financial institution equipped for electronic fund transfers, provided that the financial institution is designated in writing by the beneficiary and has lawful authority to accept such deposits.
        1. Any person affected by the direct deposit requirement set forth in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may request an exemption from the requirement.
        2. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may grant an exemption from the direct deposit requirement upon a showing of hardship to the person requesting the exemption or upon any other reasonable basis.
      1. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall establish the standards and procedures for granting an exemption from the direct deposit requirement set forth in subdivision (a)(1) of this section.
    1. The direct deposit requirement set forth in subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to a person who is in the employment of the state prior to August 12, 2005, and subsequently receives a promotion appointment, transfer, or other change in position within the same personnel system on or after August 12, 2005.
    1. As used in subdivision (a)(1) of this section, “agency” means all state agencies, boards, commissions, bureaus, councils, or programs except:
      1. The elected constitutional officers of the State of Arkansas and their employees;
      2. The General Assembly and its employees, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit;
      3. Members and employees of the Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of the Courts, circuit courts, and prosecuting attorneys, not including deputy prosecuting attorneys;
      4. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;
      5. The Arkansas Department of Transportation; and
      6. All administrative, academic, classified, and nonclassified employees of the state-supported institutions of higher education.
    2. Any agency, board, commission, bureau, council, or program exempted under this subsection from the direct deposit requirement set forth in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may elect to enter the electronic warrants transfer system on a voluntary basis.
  1. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may establish any special account necessary to facilitate direct deposit of employee salaries or wages.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1887, § 1; 2007, No. 827, § 174; 2017, No. 707, § 71.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted by Acts 2005, No. 1887, § 1, subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section read “As a condition of employment, a person hired or appointed to a position in any agency in state government on or after the effective date of this act shall be required to accept payment of salary or wages by electronic warrants transfer.”

As enacted by Acts 2005, No. 1887, § 1, subdivision (a)(3) of this section read “The direct deposit requirement set forth in subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to a person who is in the employment of the state prior to the effective date of this act and subsequently receives a promotion appointment, transfer, or other change in position within the same personnel system on or after the effective date of this act.”

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (b)(1)(E).

21-5-110. State Insurance Department — Arkansas Firefighter Cancer Relief Network Trust Fund — Proceeds.

    1. The State Insurance Department shall maintain the Arkansas Firefighter Cancer Relief Network Trust Fund.
      1. The purpose of the trust fund is to fund relief for firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer and participating in a firefighter cancer relief network created and governed by the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Inc., from funds donated under this section.
      2. The department shall deposit any donated funds received under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section into the fund.
  1. The Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, Inc., shall determine eligibility and award amounts under the rules promulgated by the department.
  2. The entities named in subsection (b) of this section shall return to the department any excess funding which has been donated to the fund for the purpose of funding a firefighter cancer relief network.
  3. The department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement this section.

History. Acts 2019, No. 823, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 823, § 3, provided: “Rules.

“(a) The State Insurance Department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement this act.

“(b)(1) When adopting the initial rules to implement this act, the final rule shall be filed with the Secretary of State for adoption under § 25-15-204(f):

“(A) On or before January 1, 2020; or

“(B) If approval under § 10-3-309 has not occurred by January 1, 2020, as soon as practicable after approval under § 10-3-309.

“(2) The department shall file the proposed rule with the Legislative Council under § 10-3-309(c) sufficiently in advance of January 1, 2020, so that the Legislative Council may consider the rule for approval before January 1, 2020”.

Subchapter 2 — Uniform Classification and Compensation Act

Cross References. Higher education expenditure restrictions, § 6-63-301 et seq.

Procedures for administering unanticipated miscellaneous federal funds, § 19-7-501 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 11: July 1, 1969.

Acts 1969, No. 663, § 2: July 1, 1969. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 199 of 1969 establishes a Uniform Classification and Compensation Plan to be applicable to most State agencies; that said Act 199 will be applicable from and after July 1, 1969; that a number of agencies who require the services of personnel possessing medical degrees may find it difficult to employ new personnel at the beginning salary step under such Compensation Plan; and, that in order to enable such agencies to obtain competent personnel from and after the effective date of this Act, special provisions are necessary to enable the Personnel Division of the State Administration Department to make exceptions to the beginning salary schedule where necessary. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1969.”

Acts 1971, No. 749, § 5: Apr. 28, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly meeting in Regular Session that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure in order to insure that the State receives its fair share of qualified persons to carry out the services of State Government in a manner that is efficient and economical. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1971, No. 750, § 6: Apr. 28, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly meeting in Regular Session that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure in order to insure that the State receives its fair share of qualified persons to carry out the services of State Government in a manner that is efficient and economical. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1973, No. 286, § 5: Mar. 12, 1973, except § 1, effective July 1, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Ninth General Assembly meeting in Regular Session that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure in order to insure that the State receives its fair share of qualified persons to carry out the services of State Government in a manner that is efficient and economical. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval, provided that the Compensation Plan provided in Section One (1) of this Act shall not become effective until July 1, 1973.”

Acts 1973, No. 873, § 11: July 1, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Ninth General Assembly meeting in Regular Session that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure and revise the classification plan and institute the necessary provisions to accomplish this. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1973.”

Acts 1974 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 7: July 11, 1974. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Ninth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas meeting in Extraordinary Session, that the rapid increase in inflation has greatly reduced the effective purchasing power of the State employees salaries and that immediate passage of this Act is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1975, No. 932, § 6: July 1, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventieth General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure and revise the Classification Plan, in order to attract and maintain competent employees; and that it is essential to provide for the implementation of such changes. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1975.”

Acts 1977, No. 289, § 2: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-first General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure in order to attract and retain competent employees. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1977.”

Acts 1979, No. 3, § 3: Jan. 18, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that Arkansas state employees should be compensated at the minimum wage established under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and that such minimum wage is to be increased on January 1, 1979, and that to delay the increases in compensation provided herein for 90 days after the adjournment of this General Assembly would place Arkansas in a non-competitive position with private industry and would unnecessarily delay salary increases to those state employees. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect on and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1979, No. 828, § 7: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure and revise the Classification Plan, in order to attract and maintain competent employees; and that it is essential to provide for the implementation of such changes. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1979.”

Acts 1981, No. 19, § 3: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the existing Uniform Classification and Compensation Plan is inadequate; that the revised plan contained in this Act should become effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1981.”

Acts 1981, No. 650, § 7: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure and revise the Classification Plan, in order to attract and maintain competent employees; and that it is essential to provide for the implementation of such changes. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1981.”

Acts 1981, No. 695, § 5: Mar. 24, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law pertaining to compensatory time under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act is vague and that this Act is immediately necessary to eliminate confusion. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1983, No. 68, § 3: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the existing Uniform Classification and Compensation Plan is inadequate; that the revised plan contained in this Act should become effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1983, No. 931, § 7: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a Uniform Personnel Classification Plan for State Agencies and to provide that essential changes are implemented for the adequate functioning of those State Agencies. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1985, No. 101, § 3: July 1, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fifth General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure in order to recruit and retain competent employees. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1985.”

Acts 1985, No. 981, § 10: July 1, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fifth General Assembly that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a Uniform Personnel Classification Plan for State Agencies and to provide that essential changes are implemented for the adequate functioning of those State Agencies. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1985.”

Acts 1989, No. 793, § 19: Mar. 21, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Seventh General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the current Uniform Compensation Plan is inadequate to pay the employees of the various state agencies and institutions of higher education; that the current Uniform Personnel Classification plan describing the job titles and grade levels of state employees is no longer descriptive of the jobs being performed and the levels of pay needed to compensate them; and therefore that it is essential for the State of Arkansas to adopt a more competitive salary structure and to adopt more descriptive job titles and appropriate grade levels to provide for the essential functioning of state agencies and state supported institutions of higher education. Therefore, in order to keep the government services of the State of Arkansas functioning properly, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 202, § 13: July 1, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that expanded development and coordination of early childhood programs is essential to meeting the developmental and educational needs of young children in Arkansas. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect of July 1, 1989.”

Acts 1991, No. 1148, § 15: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is essential to adopt a revised Uniform Classification System for state agencies and institutions of higher education; that the revisions must begin at the beginning of the new biennium; and that these changes are essential for the continued functioning of the state agencies and institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1991.”

Acts 1993, No. 708, § 6: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is essential to adopt a revised Uniform Classification System for state agencies and institutions of higher education; that the revisions must begin at the beginning of the new biennium; and that these changes are essential for the continued functioning of the state agencies and institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1993.”

Acts 1995, No. 966, § 5: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas meeting in Regular Session, that it is essential to adopt a revised Uniform Classification System for state agencies and institutions of higher education; that the revisions must begin at the beginning of the biennium; and that these changes are essential for the continued functioning of the state agencies and institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

Acts 1995, No. 992, § 5: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas meeting in Regular Session, that it is essential to adopt a revised Uniform Compensation Plan for state agencies and institutions of higher education; that the revisions must begin at the beginning of the new biennium; and that these changes are essential for the continued functioning of state agencies and institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

Acts 1997, No. 179, § 38: Feb. 17, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 10 of the First Extraordinary Session of 1995 abolished the Joint Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and in its place established the House Interim Committee and Senate Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor; that various sections of the Arkansas Code refer to the Joint Interim Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and should be corrected to refer to the House and Senate Interim Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor; that this act so provides; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to make the laws compatible as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1997, No. 530, § 6: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-first General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas reqruires the General Assembly to set the titles and pay of state employees and that changes to titles and salaries must coincide with the begining of the fiscal year. Therefor, this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 1997, No. 532, § 8: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-first General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that changes to the state compensation plan must take effect at the same time as approprations made to pay salaries for the various agencies; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1997 is essential to the operation of the agencies and insitutions for which the appropriations are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1997 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 1997, No. 899, § 11: March 27, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a substantial number of state employees are eligible for salary increases on July 1, 1997; that this act prescribes the procedure to be followed in awarding salary increases to classified state employees; and that unless this emergency clause is adopted the procedures prescribed herein will not be in effect until after July 1, 1997. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1999, No. 813, § 5: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that changes to the state compensation plan must take effect at the same time as appropriations made to pay salaries for the various agencies. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 1999.”

Acts 1999, No. 1019, § 10: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas requires the General Assembly to set the titles and pay of state employees and that changes to titles and salaries must coincide with the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 1999.”

Acts 2001, No. 1461, § 14: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that several position changes have been incorporated into agencies' budgets to begin July 1, 2001 and that changes to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act must also take effect at that time to prevent confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

Acts 2001, No. 1462, § 2: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that changes in employee classifications title and grades are incorporated into the various appropriation acts for the 2001-2003 biennial period and this law must take effect at the same time as the beginning of the fiscal year in which the new budgets begin. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

Acts 2001, No. 1794, § 2: Apr. 19, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that it is necessary to protect employees of the Alexander Youth Center from loss of pay as a result of privatization of the Center; and that in order to provide adequate protection to the employees this act should become effective immediately. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2003, No. 923, § 2: July 1, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in title and grades in the state compensation system have been approved for use by state agencies; that these changes must go into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year when the new agency budgets go into effect; and that this act is immediately necessary because state agencies will not be able to function properly without this act taking effect on the first day of the new fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2003, No. 1473, § 74: July 1, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act includes technical corrects to Act 923 of 2003 which establishes the classification and compensation levels of state employees covered by the provisions of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act; that Act 923 of 2003 will become effective on July 1, 2003; and that to avoid confusion this act must also effective on July 1, 2003. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 8: July 1, 2003, except § 7, effective May 8, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in compensation levels enacted during the previous session of the General Assembly were applicable to the current biennium and that without this act becoming effective at the beginning of the fiscal year state employees could not be compensated at the approved level. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and Section 7 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective after the date of its passage and approval. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto a bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto; and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2005, No. 1852, § 2: July 1, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in title and grades in the state compensation system have been approved for use by state agencies; that these changes must go into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year when the new agency budgets go into effect; and that this act is necessary on July 1, 2005, because state agencies will not be able to function properly without this act taking effect on the first day of the new fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2005.”

Acts 2005, No. 2198, § 5: July 1, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in title and grades in the state compensation system have been approved for use by state agencies; that these changes must go into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year when the new agency budgets go into effect; and that this act is necessary on July 1, 2005, because state agencies will not be able to function properly without this act taking effect on the first day of the new fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2005.”

Acts 2007, No. 375, § 3: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that provisions of this act changes the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act and should become effective July 1, 2007, for consistent application and to avoid confusion and that unless this emergency clause is adopted, this act will not go into effect until after the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2007, No. 376, § 2: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in title and grades in the state compensation system have been approved for use by state agencies; that these changes must go into effect at the beginning of the fiscal year when the new agency budgets go into effect; and that this act is necessary on July 1, 2007, because state agencies will not be able to function properly without this act taking effect on the first day of the new fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2009, No. 688, § 15: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is immediately necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2009.”

Acts 2011, No. 1017, § 11: July 1, 2011. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the state salary classification schedules must be updated and revised; that the fiscal year for state employees begins each July 1; and that this act is essential and immediately necessary to implement the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act and to ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of state government and services. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2011.”

Acts 2013, No. 1321, § 7: July 1, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the state salary classification schedules must be updated and revised; that the fiscal year for state employees begins each July 1; and that this act is essential and immediately necessary to implement the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act and to ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of state government and services. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2013.”

Acts 2014, No. 285, § 86: July 1, 2014. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a one (1) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2014 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 2014 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2014.”

Acts 2015, No. 1007, § 7: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the state salary classification schedules must be updated and revised; that the fiscal year for state employees begins each July 1; and that this act is essential and immediately necessary to implement the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., and to ensure the continued and uninterrupted operation of state government and state government services. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2015.”

Acts 2017, No. 365, § 29: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2017, No. 599, § 5: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees of institutions of higher education begins annually on July 1; and that the implementation of the Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-201. Title.

This subchapter may be referred to and cited as the “Uniform Classification and Compensation Act”.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3201.

Case Notes

Cited: Briggs v. Anderson, 796 F.2d 1009 (8th Cir. 1986).

21-5-202. Legislative intent.

  1. It is the purpose and intent of this subchapter to establish uniform classifications for all affected state employees of agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions of higher education covered by the provisions of this subchapter and to establish a uniform compensation plan to be followed by the agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions of higher education, with respect to the authorized positions of their employees.
  2. It is the purpose of this subchapter to implement the administration and enforcement of the uniform position classification and compensation plan provided for affected agencies and institutions in accordance with sound business management practices.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3202; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 1.

21-5-203. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Agency director” means the executive head of all agencies, authorities, departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, councils, or other agencies of the state;
  2. “Class” or “classification” means a group of positions sufficiently similar as to duties performed, scope of discretion and responsibility, minimum requirements of training and experience or skill, and other characteristics that the same title, the same test of fitness, and the same scale of compensation have been or may be applied to each position in the group;
  3. “Class specification” means a written document which identifies a group of positions that have the same type of work and responsibility and states the general components by providing a class title, class code, distinguishing features and examples of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the necessary minimum education and experience requirements to perform the assigned duties;
    1. “Crossgrade” means a temporary reclassification of a position during the fiscal year.
      1. The Office of Personnel Management may authorize a temporary change in the classification of a position from the classification authorized in a state agency appropriation act between legislative sessions to assure correct classification and for other purposes.
      2. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish the procedures for crossgrades with review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee;
  4. “Demotion” means the change in duty assignment of an employee from a position in one classification to a position in another classification of a lower salary grade within the same pay table;
  5. “Employee” means a person regularly appointed or employed in a position of state service by a state agency for which:
    1. He or she is compensated on a full-time basis or on a pro rata basis; and
    2. A class title and pay grade is established in the appropriation act for the state agency in accordance with the classification and compensation plan enacted in this subchapter;
  6. “Entry pay level” means the minimum entrance salary rate for a grade established on a pay table;
  7. “Grade” means an authorized pay range;
  8. “Job sharing” means a form of employment, approved by the Office of Personnel Management, in which the hours of work of two (2) or more persons are arranged in such a way as to cover a single, regular full-time position;
  9. “Maximum pay level” means the highest authorized level of pay for a pay grade for normal compensation administration purposes;
  10. “Midpoint” means the rate of pay midway between the entry pay level and the maximum pay level established for each grade;
  11. “Office of Personnel Management” means the Office of Personnel Management within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services acting under the authority granted in this subchapter and subject to the direction of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services;
  12. “Pay table” means the grades and pay ranges assigned to one (1) of the General Salaries, Information Technology, Medical Professional, and Senior Executive tables;
  13. “Position” means employment that is legislatively authorized in a state agency, occupied or vacant, requiring the services of one (1) full-time equivalent employee;
  14. “Promotion” means the change in duty assignment of an employee from a position in one classification to a position in another classification of a higher salary grade within the same pay table;
    1. “Reclassification” means a change in the assignment of a position from one classification title to another classification title of either a higher or lower salary grade when material and permanent changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position being recommended for reclassification have occurred or when it is necessary to establish a new classification title to meet federal standards as a prerequisite for federal programs.
    2. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish procedures for reclassifying positions with review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee;
  15. “State agencies” means all agencies, authorities, departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, councils, or other agencies of the state supported by appropriation of state or federal funds, except those agencies excluded in § 21-5-204;
  16. “State Personnel Administrator” means the State Personnel Administrator of the Office of Personnel Management; and
  17. “Transfer” means a change in duty assignment of an employee from one position to another position in the same classification or between pay tables.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 3; 1971, No. 750, § 1; 1973, No. 873, § 2; 1979, No. 828, § 1; 1981, No. 198, § 1; 1981, No. 650, § 1; 1985, No. 981, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3203; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 2; 1991, No. 994, §§ 1-3; 1991, No. 1148, § 1; 1997, No. 179, § 33; 1999, No. 1019, § 1; 2001, No. 1461, §§ 1, 2; 2009, No. 688, § 4; 2011, No. 1017, § 1; 2017, No. 365, § 8; 2019, No. 981, § 2.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Pay level” for “Step” in (11).

The 2001 amendment repealed former (13) and rearranged the subdivisions in alphabetical order; redesignated former (9)(A) as (9)(A)(i) and (9)(A)(ii); in (9)(A)(i) and (9)(A)(ii), added “or extra help” following “full-time” and substituted “positions” for “position”; inserted “whether permanent or temporary” in (9)(A)(ii); and made stylistic changes.

The 2009 amendment deleted “‘Agency head’ or” at the beginning of (1); inserted (2) through (4), (7), (10), (15), and (16), deleted former (10) and (18), and redesignated accordingly; inserted “or ‘classification’” in (5); deleted “requiring fewer qualifications such as lower skill requirements, less job-related experience, and a lower level of responsibility” at the end of (8); subdivided (9) and inserted “or on a pro rata basis” in (9)(A); in (11), inserted “an authorized” in (11)(A) and inserted (11)(B); rewrote (14); inserted “or ‘office’” in (18); rewrote (20); in (21), deleted “requiring higher qualifications, such as greater skill and longer experience, and involving a higher level of responsibility” at the end of (21), and deleted (21)(B); inserted (22)(E); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2011 amendment inserted “or more” preceding “persons” in (14)(A)(i).

The 2017 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment, in (12), substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration”.

21-5-204. Exceptions.

  1. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subchapter does not apply to:
    1. The employees of:
      1. Elected constitutional officers of this state;
      2. The General Assembly, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit; and
      3. Members of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, circuit courts, prosecuting attorneys, and the Administrative Office of the Courts;
    2. The Arkansas Department of Transportation;
    3. Federal military technicians, military training support personnel, federally funded personnel of the Arkansas National Guard, and other military personnel who are paid directly by the federal government;
    4. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission; and
    5. State-supported institutions of higher education.
    1. An employee described in subsection (a) of this section may receive:
      1. A salary increase or a line item maximum increase under § 21-5-211; and
      2. A merit pay increase under § 21-5-1101.
    2. Section 21-5-214 does not apply to the salary increase authorized by subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 3; 1979, No. 828, § 1; 1981, No. 198, § 1; 1981, No. 650, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3203; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 3; 2015, No. 1007, § 1; 2017, No. 365, § 9; 2017, No. 707, § 72.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment, in (a), substituted “Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section” for “The provisions of,” substituted “does not” for “shall not,” and deleted “the following agencies” following “apply to”; inserted “employees of” in (a)(1); inserted the (a)(1)(A) designation and deleted “and their employees” at the end; redesignated former (a)(2) and (3) as (a)(1)(B) and (C); deleted “and its employees” following “General Assembly” in (a)(1)(B); deleted “and employees” following “members” in (a)(1)(C); redesignated (a)(4) and (5) as (a)(2) and (3); and added (c).

The 2017 amendment by No. 365 substituted “subsection (b)” for “subsection (c)” in the introductory language of (a); added (a)(4) and (a)(5); deleted former (b); redesignated former (c)(1) and (2) as (b)(1) and (2); deleted “or subsection (b)” following “subsection (a)” in (b)(1); substituted “or a line item maximum increase” for “a line item maximum increase, or a cost-of-living adjustment” in (b)(1)(A); and, in (b)(2), deleted “line item maximum increase, or cost-of-living adjustment” following “increase” and substituted “(b)(1)(A)” for “(c)(1)(A)”.

The 2017 amendment by No. 707 substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (a)(2).

21-5-205. Effect on appropriation acts.

  1. All appropriation acts of all state agencies subject to the provisions of this subchapter shall be governed by the provisions of this subchapter with respect to grades, class titles, salary increases, salary increase eligibility, and other provisions unless special language in the appropriation act of the state agency specifically allows the state agency to provide salary increases, grade assignments, class title assignments, salary increase eligibility, and other provisions different from those provided by this subchapter.
  2. Where the intent of the General Assembly, by amendment to appropriation bills, is to allow a higher grade for a classification than that listed in this subchapter, the grade assigned to the classification in the appropriation act for the classification, as designated with the higher grade level, shall be the grade level for the classification in the state agency during the biennium.
  3. When a higher salary grade level is authorized in this subchapter for classifications which are not reflected in the appropriation action of a state agency, this subchapter shall set the salary grade levels to be authorized in a state agency's appropriation act for the biennium unless special language in the appropriation act of a state agency allows the state agency to provide salary increases other than that provided in this subchapter.
  4. It is the intent of this section that the respective state agencies governed by the provisions of this subchapter be authorized to allow salary grade levels as provided in the appropriation acts of the state agencies, provided that the rules which apply to salary increases under the provisions of this subchapter shall not be waived unless special language in the appropriation act of the state agency authorizes the state agency to provide increases other than those authorized under the provisions of this subchapter.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 7; 1973, No. 873, § 8; 1975, No. 932, § 4; 1979, No. 828, § 4; 1981, No. 650, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3207, 12-3209; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 4; 2017, No. 365, § 10.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “state agencies” for “agencies and institutions of higher education” and “state agency” for “agency or institution”, and made similar changes throughout the section; and substituted “governed by the provisions of this subchapter” for “governed by it” in (a).

21-5-206. Legislative Council — Duties.

In order to assist the General Assembly in more efficiently performing its constitutional duty, that being “… the number and salaries of the clerks and employees of the different departments of the State shall be fixed by law”, the Legislative Council shall:

  1. Review the establishment and implementation of new classification titles proposed between legislative sessions due to program changes;
  2. Review the staffing levels of all agencies covered by this subchapter and submit to the General Assembly, when in regular session, fiscal session, or special session, recommendations for revisions, modifications, or additions thereto;
  3. Conduct, when necessary, salary surveys of the private and public sector of jobs comparable to those contained in § 21-5-208 for purposes of establishing equitable and competitive rates of compensation for employees occupying positions affected by this subchapter;
  4. Periodically review and recommend any changes found necessary in the job evaluation system used to set salary grade levels for all classifications affected by this section and forward the recommendations to the Office of Personnel Management; and
  5. Prepare and submit recommendations for revisions in this subchapter to the General Assembly when in session.

History. Acts 1985, No. 981, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3212; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 5; 2009, No. 962, § 40; 2017, No. 365, § 11.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The language quoted in the introductory paragraph of this section is from Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 4.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “session, fiscal session” following “regular” in (2).

The 2017 amendment deleted “any” preceding “new” in (1); substituted “covered by” for “and institutions covered by the provisions of” in (2); and deleted “the provisions of” preceding “this section” in (4).

Cross References. Legislative Council, § 10-3-301 et seq.

21-5-207. Office of Personnel Management — Duties.

  1. It shall be the duty of the Office of Personnel Management to perform the following administrative responsibilities, subject to this subchapter:
    1. To determine that each position of a state agency affected by this subchapter is allocated to a class having a written class specification based on the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and the requirements necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties;
    2. To assist the various state agencies in the allocation of positions to classes established in this subchapter and in the appropriation acts covering each of the several state agencies affected by this subchapter, and to disallow the allocation of a position to a class that is not in conformance with this subchapter;
    3. To cooperate with any other state agency, department, board, commission, or institution that is not covered by this subchapter which may wish to voluntarily establish its positions into classifications in a like manner as provided in this subchapter for state agencies covered by it;
      1. To authorize the temporary reclassification of positions in a state agency affected by this subchapter in cases in which it has been determined by the Office of Personnel Management that there are material changes in the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position when there is no available vacant position having the proper classification and where it is impracticable to restructure the duties of the position to the proper classification.
      2. The reclassification of positions may also be authorized when it is necessary to establish a new classification to meet federal standards as a prerequisite for federal programs, provided that no position may be reclassified to a class with a higher salary grade than that approved by the General Assembly, and the reclassified positions shall not be placed in a class and receive pay at a salary rate in excess of the maximum pay level authorized for the position that was reclassified as provided in the appropriation act of the state agency;
      1. To review all class specifications and all classes and grades and the compensation plan affecting all state agencies covered by this subchapter and to submit to the Legislative Council and the Governor in advance of the regular session and fiscal session of the General Assembly recommendations for revisions, modifications, or additions.
      2. When necessary, the Office of Personnel Management shall confer with the staff of the Legislative Council on the development of and revisions to uniform classification and compensation systems.
      3. Time periods for the development of recommendations and time periods for the review by the Legislative Council of those recommendations shall be as established by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      4. The time period shall be sufficiently in advance of budget hearings for the regular session and fiscal session to allow for the thorough review by the Legislative Council;
    4. To develop and implement uniform personnel policies and procedures;
      1. To establish a procedure to allow for the review of the qualifications of applicants whose education and experience do not meet or exceed that required by the class specification but who have other job-related qualifications which might be validly substituted for the class requirements.
      2. This procedure is intended to allow state agencies to substitute job-related education and experience for the specific requirements stated on the class specification without the necessity for the revision of the class requirements.
      3. The procedure shall require the final approval of the State Personnel Administrator, with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee;
      1. To monitor agency personnel transactions, including unqualified appointments, promotions, and reductions in grade.
      2. Unqualified appointments shall be reported by the Office of Personnel Management to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, unless one (1) of the following actions is taken:
        1. Questionable appointments were forwarded by the Office of Personnel Management to the State Personnel Administrator for further review;
        2. Payroll actions for questionable appointments that are determined by the State Personnel Administrator to be unqualified for the specific appointment are not processed until the unqualified appointment is removed from the payroll or is placed into a position in the state agency for which the individual meets the minimum qualifications of the classification; or
        3. Corrective action has been documented by the state agency.
      3. It is the specific responsibility of the director of each state agency covered by this subchapter to certify that the qualifications of persons appointed to positions within the state agency do meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements as stated on the class specification;
      1. To establish each year, upon the review of the Legislative Council, new classifications at an appropriate grade level in order to meet new or changed conditions and to report at the end of each fiscal year all class titles contained in § 21-5-208 for which a class specification has not been written.
      2. Any classification established under this subdivision (a)(9) shall remain in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year during which it was established unless specifically authorized to continue by the General Assembly as an addition to this subchapter;
    5. To revise, as necessary, the class specification of a classification in order to ensure the accuracy of the description of the assigned duties and the minimum requirements necessary to perform these duties to maintain a valid relationship between the requirements and the duties and responsibilities of the jobs;
    6. To administer and maintain a system for the evaluation of employee performance effectiveness;
    7. To provide assistance to state agencies in identifying, developing, and maintaining training and resource programs;
    8. To develop and implement, as needed, upon the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, rules to ensure a uniform system of personnel administration within state government;
    9. To review and approve both the classification and number of positions for each state agency on a biennial basis and provide a recommendation to the Legislative Council; and
    10. To review and recommend changes to state agency personnel policies, including without limitation disciplinary policies.
  2. In order to ensure and provide for the accuracy and efficiency of this subchapter and to provide for an efficient and equitable system of personnel management, the Office of Personnel Management, with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, is directed to:
    1. Study on a continuing basis and modify and revise when necessary the current classifications, the class specifications, minimum requirements, and other requirements;
    2. Create when necessary new classifications at an appropriate grade level that will accurately describe those positions for which no appropriate classification exists;
    3. Determine those positions that are improperly classified and reclassify those positions to the appropriate classification subject to this subchapter; and
    4. Develop and implement the policies, rules, and procedures necessary for the establishment and maintenance of this subchapter.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 6; 1973, No. 873, §§ 1, 5, 6; 1975, No. 932, § 3; 1979, No. 828, § 3; 1981, No. 650, § 3; 1981, No. 695, § 3; 1983, No. 931, § 3; 1985, No. 981, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3206, 12-3206.1; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 6; 1991, No. 1148, § 2; 2005, No. 1962, § 98; 2009, No. 688, § 5; 2017, No. 365, § 12; 2019, No. 981, § 3.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted former (a)(13); and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2009 amendment, in (a), deleted “of the Management Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Management” in the introductory language, inserted “temporary” in (a)(4)(A), deleted “of higher education” following “institution” in (a)(4)(A) and (a)(5)(A), deleted (a)(4)(C) and (a)(7), inserted “Personnel Committee of the” in present (a)(7)(C), rewrote (a)(8), substituted “each year” for “during the biennium” in (a)(9)(A), deleted “within the biennium” following “established” and substituted “fiscal year” for “biennium” in (a)(9)(B), deleted “with the review of the Legislative Council” following “as necessary” and inserted to maintain a valid relationship between the requirements and the duties and responsibilities of the jobs” in (a)(10), and substituted “Personnel Committee” for “Legislative Council” in (a)(13) and the introductory language of (b); substituted “minimum requirements, and other requirements” for “and minimum requirements” in (b)(1), and deleted “regulations” following “rules” in (b)(4); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment deleted “or institution of higher education” following “state agency” in (a)(1) and made similar changes in (a)(2)-(5); substituted “state agency” for “agency or institution” in (a)(4)(B) and made similar changes throughout the section; substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” and “State Personnel Administrator” for “Personnel Director” throughout the section; substituted “Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” throughout the section and “Legislative Council” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” in (a)(5)(D) and (9)(A); substituted “pay level” for “salary rate” in (a)(4)(B); substituted “uniform personnel policies and procedures” for “rules to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter” in (a)(6); rewrote (a)(8)(A); and added (a)(14) and (a)(15).

The 2019 amendment deleted “with respect to the state classification and compensation plan” following “responsibilities” in the introductory language of (a).

Case Notes

Cited: Briggs v. Anderson, 796 F.2d 1009 (8th Cir. 1986).

21-5-208. Classification of positions.

  1. There are established for state agencies covered by this subchapter the following classification titles and grades.
  2. The following classification titles with grades indicated are approved for the state classification plan, subject to the appropriation acts for the various state agencies and various institutions affected by this subchapter:
    1. The classification titles and grades established in this section supersede the classification titles established in a state agency appropriation act using grades other than those established by this section.
    2. This subsection is effective from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2021.

Class Code Title Grade U001U DFA DIRECTOR SE05 U024U DHE DIRECTOR SE05 U033U COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION SE05 U133U DHS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE05 G056N OAL GAMING DIRECTOR SE04 U002U DFA DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND CHIEF OF STAFF SE04 U010U ATRS DIRECTOR SE04 U014U APERS DIRECTOR SE04 U035U ADC DIRECTOR SE04 U049U DIRECTOR BANK DEPARTMENT SE04 U053U ADJUTANT GENERAL SE04 U055U AEDC DIRECTOR SE04 U060U DIS DIRECTOR SE04 U064U DIRECTOR STATE POLICE SE04 U128U OAL DIRECTOR SE04 U131U ARK ADJUTANT GENERAL SE04 L002N DEPUTY STATE HEALTH OFFICER SE03 L023N DHS DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE03 N003N DFA DEP DIR AND COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE SE03 N007N ADH DEPUTY DIRECTOR ADMIN SE03 N012N DFA DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND CONTROLLER SE03 N164N MILITARY DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL SE03 N221N ARKANSAS STATE HOSPITAL COO SE03 U005U PSC CHAIRMAN SE03 U015U ADEQ DIRECTOR SE03 U016U ADPT DIR PARKS RECREATION & TRAVEL SE03 U019U ADFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE03 U027U DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION SE03 U034U DDSSA DIRECTOR SE03 U037U DWS DIRECTOR SE03 U047U STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER SE03 U061U ACE DIRECTOR SE03 U073U DIS DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE03 U100U WCC CHAIRMAN SE03 U119U DEPUTY DIRECTOR — PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS SE03 U124U MEDICAID INSPECTOR GENERAL SE03 U132U ARK DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL SE03 A018N DHS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SE02 A136C DHS MEDICAID CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER SE02 B017N ADH CHIEF SCIENTIST SE02 D003N STATE CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER SE02 D004N DFA IGS/STATE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR SE02 G002N DFA REVENUE CHIEF COUNSEL SE02 N004N DFA REV ASST COMMISSIONER POLICY & LEGAL SE02 N011N DFA CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER SE02 N013N DIS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SE02 N028N DFA TAX AUDIT ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N029N DFA TAX ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N030N DFA STATE REVENUE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N031N DFA STATE PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N032N DFA STATE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N033N DFA ADMINISTRATIVE SVCS ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N034N DFA OCSE ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N035N DFA MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N036N DFA EBD ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N037N DFA DRIVER LICENSE ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N038N DFA BUDGET ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N040N DHS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER SE02 N042N DFA TAX RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR SE02 N057N ASP DEPUTY DIRECTOR/LT. COLONEL SE02 N181N DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES SE02 N218N ADEQ SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE02 N219N DFA ADMINISTRATOR INTERNAL AUDIT SE02 N220N DHS CHIEF ATTORNEY SE02 U007U WCC COMMISSIONER SE02 U008U ADVA DIRECTOR SE02 U018U DAH DIRECTOR SE02 U022U LABOR DIRECTOR SE02 U032U AETN DIRECTOR SE02 U040U SECURITIES COMMISSIONER SE02 U042U INSURANCE CHIEF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SE02 U052U ABA DIRECTOR SE02 U062U ADC CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE02 U072U SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SE02 U082U PUBLIC DEF COMM EXEC DIRECTOR SE02 U084U DCC DIRECTOR SE02 U086U BANK ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SE02 U089U DHE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE02 U091U PROSECUTOR COORDINATOR SE02 U094U CRIME LAB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE02 A024N OAL INTERNAL AUDITOR SE01 D011N ADE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS SE01 D012N DFA DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR SE01 E004N ADE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SE01 G004N DHS CHIEF ATTORNEY SE01 G029N DHS DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND LEGAL SE01 G293C DIS CHIEF GENERAL COUNSEL SE01 M092C DHS DIRECTOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SE01 M093C DHS DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS SE01 M094C DHS DIR PROVIDER SERVICES & QUALITY CTRL SE01 N005N ADE ASST COMMISSIONER LEARNING SERVICES SE01 N006N ADE ASST COMMISSIONER PUB SCH ACCOUNT SE01 N008N ASST COMMISSIONER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY SE01 N009N ASST COMMISSIONER FISCAL & ADMIN SVCS SE01 N010N ASST COMMR EDUC EFFECTIVENESS SE01 N015N ADE DIR PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES & TRANS SE01 N018N DHS DEP DIR COUNTY OPERATIONS SE01 N019N DHS DEP DIR BEHAV HLTH SERVICES SE01 N020N DHS DDS COMMISSIONER SE01 N021N DHS DEPUTY DIRECTOR — DCFS SE01 N024N DIRECTOR STUDENT LOAN AUTHORITY SE01 N025N INSURANCE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER INFO SVCS SE01 N026N DHS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DYS SE01 N027N DHS DEPUTY DIRECTOR ADULT SERVICES SE01 N210N DHS DIR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SE01 N211N DHS DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS SE01 N212N DHS DIR OF PROVIDER SVCS & QLTY CONTROL SE01 N213N ADPT CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER SE01 N214N AEDC EXEC VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL BUS SE01 N215N AEDC EXEC VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS SE01 N216N ASP LIEUTENANT COLONEL SE01 N217N DFA ADMINISTRATOR SE01 N222N DHS STATE DIRECTOR OF DRUG PREVENTION SE01 U003U STATE FORESTER SE01 U004U PSC COMMISSIONER SE01 U012U REHABILITATION SERVICES COMMISSIONER SE01 U013U ADEM DIRECTOR SE01 U020U DAH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SE01 U025U HEALTH PERMIT SERVICES DIRECTOR SE01 U029U DEAF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SE01 U030U BLIND SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SE01 U031U STATE LIBRARY DIRECTOR SE01 U036U AR APPEALS TRIBUNAL CHAIRMAN SE01 U038U PAROLE BOARD CHAIRMAN SE01 U039U STATE GEOLOGIST SE01 U043U ANRC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE01 U044U PLANT BOARD DIRECTOR SE01 U045U OIL & GAS DIRECTOR SE01 U046U WCC CHIEF EXEC OFFICER SE01 U048U ARLPC DIRECTOR SE01 U050U PSC DIRECTOR SE01 U057U DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE SE01 U059U AEDC DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U063U AEDC EXEC VP MARKETING & RESEARCH SE01 U065U ACE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U067U ADPT TOURISM DIVISION DIRECTOR SE01 U068U ADPT PARKS DIVISION DIRECTOR SE01 U069U ACIC DIRECTOR SE01 U070U DWS DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U076U DWS WORKFORCE INVESTMENT DIRECTOR SE01 U077U ACE DEPUTY DIRECTOR CAREER & TECH ED SE01 U078U APERS DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U079U ATRS DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U083U DCC CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR SE01 U085U ACD DIRECTOR SE01 U087U AETN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SE01 U092U ETHICS COMMISSION DIRECTOR SE01 U095U MEDICAL BOARD SECRETARY/TREASURER SE01 U096U ASBN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE01 U101U EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SE01 U105U AEDC DEP DIR FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION SE01 U121U HEALTH INFORMATION TECH DIRECTOR SE01 U125U INSPECTOR GENERAL CHIEF COUNSEL SE01 U134U EXEC DIR AR STATE MEDICAL BD SE01 L001N CRIME LAB DIR MEDICAL EXAMINATION DIV MP10 U026U ADH DIRECTOR MP10 L003N CHIEF PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST MP09 L004N CRIME LAB ASSOC MEDICAL EXAMINER MP09 L005N PSYCHIATRIC SPECIALIST MP08 L025N SENIOR PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST MP08 N001N DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY BOARD MP08 L008N PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST MP07 L015N ASST PHARMACY DIRECTOR MP07 L024N DDSSA MEDICAL SPECIALIST MP07 L007N REHAB MED DIR ALCOHOL REHAB CTR-BENTON MP06 L009N DHS BEHAV HLTH GENERAL PHYSICIAN MP06 L011N DENTIST MP06 L012N DDSSA MEDICAL CONSULTANT MP06 L013N GENERAL PHYSICIAN MP06 L014N DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY MP06 L107C ASBP PHARMACIST INSPECTOR MP06 B004N STATE VETERINARIAN MP05 B143C ADH PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARIAN MP05 L016N REGISTERED PHARMACIST MP05 L017N DHS ALEXANDER CHIEF PSYCHOLOGIST MP05 L027N DDSSA PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIST MP05 B005N VETERINARIAN MP04 B009N DFA DOG RACING VETERINARIAN MP04 B019N RACING COMMISSION VETERINARIAN MP04 L001C PSYCHOLOGIST SUPERVISOR MP04 L002C NURSING DIRECTOR MP04 L018N NURSE PRACTITIONER MP04 L104C AGRI LABORATORY COORDINATOR MP04 L105C AHC NURSING DIRECTOR MP04 L106C VETERINARY SPECIALIST MP04 L108C PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MP04 L003C PSYCHOLOGIST MP03 L006C ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NURSING MP03 L009C NURSE MANAGER MP03 L021N PHYSICAL THERAPIST MP03 L097C ADC PSYCHOLOGIST MP03 L015C CLINICAL SPEECH PATHOLOGIST MP02 L017C ADH AREA NURSING DIRECTOR MP02 L019C REGISTERED NURSE COORDINATOR MP02 L020C NURSING SERVICES UNIT MANAGER MP02 L022C NURSING CLINIC COORDINATOR MP02 L022N OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST MP02 L026C ADH NURSING PROGRAM COORD MP02 L027C REGISTERED NURSE SUPERVISOR MP02 L036C NURSE INSTRUCTOR MP02 L032C REGISTERED NURSE — HOSPITAL MP01 L038C REGISTERED NURSE MP01 L042C SCHOOL SPEECH PATHOLOGIST MP01 L045C AUDIOLOGIST MP01 N206N CHIEF DATA OFFICER IT12 D002N STATE DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR LEAD IT11 D005N DFA IT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST IT11 D013N ATRS ASSOC DIR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT11 D103C ASP CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER IT11 D127C DIS CHIEF OF TECHNOLOGY IT11 D128C DIS DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR IT11 D131C DIS ENTERPRISE CLOUD STRATEGIST IT11 D132C DIS ENTERPRISE CLOUD ARCHITECT IT11 D133C DIS ENTERPRISE CLOUD ENGINEER IT11 D134C DIS ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT IT11 D135C DATA SCIENTIST IT11 N017N ADH CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER IT11 D002C DFA OIS ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR IT10 D006N STATE SYSTEMS ARCHITECT IT10 D007N STATE GEOGRAPHIC INFO OFFICER IT10 D009C DIS OPERATIONS CENTER MANAGER IT10 D010C DATA WAREHOUSE LEAD IT10 D015N APERS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT10 D028N REGULATORY HEALTH LINK TECH OFFICER IT10 D126C DIS DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR LEAD IT10 D129C ADEQ DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IT10 D136C DIS IT PROJECT MANAGER DIRECTOR IT10 D137C DIS NETWORK ARCHITECT IT10 D138C DIS DATA CENTER MANAGER IT10 D001C STATE DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR IT09 D003C STATE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR LEAD IT09 D005C STATE IT SECURITY ANALYST IT09 D011C DFA ERP SYSTEM MANAGER IT09 D022N IT SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER IT09 D025N DHS IT SENIOR ENGINEER IT09 D105C ADE STATE NETWORK ENGINEER IT09 D124C IT OPERATIONS CENTER MANAGER IT09 D125C SR. STATE SERVER ADMINISTRATOR IT09 D130C DIS DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGER IT09 D139C DATA ENGINEER IT09 E007N ADE DIRECTOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE IT09 N178N ARS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER IT09 D004C STATE NETWORK SUPPORT LEAD IT08 D006C SOFTWARE ENGINEER LEAD IT08 D007C INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER IT08 D008C GIS LEAD IT08 D010N INSURANCE CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER IT08 D012C DATABASE SPECIALIST IT08 D013C BANK IT ADMINISTRATOR IT08 D014C STATE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR IT08 D021C DFA ERP GROUP LEAD IT08 D023N HIT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR IT08 D029N OAL DEPUTY IT GAMING DIRECTOR IT08 D043C ADEM INFO TECHNOLOGY DIVISIONDIRECTOR IT08 D094C DCC PROJ & ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MGMT ADMIN IT08 D104C ADE STATE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR IT08 D123C DB ADMINISTRATOR IT08 V039C DIS IT SOURCING PROJECT MANAGER IT08 D015C STATE NETWORK ENGINEER IT07 D017C INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY SPECIALIST IT07 D024N HIT INTERFACE DEVELOPER IT07 D028C SENIOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST IT07 D029C SENIOR GIS ANALYST IT07 D030C INFORMATION SYSTEMS COORDINATOR IT07 D034C DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR IT07 D035C COMPUTER SUPPORT MANAGER IT07 D110C OAL QA SYSTEMS ANALYST IT07 D112C OAL NETWORK ENGINEER IT07 D113C OAL SR. DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR IT07 D122C IT PROJECT MANAGER IT07 D016C SENIOR TECHNOLOGY ANALYST IT06 D022C SYSTEMS SPECIALIST IT06 D023C STATE SYSTEMS SPECIALIST IT06 D024C STATE NETWORK SPECIALIST IT06 D025C STATE IT SECURITY SPECIALIST IT06 D026C STATE HELP DESK LEAD IT06 D027C SOFTWARE ENGINEER IT06 D033C DFA ERP ANALYST IT06 D038C SENIOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT ANALYST IT06 D039C NETWORK SUPPORT SPECIALIST IT06 D040C GIS ANALYST IT06 D042C DATA WAREHOUSE SPECIALIST IT06 D049C DIS PROJECT MANAGER IT06 D067C INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY ANALYST IT06 D111C OAL IT SECURITY ANALYST IT06 D121C BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST IT06 D020C INST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COORD IT05 D037C ADE APSCN APPLICATIONS MANAGER IT05 D044C SYSTEMS ANALYST IT05 D045C STATE SYSTEMS ANALYST IT05 D047C INFORMATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS ANALYST IT05 D050C SECURITY ANALYST IT05 D051C SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS SUPERVISOR IT05 D052C SOFTWARE SUPPORT ANALYST IT05 D054C COMPUTER SUPPORT COORDINATOR IT05 D056C SYSTEMS COORDINATION ANALYST IT05 D057C INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER IT05 D060C ASST DIR COMPUTER SVCS IT05 D061C INFORMATION SYSTEMS COORDINATION SPEC IT05 D063C COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST IT05 D032C DIS IT ASSET MANAGER IT04 D036C AETN WEBSITE COORDINATOR IT04 D055C ADE APSCN FIELD ANALYST IT04 D058C COMPUTER OPERATIONS COORDINATOR IT04 D062C DATABASE ANALYST IT04 D064C WEBSITE DEVELOPER IT04 D065C NETWORK SUPPORT ANALYST IT04 D068C INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST IT04 D082C NETWORK ANALYST IT04 D119C OAL LEAD COMPUTER OPERATOR IT04 D120C APPLICATION PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST IT04 D046C STATE PRODUCTION CONTROL SUPERVISOR IT03 D066C DIGITAL BROADCAST SPECIALIST IT03 D069C DIS SCHEDULER IT03 D071C COMPUTER SUPPORT ANALYST IT03 D075C SOFTWARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST IT03 D072C ACIC SYSTEMS SUPERVISOR IT02 D078C GIS TECHNICIAN IT02 D079C COMPUTER SUPPORT TECHNICIAN IT02 D083C DIGITAL BROADCAST TECHNICIAN IT02 D084C COMPUTER OPERATOR IT02 D108C OAL APPLICATION SUPP SPECIALIST IT02 D080C ACIC SYSTEMS SPECIALIST IT01 D089C INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT IT01 D107C OAL COMPUTER OPERATOR IT01 C093C EXTRA HELP ASSISTANT GSMW A002C DFA ASSISTANT ACCOUNTING ADMINISTRATOR GS15 A005N ASST DEPUTY BANK COMMISSIONER GS15 A016N OAL CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS15 A019N DHS DEP CHIEF FIN OFFICER — MED SERVICES GS15 A020N DHS DEP CHIEF FIN OFFICER — HUMAN SERVICES GS15 A131C DHS CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER GS15 A132C DIS BUSINESS SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR GS15 B001N ADH SENIOR SCIENTIST GS15 D008N DFA PBAS TECHNICAL SUPPORT MANAGER GS15 E072C DIRECTOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND STEM GS15 G001C DFA ASSISTANT ADMIN SVCS ADMINISTRATOR GS15 G001N ADE LITIGATION ATTORNEY GS15 G003N PSC CHIEF ADMIN LAW JUDGE GS15 G005N WCC CHIEF ADMIN LAW JUDGE GS15 G050N OAL CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL GS15 G051N OAL SALES DIRECTOR GS15 G052N ANRC DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS15 G053N DHS DEP DIR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS GS15 G279C ABC ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR GS15 G280C ABC ENFORCEMENT DIRECTOR GS15 G281C ADE POLICY & SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR GS15 G282C DHS CHIEF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR GS15 G283C DHS CHIEF SECURITY & COMPLIANCE OFFICER GS15 G284C DHS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR GS15 G285C DIS GENERAL COUNSEL GS15 G286C DMS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS15 G287C RACING COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS15 N002N DHE SENIOR ASSOC DIRECTOR GS15 N014N INSURANCE DEP COMMISS FINANCIAL REGS GS15 N016N DHS DEP DIR ADMINISTRATIVE SVCS GS15 N039N ADC DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS15 N047N ADE APSCN DIRECTOR GS15 N061N AEDC BUSINESS FINANCE DIRECTOR GS15 N062N AEDC BUSINESS DEV DIV DIR GS15 N067N ADEQ DEPUTY DIRECTOR — LAND RESOURCES GS15 N070N WCC ASST CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GS15 N084N AEDC EXEC VP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS GS15 N113N ATC DIRECTOR GS15 N125N DHS DEP DIR SVCS FOR THE BLIND GS15 N175N DHS DDS ASST DIR FOR RESIDENTIAL SVCS GS15 N195N ADEQ DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS15 N197N NURSING HOME DIVISION DIRECTOR GS15 N201N DEPUTY COMM OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS GS15 N207N CHIEF PRIVACY OFFICER GS15 N209N DIRECTOR CLEST GS15 N225N AEDC DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC SUPPORT SVCS GS15 P006N DFA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS GS15 R001C DFA ASSISTANT PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR GS15 R002C DFA ASSISTANT BUDGET ADMINISTRATOR GS15 R003C DFA ASSISTANT EBD ADMINISTRATOR GS15 R048C DHS CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER GS15 U097U AREC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS15 V001C DFA ASSISTANT PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR GS15 A001C DFA ASSISTANT TAX RESEARCH ADMINISTRATOR GS14 A003C DFA REVENUE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR GS14 A003N SENIOR INVESTMENT ANALYST GS14 A006N ATRS INTERNAL AUDITOR GS14 A009N ADE CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS14 A018C BANK CHIEF EXAMINER GS14 A030C BANK CERTIFIED EXAMINATIONS MANAGER GS14 A107C BANK EXAMINER MANAGER GS14 A128C INSURANCE CLAIMS DIR — PUBLIC EMPLOYEES GS14 A129C PSC QUALITY SERVICES DIRECTOR GS14 A130C PSC RATES & DEMAND RESOURCES DIRECTOR GS14 B002N ABA STATE ENGINEER GS14 B003N ABA STATE ARCHITECT GS14 G003C ANRC DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS14 G006N PSC CHIEF COUNSEL GS14 G007N DWS GENERAL COUNSEL GS14 G008N CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER GS14 G009N ADH CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL GS14 G010N WCC ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE GS14 G011N PSC ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE GS14 G018N DIRECTOR RISK MANAGEMENT GS14 G031N ASP GENERAL COUNSEL GS14 G032N PC&E HEARING OFFICER GS14 G033N AEDC AMS DIRECTOR GS14 G039N ADVA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS14 G042N APERS CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL GS14 G047N OAL MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIR GS14 G057N OAL DIR SECURITY & COMPLIANCE GS14 G077C MLK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS14 G257C BANK CHIEF COUNSEL GS14 G278C PSC RESEARCH & POLICY DIRECTOR GS14 G294C AEDC SENIOR COUNSEL GS14 L026N STATE VETERANS HOME ADMINISTRATOR GS14 N023N INSURANCE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GS14 N043N PSC DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL ANALYSIS GS14 N046N ADE ASST DIR ACADEMIC FACILITIES GS14 N048N ADC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS14 N055N DHE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR GS14 N059N AEDC TRAINING DIVISION DIRECTOR GS14 N063N ADH EPIDEMIOLOGY OFFICER GS14 N064N ADH CENTER DIR — LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH GS14 N065N ADH CENTER DIRECTOR — HEALTH PROTECTION GS14 N066N ADFA DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS14 N069N ADE SPECIAL ADVISOR GS14 N071N PSC TAX DIVISION DIRECTOR GS14 N080N DHS/DMS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR — FISCAL GS14 N081N DHS DDS SUPT HDC/CONWAY GS14 N083N AEDC STRATEGIC PLANNING DIRECTOR GS14 N085N AEDC DIR TECH & ENTREPRENEURSHIP GS14 N086N DHS DDS DIR EVAL PLAN & MGMT SYSTEMS GS14 N092N ATRS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS GS14 N093N ATRS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FISCAL AFFAIRS GS14 N094N AEDC EPSCOR DIRECTOR GS14 N097N ADH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GS14 N099N DHS/DMS ADD — LONG TERM CARE GS14 N100N DHS/DMS ADD — MEDICAL SERVICES GS14 N101N DHS/DCO ASST DEP DIR PGM & ADMN SPT GS14 N102N DHS/DCO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS14 N103N DHS MENTAL HEALTH CENTER DIRECTOR GS14 N114N DCC DEPUTY DIR RESIDENTIAL SVCS GS14 N121N DHS/DCFS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS14 N122N DHS/DCC ASSISTANT DIR FINANCE & ADMIN GS14 N123N DHS/DBHS ASST DIR FOR FINANCE GS14 N124N DHS/DYS ASSISTANT DIVISION DIRECTOR GS14 N129N DCC DEPUTY DIR PAROLE/PROBATION SERVICES GS14 N130N DCC DEPUTY DIR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES GS14 N133N DIRECTOR MINORITY HEALTH COMMISSION GS14 N134N DHS/DCFS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS14 N135N DHS AHC NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR GS14 N137N SECURITIES DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GS14 N140N INS ASST DEP COMMISSIONER FINANCE GS14 N142N DHS/DAAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS14 N144N DHS DDS DIR CLIENT SERVICES GS14 N150N TECHNICAL INSTITUTE DIRECTOR GS14 N177N AFHC DIRECTOR GS14 N180N AEDC ARKANSAS ENERGY OFFICE DIRECTOR GS14 N186N AEDC SENIOR MANAGER GS14 N190N INSURANCE GENERAL COUNSEL GS14 N199N OMIG DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR GS14 N223N ADPT PARKS DIV DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS14 N224N DIRECTORATE OF STATE RESOURCES DIRECTOR GS14 P077C DHS COMM & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFF GS14 T001C ASP MAJOR GS14 X001C PSC DIR OF ELECTRIC UTILITIES SECT GS14 X002N PROPERTY & CASUALTY MANAGER GS14 A004N CERTIFIED FINANCIAL EXAMINER MANAGER GS13 A006C DFA REVENUE TAX DIVISION MANAGER GS13 A007N ASLA FEDERAL PROGRAMS FINANCIAL OFFICER GS13 A010C AGENCY CONTROLLER II GS13 A010N AGRICULTURE CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS13 A011N ASP CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS13 A013N AETN DEP DIR FOR ADMIN & FINANCE GS13 A017N ADFA PUBLIC FINANCE OFFICER GS13 A023N MILITARY CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS13 A039C CERTIFIED BANK SENIOR EXAMINER GS13 A108C ADC ASST CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) GS13 A126C ADVA CFO GS13 A127C DIS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GS13 A133C ADVA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GS13 B001C DEPUTY STATE FORESTER GS13 B004C ANRC WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MANAGER GS13 B005C ANRC WATER DEVELOPMENT DIVISION MANAGER GS13 B006C ANRC CONSERVATION DIVISION CHIEF GS13 B007C CRIME LAB SCIENTIFIC OPERATION MGR GS13 B007N AETN ENGINEERING DIVISION MANAGER GS13 B011N ADH DIR ENGINEERING GS13 B012C ADEQ ENGINEER P.E. BRANCH MANAGER GS13 B138C ADH ENGINEER CHIEF GS13 B139C AEDC DIRECTOR OF EPSCOR GS13 B140C AEDC MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR GS13 B141C ADEQ USED TIRE PROGRAM MANAGER GS13 D026N DHS ELIGIBILITY SYSTEM PROGRAM MANAGER GS13 E001N ADE COORDINATOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS GS13 E003N ADE COORD SCH. IMP / STANDARDS ASSURANCE GS13 E070C AETN SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT GS13 G004C MANAGING ATTORNEY GS13 G005C ADEQ WATER DIVISION MANAGER GS13 G012N PUBLIC DEFENDER III GS13 G014N ADC COMPLIANCE ATTORNEY GS13 G017N DWS ASST DIR — TANF GS13 G018C ADPT PARKS ADMIN MANAGER GS13 G019C GENERAL COUNSEL GS13 G019N PAROLE BOARD MEMBER GS13 G023C DEPUTY PROSECUTOR COORDINATOR GS13 G024N ADC GENERAL COUNSEL GS13 G034C ADEQ ASST AIR/WATER DIVISION MANAGER GS13 G037N APERS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS GS13 G041N ASPB GENERAL COUNSEL GS13 G043N RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS13 G046N OAL SALES TRNG & RETAIL COORD GS13 G054N DHS GENERAL COUNSEL GS13 G055N EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR GS13 G056C DHS/DCC ASST DIR OPS & PROG SUPV GS13 G225C DFA OCSE FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER GS13 G234C DDSSA PROGRAM DIRECTOR GS13 G275C ADPT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER GS13 G276C DHS CHIEF OF STAFF GS13 G277C DHS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR GS13 G290C ASST DEPUTY DIR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS GS13 M002C DHS BEHAV HLTH ASSOC DIR, AHC GS13 M003C DHS BEHAV HLTH CHILDRENS SYSTEM CARE DIR GS13 N001C DEPUTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GS13 N049N DWS ASST DIR, INFO AND TECHNOLOGY GS13 N050N DWS ASST DIR, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GS13 N051N DWS ASST DIR, EMPLOYMENT ASSIST GS13 N054N DHE CAREER PATHWAYS DIRECTOR GS13 N058N DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ARLPC GS13 N073N INSURANCE CHF FIN/MKT CONDUCT EXMR GS13 N074N DWS ASST DIR, UNEMPLOYMENT INS GS13 N078N DIS PROJECT & ENTERPRISE PROG MGMT ADMIN GS13 N079N DIS DIVISION DIRECTOR GS13 N090N CONTRACTORS LICENSE ADMR/INVEST GS13 N096N APERS ASST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE GS13 N098N ACTI DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY GS13 N104N ADH DIRECTOR STATISTICS & VITAL RECORDS GS13 N106N PRIVATE CAREER EDUCATION BOARD DIRECTOR GS13 N107N DHS/OFA ASSISTANT DIR — ACCOUNTING OPS GS13 N108N DHS/DCO ASST DEP DIR GS13 N109N DHS/OFA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS13 N110N DHS ASST DIR CONTRACT MONITORING UNIT GS13 N111N DHS ASST DEP DIR FOR MGR ACCOUNTING GS13 N112N DHS ASST DEP DIR FIN SUPPORT SYSTEM GS13 N118N ADH DIR IN-HOME SERVICES GS13 N126N DHS DDS SUPT HDC GS13 N127N DHS/DBHS DIR ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE PREV GS13 N128N DHS ASST DIR QUALITY ASSURANCE GS13 N147N DHS/DAAS ASST DEP DIR GS13 N154N CLAIMS COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS13 N158N ASBN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS13 N163N ADPT TOURISM ADMIN DIRECTOR GS13 N171N DHS DEP DIR OFFICE OF VOL SVCS GS13 N172N ACE REHAB OPERATIONS DIRECTOR GS13 N174N HEALTH INFORMATION TECH POLICY DIRECTOR GS13 N196N MILITARY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR GS13 N204N ADEQ DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS GS13 N205N ADEQ DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE GS13 N208N MEDICAL MARIJUANA COMM. DIRECTOR GS13 P002N ADH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS GS13 R001N ADH CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER GS13 R003N APERS DIRECTOR OF BENEFITS ADMIN GS13 R040C DFA STATEWIDE PROGRAM MANAGER GS13 T001N ADC SUPERINTENDENT GS13 T003C ASP CAPTAIN GS13 U017U ADPT HISTORY COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS13 U056U OIL & GAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS13 U080U ABA DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS13 U081U ARKANSAS SENTENCING COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS13 U093U CRIME LAB ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS13 V002N DHS DEP CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER GS13 X004C ADEQ AIR DIVISION MANAGER GS13 X008C SECURITIES CHIEF EXAMINER GS13 X197C RACING COMMISSION STEWARD GS13 A002N AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE GS12 A004C CERTIFIED FINANCIAL EXAMINER GS12 A013C PSC DIRECTOR OF REVENUE REQUIREMENTS GS12 A014C FISCAL DIVISION MANAGER GS12 A014N OAL CONTROLLER GS12 A015C DWS DIR INTERNAL AUDIT & SECURITY GS12 A015N OAL TREASURER GS12 A016C DHS DMS BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER GS12 A021C AGENCY CONTROLLER I GS12 A025C DFA ACCOUNTING CAFR COORDINATOR GS12 A115C OMIG CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GS12 A137C ADEQ FINANICAL MANAGER GS12 B002C AGRICULTURE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING GS12 B008N SENIOR PETROLEUM ENGINEER GS12 B012N AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING GS12 B013N ASST STATE GEOLOGIST GS12 B015C ENGINEER SUPERVISOR GS12 B015N AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH GS12 B016N LAND SURVEY STATE SURVEYOR GS12 B018N AEDC FIELD ENGINEER GS12 B021N BIOSTATISTICIAN GS12 B142C ADEQ USED TIRE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS12 D096C DIS EEF SR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS GS12 E009C TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS12 G002C DFA ASSISTANT IGS ADMINISTRATOR GS12 G006C ADE SPECIAL EDUCATION DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G010C ACE DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G012C ADE ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR GS12 G013N ASBN GENERAL COUNSEL GS12 G014C AEDC DIR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GS12 G015C AEDC SMALL/MINORITY BUSINESS DIRECTOR GS12 G016N DWS ASST DIR GRANTS RESOURCE ADMIN GS12 G020C DWS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR GS12 G022N PUBLIC DEFENDER II GS12 G023N REVOCATION HEARING JUDGE GS12 G024C DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE GS12 G025C ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR GS12 G026C ADH ASSOC CENTER DIR—MGMT & OPS GS12 G026N AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MGMT SVS GS12 G027C ADFA PROGRAM OFFICER GS12 G028C ADEQ TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G028N JDDC DEPUTY EXEC DIRECTOR GS12 G029C ADEQ SOLID WASTE DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G030C ADEQ REGULATED STORAGE TANKS DIV MANAGER GS12 G030N AEDC ASST DIR OF STEM EDUCATION GS12 G031C ADEQ PUBLIC OUTREACH DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G032C ADEQ MINING DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G033C ADEQ HAZARDOUS WASTE DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G034N AEDC ASST DIRECTOR SALES AND MARKETING GS12 G035C ADEQ ADMINISTRATION DIVISION MANAGER GS12 G035N AEDC SALES AND MARKETING SPECIALIST GS12 G036N PLANT BOARD ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS12 G037C ADPT PARKS PLANNING & DEV MGR GS12 G042C DHS ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE GS12 G049C ADH REGIONAL DIRECTOR GS12 G055C ADEM DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS12 G059C DDSSA ASST DIRECTOR GS12 G059N OAL SECURITY DEPUTY DIR GS12 G101C DHS AREA MANAGER GS12 G245C AEDC DIR OF COMMUNITY DEV & IMPROVEMENT GS12 G249C OMIG PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR GS12 G273C AEDC SENIOR PROJECT CONSULTANT GS12 G274C DHS VOLUNTEER SERVICES DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS12 G291C TRAFFIC SAFETY RESOURCE PROSECUTOR GS12 G292C DDSSA PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS MANAGER GS12 L019N ADH CHIEF EPIDEMIOLOGIST GS12 N095N ARKANSAS BUREAU OF STANDARDS DIRECTOR GS12 N105N STADIUM COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS12 N115N CRIMINAL INSURANCE FRAUD DIRECTOR GS12 N116N BOARD OF ARCHITECTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS12 N117N BD OF ACCT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS12 N119N ADC INDUSTRY ADMINISTRATOR GS12 N120N ADC FARM ADMINISTRATOR GS12 N131N SBEC DIRECTOR GS12 N132N ENG & LAND SURVEYORS EXEC DIRECTOR GS12 N136N ADC HEALTH SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR GS12 N138N REHAB DIRECTOR FIELD SVCS GS12 N139N MINORITY HLTH & HLTH DISPARITIES DIR GS12 N141N DHS/DCO AREA DIRECTOR GS12 N143N DHS DDS DIVISION MANAGER GS12 N145N DHS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CMS GS12 N146N BOARD OF APPRAISER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS12 N148N ADH GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS POLICY DIR GS12 N151N DHS/DCFS ADMR ADMIN SERVICES GS12 N152N DHS/DBHS ASSISTANT DIR ADMIN SVCS GS12 N156N BEHAV HLTH ASST DIR CHILDRENS SVS GS12 N157N ATRS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF INVESTMENTS GS12 N159N APERS INVESTMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER GS12 N161N STATE LIBRARY DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS12 N162N STATE DRUG PREVENTION DIRECTOR GS12 N165N LP GAS BOARD DIRECTOR GS12 N167N DHS POLICY & RESEARCH DIRECTOR GS12 N168N DHS DIR HOME & COMMUNITY BASED SVCS GS12 N170N REHAB DIRECTOR — ACTI GS12 P001N ADE DIR OF COMMUNICATIONS GS12 P003N ADC PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER GS12 P004N DHS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS GS12 P007N DWS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS GS12 P078C ARS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION GS12 R002N DHS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN CAPITAL GS12 R006C HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR GS12 S001C ADPT PARKS OPERATIONS MGR GS12 T005C ADC/DCC CORRECTIONAL WARDEN GS12 T007C ASP LIEUTENANT GS12 T109C SEX OFFENDER COMM NOTIFCTN ASESSMT ADMIN GS12 U006U EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SPINAL CORD COMM GS12 U021U AERONAUTICS DIRECTOR GS12 U088U LABOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS12 U099U DIRECTOR OF RURAL SERVICES GS12 V003C DFA PROCUREMENT DIVISION MANAGER GS12 V038C DIS IT PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR GS12 X001N BD OF COLLECTION EXEC DIR GS12 X003C ASP/CACD CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR GS12 X005C PROPERTY & CASUALTY MANAGER GS12 A007C AUDIT MANAGER GS11 A019C PSC TAX DIVISION ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS11 A021N ADEQ CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS11 A024C DHS DIVISION CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS11 A027C ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS MANAGER GS11 A028C PSC SENIOR RATE CASE ANALYST GS11 A031C ASSISTANT CONTROLLER GS11 A033C TAX AUDITOR SUPERVISOR GS11 A110C SENIOR INVESTMENT MANAGER GS11 A112C DFA CAFR COORDINATOR GS11 A117C ACCREDITED FINANCIAL EXAMINER GS11 A119C CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT GS11 B009C DIRECTOR WATERWAYS COMMISSION GS11 B010C AGRI DIVISION MANAGER GS11 B014C ASST STATE FORESTER GS11 B014N SENIOR PETROLEUM GEOLOGIST GS11 B016C AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EPSCOR GS11 B019C FORENSIC ADMINISTRATOR GS11 B020C ADPT REGIONAL PARK SUPV GS11 B023C ENGINEER, P.E. GS11 B028C CLEST DEPUTY DIRECTOR STANDARDS DIVISION GS11 C002C ASP HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR GS11 D106C HEALTH INFO TECHNICAL SR SYS SPECIALIST GS11 E001C AETN PROGRAMMING DIVISION DIRECTOR GS11 E002C AETN OUTREACH DIVISION DIRECTOR GS11 E003C AETN EDUCATION DIVISION DIRECTOR GS11 E004C SCHOOL PRINCIPAL GS11 E006C PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAM MANAGER GS11 E006N ADE COORD COMPUTER SCIENCE GS11 E067C DDSSA PROGRAM EDUCATION COORDINATOR GS11 E069C ADE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAID IN THE SCHOOLS GS11 G007C WCC DIVISION MANAGER GS11 G008C RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS11 G013C AEDC MANAGER OF STRATEGIC ENERGY DEV GS11 G021C DHS/DSB ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS11 G022C DHS DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS GS11 G025N PUBLIC DEFENDER I GS11 G027N DHS RESEARCH ANALYSIS MANAGER GS11 G043C DHE FINANCIAL AID MANAGER GS11 G044C DFA REVENUE PROBLEM RESOLUTION OFFICER GS11 G044N OAL REGIONAL SALES MANAGER GS11 G047C ATTORNEY SPECIALIST GS11 G048C AEDC STRATEGIC PLANNING ASST DIR GS11 G052C ACIC DIVISION MANAGER GS11 G054C AREC DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS11 G058C DHE FEDERAL PROGRAM MANAGER GS11 G058N OAL KEY CHAIN ACCOUNT MANAGER GS11 G062C AEDC PROJECT CONSULTANT GS11 G066C PSC TELECOM AND QUALITY OF SERVICE MGR GS11 G067C PSC CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER GS11 G233C DDSSA SECTION MANAGER GS11 G247C ARKANSAS PAROLE BOARD PROGRAM ADMINISTRA GS11 G250C OMIG OPERATIONS MANAGER GS11 G255C DYS ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR GS11 G270C ATC DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS11 G271C DDSSA MEDICAL RELATIONS MANAGER GS11 G272C HSPA DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR GS11 L011C DHS ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE PREV ASST DEP DIR GS11 L013C ADH BRANCH MANAGER GS11 L095C ADH HOSPITAL & REGULATORY MANAGER GS11 M001C DCC TREATMENT ADMINISTRATOR GS11 M005C DHS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT — CONWAY GS11 N149N ADE COORD FISCAL DISTRESS GS11 N153N DHS/DBHS CLINICAL DIRECTOR GS11 N176N EXEC DIR COUNSELING BRD GS11 N203N ADEQ DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES GS11 P001C AETN PRODUCTION DIVISION DIRECTOR GS11 P002C AEDC DIRECTOR FILM COMMISSION GS11 P003C DAH AGENCY DIRECTOR GS11 P005N DIS TESTING EVAL PLANTS POLICY COORD GS11 P076C AEDC DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR GS11 R012C DFA ASSISTANT STATE PAYROLL MANAGER GS11 R013C AGENCY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER GS11 R041C DFA STATEWIDE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS11 S002C AETN OPERATIONS DIVISION DIRECTOR GS11 T004C DCC PROGRAM ADMR PAROLE & PROBATION SVCS GS11 T009C ASP SPECIAL OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR GS11 T011C ASP SERGEANT GS11 T016C CLEST DEPUTY DIRECTOR ACADEMY OPERATIONS GS11 U127U EXEC DIR DEVLPMTL DISABILITIES COUNCIL GS11 X007C DHS/DYS ADMIN PROG COMPLIANCE GS11 X011C ASP/CACD INVESTIGATOR ADMINISTRATOR GS11 X015C SECURITIES EXAMINER SUPERVISOR GS11 X033C PSC SENIOR PUBLIC UTILITY AUDITOR GS11 A023C PHARMACY BOARD CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER GS10 A025N OAL FINANCIAL ANALYST GS10 A036C ADPT REV OPERATIONS MANAGER GS10 A040C ADFA FISCAL PROGRAM MANAGER GS10 A044C AUDIT COORDINATOR GS10 A058C DFA CAFR ACCOUNTANT GS10 A106C BANK SENIOR EXAMINER GS10 A118C FINANCIAL EXAMINER SPECIALIST GS10 A125C DFA REVENUE TAX SPECIALIST GS10 A138C ADEQ TIRE FUND COORDINATOR GS10 B018C SENIOR BROADCAST ENGINEER GS10 B022C DISTRICT FORESTER GS10 B027C PARK SUPERINTENDENT V GS10 B128C METROLOGY LABORATORY MANAGER GS10 C112C ADC POLICY & RESEARCH COORDINATOR GS10 D018C DIS INFORMATION SYSTEMS COORD GS10 D031C DISASTER RECOVERY ANALYST GS10 D115C HIT BUSINESS COORDINATOR GS10 E005C REHAB DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING GS10 E007C ADE OERZ DIRECTOR GS10 E010C DHS/DYS EDUCATION MANAGER GS10 E012C STATE LIBRARY DIVISION MANAGER GS10 E013C EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER GS10 E014C AETN PROGRAM AND SERVICES DIV MANAGER GS10 E016C PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS10 E017C ASST PRINCIPAL GS10 E059C ADE COORDINATOR OF NUTRITION SERVICES GS10 E061C ACE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS10 E063C AETN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR GS10 E071C AMMONIA & INDUSTRIAL TRAINER GS10 G036C ABA DIVISION MANAGER GS10 G040C REHAB DIRECTOR — SPECIAL PROGRAMS GS10 G041C ATRS MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR GS10 G046C DCC PLANNING & MGMT SVCS ADMINISTRATOR GS10 G050C ADE APSCN DIVISION MANAGER GS10 G051C ADE ACADEMIC FACILITIES SR PROJECT ADMIN GS10 G060N OAL PRODUCT MANAGER GS10 G061C ACD DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS10 G063C ADEQ BRANCH MANAGER GS10 G065C PUBLIC DEFENDER ATTORNEY I GS10 G068C DWS AREA OPERATIONS CHIEF GS10 G069C DIS QUALITY ASSURANCE LEAD GS10 G071C DHE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS10 G073C ATTORNEY GS10 G075C ADE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR GS10 G076C ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER GS10 G085C DDSSA PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS MGR GS10 G097C SBEC DEPUTY DIRECTOR GS10 G100C DHS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR III GS10 G112C DDSSA UNIT SUPERVISOR GS10 G156C ASP PROGRAM MANAGER GS10 G223C DFA OCSE DIVISION MANAGER GS10 G226C DFA OCSE PROGRAM MANAGER GS10 G246C ATC BRANCH MANAGER GS10 G254C ADVA DIVISION MANAGER GS10 G258C DDSSA HEARING OFFICER GS10 G259C INSURANCE PROGRAM MANAGER GS10 G263C PUBLIC DEFENDER GS10 G268C PSC MOTOR CARRIER ASST. DIV. DIRECTOR GS10 L004C REHAB DIRECTOR — PROG, PLAN, DEV & EVAL GS10 L010C DHS DMS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE MANAGER GS10 L014C HIPAA PROGRAM CONSULTANT GS10 L016C ADH PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR GS10 L025C ADH PUBLIC HEALTH SECTION CHIEF III GS10 L030C ADH DISTRICT MANAGER GS10 L099C EPIDEMIOLOGY SUPERVISOR GS10 M006C ADH SOC SVC PROGRAM DIRECTOR GS10 N155N CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR GS10 N169N MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS10 P067C ASP PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER GS10 P074C AID PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER GS10 R010C DFA SENIOR STATE PERSONNEL ANALYST GS10 R011C DFA SENIOR STATE BUDGET ANALYST GS10 R049C DHS EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COORD GS10 T015C ADC/DCC DEPUTY WARDEN GS10 T024C ASP/CACD HOTLINE ADMINISTRATOR GS10 T025C ALETA TRAINING SUPV GS10 T110C AGRI LAW ENFORCEMENT CHIEF GS10 V036C AGENCY PROCUREMENT ADMINISTRATOR GS10 X009C INSURANCE DEPT DIR OF SECURITY OPS GS10 X013C ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGER GS10 X021C BD OF ACCT INVESTIGATOR GS10 X025C DCC PAROLE/PROBATION AREA MANAGER GS10 X027C DENTAL EXAMINERS BD EXEC DIR GS10 X203C DDSSA QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST GS10 X207C DDSSA ADJUDICATOR V GS10 A029C DIS FISCAL MANAGER GS09 A032C ADE FINANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS09 A034C RETIREMENT SECTION MANAGER GS09 A037C INVESTMENT MANAGER GS09 A038C FISCAL SUPPORT MANAGER GS09 A042C INSURANCE SENIOR EXAMINER GS09 A046C PSC RATE CASE ANALYST GS09 A050C AGENCY FISCAL MANAGER GS09 A051C ADFA FINANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS09 A052C ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR GS09 A054C TAX AUDITOR II GS09 B021C LICENSED ARCHITECT GS09 B029C AGRI PLANT BOARD DIVISION MGR GS09 B030C FORENSIC SCIENTIST COORDINATOR GS09 B031C PARK SUPERINTENDENT IV GS09 B034C MICROBIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR GS09 B035C GEOLOGY SUPERVISOR GS09 B037C CHEMIST SUPERVISOR GS09 B038C STATE FOREST MANAGER GS09 B041C STATE CLIMATOLOGIST GS09 B042C ENGINEER GS09 B044C HEALTH PHYSICIST SUPERVISOR GS09 B045C BIOLOGIST SUPERVISOR GS09 B047C ADH LABORATORY MANAGER GS09 B135C HATCHERY MANAGER GS09 B136C AGRI LAB QUALITY MANAGER GS09 C001C STADIUM COMMISSION ASST MANAGER/ADMR GS09 C100C ADPT RESEARCH PROJECT COORDINATOR GS09 C108C ADEM DIVISION DIRECTOR GS09 C109C ASP CACD AREA MANAGER GS09 C110C ASP FLEET ADMINISTRATOR GS09 C111C EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AUCTIONEER BOARD GS09 E011C VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR GS09 E015C SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR GS09 E019C PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAM ADVISOR GS09 E021C STATE LIBRARY MANAGER GS09 E022C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION MANAGER GS09 E024C TEACHER SUPERVISOR GS09 E025C EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST GS09 E036C CERTIFIED MASTERS DEGREE LIBRARIAN GS09 E062C ACE PROGRAM ADVISOR GS09 G039C SENIOR TRANSPORTATION MANAGER GS09 G045C DFA DIVISION MANAGER III GS09 G070C DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS GS09 G074C ADE COORD OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS GS09 G078C ADPT PRG SVS ADMIN GS09 G080C NATIONAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES EXEC DIR GS09 G087C ADEM PREPAREDNESS DIVISION DIRECTOR GS09 G088C ADEM DISASTER MGMT DIV DIR GS09 G089C ADEM ADMINISTRATION DIVISION DIRECTOR GS09 G090C ADE AREA PROJECT MANAGER GS09 G095C LODGE MANAGER GS09 G096C LABOR DIVISION MANAGER GS09 G098C DIS QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR GS09 G099C DHS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR GS09 G102C DHE PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS09 G104C AEDC AREA/PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE GS09 G109C GRANTS MANAGER GS09 G110C DWS PROGRAM MANAGER GS09 G111C DHS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR II GS09 G113C DDSSA HEARING OFFICER COORDINATOR GS09 G167C KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL DIRECTOR GS09 G222C ADC/DCC INTERNAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR GS09 G224C DFA OCSE FIELD MANAGER GS09 G238C LOCAL HEALTH UNIT ADMINISTRATOR III GS09 G241C HEALTH INFO TECH OPER & TECH OFFICER GS09 G243C DWS FIELD MANAGER III GS09 G288C DWS DIVISION MANAGER GS09 G289C ADEM DIVISION DIRECTOR GS09 L007C ASBN PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS09 L012C ASD SPECIALTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR GS09 L021C NURSING HOME ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR GS09 L023C HEALTH FACILITIES SUPERVISOR GS09 L024C DHS BEHAV HLTH FACILITY ADMIN GS09 L028C EPIDEMIOLOGIST GS09 L029C ADH PUBLIC HEALTH SECTION CHIEF II GS09 L033C PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINER GS09 L037C REHAB AREA MANAGER GS09 L040C DIETARY SERVICES DIRECTOR GS09 M008C YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR GS09 M009C LICENSED CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER GS09 M011C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER COUNTY SUPERVISOR GS09 M013C SPINAL CORD COMMISSION CLIENT SVS ADMIN GS09 M014C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR III GS09 P004C PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER GS09 P006C DAH AGENCY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS09 P007C AETN CHIEF POST PRODUCTION EDITOR GS09 R009C ADE BUDGET MANAGER GS09 R015C DWS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGER GS09 R019C BUDGET MANAGER GS09 R043C DFA STATEWIDE PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS09 S005C AVIATION MANAGER GS09 T006C ADC HEAD FARM MANAGER II GS09 T018C HE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER III GS09 T022C ASP CORPORAL GS09 T027C ADC/DCC TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR GS09 T029C CLEST SENIOR AGENT GS09 T033C ADC/DCC MAJOR GS09 T106C DFA REVENUE SECURITY SUPERVISOR GS09 T108C ATC CHIEF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS SUPV GS09 T112C DCC DIVISION MANAGER GS09 V034C DFA STATEWIDE PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR GS09 X012C ADE PLSB CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GS09 X014C TOBACCO SETTLEMENT COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS09 X022C BAIL BONDSMAN BOARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS09 X032C SENIOR SECURITIES EXAMINER GS09 X038C QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER GS09 X069C DFA HORSE RACING SUPERVISOR GS09 X190C DDSSA ADJUDICATOR IV GS09 X216C PSC PIPELINE SAFETY COORDINATOR GS09 A022C STUDENT LOAN FINANCE SPECIALIST GS08 A026N OAL AUDITOR GS08 A041C PROGRAM FISCAL MANAGER GS08 A045C STATISTICAL ANALYSIS MANAGER GS08 A047C FINANCIAL ANALYST II GS08 A049C DFA REVENUE OFFICE DISTRICT MANAGER GS08 A056C DHS FINANCIAL SECTION MANAGER GS08 A057C DFA TAX RESEARCH ANALYST GS08 A060C SENIOR AUDITOR GS08 A061C RETIREMENT INVESTMENT SPECIALIST GS08 A062C RETIREMENT COORDINATOR GS08 A066C INTERNAL AUDITOR GS08 A068C DIS BILLING SERVICES MANAGER GS08 A070C BANK EXAMINER GS08 A071C ADFA FINANCE PROGRAM ANALYST GS08 A082C ACCOUNTANT II GS08 A105C JDDC FISCAL MANAGER GS08 A113C OMIG SR. AUDITOR GS08 A116C BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER GS08 A120C OAL ACCOUNTANT GS08 A123C OAL COLLECTIONS SPECIALIST GS08 B024C CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 B025C AERONAUTICS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GS08 B032C CHIEF PARK PLANNER GS08 B043C PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST GS08 B048C PARK SUPERINTENDENT III GS08 B049C AGRI PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 B050C OIL & GAS DISTRICT PETROLEUM SUPERVISOR GS08 B053C FORENSIC SCIENTIST GS08 B055C ECOLOGIST COORDINATOR GS08 B057C VETERINARY BOARD EXEC SECRETARY GS08 B058C STAFF FORESTER GS08 B063C HEALTH PHYSICIST GS08 B067C ARCHAEOLOGIST GS08 B079C HEALTH FACILITY LABORATORY SURVEYOR GS08 B084C AGS SUPERVISOR GS08 B126C SENIOR CHEMIST GS08 B127C SENIOR MICROBIOLOGIST GS08 C004C AREC SUPERVISOR GS08 C101C ADPT WELCOME CENTER ADMINISTRATOR GS08 C106C OAL OFFICE COORDINATOR GS08 C107C OMIG MEDICAL REVIEW OFFICER GS08 D041C DIS TECHNICAL ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST GS08 E018C SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL FACULTY GS08 E020C ADE OERZ TECHNICAL ASSIST SPECIALIST GS08 E023C TRAINING PROJECT MANAGER GS08 E026C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION COORDINATOR GS08 E029C SIGN LANGUAGE COORDINATOR GS08 E030C LIBRARY COORDINATOR GS08 E031C EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS08 E035C CERTIFIED MASTERS TEACHER GS08 E066C DCCECE EDUCATION MANAGER GS08 G064C SR HLTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PRG MGR GS08 G079C OUTDOOR REC GRANTS PRGM DIR GS08 G081C DWS DIVISION CHIEF GS08 G083C DHS/DAAS DIVISION MANAGER GS08 G084C DFA DIVISION MANAGER II GS08 G086C ASP PROGRAM ASST ADMINISTRATOR GS08 G091C ADPT MARKETING & PROMOTION DIR GS08 G092C PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G093C OPERATIONS MANAGER GS08 G105C ADPT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER GS08 G106C WCC CLAIMS SPECIALIST GS08 G107C WCC PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G108C PUBLIC DEF OMBUDSMAN COORDINATOR GS08 G114C DWS WORKFORCE INVEST REG ADVISOR GS08 G115C ASST DIR OF RURAL SERVICES GS08 G116C LOCAL HEALTH UNIT ADMINISTRATOR II GS08 G119C SBEC EDUCATIONAL SERVICES MANAGER GS08 G121C REHAB PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G126C FINANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS08 G127C DWS PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANAGER GS08 G128C DWS FIELD MANAGER II GS08 G129C DHS/DCO PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G130C DHS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR I GS08 G137C AEDC RESEARCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS08 G139C ADEQ FACILITY SUPPORT SVCS MANAGER GS08 G140C ADEM PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G152C DHS PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G227C DFA OCSE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS08 G251C OMIG PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G252C VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 G264C DHS FAIRNESS OFFICER GS08 L018C REHAB ASST DIRECTOR — ACTI GS08 L034C NUTRITIONIST SUPERVISOR GS08 L035C NUTRITIONIST CONSULTANT GS08 L041C ADC ASST MEDICAL PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 L043C HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST III GS08 L047C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST SUPERVISOR GS08 L050C CERTIFIED RESPIRATORY THERAPY TECHNICIAN GS08 L059C ABSLPA DIRECTOR GS08 L091C ADH PUBLIC HEALTH SECTION CHIEF I GS08 L098C CERTIFIED VOCATIONAL REHAB COUNSELOR GS08 M007C DCC ASST TREATMENT PROGRAM MGR GS08 M010C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER CLINICAL SPEC GS08 M012C YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 M015C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER SUPERVISOR GS08 M016C DHS FIELD MANAGER GS08 M018C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR II GS08 M020C LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR GS08 M021C DCC TREATMENT SUPERVISOR GS08 M031C ADMINISTRATOR OF CHAPLAINCY SVCS GS08 M088C LICENSED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER GS08 P005C DHE COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR GS08 P009C TELEVISION PRODUCTION MANAGER GS08 P010C EXHIBITS COORDINATOR GS08 P014C MUSEUM MANAGER GS08 R014C PERSONNEL MANAGER GS08 R016C DFA STATE PERSONNEL ANALYST GS08 R017C DFA STATE BUDGET ANALYST GS08 R021C BUDGET ANALYST GS08 R028C DFA STATEWIDE PAYROLL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST GS08 R042C DFA CAFR ASSET SPECIALIST GS08 S003C FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR GS08 S004C MAINTENANCE MANAGER GS08 S007C DIRECTOR HVACR SECTION GS08 S010C ADC INDUSTRY PROGRAM MANAGER GS08 S094C ADC CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE COORD GS08 T019C DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY I GS08 T021C ADC HEAD FARM MANAGER I GS08 T023C HE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER II GS08 T031C DHS BEHAV HLTH PUBLIC SAFETY DIR GS08 T034C WORK RELEASE CENTER SUPERVISOR GS08 T035C ASP TROOPER 1ST CLASS GS08 T042C ADPT CHIEF RANGER GS08 T048C ADC/DCC CAPTAIN GS08 T104C ADC/DCC TRAINING ACADEMY SUPERVISOR GS08 T107C CLEST AGENT GS08 V002C FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY MANAGER GS08 V004C PROCUREMENT MANAGER GS08 V007C PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR GS08 V032C DFA OSP SURPLUS PROPERTY MANAGER GS08 V035C DFA STATEWIDE PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST GS08 X016C MANUFACTURED HOMES COMMISSION DIRECTOR GS08 X017C INSURANCE LICENSING MANAGER GS08 X018C INSURANCE CONSUMER PROTECTION MANAGER GS08 X020C BURIAL ASSOCIATION BD EXEC SEC GS08 X026C CRIMINAL DETENTION FACILITIES COORD GS08 X030C REGULATORY BOARD CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GS08 X034C PREPAID FUNERAL MANAGER GS08 X035C ASP/CACD AREA MANAGER GS08 X037C EDUCATION INVESTIGATOR GS08 X039C DIRECTOR OF COSMETOLOGY BOARD GS08 X042C DCC PAROLE/PROBATION ASST AREA MGR GS08 X043C ADH ENVIRONMENTAL SUPV GS08 X044C ADH DIR PLUMBING INSPECTIONS GS08 X046C ACD DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR GS08 X050C PHYSICAL THERAPY BD EXEC DIR GS08 X051C LABOR MEDIATOR GS08 X052C LABOR INSPECTOR SUPERVISOR GS08 X062C QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR GS08 X064C PSC PUBLIC UTILITY AUDITOR GS08 X067C HEALTH FACILITIES SURVEYOR GS08 X070C DDSSA FRAUD INVESTIGATOR GS08 X071C DDSSA CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR III GS08 X072C CRIMINAL INSURANCE FRAUD INVESTIGATOR GS08 X073C CONTRACTORS BOARD INVESTIGATOR GS08 X135C SOCIAL WORK LICENSING BD EXEC DIR GS08 X148C AIRCRAFT PILOT GS08 X192C ASST DIRECTOR FRAUD INVESTIGATION GS08 X202C ADE PLSB SENIOR INVESTIGATOR GS08 X211C OAL SENIOR SECURITY SPECIALIST GS08 X215C DFA ABC ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SUPERVISOR GS08 A055C DHS INSTITUTION BUSINESS MANAGER GS07 A059C TAX AUDITOR GS07 A063C RESEARCH & STATISTICS SUPERVISOR GS07 A064C PSC TAX VALUATION SUPERVISOR GS07 A065C PAYROLL SERVICES COORDINATOR GS07 A067C INSURANCE EXAMINER GS07 A069C DFA REVENUE OFFICE ASST DISTRICT MANAGER GS07 A072C RESEARCH & STATISTICS MANAGER GS07 A073C PROGRAM/FIELD AUDITOR SUPERVISOR GS07 A075C FINANCIAL ANALYST I GS07 A076C FINANCE PROGRAM ANALYST GS07 A078C RETIREMENT COUNSELOR GS07 A079C INVESTMENT ANALYST GS07 A081C AUDITOR GS07 A085C DWS SR FIELD TAX REPRESENTATIVE GS07 A089C ACCOUNTANT I GS07 A109C DFA SEFA / CAFR SPECIALIST GS07 B051C GEOLOGIST GS07 B052C FORENSIC SPECIALIST GS07 B054C CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR GS07 B060C LAND RESOURCE SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR GS07 B061C RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIST GS07 B062C FOREST HEALTH SPECIALIST GS07 B065C ECOLOGIST GS07 B066C BIOLOGIST SPECIALIST GS07 B068C ADEQ ECOLOGIST GS07 B071C PARK SUPERINTENDENT II GS07 B072C AGRI PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 B074C SURVEYOR GS07 B075C PARK PLANNER GS07 B077C MICROBIOLOGIST GS07 B080C FORESTER GS07 B081C CHEMIST GS07 B082C BIOLOGIST GS07 B132C ASSISTANT HATCHERY MANAGER GS07 B137C CRIME LAB PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 C003C STADIUM COMMISSION MARKETING/EVENT MGR GS07 C009C HEARING REPORTER GS07 C010C EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR GS07 C011C BD OF ARCH ADMIN ASST/OFFICE MGR GS07 C015C AGRI ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR GS07 C031C ENG & LAND SURVEYORS ASST EXEC DIRECTOR GS07 D053C DIS ACCOUNT ANALYST GS07 E027C CAREER & TECHNICAL FACULTY GS07 E032C EDUCATION COUNSELOR GS07 E040C STAFF DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR GS07 E041C SENIOR LIBRARIAN GS07 E042C PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR SUPERVISOR GS07 E048C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST GS07 E064C CERTIFIED PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR GS07 E065C CANCER INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST GS07 G082C DHS/DYS ADMISSIONS EVALUATOR GS07 G120C RISK CONSULTANT GS07 G125C INSURANCE SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR GS07 G131C DHS BEHAV HLTH MED BUS PRACTICES ADMIN GS07 G132C DFA PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 G133C DFA DIVISION MANAGER I GS07 G138C AGENCY ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OFFICER GS07 G142C ADC CLASSIFICATION ADMINISTRATOR GS07 G143C LOCAL HEALTH UNIT ADMINISTRATOR I GS07 G144C TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G145C RURAL CONST GRANT/FINANCIAL OFFICER GS07 G146C MITIGATION SPECIALIST GS07 G147C GRANTS COORDINATOR GS07 G148C ENERGY PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 G149C DWS FIELD MANAGER I GS07 G151C DHS/DCO COUNTY SUPERVISOR GS07 G153C DHS/DAAS PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS07 G154C DCC PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G155C DAH PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 G157C ADEM AREA COORDINATOR GS07 G158C ACIC PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 G159C DEPARTMENT BUSINESS COORDINATOR GS07 G163C REHAB PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G164C EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO COMMISSIONER GS07 G165C ADPT SPECIALTY OPERATIONS MANAGER GS07 G168C INDUSTRIAL CONSULTANT GS07 G173C ADFA PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G176C VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 G181C DWS PROGRAM MONITOR GS07 G182C DHS/DDS PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G183C DHS PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G196C DWS SATELLITE OFFICE SUPERVISOR GS07 G209C DWS PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS07 G244C ASBMT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS07 G248C ENERGY PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 G253C VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER GS07 G260C OAL MARKETING SALES REP GS07 G265C SENIOR TECHNICAL WRITER GS07 G267C DHS PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANALYST GS07 L039C NUTRITIONIST GS07 L048C HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II GS07 L049C DISEASE INTERVENTION SPEC SUPV GS07 L052C REHAB FACILITY SUPERVISOR GS07 L054C EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SUPV GS07 L055C DIETICIAN GS07 L057C REHAB SVS FACILITY SPECIALIST GS07 L061C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST GS07 L062C LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE SUPERVISOR GS07 L064C RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN GS07 L101C ENTOMOLOGIST GS07 M017C CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT PREVENTION BD DIR GS07 M019C MILITARY HOUSING DIRECTOR GS07 M023C SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM COORD GS07 M024C RESIDENTIAL SERVICES MANAGER GS07 M025C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR I GS07 M026C LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER GS07 M027C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER SPECIALIST GS07 M029C CHILD SUPPORT SUPERVISOR II GS07 M032C VOCATIONAL REHAB PLACEMENT SPEC GS07 M037C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY SUPERVISOR GS07 M039C MEDICAID SERVICES SUPERVISOR GS07 M040C FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 M042C DHS STAFF SUPERVISOR GS07 M043C DDS PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 M046C ADC/DCC TREATMENT COORDINATOR GS07 M049C SENIOR CHAPLAIN GS07 P008C TELEVISION PROGRAM MANAGER GS07 P012C TELEVISION PRODUCER GS07 P013C PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR GS07 P015C DAH MANAGER OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES GS07 P016C CURATOR GS07 P018C ARCHIVAL MANAGER GS07 P020C PRODUCTION ARTIST GS07 P025C SUPERVISOR OF INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS GS07 P030C MUSEUM EXHIBIT PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS07 P032C DESIGN CONSULTANT GS07 P038C HISTORIAN GS07 P068C RADIO PRODUCER GS07 P069C OAL GRAPHIC SPECIALIST GS07 P070C OAL OFFICE CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR GS07 P072C OAL PUBLICATION SPECIALIST GS07 R018C DFA EBD PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS07 R024C ASSISTANT PERSONNEL MANAGER GS07 S008C CAMPUS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR GS07 S015C ASST LODGE MANAGER GS07 S017C MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR GS07 S019C DIRECTOR MAINTENANCE GS07 S096C ADC CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SUPERVISOR GS07 S106C LICENSED TRADESMAN GS07 T030C PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER I GS07 T032C DFA REVENUE SECURITY COORDINATOR GS07 T036C MILITARY FACILITIES SUPERVISOR GS07 T043C MILITARY DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF GS07 T044C IA SUPERVISOR GS07 T045C DCC PAROLE/PROBATION OFFICER GS07 T054C ADC/DCC LIEUTENANT GS07 T100C ASP TROOPER GS07 T111C TRAINING SUPPORT CENTER MANAGER GS07 T113C DCC ASST DIVISION MANAGER GS07 T114C DCC SEX OFFENDER AFTERCARE EXAMINER GS07 U009U VETERANS CHILD WELFARE DIR GS07 V008C BUYER SUPERVISOR GS07 V011C MEDICAL BUYER GS07 X028C BD OF BARBER EXAM SECRETARY GS07 X036C ADEQ INSPECTOR SUPERVISOR GS07 X047C REAL ESTATE MANAGER GS07 X049C PROPERTY ASSESSMENT COORD MANAGER GS07 X053C INTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER GS07 X054C ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS07 X056C CAPITAL CONFLICTS INVESTIGATOR GS07 X058C AGRI COMMODITY AREA SUPERVISOR GS07 X059C ADEQ ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR GS07 X060C SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST GS07 X061C SECURITIES EXAMINER GS07 X065C LABOR INSPECTOR GS07 X066C INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX EXAMINER GS07 X068C ETHICS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST GS07 X076C TITLE INSURANCE COMPLIANCE OFFICER GS07 X077C REAL ESTATE OFFICER GS07 X080C PROPERTY & CASUALTY COMPLIANCE OFFICER GS07 X083C INSURANCE LIFE & HEALTH COMP OFFICER GS07 X085C DFA ABC ENFORCEMENT OFFICER GS07 X090C ASP/CACD SENIOR INVESTIGATOR GS07 X091C AREC SR REAL ESTATE INVESTIGATOR GS07 X095C QUALITY ASSURANCE ANALYST GS07 X103C DENTAL EXAMINERS BD INVESTIGATOR GS07 X104C DDSSA CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR II GS07 X108C ASP DL/CDL COORDINATOR GS07 X109C AGRI INVESTIGATOR GS07 X111C AGRI INSPECTOR SUPERVISOR GS07 X112C AFHC CHIEF INVESTIGATOR GS07 X125C FRAUD INVESTIGATOR COORDINATOR GS07 X137C PAROLE BOARD INVESTIGATOR GS07 X147C AR TOWING & RECOVERY BOARD DIRECTOR GS07 X187C INVESTIGATOR GS07 X200C MEDICAID FRAUD INVESTIGATOR GS07 X208C OAL CLAIMS CENTER MANAGER GS07 X210C OAL LICENSING MANAGER GS07 A048C DIS RATE ANALYST GS06 A074C FISCAL SUPPORT SUPERVISOR GS06 A077C DFA LOCAL REVENUE OFFICE MANAGER GS06 A080C FINANCE AUTHORITY SPECIALIST GS06 A083C RETIREMENT ANALYST GS06 A084C PROGRAM/FIELD AUDIT SPECIALIST GS06 A086C BD OF ACCT FISCAL OFFICER/CPE COORD GS06 A092C DWS FIELD TAX REP GS06 A093C STATISTICIAN GS06 A114C OMIG AUDITOR GS06 A122C OAL FISCAL SPECIALIST GS06 B040C ADC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR GS06 B059C ANRC PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 B073C FORENSIC TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR GS06 B076C RESEARCH PROJECT ANALYST GS06 B078C METROLOGIST GS06 B085C PARK SUPERINTENDENT I GS06 B086C LAND MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST GS06 B087C ENERGY CONSERVATION COORD GS06 B088C COUNTY FOREST RANGER GS06 B097C NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 C006C ARK SENTENCING COMMISSION ASST DIRECTOR GS06 C013C MEDICAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE GS06 C017C HEALTH ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR GS06 C018C DFA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CMSNR GS06 C020C STUDENT APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST GS06 C026C RECORDS/INTAKE SUPERVISOR GS06 C029C HEARING OFFICER GS06 C032C DWS UI CLAIM TECHNICIAN GS06 C037C ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST GS06 C094C ATHLETIC COMMISSION PROGRAM MANAGER GS06 D070C DIS ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST GS06 D073C ACIC FIELD AGENT GS06 D074C TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR GS06 D076C COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SUPERVISOR GS06 E028C SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER GS06 E033C DFA ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPEC GS06 E037C EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 E038C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION ANALYST GS06 E039C DHS/DSB TEACHER FOR THE BLIND GS06 E043C CERTIFIED VOCATIONAL TEACHER GS06 E044C CERTIFIED BACHELORS TEACHER GS06 E045C ACIC TRAINING COORDINATOR GS06 E046C TRAINING INSTRUCTOR GS06 E047C PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR GS06 E052C LIBRARIAN GS06 G122C PUBLIC DEFENDER PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G123C PSC CLERK GS06 G124C OMBUDSMAN GS06 G141C ADC INDUSTRY ASSISTANT ADMR GS06 G160C WCC PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G161C VICTIM/WITNESS COORDINATOR GS06 G162C SBEC ELECTION COORDINATOR GS06 G166C MILITARY PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G170C DHS ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OFFICER GS06 G171C COORD OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HIST PRGM GS06 G172C CAREER PLANNING & PLAC COORDINATOR GS06 G175C ADEM PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G178C POLICY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR GS06 G179C LEGAL SERVICES SPECIALIST GS06 G180C GRANTS ANALYST GS06 G184C DHS PROGRAM CONSULTANT GS06 G186C DAH PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G191C ASP HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 G192C ACIC PROGRAM ANALYST GS06 G193C WCC PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 G194C PUBLIC DEFENDER INTERPRETER GS06 G198C DHS/DAAS PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 G199C DDSSA PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS OFFICER GS06 G202C VOLUNTEER PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS06 G204C PLANNING SPECIALIST GS06 G205C PARK PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 G206C LODGE SALES DIRECTOR GS06 G208C EMERGENCY PLANNER GS06 G210C DHS PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 G214C GRANTS SPECIALIST GS06 G217C DWS WORKFORCE SPECIALIST GS06 G230C JDDC PARALEGAL GS06 G232C ENERGY CONSERVATION MANAGER GS06 G242C DRUG COURT CASE COORDINATOR GS06 G261C OAL DRAW MANAGER GS06 L044C DHS BEHAV HLTH CASE REVIEW ANALYST GS06 L051C REHABILITATION COUNSELOR GS06 L053C HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST I GS06 L058C DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST GS06 L060C REHAB INSTRUCTOR SUPERVISOR GS06 L063C FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCE SPECIALIST GS06 L065C EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SPEC GS06 L069C LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE GS06 L103C PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATOR GS06 M038C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANALYST GS06 M041C DHS/DCFS FIELD SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE GS06 M044C ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR GS06 M045C ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES WORKER GS06 M047C YOUTH SERVICES ADVISOR GS06 M048C SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM LEADER GS06 M050C INTERPRETER GS06 M051C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER GS06 M052C CHILD SUPPORT SUPERVISOR I GS06 M053C CHILD CARE SERVICE SPECIALIST GS06 M054C SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER GS06 M057C CHAPLAIN GS06 M066C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST GS06 P017C TELEVISION PRODUCTION COORDINATOR GS06 P019C TRAVEL INFORMATION WRITER GS06 P021C EDITOR GS06 P023C BROADCAST PROMOTION SPECIALIST GS06 P024C ARCHIVIST GS06 P027C PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST GS06 P028C PARK INTERPRETER II GS06 P029C MUSEUM PROGRAMS SPECIALIST GS06 P031C MEDIA SPECIALIST GS06 P034C ADPT CONSULTANT GS06 P036C MUSEUM STORE MANAGER GS06 P037C MUSEUM INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST GS06 P040C HISTORICAL RESEARCHER GS06 P041C COMMERCIAL GRAPHIC ARTIST GS06 P047C MUSEUM REGISTRAR GS06 P049C COMMERCIAL ARTIST I/GRAPHIC ART I GS06 R022C BENEFITS COORDINATOR GS06 R025C HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST GS06 R026C CIVIL RIGHTS/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COORD GS06 R027C BUDGET SPECIALIST GS06 R029C HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITER GS06 R030C EEO/GRIEVANCE OFFICER GS06 R034C DFA EBD BENEFITS SPECIALIST GS06 S009C ASD/ASB TRANSPORTATION SERVICES COORD GS06 S011C ADC COMMODITY & FOOD SVC ADMR GS06 S013C ABA BUILDING/PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS06 S014C RESTAURANT MANAGER GS06 S016C SKILLED TRADES FOREMAN GS06 S020C AVIATION TECHNICIAN GS06 S021C WATER FILTER/WASTE DISPOSAL PLNT SUPV GS06 S022C SKILLED TRADES SUPERVISOR GS06 S023C PRINT SHOP MANAGER GS06 S024C CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE COORD GS06 S027C ADC INDUSTRIAL SUPERVISOR II GS06 S033C MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR GS06 S039C TELEVISION PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 S095C ADC CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SPECIALIST GS06 S098C CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR GS06 S105C ADC INDUSTRY PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS06 T039C ADC INMATE TRANSPORTATION COORD GS06 T040C ADC ASSISTANT HEAD FARM MANAGER GS06 T041C WORK RELEASE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR GS06 T046C ASP/CACD HOTLINE SUPERVISOR GS06 T049C MILITARY FIREFIGHTER SHIFT LEADER GS06 T051C PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR GS06 T052C DHS/DBHS PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR GS06 T053C AGRICULTURE UNIT SUPERVISOR II GS06 T056C PARK RANGER II GS06 T061C SENIOR IA GS06 T062C PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR GS06 T065C ADC/DCC CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT GS06 T093C DCC PAROLE/PROBATION OFFICER II GS06 T103C LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING INSTRUCTOR GS06 T105C PAROLE BD VICTIM INPUT COORDINATOR GS06 V010C DFA BUYER GS06 V033C DFA OSP SURPLUS PROPERTY SUPERVISOR GS06 X063C PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR GS06 X074C ATC AUDITOR/INVESTIGATOR GS06 X075C ADEQ ENFORCEMENT ANALYST GS06 X079C PROPERTY ASSESSMENT AUDITOR SUPERVISOR GS06 X081C PLUMBING/HVACR INSPECTOR SUPERVISOR GS06 X082C OIL & GAS INSPECTOR GS06 X084C DFA DOG RACING SUPERVISOR GS06 X087C ASBCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS06 X088C EMBALMERS & FUNERAL DIR INVESTIGATOR GS06 X093C ADEQ INSPECTOR GS06 X094C SERVICES & PROGRAM LICENSING SPECIALIST GS06 X099C MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE SUPERVISOR GS06 X101C INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATOR GS06 X102C ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST GS06 X105C CONTRACTORS LICENSING COORDINATOR GS06 X106C CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT PLNG & PRESV DIR GS06 X107C ASP/CACD INVESTIGATOR GS06 X110C AREC INVESTIGATOR GS06 X113C VETERANS CLAIMS SPECIALIST GS06 X115C SOCIAL SECURITY ANALYST GS06 X118C PLANT BOARD INSPECTOR SUPERVISOR GS06 X120C MOTOR VEHICLE INVESTIGATOR GS06 X122C LABOR STANDARDS INVESTIGATOR GS06 X133C ADC/DCC INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATOR GS06 X136C QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEWER GS06 X138C FIRE PROTECTION LICENSING BOARD DIRECTOR GS06 X139C DWS UI INVESTIGATOR GS06 X140C APB ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR GS06 X143C DDSSA CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR I GS06 X145C BOARD OF OPTOMETRY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS06 X146C AGRI INSPECTOR III GS06 X150C AFHC INVESTIGATOR GS06 X154C PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INVESTIGATOR GS06 X156C FRAUD INVESTIGATOR GS06 X186C ADEQ AIR COMPLIANCE MONITOR GS06 X193C AHIRB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GS06 X196C ATC SENIOR ENFORCEMENT AGENT GS06 X198C RACING COMMISSION INVESTIGATOR GS06 X209C OAL SECURITY SPECIALIST GS06 A088C ASSETS COORDINATOR GS05 A090C PAYROLL SERVICES SPECIALIST GS05 A091C FISCAL SUPPORT ANALYST GS05 A094C DFA LOCAL REVENUE OFFICE SUPERVISOR GS05 A099C CREDIT & COLLECTIONS SUPV GS05 B083C ASP AFIS COORDINATOR GS05 B090C ENGINEER TECHNICIAN GS05 B093C LAND RESOURCE SPECIALIST GS05 B094C FORENSIC TECHNICIAN GS05 B098C FOREST RANGER II GS05 B100C ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN GS05 B105C FARM FOREMAN — INST GS05 B108C LABORATORY COORDINATOR GS05 B109C SURVEY CREW CHIEF GS05 B120C FARM MAINTENANCE MECHANIC GS05 C008C STADIUM COMMISSION OFFICE MANAGER GS05 C012C PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPPORT SVCS SPECIALIST GS05 C016C INSURANCE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR GS05 C021C ADPT ARCHIVAL MICROPHOTO SUPV GS05 C022C BUSINESS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST GS05 C024C ADC/DCC RECORDS SUPERVISOR GS05 C027C ADPT WELCOME CENTER MANAGER II GS05 C028C MEDICAL RECORDS SUPERVISOR GS05 C030C HEALTH RECORDS SPECIALIST GS05 C035C ASST REGISTRAR GS05 C036C ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW ANALYST GS05 C038C ADEM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DUTY OFFICER GS05 C040C LEASING SPECIALIST GS05 C042C DFA REVENUE SUPERVISOR GS05 C047C FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR GS05 C050C ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SUPERVISOR GS05 C054C LOCAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST GS05 C092C JDDC LEGAL/ADMIN SECRETARY GS05 C096C ADPT OFFICE MANAGER III GS05 D077C HELP DESK SPECIALIST GS05 D081C TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST GS05 D085C COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR GS05 D087C DATABASE COORD/BUSINESS LICENSE ANALYST GS05 E049C VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTOR GS05 E050C LIBRARY SUPERVISOR GS05 E051C STAFF DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST GS05 E054C ADC/DCC UNIT TRAINER GS05 E055C DAY CARE TEACHER GS05 G187C CREDENTIALING COORDINATION SUPERVISOR GS05 G200C CLASSIFICATION & ASSIGNMENT OFFICER GS05 G201C WCC CLAIMS ANALYST GS05 G207C FINANCIAL AID ANALYST GS05 G215C CAREER PLANNING & PLACEMENT SPECIALIST GS05 G216C ADC INMATE GRIEVANCE COORDINATOR GS05 G218C STUDENT RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST GS05 G220C DWS UNIT SUPERVISOR GS05 G236C DHS/DOV AREA COORDINATOR GS05 G237C VETERANS CEMETERY MANAGER GS05 L066C REHABILITATION INSTRUCTOR GS05 L070C HEALTH CARE ANALYST GS05 L071C DENTAL HYGIENIST GS05 L072C ADC HIV/AIDS EDUCATOR GS05 M004C RESIDENTIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER GS05 M056C MILITARY HOUSING MANAGER GS05 M058C ADC/DCC PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS05 M059C ADC/DCC ADVISOR GS05 M060C YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS05 M061C VOCATIONAL REHAB EVALUATOR GS05 M064C RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES SUPERVISOR GS05 M065C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY SUPERVISOR GS05 M067C CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST II GS05 M068C CHILD SUPPORT SPECIALIST I GS05 M072C RECREATION COORDINATOR GS05 M091C ARNG YOUTH PROGRAM SHIFT LEADER GS05 P026C RADIO PROGRAM DIRECTOR GS05 P035C PARK INTERPRETER GS05 P042C BROADCAST PRODUCTION SPECIALIST GS05 P044C ADC SALES REPRESENTATIVE GS05 P046C PHOTOGRAPHER GS05 Q112U GOV OFC HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR GS05 R031C INSTITUTION HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR GS05 R032C HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE GS05 R033C BENEFITS ANALYST GS05 S018C HVACR MECHANICAL INSPECTOR GS05 S025C BUILDING AND GROUNDS COORDINATOR GS05 S026C ADC/DCC ASST MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR GS05 S028C SCHOOL BUS DRIVER TRAINER GS05 S030C WATER FILTER/WASTE DISPOSAL PLNT OPER GS05 S031C SKILLED TRADESMAN GS05 S032C PRINT SHOP SUPERVISOR GS05 S034C INTERSTATE TRUCK DRIVER GS05 S035C FABRICATION SHOP MANAGER GS05 S036C AUTO/DIESEL MECHANIC SUPERVISOR GS05 S038C TRANSIT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR GS05 S041C BOILER OPERATOR GS05 S048C ASST RESTAURANT MANAGER GS05 S049C LODGE HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR GS05 S069C RADIO DISPATCH OPERATOR GS05 S102C PARK SPECIALIST III GS05 T055C PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER GS05 T058C AGRICULTURE UNIT SUPERVISOR I GS05 T059C ADC/DCC FOOD PREPARATION MANAGER GS05 T060C SENIOR MILITARY FIREFIGHTER GS05 T063C PARK RANGER GS05 T064C CIVIL AIR PATROL SVCS COORD GS05 T067C PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER II GS05 T068C FIRING RANGE SPECIALIST GS05 T069C BOMB TECHNICIAN GS05 T071C ADC UNIT TRAINING SUPERVISOR GS05 T075C ADC/DCC CORPORAL GS05 T076C ADC/DCC ADMIN REVIEW OFFICER GS05 T092C DCC PAROLE/PROBATION OFFICER I GS05 T115C DCC INSTITUTIONAL RELEASE MANAGER GS05 V012C FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY SUPERVISOR GS05 V013C CENTRAL WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS MGR GS05 V014C BUYER GS05 V015C PURCHASING SPECIALIST GS05 V018C WAREHOUSE MANAGER GS05 X078C PSC UTILITIES SERVICES SPECIALIST GS05 X096C PLUMBING INSPECTOR GS05 X097C AGRI SPECIALIST GS05 X100C LP GAS INSPECTOR GS05 X114C SR AGRI COMMODITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR GS05 X116C SCHOOL BUS TRANS INSPECTOR GS05 X117C PROPERTY ASSESSMENT AUDITOR GS05 X119C OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COORDINATOR GS05 X121C MANUFACTURED HOUSING SPEC SUPV GS05 X123C INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR GS05 X124C HEALTH FACILITY REVIEWER GS05 X127C DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER GS05 X128C CORRECTIONAL UNIT ACCREDITATION SPEC GS05 X129C CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR GS05 X130C BD OF COLLECTION FIELD INVESTIGATOR GS05 X131C ATC ENFORCEMENT AGENT GS05 X132C AGRI COMMODITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR GS05 X142C DFA RACING COMMISSION JUDGE GS05 X151C SAFETY SUPERVISOR GS05 X157C AGRI INSPECTOR II GS05 X163C QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN GS05 X173C PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR GS05 X191C MASSAGE THERAPY INSPECTOR GS05 X201C DDSSA ADJUDICATIVE SPECIALIST GS05 X213C OAL LICENSING SPECIALIST GS05 A097C PAYROLL TECHNICIAN GS04 A098C FISCAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST GS04 A100C PAYROLL OFFICER GS04 A101C ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN GS04 A102C FISCAL SUPPORT TECHNICIAN GS04 A104C DFA RACING COMMISSION OFFICE AUDITOR GS04 B092C SEED ANALYST SUPERVISOR GS04 B096C AGRI SEED ANALYST GS04 B101C NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM TECHNICIAN GS04 B102C FOREST RANGER I GS04 B103C AGS SPECIALIST GS04 B106C RESEARCH ASSISTANT GS04 B111C LABORATORY TECHNICIAN GS04 C014C MEDICAL EXAMINER CASE COORDINATOR GS04 C039C ADPT OFFICE MANAGER II GS04 C043C RECORDS MANAGEMENT ANALYST GS04 C044C MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALIST GS04 C045C LICENSING COORDINATOR GS04 C046C LEGAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST GS04 C048C DFA SUPERVISOR GS04 C049C DDSSA ADJUDICATIVE ASSISTANT GS04 C052C ADPT OFFICE MANAGER I GS04 C056C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III GS04 C057C ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST GS04 C072C ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SPECIALIST GS04 C083C MAIL SERVICES COORDINATOR GS04 C091C ADPT WELCOME CENTER MANAGER I GS04 C098C RACING COMMISSION ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR GS04 D086C CALL CENTER ANALYST GS04 D088C EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST GS04 G219C LOGISTICS MANAGER GS04 G221C VEHICLE FACILITIES COORD GS04 L073C LACTATION CONSULTANT GS04 L074C THERAPY ASSISTANT GS04 L077C HEALTH SERVICES SPECIALIST II GS04 L078C FAMILY SERVICES ASSISTANT GS04 L081C DENTAL ASSISTANT GS04 L102C DIETETIC SPECIALIST GS04 M063C RESIDENTIAL CARE PROGRAM COORDINATOR GS04 M069C YOUTH SERVICES TECHNICIAN GS04 M073C RESIDENTIAL CARE SUPERVISOR GS04 M077C COORDINATOR OF HOUSEKEEPING GS04 P043C ARCHIVAL ASSISTANT GS04 P048C MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST GS04 P057C LIVESTOCK NEWS REPORTER GS04 R036C HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST GS04 R037C BENEFITS TECHNICIAN GS04 R038C HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT GS04 S037C ABA BUILDING MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST GS04 S040C CALIBRATION TECHNICIAN GS04 S043C ADC INDUSTRIAL SUPERVISOR I GS04 S044C FOOD PREPARATION MANAGER GS04 S046C MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN GS04 S047C LANDSCAPE SUPERVISOR GS04 S051C INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN GS04 S052C HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST GS04 S053C AUTO/DIESEL MECHANIC GS04 S061C CHDC LAUNDRY OPERATIONS MANAGER GS04 S099C STATIONARY ENGINEER GS04 S104C ADPT HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR GS04 T066C MILITARY FIREFIGHTER GS04 T070C ADC/DCC FOOD PREPARATION SUPERVISOR GS04 T072C SECURITY OFFICER SUPERVISOR GS04 T074C ASP/CACD HOTLINE OPERATOR GS04 T077C ADC MAILROOM SERVICES COORDINATOR GS04 T079C FACILITY MANAGER II GS04 T083C ADC/DCC CORRECTIONAL OFFICER I GS04 T102C ASP CACD SR. HOTLINE OPERATOR GS04 V016C COMMODITY SPECIALIST GS04 V017C COMMISSARY COORDINATOR GS04 V019C SURPLUS PROPERTY SPECIALIST GS04 V020C INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER GS04 V021C SURPLUS PROPERTY AGENT GS04 V022C PURCHASING TECHNICIAN GS04 V023C STOREROOM SUPERVISOR GS04 V025C WAREHOUSE SPECIALIST GS04 X098C OIL & GAS TECHNICIAN GS04 X149C AGRI COMMODITY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST GS04 X152C REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST GS04 X153C REAL ESTATE ANALYST GS04 X155C MANUFACTURED HOUSING SPEC GS04 X160C ASP USED MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTOR GS04 X165C AGRI INSPECTOR I GS04 X167C COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATOR GS04 X168C BAIL BONDSMAN BOARD INVESTIGATOR GS04 X169C AREC EXAMINER GS04 X174C COSMETOLOGY INSPECTOR GS04 X177C PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN GS04 X179C ASP COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE EXAMINER GS04 X181C COLLECTOR GS04 X182C ASP DRIVERS LICENSE EXAMINER GS04 X189C ASP AFIS TECHNICIAN GS04 X195C ELECTRONICS SECURITY SYSTEMS SENIOR TECH GS04 X212C OAL SECURITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST GS04 X214C OAL CLAIMS ASSISTANT GS04 A095C PSC TAX DIV VALUATION ANALYST GS03 A096C COLLECTION OFFICER GS03 A111C RACING COMMISSION COLLECTOR GS03 B110C VETERINARIAN ASSISTANT GS03 B113C RESEARCH TECHNICIAN GS03 B114C RESEARCH FIELD TECHNICIAN GS03 B129C RACING COMMISSION VETERINARIAN ASSISTANT GS03 C053C MEDICAL RECORDS TECHNICIAN GS03 C058C EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL GS03 C059C DFA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE GS03 C062C LOCAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GS03 C066C PATIENT ACCOUNT SPECIALIST GS03 C067C ADPT WELCOME CENTER ASSISTANT MANAGER GS03 C068C RETAIL SPECIALIST GS03 C069C LIBRARY TECHNICIAN GS03 C070C DUPLICATION ASSISTANT GS03 C073C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II GS03 C074C MEDICAL RECORDS ASSISTANT GS03 C099C RACING COMMISSION LICENSING CLERK GS03 C105C OAL RECEPTIONIST GS03 D090C COMPUTER PUBLISHING OPERATOR GS03 D091C COMPUTER LAB TECHNICIAN GS03 E053C AUDIOVISUAL AIDS SUPV GS03 E058C LIBRARY SPECIALIST GS03 L082C CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT GS03 L083C HEALTH SERVICES SPECIALIST I GS03 L092C ATHLETIC TRAINER GS03 M070C YOUTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST GS03 M071C RESIDENTIAL CARE SHIFT COORDINATOR GS03 M074C RESIDENTIAL ADVISOR GS03 M078C VOLUNTEER SERVICES COORDINATOR GS03 M081C RESIDENTIAL CARE SHIFT SUPERVISOR GS03 M084C BEHAV HLTH AIDE GS03 M090C DHS PROGRAM ASSISTANT GS03 P039C INSTITUTIONAL PRINTER GS03 P045C PUBLIC INFORMATION TECHNICIAN GS03 P054C ASST LODGE SALES DIRECTOR GS03 P056C MUSEUM PROGRAM ASSISTANT II GS03 S045C PRINTING ESTIMATOR/PLANNER GS03 S050C MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST GS03 S054C PRINTER GS03 S056C FOOD PREPARATION SUPERVISOR GS03 S057C LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST GS03 S058C EQUIPMENT MECHANIC GS03 S059C LODGE COOK GS03 S063C INNKEEPER SPECIALIST GS03 S064C SKILLED TRADES HELPER GS03 S067C HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR GS03 S076C INSTITUTIONAL BEAUTICIAN GS03 S081C APPRENTICE TRADESMAN GS03 S097C CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST GS03 S101C PARK SPECIALIST II GS03 S103C ADPT HOUSEKEEPER GS03 T078C MILITARY FIRE & POLICE OFFICER GS03 T081C COMMISSARY MANAGER GS03 T082C ASP EXECUTIVE SECURITY GUARD GS03 T084C PUBLIC SAFETY SECURITY OFFICER GS03 T085C FACILITY MANAGER I GS03 T087C SECURITY OFFICER GS03 V024C ADC PROPERTY OFFICER GS03 V027C INVENTORY CONTROL TECHNICIAN GS03 X126C EMBALMERS & FUNERAL DIR INSPECTOR GS03 X159C BD OF BARBER EXAM INSPECTOR GS03 X161C ASP INVESTIGATOR SPECIALIST GS03 X162C AGRI COMMODITY GRADER II GS03 X164C PLANT BOARD INSPECTOR GS03 X166C FIRE PROT LIC BRD INSPECTOR/INVESTIGATOR GS03 X170C AR TOWING & RECOVERY BD INVESTIGATOR GS03 X171C AGRI COMMODITY SPECIALIST I GS03 X172C TAX INVESTIGATOR GS03 X175C BD OF ACCT CREDENTIALING COORD/EXAM SPEC GS03 X176C BD OF ACCT ADMIN ASST/LICENSING SPEC GS03 X180C INSURANCE LICENSING TECHNICIAN GS03 X183C DWS CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR GS03 X184C OPTICIANS' BOARD SECRETARY TREASURER GS03 X188C FIRE MARSHAL INSPECTOR GS03 X194C ELECTRONICS SECURITY SYSTEMS TECH GS03 X199C RACING COMMISSION JUDGE GS03 B115C AGRI FARM TECHNICIAN GS02 B116C AGRI LABORATORY TECHNICIAN GS02 B130C RACING COMMISSION WALKER GS02 C076C DFA TECHNICIAN GS02 C080C CREDENTIALING ASSISTANT GS02 C082C REGISTRAR'S ASSISTANT GS02 C084C MAIL SERVICES SPECIALIST GS02 C085C LIBRARY SUPPORT ASSISTANT GS02 C086C DESK CLERK GS02 C087C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I GS02 C088C MAIL SERVICES ASSISTANT GS02 D092C CALL CENTER SPECIALIST GS02 E056C TEACHER ASSISTANT GS02 E057C AUDIOVISUAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT GS02 L075C ORTHOTIST AIDE GS02 L084C THERAPY AIDE GS02 L085C PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE GS02 L088C NURSING AIDE/NURSING ASST I GS02 M076C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY LEADER II GS02 M083C RESIDENTIAL CARE TECHNICIAN GS02 P055C SPECIAL EVENTS SUPERVISOR GS02 P060C MULTI-MEDIA TECHNICIAN GS02 P061C TRAVEL CONSULTANT GS02 P062C ARCHIVAL TECHNICIAN GS02 P064C MUSEUM PROGRAM ASSISTANT I GS02 S060C HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GS02 S062C INSTITUTIONAL BUS DRIVER GS02 S066C LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN GS02 S068C FOOD PREPARATION COORDINATOR GS02 S070C EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN GS02 S082C CANTEEN SUPERVISOR GS02 S083C BAKER GS02 S084C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR GS02 S085C FOOD PREPARATION SPECIALIST GS02 S088C KITCHEN ASSISTANT GS02 T086C FIRE & SAFETY COORDINATOR GS02 T101C RACING COMMISSION SECURITY GATEMAN GS02 U051U CLAIMS COMMISSIONER GS02 V028C WAREHOUSE WORKER GS02 V030C SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK GS02 X178C FINGERPRINT TECHNICIAN GS02 X185C ABSTRACTORS BOARD SECRETARY GENERAL GS02 B112C GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN GS01 B118C FARM WORKER GS01 B119C LAB ASSISTANT GS01 C078C CASHIER GS01 C089C LIBRARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANT GS01 L086C PHARMACY ASSISTANT GS01 M082C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY LEADER I GS01 M085C CAREGIVER GS01 M089C RESIDENTIAL CARE ASSISTANT GS01 S065C MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT GS01 S072C STADIUM COMMISSION CUSTODIAN GS01 S073C HOUSEKEEPER GS01 S079C REPROD EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GS01 S080C EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GS01 S086C COOK GS01 S087C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES ASSISTANT GS01 S089C FOOD PREPARATION TECHNICIAN GS01 S090C WAITRESS/WAITER GS01 S091C PARK AIDE GS01 S100C PARK SPECIALIST I GS01 T091C WATCHMAN GS01 V029C PURCHASING ASSISTANT GS01 V031C STOCK CLERK GS01 X141C DIETETICS LICENSING BOARD SECRETARY GS01

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History. Acts 1993, No. 708, § 1; 1995, No. 966, § 1; 1997, No. 530, § 1; 1997, No. 1174, § 1; 1999, No. 1019, § 2; 2001, No. 1462, § 1; 2003, No. 923, § 1; 2003, No. 1473, § 73; 2005, No. 1852, § 1; 2007, No. 376, § 1; 2009, No. 688, § 6; 2011, No. 1017, § 2; 2013, No. 1321, § 1; 2015, No. 1007, § 2; 2017, No. 365, § 13; 2019, No. 981, § 4.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-208, concerning classification of positions, was repealed by Acts 1993, No. 708, § 1. The former section was derived from Acts 1969, No. 199, § 4; 1971, No. 750, §§ 2, 3; 1973, No. 873, §§ 3, 4; 1975, No. 932, § 1; 1977, No. 909, § 1; 1979, No. 828, § 2; 1981, No. 650, § 2; 1983, No. 931, §§ 1, 2; 1985, No. 981, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3204; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 7; 1991, No. 1148, § 3.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2001 amendment redesignated former (a) as present (a)(1) and (a)(2) and added an additional one hundred and two classification titles.

The 2003 amendment by No. 923, as amended by No. 1473, rewrote this section.

The 2005 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2009 amendment deleted “of higher education” following “institutions” in (a)(1), deleted “of the fiscal biennium” following “each year” in (a)(2), and made a minor stylistic change in (a)(1); deleted “of higher education” following “various institutions” in the introductory language of (b), and rewrote the remainder of (b).

The 2011 amendment rewrote (b).

The 2013 amendment rewrote (b).

The 2015 amendment rewrote (b).

The 2017 amendment deleted (a)(2); redesignated former (a)(1) as (a); deleted “and institutions” following “agencies” in present (a); in (b), deleted “and various institutions” following “agencies” and rewrote the table; and added (c).

The 2019 amendment rewrote the table in (b); and, in (c)(2), substituted “2019” for “2017” and “2021” for “2018”.

21-5-209. Compensation plan.

  1. There is established for state agencies covered by this subchapter a compensation plan for the setting of salaries and salary increases, when deserved, of all employees serving in positions covered by this subchapter.
    1. No employee shall be paid at a rate of pay higher than the maximum pay level in the grade assigned to his or her class unless otherwise provided for in this subchapter.
    2. However, an employee presently employed in a position who is being paid at a rate in excess of the maximum for his or her assigned grade may continue to receive his or her rate of pay.
  2. It is the specific intent of the General Assembly to authorize, in the enactment of the compensation plans, rates of pay for each of the appropriate grades assigned to a class, but it is not the intent that any pay increases shall be automatic or that any employee shall have a claim or a right to pay increases unless the department head of the state agency determines that the employee, by experience, ability, and work performance, is eligible for the increase in pay authorized for the appropriate rate.
  3. Pay levels established in this subchapter are for compensation management purposes and are not to be construed as a contract, right, or other expectation of actual employee salary determination.
    1. The following grades and pay levels shall be authorized for the General Salaries pay table effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of state agencies covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and General Salaries salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the state agency:
    2. The following grades and pay levels shall be authorized for the Information Technology Salaries pay table, effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of state agencies covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and Information Technology Salaries salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the state agency:
    3. The following grades and pay levels shall be authorized for the Medical Professional Salaries pay table, effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of state agencies covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and Medical Professional Salaries salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the state agency:
    4. The following grades and pay levels shall be authorized for the Senior Executive Salaries pay table, effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of state agencies covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and Senior Executive Salaries salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the state agency:
  4. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the compensation plans in this section shall be implemented and function in compliance with other provisions in this subchapter, the Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act, § 21-5-101, and other fiscal control laws of this state, when applicable.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, a payment of salaries shall not be made except in conformity with the maximum pay level assigned to these grades for each year as provided in the appropriation act of the state agency or in this subchapter.
      1. With approval of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee:
        1. The Governor may establish the salary of an agency director that is up to fifty percent (50%) above the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification; and
        2. Salaries established by this section may exceed the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification by no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for no more than ten percent (10%) of the positions authorized in the state agency's appropriation act.
      2. It is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, as provided by this subsection.
      3. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval is found unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the entire section is void.
  5. The compensation plan and pay tables shall be reviewed by the Office of Personnel Management before each regular session of the General Assembly.

GENERAL SALARIES MW $17,680 $19,760 $21,840 GS1 $22,000 $26,950 $31,900 GS2 $23,335 $28,585 $33,836 GS3 $26,034 $31,892 $37,749 GS4 $29,046 $35,581 $42,117 GS5 $32,405 $39,696 $46,987 GS6 $36,155 $44,290 $52,425 GS7 $40,340 $49,417 $58,493 GS8 $45,010 $55,137 $65,265 GS9 $50,222 $61,522 $72,822 GS10 $56,039 $68,648 $81,257 GS11 $62,531 $76,600 $90,670 GS12 $69,776 $85,476 $101,175 GS13 $77,862 $95,381 $112,900 GS14 $86,887 $106,437 $125,986 GS15 $96,960 $118,776 $140,592

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SALARIES IT1 $33,403 $40,919 $48,434 IT2 $37,266 $45,651 $54,035 IT3 $41,578 $50,933 $60,288 IT4 $46,391 $56,829 $67,267 IT5 $51,762 $63,408 $75,054 IT6 $57,755 $70,750 $83,745 IT7 $64,445 $78,945 $93,445 IT8 $71,704 $87,837 $103,970 IT9 $80,242 $98,297 $116,351 IT10 $89,541 $109,688 $129,835 IT11 $99,920 $122,402 $144,884 IT12 $111,504 $136,592 $161,681

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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL SALARIES MP1 $63,830 $75,958 $88,058 MP2 $71,403 $85,683 $99,964 MP3 $79,879 $96,654 $113,428 MP4 $89,368 $109,029 $128,690 MP5 $99,991 $122,989 $145,987 MP6 $111,884 $138,736 $165,588 MP7 $125,200 $156,500 $187,800 MP8 $140,109 $176,537 $212,966 MP9 $156,804 $199,140 $241,478 MP10 $175,620 $224,033 $270,455

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SENIOR EXECUTIVE SALARIES SE1 $108,110 $127,655 $147,200 SE2 $120,543 $138,822 $157,100 SE3 $134,406 $150,703 $167,000 SE4 $149,862 $165,681 $181,500 SE5 $167,096 $184,398 $201,700

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History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 5; 1971, No. 749, § 1; 1973, No. 286, §§ 1, 2; 1974 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 1; 1975, No. 932, § 2; 1977, No. 289, § 1; 1979, No. 3, § 1; 1981, No. 19, § 1; 1983, No. 68, § 1; 1985, No. 101, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3205, 12-3205n; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 8; 1991, No. 452, § 1; 1991, No. 1148, §§ 4, 14; 1993, No. 770, § 1; 1995, No. 992, § 1; 1997, No. 532, § 1; 1999, No. 813, § 1; 2001, No. 1461, § 3; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 1; 2005, No. 2198, § 1; 2007, No. 375, § 1; 2009, No. 688, § 7; 2017, No. 365, § 14.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “highest pay level established for the employee's grade unless otherwise provided for in this subchapter” for “maximum for his or her grade” in (b)(1); deleted “maximum” preceding “rates of pay” in (c); inserted (d) and redesignated the subsequent subsection accordingly; rewrote (e); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment deleted “and institutions” following “agencies” in (a); in (b)(1), substituted “maximum pay level” for “appropriate rate” and deleted “and no employee shall be paid more than the highest pay level established for the employee's grade” preceding “unless”; deleted “or the institution” following “agency” in (c); rewrote (e); and added (g) and (h).

Case Notes

Salary Increases.

There is nothing in this section or § 21-5-211 that would give rise to a protected property interest in promotions or pay raises; this section merely establishes a compensation plan for state agencies and institutions for the setting of salaries and salary increases where such increases are “deserved, ” and specifically provides that the intent of the section is that no pay increases shall be automatic or that any employee shall have a claim or right thereto unless the department head of the agency or the institution shall determine that the employee, by experience, ability, and work performance, has earned the increase in pay authorized for the appropriate rate. Jones v. Clinton, 974 F. Supp. 712 (E.D. Ark. 1997).

It is of no import that this section and § 21-5-211 may establish a range within which an employee's salary must fall as such a requirement does not give rise to a protected property interest in a salary increase. Jones v. Clinton, 974 F. Supp. 712 (E.D. Ark. 1997).

21-5-210. Implementation of plan — Changes in class specifications.

  1. For the purposes of implementing the uniform employee classification and compensation plan for the respective agencies covered by this subchapter, the General Assembly determines that the class specifications prepared by the Office of Personnel Management in classifying the various positions authorized in the respective appropriation acts shall be the class specifications to be followed in implementing the respective appropriations for all part-time and full-time employees of the respective agencies covered by this subchapter.
  2. Changes in class specifications may be made in whole or in part by the Office of Personnel Management.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 3; 1971, No. 750, § 1; 1973, No. 873, § 2; 1979, No. 828, § 1; 1981, No. 650, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3203; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 9; 2001, No. 1461, § 4; 2009, No. 688, § 8; 2017, No. 365, § 15.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment inserted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Personnel management” in (a); and deleted “so long as the changes do not substantially change or alter the original class specifications adopted in this subchapter” following “Legislative Council” in (b).

The 2009 amendment deleted “of higher education” following “institutions” in (a); substituted “and the changes shall be reported on a quarterly basis to the Personnel Committee of the Legislative Council” for “with the review of the Legislative Council” in (b); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment, in (a), deleted “or institutions” following the first occurrence of “agencies” and deleted “and institutions” following the second occurrence of “agencies”; and, in (b), substituted “the Office of Personnel Management” for “regulation of the office, and the changes shall be reported on a quarterly basis to the Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” and made a stylistic change.

21-5-211. Implementation procedure for grade changes — Salary adjustments.

  1. The Office of Personnel Management has administrative responsibility for enforcing compliance by state agencies affected by this subchapter in implementing classification and grade changes.
    1. The Governor may authorize a salary increase up to two percent (2%) each fiscal year if:
      1. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services determine that sufficient general revenues become available; and
      2. The salary increase does not result in an employee's compensation exceeding the maximum pay level amount set out for the position.
      1. An employee compensated at the highest pay level rate authorized for his or her classification is eligible to receive the salary increase authorized in this section as a lump-sum payment.
      2. However, the increase shall be paid as a lump sum on the last pay period of the fiscal year of the year in which the increase is to occur, and the payment shall not be construed as exceeding the maximum salary.
    1. If the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the secretary determine that general revenue funds are insufficient to implement the salary increases authorized in this subchapter or by any other law that affects salary increases for state employees, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the secretary upon approval by the Governor may reduce the percentage of all authorized salary increases for all state employees covered by this subchapter without regard to whether or not the employees are compensated from general or special revenues, federal funds, or trust funds.
    2. However, if sufficient general revenues should then become available at any time during the year to provide the maximum additional salary increases for all state employees without regard to the source of revenues, salary increases for state employees provided for in this subchapter or by any other law may be fully implemented by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the secretary.
    3. Any salary adjustments made by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the secretary in accordance with this subsection shall be reported to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  2. All percentage calculations stipulated in this subchapter or any other law affecting salaries of state employees may be rounded to the nearest even-dollar amount by the Office of Personnel Management when making the percentage changes to state employee salaries.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 7; 1971, No. 749, § 2; 1973, No. 873, § 7; 1974 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 39, §§ 3, 4; 1975, No. 932, § 4; 1979, No. 828, § 4; 1981, No. 650, § 4; 1985, No. 981, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3207; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 10; 1991, No. 1148, §§ 5, 6; 1993, No. 770, §§ 2-4; 1995, No. 992, §§ 2, 3; 1997, No. 532, § 2; 1997, No. 899, § 10; 1999, No. 1019, § 3; 2001, No. 1461, § 5; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 2; 2005, No. 2198, § 2; 2007, No. 375, § 2; 2009, No. 688, § 9; 2011, No. 1017, § 3; 2013, No. 1321, § 2; 2014, No. 285, § 81; 2015, No. 1007, §§ 3-5; 2017, No. 365, § 16; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6125, 6126; 2019, No. 981, § 5.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2001 amendment rewrote (b); and added (e).

The 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment rewrote (b)(1)(A)(i); inserted (b)(1)(A)(iv); deleted (b)(1)(B); redesignated former (b)(1)(C)-(G) as present (b)(1)(B)-(F); deleted “During the 2001-2002 biennium” at the beginning of present (b)(1)(D)(i); and deleted “2001-2003” preceding “biennium” in (b)(1)(D)(ii).

The 2005 amendment rewrote (b)(1)(A)(i).

The 2009 amendment, in (a), deleted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Management” in (a) and made a minor stylistic change; rewrote (b) through (d); and added (e) and (f).

The 2011 amendment substituted “Implementation” for “Implementing” in the section heading; deleted former (b); redesignated former (c) through (f) as present (b) through (e); in (b)(1)(A), substituted “2011” for “2010” and “one and eighty-six hundredths percent (1.86%)” for “two and three-tenths percent (2.3%)”; added (b)(1)(B); substituted “one and eighty-six hundredths percent (1.86%) on July 1, 2011, and the additional salary increase of two and thirty-eight hundredths percent (2.38%) on July 1, 2012” for “two and three-tenths percent (2.3%)” in (b)(2); substituted “one and eighty-six hundredths percent (1.86%) and the July 1, 2012, salary increase of two and thirty-eight hundredths percent (2.38%)” for “two and three-tenths percent (2.3%)” in (b)(4)(A).

The 2013 amendment substituted “2013” for “2011” and substituted “two percent (2%)” for “one and eighty six hundredths percent (1.86%)” throughout the section; inserted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (a); deleted (b)(1)(B); deleted “and the additional salary increase of two and thirty-eight hundredths percent (2.38%) on July 1, 2012” in (b)(2); substituted the reference to “21-5-214” for “21-5-214(a)” in (b)(3); and deleted “and the July 1, 2012, salary increase of two and thirty-eight hundredths percent (2.38%)” in (b)(4)(A).

The 2014 amendment redesignated part of (b)(1) as (b)(1)(A); in (b)(1)(A), substituted “July 1, 2014” for “July 1, 2013,” “June 30, 2014” for “June 30, 2013,” and “one percent (1%)” for “two percent (2%)”; added (b)(1)(B); in (b)(2), deleted “additional” preceding “salary” and substituted “authorized by subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section” for “of two percent (2%) on July 1, 2013”; in (b)(4)(A), substituted “July 1, 2014” for “July 1, 2013” and “one percent (1%)” for “two percent (2%)”; and, in (b)(4)(B), inserted “salary” near the beginning, substituted “2015 fiscal year” for “fiscal year of the year in which the increase is to occur,” and added “of the employee” at the end.

The 2015 amendment, in (b)(1)(A), twice substituted “2015” for “2014”; in (b)(1)(B), substituted “Ninetieth” for “Eighty Ninth,” substituted “the cost of living adjustment authorized by the Governor for all classified employees” for “one percent (1%)” and substituted “2016” for “2015”; in (b)(4)(A), substituted “July 1, 2015” for “July 1, 2014” and deleted “of one percent (1%)” following “increase”; substituted “2016” for “2015” in (b)(4)(B); inserted “including a nonclassified employee” in (c)(1); and deleted “the grade assigned to” preceding “his or her classification” in (c)(2)(A).

The 2017 amendment, in (a), substituted “has” for “shall have” and deleted “and institutions” following “state agencies”; rewrote (b); rewrote the introductory language of (c)(1); in (c)(1)(B), substituted “The salary increase” for “The additional salary increase of two percent (2%)” and deleted “unless the employee is eligible for the career pay level on the career service pay plan as established in § 21-5-214” following “position”; deleted “of two percent (2%)” following “increase” in (c)(2)(A); in (d)(3), deleted “Personnel Subcommittee of the” preceding “Legislative Council” and added “or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” at the end; and substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” in (e).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 inserted “and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” in (c)(1)(A) [now (b)(1)(A)] and throughout (d) [now (c)]; and substituted “determine” for “determines” in (c)(1)(A) [now (b)(1)(A)] and (d)(1) [now (c)(1)].

The 2019 amendment by No. 981 deleted (b) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly.

Case Notes

Salary Increases.

There is nothing in this section or § 21-5-209 that would give rise to a protected property interest in promotions or pay raises; this section merely establishes an implementation procedure for grade changes and does not grant any entitlement to a salary increase, and repeatedly refers to an employee's “eligibility” for salary adjustments and merit increases based upon satisfactory performance ratings. Jones v. Clinton, 974 F. Supp. 712 (E.D. Ark. 1997).

It is of no import that this section and § 21-5-209 may establish a range within which an employee's salary must fall as such a requirement does not give rise to a protected property interest in a salary increase. Jones v. Clinton, 974 F. Supp. 712 (E.D. Ark. 1997).

21-5-212. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning rehired or transferred employees, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 365, § 17. The section was derived from Acts 1969, No. 199, § 7; 1971, No. 749, § 2; 1973, No. 873, § 7; 1975, No. 932, § 4; 1979, No. 828, § 4; 1981, No. 650, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3207; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 11; 1991, No. 1148, § 7; 2009, No. 688, § 10.

21-5-213. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning employees working late shifts, was repealed by Acts 2011, No. 1017, § 4. The section was derived from Acts 1969, No. 199, § 7; 1969, No. 663, § 1; 1971, No. 749, § 2; 1973, No. 873, § 7; 1975, No. 932, § 4; 1979, No. 828, § 4; 1981, No. 650, § 4; 1985, No. 981, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3207; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 12; 2001, No. 1461, § 6.

21-5-214. New appointments and other compensation plan provisions.

  1. A new appointment to a position in a state agency covered by this subchapter shall be paid at the entry pay level for the grade assigned to the classification unless otherwise authorized by law.
  2. Special rates of pay may be established for either classifications or positions for the following reasons:
    1. Prevailing labor market conditions;
    2. An extraordinarily well-qualified candidate;
    3. The need to retain trained, competent employees;
    4. An employee assigned additional duties as a result of the elimination of a position by a state agency; or
    5. To meet the requirements of state or federal laws.
    1. A state agency may request a special rate of pay for a specific classification or position due to prevailing market rates of pay up to the midpoint pay level of the appropriate grade of a classification on the appropriate pay table for the assigned grade with the written approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
    2. A state agency may request a special rate of pay for a specific classification or position due to prevailing market rates of pay up to the maximum pay level for the assigned grade only with the approval of the secretary after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    3. The Office of Personnel Management shall maintain a register of classifications or positions for which special rates of pay have been established due to prevailing market rates of pay.
    4. The office shall file a report of special rates of pay established due to prevailing market rates of pay with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval.
    1. A special rate of pay may be established for an exceptionally well-qualified applicant whose educational background or experience qualifies the applicant to perform the job with little or substantially less orientation and training than would be required for another qualified applicant.
      1. An agency director may approve a special rate of pay under subdivision (d)(1) of this section up to fifteen percent (15%) above the entry pay level for the grade assigned to the classification and shall report all actions under the office’s procedures.
      2. The office may approve a special rate of pay under subdivision (d)(1) of this section above fifteen percent (15%) up to thirty percent (30%) above the entry pay level for the grade assigned to the classification.
      3. The office may approve a special rate of pay pursuant to subdivision (d)(1) of this section above thirty percent (30%) up to the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. The office shall file a report of special rates of pay established under this subsection with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval.
    1. An agency director may approve special rates of pay to retain a trained, competent employee or due to the assignment of additional duties as a result of the elimination of positions by the state agency, subject to the following:
      1. The assignment of additional duties shall be permanent and beyond the scope of work currently being performed by the employee;
      2. The same employee may not receive a special rate of pay pursuant to this subdivision (e)(1) more than one (1) time during a biennium;
      3. An increase for an agency director pursuant to this subdivision (e)(1) shall be initiated and approved by the Governor; and
      4. All increases up to ten percent (10%) approved under this subdivision (e)(1) shall be reported by the state agency to the office, and increases above ten percent (10%) shall be approved by the office.
    2. The office shall file a report of all salary increases established under this subsection with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval for review.
      1. An employee who is promoted shall receive a salary increase up to ten percent (10%).
      2. However, an employee's rate of pay upon promotion shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the classification.
    1. An employee who upon promotion is receiving a rate of pay below the entry pay level established for the new grade shall be adjusted to the entry pay level for that grade.
    2. An employee who returns to a position in a classification the employee formerly occupied within a twelve-month period after promotion from the classification is eligible for a rate of pay no greater than that for which the employee would have been eligible had the employee remained in the lower-graded classification.
      1. Upon demotion, an employee's pay shall be decreased by up to ten percent (10%).
      2. However, an employee's rate of pay upon demotion shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the classification.
    1. If the employee's salary falls below the lowest entry pay level of the new grade upon demotion, his or her salary shall be adjusted to the entry pay level for the grade.
    1. If an employee accepts a new position that is a transfer, the employee may receive a change in pay, as follows:
      1. If the employee's salary falls below the entry pay level of the new grade, then his or her salary shall be adjusted to the entry pay level for the grade; or
      2. If a special rate of pay has been established pursuant to this section.
    2. A transferring employee's rate of pay shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the new position, unless otherwise authorized.
  3. An employee whose salary would be above the maximum salary level of the new grade after being placed in a lower-graded position on the same pay table because the original position has expired due to lack of funding, program changes, reorganization, or withdrawal of federal grant funds may continue to be paid at the same rate as the employee was being paid in the higher-graded position upon approval of the office after seeking the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  4. If an employee who has been terminated for more than thirty (30) working days returns to state service, the state agency may offer up to the employee's last rate of pay not to exceed the maximum pay level established for the grade.
  5. Upon transfer of employment between state agencies, an employee is to receive a lump-sum payment from the original state agency for any overtime that has been accrued and not been paid and for any compensatory time accrued that has not been used at the higher rate of either the:
    1. Average regular rate of pay received by the employee during the last three (3) years of his or her employment; or
    2. Final regular rate of pay received by the employee.
  6. Any special rate of pay established under this section shall not affect the salary level or salary eligibility of any existing employee within the state agency.
    1. A special rate of pay is subject to the state agency's ability to certify funding for a special rate of pay established under this section.
    2. A state agency shall not use merit adjustment funds for a special rate of pay established under this section.
  7. The secretary or the Governor may suspend discretionary special salary actions.

History. Acts 1969, No. 199, § 7; 1969, No. 663, § 1; 1971, No. 749, § 2; 1973, No. 873, § 7; 1975, No. 932, § 4; 1979, No. 828, § 4; 1981, No. 650, § 4; 1985, No. 981, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3207; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 13; 1991, No. 1148, §§ 8-11; 1995, No. 992, § 4; 2001, No. 963, § 1; 2001, No. 1461, § 7; 2005, No. 2198, § 3; 2009, No. 688, § 11; 2011, No. 1017, § 5; 2013, No. 1321, § 3; 2017, No. 365, § 18; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6127-6130.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment by Nos. 963 and 1461 rewrote (1) and (2).

The 2005 amendment added present (4); and redesignated former (4) and (5) as present (5) and (6).

The 2009 amendment rewrote the section and added “and other compensation plan provisions” to the section heading.

The 2011 amendment deleted “on the professional and executive pay plan or” following “more grades” in (f)(1)(B).

The 2013 amendment deleted (a)(1) through (a)(3) at the beginning of the section and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; inserted “of 1938” preceding “29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.” in (a)(1)(A)(iv); substituted “Office of Personnel Management of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “office” in present (a)(1)(B)(iii); and changed references to subdivisions to reflect redesignations throughout the section.

The 2017 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in (c)(1), (c)(2), and (n); substituted “who is promoted” for “promoted on or after July 1, 2017” in (f)(1)(A); and, in (i), substituted “whose salary would be above the maximum salary level of the new grade after being” for “who is”, and inserted “reorganization”.

21-5-215. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning certified public school employees, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 1148, § 12. The section was derived from Acts 1969, No. 199, § 5; 1983, No. 671, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3205; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 14.

21-5-216. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning Step 8 eligibility, was repealed by Acts 1993, No. 708, § 2. The section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 909, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3204.3; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 15.

21-5-217. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the employment of Public Information Officers, was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 1148, § 12. The section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 909, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3204.4; Acts 1989, No. 793, § 16.

21-5-218. Reimbursement for interpreter services for deaf.

Whereas Arkansas Rehabilitation Services currently purchases and sells staff interpreter services for the deaf with four (4) other agencies, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Arkansas School for the Deaf, and the Administrative Office of the Courts and whereas the need for interpreters is immediate and often for crisis purposes and cannot be planned ahead, the Division of Workforce Services is authorized to arrange for reimbursement with those agencies, assuring that the amount paid from both agencies will not exceed the maximum for the grades they occupy consistent with the intent of § 19-4-1604, with notification and justification to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 202, § 9; 2019, No. 910, § 569.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former § 21-5-218, concerning reimbursement for interpreter services for the deaf, is deemed to be superseded by this section. The former section was derived from Acts 1987, No. 1050, § 10.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Arkansas Rehabilitation Services” for “the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Career Education”; substituted “Division of Workforce Services” for “Department of Career Education”; and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State”.

Cross References. Court interpreters, § 16-10-1101 et seq.

21-5-219. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning nonclassified employees, was repealed by Acts 2015, No. 1007, § 6. This section was derived from Acts 1997, No. 532, § 3; 1999, No. 1019, § 4; 2001, No. 1461, § 11; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 3; 2009, No. 688, § 12; 2011, No. 1017, § 6.

21-5-220. Shift differential.

    1. Upon the approval of the Office of Personnel Management, an employee whose working hours do not conform to normal state business hours shall be eligible for additional compensation up to twelve percent (12%) of the hourly rate for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter as a shift differential if:
      1. The state agency routinely schedules more than one (1) work shift per day;
      2. The shift to which the employee is assigned is a full work shift; and
      3. The employee is regularly assigned to the late shift or is assigned to the shift on a regularly scheduled rotating basis.
    2. An employee assigned to an evening shift shall not receive additional compensation that exceeds six percent (6%) above that for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
    3. An employee assigned to a night shift shall not receive additional compensation that exceeds twelve percent (12%) above that for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
      1. An employee at or near the maximum authorized salary level for the grade assigned to his or her classification may be compensated at an additional rate not to exceed twelve percent (12%) of his or her eligible salary under this subchapter.
      2. In those instances in which the granting of the additional compensation has the effect of temporarily exceeding the maximum annual rate for the grade assigned to the employee's classification, the additional compensation shall not be considered as exceeding the maximum allowable rate for that grade.
      1. A person employed in areas providing critical support, custody, and care to designated client service units at state-operated inpatient hospital facilities, at state-operated human development centers, and at maximum security units at correctional facilities during weekend hours is eligible to receive up to twenty percent (20%) of the hourly rate for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter paid as a shift or weekend differential.
      2. A person employed in an area not providing critical care during weekend hours is eligible to receive up to fifteen percent (15%) of the hourly rate for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter paid as a shift or weekend differential.
    1. Designated weekend hours begin no earlier than 2:30 p.m. on Friday and end no later than 8:00 a.m. on the following Monday.
    1. If a facility uses shifts other than traditional eight-hour shifts, a shift differential may be paid for those shifts exceeding the normal day shift of the facility.
    2. If shift and weekend differentials are provided to an employee, the total compensation may exceed the maximum annual rate for the assigned pay grade for those positions included in this subchapter.
      1. The state agency shall identify the shifts, job classifications, and positions to be eligible for the shift differential and the differential percentage for which each classification is eligible within each shift.
      2. The shift schedule, job classifications, positions, and the percentage of shift differential for which the job titles will be eligible shall be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management for approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
      3. Subsequent changes to the shift schedule, job classifications, positions, and shift differential percentages shall be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management and receive prior approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
  1. An employee who is receiving additional compensation under this section and then is reassigned to a normal shift shall revert on the day of the reassignment to the rate of pay for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
  2. The Office of Personnel Management shall report all shift differential approvals to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2011, No. 1017, § 7; 2017, No. 365, § 19; 2019, No. 910, § 6131.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment added “work shift; and” in (a)(1)(B); deleted (a)(1)(B)(i) and (ii); substituted “shall” for “may” in (a)(2) and (3); and substituted “Subcommittee” for “Committee” in (e).

The 2017 amendment substituted “The state agency” for “The agency or institution” in (a)(1)(A); redesignated former (b)(1) as (b)(1)(A) and added (b)(1)(B); substituted “The state agency” for “The agency or institution” in (c)(3)(A); substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” in (c)(3)(B); inserted “be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management and” in (c)(3)(C); and, in (e), substituted “The Office of Personnel Management” for “The office”, deleted “Personnel Subcommittee of” preceding “the Legislative Council”, and added “or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee”.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in (c)(3)(B) and (c)(3)(C).

21-5-221. Compensation differentials.

  1. To address specific employee compensation needs not otherwise provided for in this subchapter, a state agency may pay additional compensation for current employees in specific positions or for classifications of positions assigned to a compensation plan authorized by the General Assembly for one (1) or more compensation differentials.
    1. Authorization for one (1) or more compensation differentials may be approved if the:
      1. State agency has documented the need for a compensation differential for specified positions or classifications;
      2. State agency submits to the Office of Personnel Management a plan of the terms and conditions for eligibility that must directly address the needs of the targeted positions or classifications for any requested compensation differential;
      3. Cost of implementing and maintaining a compensation differential is within the state agency's existing appropriation and shall not be implemented using funds specifically set aside for other programs within the state agency; and
      4. Compensation differential plan has been approved by the Office of Personnel Management after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. Any compensation differential authorized under this section shall be renewed each fiscal year.
    3. The cumulative total of any compensation differentials paid to an employee shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the employee's base salary.
    1. Hazardous duty differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized for the increased risk of personal physical injury for an employee occupying a certain identified high-risk position if the:
      1. Position classification is determined to be physically hazardous or dangerous due to location, facility, services provided, or other factors directly related to the duty assignment of the positions; and
      2. Employee's regularly assigned work schedule exposes him or her to clear, direct, and unavoidable hazards during at least fifty percent (50%) of the work time and the employee is not compensated for the hazardous exposure.
      1. The director of the requesting state agency shall identify the facility or unit, location, and eligible positions and classifications within the facility or unit that are identified as high-risk.
      2. The positions shall be certified by the state agency director as having been assigned to a work environment that poses an increased risk of personal injury and shall be submitted as part of the plan for payment of hazardous duty differential to the Office of Personnel Management for approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services in consultation with the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State after review and approval of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      3. Subsequent changes to the facility or unit, location, and eligible positions or classifications within the facility or unit on file with the Office of Personnel Management shall receive prior approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services after review and approval by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  2. It is the intent of this subsection that hazardous duty compensation shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services and the director of the state agency and shall not be implemented using funds specifically set aside for other programs within the state agency.
  3. An additional ten percent (10%), but not to exceed a total of twelve percent (12%), hazardous duty differential may be authorized for employees occupying positions assigned to a maximum security unit or facility if the regularly assigned work schedules expose employees at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the work time to clear, direct, and unavoidable hazards from clients, inmates, or patients who are in units or facilities that are classified as maximum security.
  4. An employee who is receiving additional compensation for hazardous duty and then is reassigned to normal duty shall revert on the day of the reassignment to the rate of pay for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
    1. A professional certification differential of up to ten percent (10%) for job-related professional certifications for individual positions or for specific classifications within a state agency may be authorized if the certification is:
      1. From a recognized professional certifying organization and is determined to be directly related to the predominant purpose and use of the position or classification; and
      2. Not included as a minimum qualification established or as a special requirement for the classification by the official class specification.
      1. A professional certification differential may be paid only while the certification is current and maintained by the employee and while employed in a position or classification covered by the plan.
      2. Documentation of continuation or renewal of the certification of the employee is required for continuation of the certification differential.
  5. An education differential of up to ten percent (10%) for job-related education for individual positions or for specific classifications within a state agency may be authorized if:
    1. Attainment of additional education is from an accredited institution of higher education, documented by official transcript, certificate, or degree award, and directly related to the predominant purpose and use of the position or classification; and
    2. The education to be compensated is not included as a special requirement or minimum qualification established for the classification by the official class specification.
  6. A geographic area differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized to address the documented inability to recruit and retain certain employees in a specific geographic area of the state if the additional geographic area differential is based on documented recruitment, turnover, or other competitive pay issue in a specific geographic area but that does not justify a statewide labor market special entry rate.
    1. A second-language differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized for an employee who has the demonstrated ability and skill to communicate in a language other than English, including American Sign Language, and that skill is determined by the state agency to be directly related to the effective performance of the job duties for the position occupied by the employee.
    2. An employee who receives additional compensation under this section and who moves into a position that does not need the skill to communicate in a language other than English shall revert on the effective date of the change to the rate of pay that the employee would otherwise receive.
    1. On-call duty or standby-duty differential may be authorized for an employee whose job requires him or her to provide services on nights, weekends, or holidays or other situations when the state agency does not have regularly scheduled staff coverage.
    2. On-call duty or standby-duty differential is to be used for officially scheduled duty outside regular work hours during which an employee is required to be accessible by telephone, pager, or other means and must return to the designated work site upon notification of need within a specified response time.
      1. An employee who is required to be available for duty on nights, weekends, and holidays will be eligible to receive on-call or standby-duty pay equivalent of an hourly rate not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of his or her base hourly pay rate for each on-call or standby hour for not more than forty-eight (48) hours during any seven-day work period.
        1. Compensation shall not be paid to any employee required to be on-call and standby who fails to respond after the second notification that his or her services are needed.
        2. If the equipment or paging device malfunctions, the penalty shall not apply.
        1. An employee on on-call or standby duty who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay with a minimum of two (2) hours for each call back.
        2. The employee shall not be paid on-call or standby pay for hours actually worked during a call back.
  7. If granting additional compensation would have the effect of exceeding the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the employee's classification, the additional compensation shall not be considered as exceeding the maximum allowable rate for that grade.
  8. Other compensation differentials may be administered by the Office of Personnel Management after:
    1. Approval by the State Personnel Administrator; and
    2. Review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2013, No. 1321, § 4; 2017, No. 365, § 20; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6132, 6133.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2016, No. 231, § 43, provided: “ON-CALL COMPENSATION. On-call duty or standby duty differential may be authorized for a Classified or Non-Classified patient care employee whose job requires him or her to provide services when there is no regularly scheduled staff coverage. An employee shall not exceed 128 hours during any seven-day period, at rates of pay not to exceed those provided in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, or its successor, or this act for the appropriate compensation.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.”

Amendments. The 2013 amendment deleted former (d), (f), (l)(2), (m)(3)(D), inserted present (l) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and inserted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Personnel Management” in (b)(1)(D).

The 2017 amendment substituted “state agency” for “state agency or institution” and for “agency or institution” and made similar changes throughout the section; substituted “Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” throughout the section; inserted “to the Office of Personnel Management” in (b)(1)(B); substituted “ten percent (10%)” for “six percent (6%)” in (c)(1), (e), (g)(1), (h), and (i); substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” in (c)(2)(B); deleted “or the career” preceding “pay level” in (l); added (m); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment inserted “the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services in consultation with” in (c)(2)(B); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in (c)(2)(C) and (d).

21-5-222. Salary administration grids.

    1. A state agency may request that a salary administration grid be approved for specific classifications or positions if the:
      1. State agency has documented the need for a salary administration grid for specified positions or classifications;
      2. Terms and conditions of a grid proposed by the state agency address the needs of the targeted positions;
      3. Cost of implementing and maintaining a salary administration grid is within the state agency's existing appropriation and the implementation does not use funds specifically set aside for other programs within the state agency;
      4. Salary administration grid has been submitted to the Office of Personnel Management for approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services up to the midpoint pay level; and
        1. Salary administration grid has been submitted to the Office of Personnel Management for approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services above the midpoint pay level.
        2. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall not approve the salary administration grid in this subdivision (a)(1)(E) until the salary administration grid has been reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      1. Special salary rates may be authorized up to the maximum pay level authorized for the grade assigned for specific classifications only.
      2. An approved salary administration grid shall be used for establishing a starting salary for an employee in an individual position.
      3. A person hired above the entry pay level shall meet or exceed the minimum qualifications for the job classification.
      4. Subsequent salary determinations within a salary administration grid shall be based on the employee's qualifications, relevant competitive compensation rates, professional or education achievements, and internal equity within the state agency.
      5. A plan of implementation and salary progression shall be approved by the Office of Personnel Management on a biennial basis.
    2. An approved grid may be amended only upon approval by the Office of Personnel Management after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    3. Compensation differentials that are included in a state agency's grid plan shall not exceed rates provided in § 21-5-221.
    1. A monthly report shall be made to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, describing all personnel transactions involving applications of this section.
    2. The hiring of a new employee under this section shall not affect the salary level or salary eligibility of any existing employee within the state agency.
    3. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish policies and procedures regarding the implementation and use of a salary administration grid with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  1. The salary administration grids created under this section shall be reauthorized each biennium by the State Personnel Administrator after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2017, No. 365, § 21; 2019, No. 910, § 6134.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “state agency” for “state agency or institution” and for “agency or institution” and made similar changes throughout the section; substituted “Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” throughout the section; substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” in (a)(3) and (b)(3); substituted “or positions” for “of positions assigned to the career service compensation plan” in the introductory language of (a)(1); rewrote (a)(1)(D); added (a)(1)(E); deleted “the classification of a career service position” following “assigned” in (a)(2)(A); substituted “establish policies and procedures” for “promulgate rules” in (b)(3); added (c); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in (a)(1)(D) and twice in (a)(1)(E).

21-5-223. Severance pay.

    1. If the agency director determines that it is necessary to implement the state workforce reduction policy due to state agency organization structure change, budgetary reductions, abolishment of positions or duties, loss of functional responsibility by the state agency, or the loss of federal funding, grants, or other special funds, the agency director, upon approval by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, may authorize the payment of funds on a regular payroll schedule as severance pay to full-time, part-time, and job sharing classified and nonclassified employees in regular positions affected by the workforce reduction on the basis of the following pro rata lump sum for completed years of service, including any formally implemented probationary period:
    2. The severance payments under subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall be in addition to the lump-sum payments allowed under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act, § 21-4-201 et seq.
    3. The severance payments under subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not be construed as exceeding the maximum salary.
    4. The agency director shall file a notice of the anticipated implementation of the workforce reduction policy and of the lump-sum severance payments to be made under the state workforce reduction policy with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    1. If the head of an institution of higher education determines that it is necessary to implement the state workforce reduction policy due to institution organization structure change, budgetary reductions, abolishment of positions or duties, loss of functional responsibility by the institution, or the loss of federal funding, grants, or other special funds, the head of the institution, upon approval by the Director of the Division of Higher Education, may authorize the payment of funds on a regular payroll schedule as severance pay to full-time, part-time, and job sharing classified employees in regular positions affected by the workforce reduction on the basis of the following pro rata lump sum for completed years of service, including any formally implemented probationary period:
    2. The severance payments under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be in addition to the lump-sum payments allowed under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act, § 21-4-201 et seq.
    3. The severance payments under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall not be construed as exceeding the maximum salary.
    4. The head of the institution shall file a notice of the anticipated implementation of the workforce reduction policy and of the lump-sum severance payments to be made under the state workforce reduction policy with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

Over one (1) year up to five (5) years Eight hundred dollars ($800) Over five (5) years up to fifteen (15) years One thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) Over fifteen (15) years One thousand six hundred dollars ($1,600)

Click to view table.

Over one (1) year up to five (5) years Eight hundred dollars ($800) Over five (5) years up to fifteen (15) years One thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) Over fifteen (15) years One thousand six hundred dollars ($1,600)

Click to view table.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2017, No. 599, § 3; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2310, 6135.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment redesignated former (a) through (d) as (a)(1) through (a)(4); in (a)(1), substituted “agency director” for “agency or institution director” twice, substituted “state agency” for “agency or institution”, and inserted “state” preceding “agency, or the”; substituted “The severance payments under subdivision (a)(1) of this section” for “These payments” in (a)(2); inserted “under subdivision (a)(1) of this section” in (a)(3); in (a)(4), deleted “or institution” following “agency” and substituted “Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council”; and added present (b).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” in the introductory language of (a)(1); and substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in the introductory language of (b)(1).

21-5-224. Extra help positions.

    1. A position authorized as extra help in a state agency shall be assigned an authorized classification by the agency, and any person hired in an extra help position shall meet the minimum qualifications and any other requirements set by the official class specification of the classification assigned to the position.
    2. The rates of pay for extra help employees shall be set in accordance with and shall not exceed those provided in this subchapter, or its successor, for the appropriate classification.
    3. Extra help employees of state agencies shall not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours per fiscal year as set out in § 19-4-521.
  1. The salary eligibility for an employee transferring or returning from an extra help position to a regular position shall be determined in the same manner as established for newly hired employees.
  2. A former employee from a state agency, board, or commission who is rehired in an extra-help position is ineligible for benefits except holiday pay and as authorized by the Office of Personnel Management.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2011, No. 1017, § 8; 2013, No. 1321, § 5; 2017, No. 365, § 22.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment inserted “classification or a professional and executive” in (a)(1).

The 2013 amendment substituted “21-5-214” for “21-5-214(a)(1)” in (b)(4).

The 2017 amendment, in (a)(1), substituted “a state agency” for “an agency or institution” and “classification by the agency” for “career service classification or a professional and executive classification by the agency or institution”; in (a)(3), substituted “state agencies shall not” for “agencies may not” and “one thousand five hundred (1,500)” for “one thousand (1,000)”; deleted (a)(4); substituted “determined in the same manner as established for newly hired employees” for “established at the minimum entrance rate of pay for the grade of the assigned classification with the following exceptions” in the former introductory language of (b); deleted (b)(1) through (b)(4); and, in (c), deleted “institution” following “agency” and added “and as authorized by the Office of Personnel Management”.

21-5-225. Position pools.

    1. There is established a pool of one thousand (1,000) positions assigned to the Office of Personnel Management to be used to reclassify positions in state agencies to the proper classification and grade if the state agency does not have a vacant position available with the appropriate classification and grade.
    2. To obtain a position from the pool, a state agency shall surrender to the pool the position being reclassified.
    3. The Office of Personnel Management shall review all requests and may grant approval of the reclassification after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish and maintain a central growth pool of two hundred (200) positions to be used to establish additional positions in state agencies of the proper classification and grade when the state agency does not have sufficient positions available with the appropriate classification and grade to meet a state agency's mandated responsibilities.
    2. Central growth pool positions are to be used by the state agencies if the personnel service needs exceed the number of positions in a classification authorized by the General Assembly and were not anticipated at the time of the passage of the state agency's operating appropriation act.
    3. The state agency shall provide justification to the Office of Personnel Management for the need to allocate positions from the central growth pool.
    4. Titles shall not be assigned to the state agency from the central growth pool until specific positions are requested by the state agency, recommended by the Office of Personnel Management, and reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    5. If the new classifications are necessary for any of these additional positions, the Office of Personnel Management may assign the appropriate title and grade after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    6. If a state agency requests any central growth pool position to be continued during the subsequent fiscal year, the position shall be requested as a new position in the state agency's subsequent fiscal year budget request.
    1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish and maintain a temporary transition pool of fifty (50) positions to be used to establish additional temporary positions in state agencies of the proper classification and grade if the state agency does not have sufficient positions available with the appropriate classification and grade to address organizational transition issues such as succession planning or other changes in state agency administration.
    2. Temporary transition pool positions are to be used by state agencies only if the personnel service needs exceed the number of positions in a classification authorized by the General Assembly and were not anticipated at the time of the passage of the state agency's operating appropriation act.
    3. A position established under this section shall be approved for the same classification as the position occupied by the transitioning full-time employee.
    4. No position shall be authorized to the state agency from the temporary transition pool until the specific positions are requested by the agency, recommended by the Office of Personnel Management, and reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    5. Temporary transition pool positions shall be authorized for not more than one hundred eighty (180) calendar days in a fiscal year and may not be renewed or extended.
  1. A pool position received under this section is subject to the state agency's ability to certify funding.
    1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish and maintain a growth pool of ten (10) positions to be used to establish additional positions by:
      1. Elected constitutional officers of this state;
      2. The General Assembly, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit;
      3. Members of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, circuit courts, prosecuting attorneys, and the Administrative Office of the Courts;
      4. The Arkansas Department of Transportation;
      5. Federal military technicians, military training support personnel, federally funded personnel of the Arkansas National Guard, and other military personnel who are paid directly by the federal government; and
      6. The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.
      1. If one of the entities provided in subdivision (e)(1) of this section does not have sufficient positions available with the appropriate classification and grade to meet an agency's mandated responsibilities and the positions were not anticipated at the time of the passage of the agency's operating appropriation act, the positions may be used, after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      2. The entities provided in subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall provide justification for the request to allocate a position from the growth pool to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      3. If a new classification is necessary for an additional position, the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, may assign the appropriate title and grade.
    2. If an agency requests an approved growth pool position to be continued during the subsequent fiscal year, the position shall be requested as a new position in the agency's subsequent fiscal year budget request.

History. Acts 2009, No. 688, § 13; 2011, No. 1017, § 9; 2017, No. 365, § 23.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment repealed former (d).

The 2017 amendment substituted “state agency” for “state agency or institution” and for “agency” and made similar changes throughout the section; substituted “Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee” for “Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council” throughout the section; substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “office” in present (a)(3) and throughout the rest of the section; in (a)(1), substituted “one thousand (1,000) positions” for “two hundred fifty (250) career service positions at grade C130 and one hundred fifty (150) professional and executive positions at grade N922”; deleted former (a)(2) and (a)(5), and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; in (b)(1), substituted “two hundred (200) positions” for “two hundred (200) career service positions at grade C130 and one hundred (100) professional and executive positions at grade N922”; deleted former (b)(3), and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; in (c)(1), substituted “fifty (50) positions” for “twenty-five (25) career service positions at grade C130 and twenty-five (25) professional and executive positions at grade N922”; rewrote (c)(3); added (d) and (e); and made stylistic changes.

Subchapter 3 — Supplemental Personal Services

21-5-301 — 21-5-310. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning supplemental personal services, was repealed by Acts 2011, No. 1116, § 1. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

21-5-301. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 5; 1981, No. 741, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-302. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209.

21-5-303. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-304. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-305. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-306. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 5; 1981, No. 741, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-307. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-308. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-309. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n.

21-5-310. Acts 1977, No. 673, § 6; 1981, No. 741, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3209n; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 41.

Subchapter 4 — State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1991, No. 867, § 1, provided:

“The Governor may, by executive order, transfer the State Employees Insurance Section of the Department of Finance and Administration to the State Insurance Department at such time as he determines it to be in the best interest of the State Employees Insurance Program.”

Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9, provided:

“The State Employees Insurance Advisory Committee created by Arkansas Code 21-5-401 is abolished effective July 1, 1995. Arkansas Code 21-5-402, 21-5-403, 21-5-404, 21-5-405, 21-5-406, 21-5-407, 21-5-408, 21-5-409 are repealed. All rights, powers and duties of that Committee are transferred to the board created under the provisions of this act. The Public School Insurance Advisory Committee created by Arkansas Code 6-17-1102 is abolished effective July 1, 1995. Arkansas Code 6-17-1101, 6-17-1103, 6-17-1104, 6-17-1105, 6-17-1106, 6-17-1107, 6-17-1108 and 6-17-1110 are repealed. All rights, powers and duties of that Committee are transferred to the board created under the provisions of this act. Any funding or contracts now in force or authorized by the 1995 Regular Session of the General Assembly shall be carried forward to the Arkansas State Employees/Public School Personnel Board until the expiration of the contracts.”

Acts 2011, No. 855, § 1, provided:

“Legislative Findings.

“The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) Morbid obesity causes many medical problems and costly health complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke;

“(2) The cost of managing the complications of morbid obesity, largely due to inadequate treatment, far outweighs the cost of expeditious, effective medical treatment;

“(3) Guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the American Obesity Association, and Shape Up America and embraced by the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons recommend that patients who are morbidly obese receive responsible, affordable medical treatment for their obesity; and

“(4) The diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity should be a clinical decision made by a physician based on evidence-based guidelines.”

Acts 2011, No. 855, § 2, provided:

“Definitions. As used in this subchapter:

“(1) ‘Body mass index’ means body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; and

“(2)(A) ‘Morbid obesity’ means a weight that is at least two (2) times the ideal weight for frame, age, height, and gender of an individual as determined by an examining physician.

“(B) Morbid obesity may be measured as a body mass index:

“(i) Equal to or greater than thirty-five kilograms per meter squared (35 kg/m2) with comorbidity or coexisting medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiopulmonary conditions, sleep apnea, or diabetes; or

“(ii) Greater than forty (40) kilograms per meter squared (40 kg/m2).”

Acts 2011, No. 855, § 3, as amended by identical Acts 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 3 and 6, § 10, and as amended by Acts 2017, No. 927, § 1, provided:

“Pilot Program on coverage for morbid obesity diagnosis and treatment.

“(a)(1)(A) A state and public school employees health benefit plan that is offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2012, shall offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity.

“(B) The cost of coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity offered under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall not exceed:

“(i) Three million dollars ($3,000,000) annually for the Arkansas State Employees Health Benefit Plan; or

“(ii) Three million dollars ($3,000,000) annually for the Arkansas Public school Employees Health Benefit Plan.

“(2) The coverage for morbid obesity offered under subdivision (a)(1) of this section includes without limitation coverage for bariatric surgery including:

“(A) Gastric bypass surgery;

“(B) Adjustable gastric banding surgery;

“(C) Sleeve gastrectomy surgery; and

“(D) Duodenal switch biliopancreatic diversion.

“(b) The coverage for morbid obesity diagnosis and treatment offered under this section does not diminish or limit benefits otherwise allowable under a state and public school employees health benefit plan.

“(c) The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board may discontinue or suspend a plan option offered under subsection (a) of this section if the board determines adjustments are necessary to ensure the financial soundness and overall well-being of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.”

Acts 2011, No. 855, § 4, provided: “Rules. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter.”

Acts 2011, No. 855, § 5, as amended by Acts 2017, No. 927, § 2, provided: “This act shall become null and void and cease to have any effect on and after midnight on December 31, 2021.”

Identical Acts 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 3 and 6, § 1, provided: “Legislative findings and intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) The health insurance program provided by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board for public school employees and public school employee retirees is in a state of crisis;

“(2) Since 2005 the General Assembly has authorized supplemental funding for the Department of Education to send to the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration for the purpose of offsetting premium increases for public school employees without implementing long term systemic and structural reforms;

“(3) In addition to the need for short-term action by the General Assembly to avert the impending premium increases for public school employees and public school employees, the General Assembly must take an active role in crafting a long-term solution to ensure the stability of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program;

“(4) The composition of the board should be diverse and reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of the state to ensure that multiple viewpoints are involved in board actions that impact state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees;

“(5) The board has failed to fulfill their mission and provide a stable and actuarially sound system of health insurance benefits for public school employees by:

“(A) Failing to make the adjustments necessary to health plan options for public school employees that would prevent significant premium increases, resulting in burdensome costs to both public school employees and taxpayers; and

“(B) Refusing to acknowledge that parity between insurance programs for state employees and public school employees is a goal, not a mandate, resulting in unnecessary costs to both public school employees and taxpayers and exacerbating the instability of the program; and

“(6) The failure of the board has resulted in the need for the General Assembly to inject additional money into the program to maintain the integrity of the program by offsetting premium increases for public school employees, which allowed the program to maintain participation levels.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that:

“(1) Any additional funding provided for public school employee health insurance during this special session be considered a one-time infusion of money, not a permanent funding source;

“(2) Funding will revert to the current level unless there is meaningful reform and restructuring of the program that restores permanent stability and actuarial soundness;

“(3) The General Assembly, through the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program Legislative Task Force, study, develop, and recommend fundamental restructuring of the program, including without limitation the:

“(A) Governance of the program;

“(B) Management of the program; and

“(C) Goals of the program; and

“(4) While the task force is conducting the study, the General Assembly, through the Joint Performance Review Committee, the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation and the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation, shall continue to provide oversight of the board, including without limitation board activities and decisions.”

Identical Acts 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 3 and 6, § 3, as amended by Acts 2015, No. 912, § 2, and as amended by identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 91, provided: “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program Legislative Task Force — Creation — Membership — Duties.

“(a) There is created the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program Legislative Task Force.

“(b)(1) The task force shall consist of the following twelve (12) members:

“(A) The Chair of the House Committee on Education or the chair's designee;

“(B) The Chair of the Senate Committee on Education or the chair's designee;

“(C) The Chair of the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce or the chair's designee;

“(D) The Chair of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce or the chair's designee;

“(E) Four (4) senators appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and

“(F) Four (4) members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“(2) If a vacancy occurs on the task force, the vacancy shall be filled by the same process as the original appointment.

“(3) Legislative members of the task force shall be paid per diem and mileage as authorized by law for attendance at meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly.

“(c)(1) The Chair of the Senate Committee on Education or the chair's designee shall call the first meeting of the task force within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this act and shall serve as chair of the task force at the first meeting.

“(2) At the first meeting of the task force, the members of the task force shall elect from its membership a chair and other officers as needed for the transaction of its business.

“(3)(A) The task force shall conduct its meetings in Pulaski County at the State Capitol Building or another site with teleconferencing capabilities.

“(B) Meetings of the task force shall be held at least one (1) time every two (2) months but may occur more often at the call of the chair.

“(4) The task force shall establish rules and procedures for conducting its business.

“(5)(A) A majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for transacting business of the task force.

“(B) No action may be taken by the task force except by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

“(6) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall provide staff for the task force.

“(d) The purpose of the task force is to:

“(1) Develop an implementation plan for the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program that will allow the program to operate on an actuarially sound basis while ensuring a high-quality, low-cost program of insurance for state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees;

“(2) Increase public awareness and transparency of the:

“(A) Program, including plan options available under the program; and

“(B) Governance and operation of the program; and

“(3) Develop a legislative framework that will promote the actuarial soundness and stability of the program.

“(e) To meet the goals of the task force, the task force shall:

“(1) Study all aspects of the state and public school life and health insurance program for the purpose of recommending changes that will ensure the financial stability of the program while offering participants affordable healthcare coverage, including without limitation:

“(A) Researching current insurance concepts, market conditions, regulatory issues, the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. No. 111-148, and best practices from other states;

“(B) Exploring:

“(i) Cost-containment measures and funding options for plan options offered under the program;

“(ii) Ways to promote competition among vendors and the offering of competitive health insurance plan options that include quality-of-care delivery, portability, and accessible and affordable health care; and

“(iii) The role that the current structure of the program, and plan options under the program, have historically contributed to the volatility of the system;

“(C) Reviewing state statutes that may be barriers to the overall actuarial soundness and stability of the program;

“(D) Preparing a comprehensive analysis of recommended health insurance plan options to be offered under the program; and

“(E) Evaluating the governance and structure of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board;

“(2) If the task force determines necessary, contract with consultants to assist the task force with the study;

“(3) On or before June 30, 2014, file with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate a written, preliminary report of the task force's activities, findings, and recommendations; and

“(4) On or before June 29, 2015, file with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate a written, final report of the task force's activities, findings, and recommendations.

“(f) The task force expires December 31, 2018.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 1, provided:

“(a) The General Assembly finds:

“(1) State government provides vital functions that impact the lives of Arkansas citizens on a daily basis;

“(2) While these functions are important, it is equally important to ensure that state government operates efficiently and effectively to eliminate unnecessary spending of tax dollars and provide timely and quality services to Arkansas citizens; and

“(3) Issues such as the administrative organization of a governmental entity, the appointment structure of a governmental entity's governing board, and extraneous duties assigned to governmental entities hamper the operation of state government and result in unnecessary expenses and delays in the provision of state services.

“(b) It is the intent of this act to amend provisions of law applicable to certain agencies, task forces, committees, and commission to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of state government as a whole.”

Cross References. Damages adjudged against state officers and employees, payment by state, § 21-9-201 et seq.

Preambles. Acts 1977, No. 389, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the General Assembly hereby finds and recognizes that there has been a dramatic increase in the medical care cost in the past few years and that this cost will continue to rise at the rate of approximately twenty percent (20%) a year for the next two years; and

“Whereas, the State Employees Insurance Committee will make a concerted effort to maintain the current cost to the State employees; and

“Whereas, the proposed legislation will provide a twenty percent (20%) increase in the State's contribution for each year of the 1977-1979 biennium; and

“Whereas, the increased contribution will not be used unless it becomes necessary to keep the plan sound;

“Now, therefore….

Acts 1979, No. 323, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the General Assembly hereby finds and recognizes that there has been a dramatic increase in the medical care cost in the past few years and that this cost will continue to rise at the rate of approximately twenty percent (20%) a year for the next two years; and

“Whereas, the State Employees Insurance Committee will make a concerted effort to maintain the current cost to the State employees; and

“Whereas, the proposed legislation will provide a twenty percent (20%) increase in the State's contribution for each year of the 1979-1981 biennium; and

“Whereas, the increased contribution will not be used unless it becomes necessary to keep the plan sound;

“Now, therefore….”

Acts 1981, No. 838, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the General Assembly hereby finds and recognizes that there has been a dramatic increase in the medical care cost in the past few years and that this cost will continue to rise at the rate of approximately twenty percent (20%) a year for the next two years; and

“Whereas, the State Employees Insurance Committee will make a concerted effort to maintain the current cost to the State employees; and

“Whereas, the proposed legislation will provide a twenty percent (20%) increase in the State's contribution for each year of 1981-1983 biennium; and

“Whereas, the increased contribution will not be used unless it becomes necessary to keep the plan sound;

“Now, therefore….”

Acts 1983, No. 469, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the General Assembly hereby finds and recognizes that there has been a dramatic increase in the cost of medical care in the past few years and that this cost will continue to rise for the next two years; and

“Whereas, the State Employees Insurance Advisory Committee will make a concerted effort to maintain the current cost to the State employees; and

“Whereas, the proposed legislation will provide an increase in the State's contribution for each year of 1983-1985 biennium; and

“Whereas, the increased contribution will not be used unless it becomes necessary to keep the plan sound;

“Now, therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 17: Feb. 18, 1972. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly, meeting in Extraordinary Session that the State of Arkansas does not have a life and/or disability insurance program for the State Employees, and that a program of this nature would greatly enhance the morale and well-being of the employees of the State of Arkansas. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1973, No. 72, §§ 2, 4: July 1, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that due to the unusually heavy workload of the Sixty-Ninth General Assembly it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1973 unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1973. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1973, No. 842, § 4: Apr. 16, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “The General Assembly finds that a change in the administrative organization of the State Employees Insurance Section is necessary to secure the more efficient functioning of the said Section. An emergency is therefore declared to exist, and this Act, being necessary for the public health, welfare, and safety, shall be effective from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1975, No. 156, § 2: July 1, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer and provide insurance programs that will effectively serve the needs of state employees; that such insurance programs are of great assistance in recruiting permanent personnel for the various state agencies; that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1975, unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1975. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1975.”

Acts 1975, No. 575, § 4: Mar. 27, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is urgent need to clarify the present law relating to the membership of the State Employees Insurance Advisory Committee; that under the present State Employees Group Insurance Law the Administrative personnel of the State Police Retirement, and Members of the Teacher Retirement System who have retired or who hereafter retire and draw benefits under said systems are not eligible to participate in the State Employees Group Insurance Plan and that the law should be revised to permit participation by such retired employees at the earliest possible date; and that this Act is designed to accomplish these worthwhile purposes and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 389, § 3: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer and provide insurance programs that will effectively serve the needs of State employees; that such insurance programs are of great assistance in recruiting permanent personnel for the various State agencies; that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1977, unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1977. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1977.”

Acts 1979, No. 323, § 3: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer and provide insurance programs that will effectively serve the needs of State employees; that such insurance programs are of great assistance in recruiting permanent personnel for the various State agencies; that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1979, unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1979. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1979.”

Acts 1981, No. 749, § 9: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly, that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the proper administration and provision of essential government programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1981.”

Acts 1981, No. 838, § 10: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer and provide insurance programs that will effectively serve the needs of State employees; that such insurance programs are of great assistance in recruiting permanent personnel for the various State agencies; that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1981, unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1981. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1981.”

Acts 1983, No. 423, § 7: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the proper administration and provision of essential government programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1983, No. 469, § 3: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer and provide insurance programs that will effectively serve the needs of State employees; that such insurance programs are of great assistance in recruiting permanent personnel for the various State agencies; that under Amendment No. 7 to the Arkansas Constitution, acts without an emergency clause become effective 90 days after final adjournment of the General Assembly; that it may be necessary to extend the Session, as authorized in Article 5, Section 17 of the Constitution and that an extension of the Session might result in this Act not becoming effective until after July 1, 1983, unless an emergency is declared; and that it is essential that this Act go into effect on July 1, 1983. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1983, No. 582, § 3: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly that it is essential to the administration of the State Employees Insurance Program that premiums and reports be received when due from State Agencies. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1985 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 4: June 26, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present laws relating to State Group Health Insurance does not specifically authorize retired instructors and administrative staff of vocational-technical schools and retired members of the Vocational-Technical Division to participate in the State group health insurance plan; that this oversight should be corrected immediately in order to avoid hardship and inequity to such personnel; that this Act is designed to correct this undesirable situation and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989, No. 711, § 3: Mar. 20, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Seventh General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the current prohibition against an agency continuing contributions to health insurance programs for employees who are leave with pay because of a work related injury is creating a severe financial hardship for employees who have been injured on the job. Therefore, in order to address this serious problem, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1991, No. 127, § 5: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law establishing the amount of contribution made by the State to help defray the cost of state employee's life and health insurance expires on June 30, 1991; that this Act establishes the contribution level to begin upon the expiration of the current law; and that this Act should therefore go into effect on July 1, 1991. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1991.”

Acts 1993, No. 904, § 5: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 1993 is essential to the operation of the State Employees Insurance Plan and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this act beyond July 1, 1993 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration of this essential governmental program. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1993.”

Acts 1995, No. 580, § 5: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that this act increases the state's contribution to the State Employees Insurance Plan; that this act should go into effect on the first day of the next fiscal year; and that unless this emergency clause is adopted this act will not go in effect until after the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 14: Apr. 11, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential to the effective and efficient management of the state employee and the public school personnel health insurance programs that a single board be established to administer the programs and that this act is designed to accomplish this purpose and should be given effect on a specific date in order to assure a smooth transition to the single board concept. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 183, § 8: Feb. 17, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 10 of the First Extraordinary Session of 1995 abolished the Joint Interim Committee on Insurance and Commerce and in its place established the House Interim Committee and Senate Interim Committee on Insurance and Commerce; that various sections of the Arkansas Code refer to the Joint Interim Committee on Insurance and Commerce and should be corrected to refer to the House and Senate Interim Committees on Insurance and Commerce; that this act so provides; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to make the laws compatible as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1997, No. 250, § 258: Feb. 24, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 1211 of 1995 established the procedure for all state boards and commissions to follow regarding reimbursement of expenses and stipends for board members; that this act amends various sections of the Arkansas Code which are in conflict with the Act 1211 of 1995; and that until this cleanup act becomes effective conflicting laws will exist. Therefore an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governer, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governer and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1997, No. 843, § 5: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that appropriate health care insurance coverage and benefits be provided state employees and that it is essential to the effective and efficient management of the state employee and public school personnel health insurance program that maximum monthly contributions by the State of Arkansas for life and health insurance premiums are authorized for the next and subsequent bienniums. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 51: Apr. 14, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act affects the method of selection of alternate members of the Legislative Council and Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and that this act is immediately necessary for proper continuity and efficiency in State government. Therefore an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 19: Apr. 9, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that provisions contained in this bill be enacted into law. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1171, § 2: Mar. 28, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Plan does not provide retirees on other health insurance plans with the option to return to coverage under the state's plan after retirement; that providing this option to state employees and state retirees will provide extra motivation and work incentives for Arkansas public employees; that providing this option will not cost the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Plan since there are no associated employer costs with this coverage; and that providing this option is immediately needed for retirees who may suffer financially if insurance coverage is not extended. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1752, § 3: Apr. 18, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that a person retiring from certain institutions of higher education during 2001 will experience uncertainty regarding their eligibility for group health insurance coverage; that providing immediate eligibility for health insurance benefits to those retirees is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effetive on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1814, § 5: Apr. 18, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that many state and public school employees participate in benefits offered through a cafeteria plan; that many state and public school employees participate in voluntary health, disability and other insurance programs; that the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration is charged with the responsibility of administering these plans; that the existing law governing these plans is in need of clarification in order to allow the Employee Benefits Division to obtain bids for these programs at the lowest possible rates; that state and public school employees are in need of obtaining these programs at the lowest possible rates; and, that this act is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2003, No. 826, § 4: July 1, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that unreimbursed expenses are being withdrawn from the State Employees Benefits Trust Fund of the State and Public School Employees Insurance Fund; that this act is needed to prevent confusion and uncertainty concerning these funds; and that this act is immediately necessary to recover costs to the State Employees Benefits Trust Fund of the State and Public School Employees Insurance Fund as required by law. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Identical Acts 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 3 and 6, § 5: Oct. 21, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Public School Insurance Trust Fund is inadequate to provide affordable health insurance for public school employees; that an urgent need exists to address the administration and funding of public school employee health insurance plans in order to avoid severe financial hardship to plan participants; that enrollment for the 2014 plan year has been delayed as long as feasible to permit more time to develop a proper short-term and long-term solution; and that this act is immediately necessary to provide affordable health insurance options to the state's public school employees in a timely fashion. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act is immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall become effective on: (1) The date of this act's approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2014, No. 293, § 43: July 1, 2014, except § 40, effective Mar. 13, 2014. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a one (1) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2014 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided; with the exception that SECTION 40 in this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval, and that in the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 2014 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs, with the exception that SECTION 40 in this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2014; with the exception that SECTION 40 in this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Identical Acts 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 7, § 5: July 3, 2014, § 1 only. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program requires fundamental restructuring to ensure that affordable health insurance options are available to state and public school employees; that an urgent need exists to start implementing the necessary reforms to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program; and that Section 1 of this act is immediately necessary to improve the financial viability of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Section 1 of this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2017, No. 242, § 2: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the effectiveness of this act is essential to finance and the operations of state government; that in the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the effective date of this act could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration of essential government programs; and that this act is necessary because it ensures the timely administration of government programs. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-401. State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program established — Legislative intent.

  1. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program is established to manage life and health insurance plan options for the benefit of state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees.
  2. It is the purpose of this subchapter to:
    1. Create a single board to administer the program and to select and offer life and health insurance plan options under the program to participants;
    2. Develop self-funded health plan options that enhance the ability to control premiums and utilize managed care capabilities if feasible and in the best interest of participants; and
    3. Enable a single board to:
      1. Set and manage policies for the program;
      2. Work in a concerted effort toward a common goal of parity between public school and state employee insurance programs;
      3. Improve the quality of healthcare services under the program;
      4. Increase participants' understanding of program features by educating state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees on the program and plan options available under the program, including the advantages and disadvantages of each available plan option; and
      5. Slow the rate of growth of healthcare expenses under the program.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 1; 1999, No. 1280, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 1; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-401, concerning the State Employees Insurance Advisory Committee, was deemed to be repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3101.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in (1), substituted “set policy and select plans and coverages for” for “manage,” and inserted “and life,” “health care options, and utilize” and “and in the best interest of state employees and public school personnel”; and substituted “set and manage policies for” for “manage” in (3).

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 added “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program established” to the beginning of the section heading; added (a); redesignated the former undesignated paragraph as (b); rewrote (b)(1); in (b)(2), substituted “plan options that” for “programs to” and “participants” for “plan members”; substituted “program” for “health insurance and life insurance programs of state and public school employees” in (b)(3)(A); in (b)(3)(C), substituted “healthcare” for “health care” and “program” for “programs”; inserted “by educating state employees … each available plan option” in (b)(3)(D); and, in (b)(3)(E), substituted “of healthcare” for “in health care” and “program” for “programs”.

Case Notes

Recommendations Not Rule-Making.

Recommendations by a state board as to the adoption of a mail order service and change in the reimbursement rates of a pharmacy service plan for state and public school employees did not constitute “rule-making” within § 25-15-202 of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and accordingly, the notice and hearing provisions therein did not have to be complied with; such recommendations were within the board's legislatively mandated duties pursuant to this section. Arkansas Pharmacist's Ass'n v. Arkansas State & Pub. Sch. Life and Hlth. Ins. Bd., 352 Ark. 1, 98 S.W.3d 27 (2003).

21-5-402. Creation of board — Members.

    1. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board is created, composed of the following fifteen (15) voting members:
      1. A state employee who is eligible to participate in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program, appointed by the Governor;
      2. Two (2) public school employees, at least one (1) of whom is employed by a rural school district, appointed by the Governor;
      3. The Insurance Commissioner or his or her designee;
      4. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee;
      5. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration or his or her designee;
      6. Three (3) members who are engaged in employee benefits management or risk management, at least one (1) of whom is a licensed healthcare provider, appointed by the Governor;
      7. Two (2) members, one (1) of whom is a retired public school employee and one (1) of whom is a retired state employee, appointed by the Governor;
      8. One (1) public school employee who is employed by a school district as an administrator, appointed by the Governor;
      9. The Director of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy or his or her state employee pharmacist designee;
      10. The Director of Health Facility Services of the Department of Health or his or her designee; and
      11. One (1) member who is a member of the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, appointed by the Governor.
    2. All appointments made by the Governor are subject to confirmation by the Senate.
    3. An appointee who has a conflict of interest is disqualified to serve on the board.
    1. Members appointed by the Governor shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years but may be reappointed for additional terms.
      1. A vacancy in a position appointed by the Governor shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term.
      2. Members appointed by the Governor shall serve at the will of the Governor.
  1. A chair and vice chair of the board shall be selected annually by and from the membership of the board and shall serve no more than two (2) years.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, §§ 2, 3; 1997, No. 633, § 1; 1999, No. 1280, § 2; 2003, No. 1446, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 1; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) No. 6, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3496, 6136.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 2, subdivision (b)(1) began:

As enacted by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 3, subsection (c) began:

“The initial chairman and vice chairman of the board shall be designated by the Governor for terms of one year. Subsequent….”

Identical Acts 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 3 and 6, § 4, provided:

“(a) The term of a member who is on the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board on October 16, 2013 shall expire on November 30, 2013.

“(b) New board membership under § 21-5-402 shall be seated on December 1, 2013.

“(c) The Governor shall call the first meeting of the newly seated board on or after December 1, 2013.”

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-402, concerning appointment and terms of committee members, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, §§ 2, 3; 1975, No. 575, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 749, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 838, §§ 3, 4; 1983, No. 668, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3102, 12-3103; Acts 1987, No. 844, §§ 1, 2; 1991, No. 867, § 2.

Amendments. The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 added “Creation of board” to the beginning of the section heading; in the introductory language of (a)(1), deleted “There is created” from the beginning, inserted “is created” following “Board,” and substituted “fourteen (14)” for “twelve (12)”; deleted “to be” following “subchapter” in (a)(1)(A); deleted “to be” following “teacher” in (a)(1)(B); in (a)(1)(F), substituted “Three (3) members who are” for “One (1) member who is” and deleted “to be” following “industry”; deleted “to be” following “administrator” in (a)(1)(H); inserted present (a)(2) and redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(3); in (a)(3), substituted “An” for “However, any,” substituted “is” for “shall be,” and added “on the board” to the end; deleted “All” from the beginning of (b)(1); and, in (b)(2)(A), substituted “A vacancy in a position appointed by the Governor” for “Vacancies in the Governor-appointed positions” and “by” for “of”.

The 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “fifteen (15)” for “fourteen (14)” in the introductory language of (a)(1); substituted “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” for “insurance program under this subchapter” in (a)(1)(A); substituted “Two (2) public school employees, at least one (1) of whom is employed by a rural school district” for “A certified classroom teacher” in (a)(1)(B); substituted “at least one (1) of whom is a licensed healthcare provider” for “in private industry” in (a)(1)(F); substituted “members, one (1) of whom is a retired public school employee and one (1) of whom is” for “additional member positions that shall be filled by a retired teacher and by” in (a)(1)(G); inserted “employee who is employed by a school district as an” in (a)(1)(H); and substituted “member of the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, appointed by the Governor” for “licensed health care provider appointed by the Governor” in (a)(1)(K).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education” in (a)(1)(D); substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (a)(1)(E); and deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” in (a)(1)(I).

21-5-403. Policy-making body only — Reports.

  1. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board is a policy-making body only.
  2. The Director of the Employee Benefits Division and the board shall report upon request to the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce regarding the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 8; 1997, No. 183, § 3; 1999, No. 1280, § 3; 2007, No. 1009, § 3; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 6137.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-403, concerning compensation of committee members, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3105.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “State and Public School LIfe and Health Insurance Board” for “board” in (a); and, in (b), deleted “board through the” preceding “executive” and substituted “upon request” for “at least quarterly.”

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “is” for “shall be” in (a); and, in (b), substituted “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration and the board” for “executive director” and “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” for “state and public school employees and retirees insurance program”.

The 2019 amendment, in (b), deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” and deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division”.

21-5-404. Powers, functions, and duties of board.

The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board has the following powers, functions, and duties:

    1. To explore various cost-containment measures and funding options for plan options offered under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program for the benefit of state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees.
    2. Beginning in the 2015 plan year, the board shall not adopt a health insurance plan option that has no deductible for participants.
    3. The board shall recommend that an active employee in a consumer-driven health insurance plan option offered under the program establish a health savings account if the active employee is eligible to establish a health savings account under federal law;
  1. To promote competition among vendors and create a systematic formula for measuring competitiveness of the plan options offered under the program, quality-of-care delivery, portability, and accessibility to and affordability of health care;
  2. To prepare a comprehensive analysis of the various plan options offered under the program, including cost, quality, and access differentials as well as any other comparisons of the plan options offered under the program;
  3. To undertake studies and to take any appropriate action that the board determines will promote the financial soundness and overall well-being of the program;
  4. To establish and set penalties as allowed under § 21-5-415;
    1. To develop, with the assistance of the Office of State Procurement, bid specifications and requests for proposals and to evaluate bids and proposals.
    2. The board shall allow the office to execute all other actions relating to the purchasing procedures in contracting for consultants, third-party administrators, providers, or insurance companies on behalf of the program and all plan options offered under the program;
  5. To evaluate responses to requests for proposals, select contractors for all services, and approve the award of contracts resulting from bids for the program and all plan options offered under the program;
  6. To perform program and plan option design, summarize plan document approval, including without limitation lifetime limitations, copayments, deductibles, and eligibility rules;
  7. To promote increased access to and participation in the program and the plan options offered under the program by educating state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees about the program and all plan options offered under the program, including the advantages and disadvantages of each available plan option;
    1. To direct the office to contract with qualified vendors, as defined by the board, offering the plan options under the program as prescribed by the board without regard to § 19-11-228 or other statutes requiring competitive bidding.
    2. Each contract shall be for a term of at least one (1) year but may be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination by either party;
    1. To obtain quality-of-care information from systems, networks, hospitals, and clinical providers to inform plan option design, plan option management, and consumer decisions.
    2. The board shall:
      1. Use accepted national standards for assessment of quality-of-care information provided by systems, networks, hospitals, and clinical providers; and
      2. Be empowered to:
        1. Determine the appropriate use of quality-of-care information and scope of system, network, hospital, and clinical provider accountability;
        2. Request aggregate performance information for patients; and
        3. Publicly report conclusions of quality-of-care assessment; and
  8. To appoint three (3) subcommittees of the board to study and research plan options offered under the program, formulary management, quality of care provided, and the financial impact of implementing the recommendations made to the board as follows:
      1. The Benefits Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall consist of:
        1. Three (3) board members;
        2. Two (2) state employees;
        3. Three (3) public school employees, at least one (1) of whom is employed by a rural school district; and
        4. One (1) retired public school employee.
      2. The Benefits Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall review, evaluate, and investigate benefits, new benefit offerings, and annual insurance rates;
      1. The Drug Utilization and Evaluation Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall consist of:
        1. Three (3) pharmacists as follows:
          1. The Director of the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy or his or her pharmacist designee;
          2. The Dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy or his or her pharmacist designee; and
          3. A pharmacist selected by the Arkansas Pharmacists Association;
        2. Four (4) physicians as follows:
          1. The Dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine or his or her physician designee;
          2. The Senior Associate Hospital Director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center or his or her physician designee;
          3. The Medical Director of the Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center or his or her physician designee; and
          4. A physician selected by the Arkansas Medical Society;
        3. One (1) registered nurse who is the Dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing or his or her registered nurse designee; and
          1. One (1) state employee and two (2) public school employees, appointed by the board.
          2. A member appointed under this subdivision (12)(B)(i)(d) shall have expertise in accounting, finance, auditing, or insurance.
      2. The Drug Utilization and Evaluation Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall review drugs for formulary management and evaluate the financial impact of its recommendations; and
      1. The Quality of Care Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall consist of:
        1. Three (3) board members;
        2. Two (2) state employees;
        3. Two (2) public school employees;
        4. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care;
        5. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Pharmacists Association;
        6. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement;
        7. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Medical Association;
        8. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association; and
        9. One (1) representative from the Arkansas Hospital Association.
      2. The Quality of Care Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board may review and recommend quality performance indicators for use, recommend baseline performance goals, recommend alignment of financial incentives to improve performance, and track improvements in delivery of care.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 4; 1999, No. 1280, § 4; 2003, No. 1446, § 2; 2005, No. 1308, § 1; 2005, No. 1937, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 4; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, §§ 2-4; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) No. 6, §§ 2-4; 2015, No. 910, § 1; 2015, No. 1135, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6138.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2005, No. 1308, § 1 amended this section to specifically repeal the provisions of the section regarding the Fiscal Subcommittee of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board.

Pursuant to § 1-2-207(b), subdivision (1)(C) is set out above as amended by Acts 2015, No. 1135, § 1. Subdivision (1)(C) was also amended by Acts 2015, No. 910, § 1, to read as follows: “(C) The board shall require an active employee in a consumer-driven health insurance plan option offered under the program to establish a health savings account if the active employee is eligible to establish a health savings account under federal law.”

Publisher's Notes. The former § 21-5-404, concerning prohibited activities of committee members, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3104; Acts 1991, No. 867, § 3.

Amendments. The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “functions, and duties of board” for “Functions — Duties” in the section heading; redesignated former (1) as (1)(A) and added “for plan options offered … public school employee retirees” at the end; added (1)(B); substituted “the plan options offered under the program” for “programs” in (2); rewrote (3); substituted “program” for “members’ health insurance programs” in (4); deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Procurement” in (6)(A); in (6)(B), deleted “However” from the beginning, substituted “third-party” for “third party,” and substituted “program and all plan options offered under the program” for “programs”; substituted “the program and all plan options offered under the program” for “all health and life insurance offerings for participants” in (7); in (8), substituted “program and plan option design” for “plan design” and “without limitation” for “but not limited to”; rewrote (9); substituted “plan options under the program as” for “benefit plans” in (10)(A); inserted “option” twice in (11)(A); rewrote (11)(B); substituted “plan options offered under the program” for “health and life plan option benefits” in the introductory language of (12); inserted “of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board” in the introductory language of (12)(A)(i), (12)(A)(ii), (12)(B)(i), (12)(B)(ii), (12)(C)(i), and (12)(C)(ii); substituted “public school” for “school district” in (12)(A)(i) (c) and (12)(C)(i) (c) ; substituted “Senior Associate Hospital Director” for “Associate Medical Director” in (12)(B)(i) (b) (2) ; and substituted “has” for “shall have” in (12)(B)(i) (d)

The 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 added (1)(C); in (12)(A)(i) (c) , substituted “Three (3)” for “Two (2)” and added “at least one (1) of whom is employed by a rural school district; and” to the end; added (12)(A)(i) (d) ; redesignated former (12)(B)(i) (d) as (12)(B)(i) (d)(1) and (2) ; substituted “two (2) public school employees” for “one (1) public school employee” in (12)(A)(i) (d)(1) ; and substituted “A member appointed under this subdivision (12)(B)(i) (d) shall have” for “each of whom has” in (12)(B)(i) (d)(2)

The 2015 amendment by No. 910, in (1)(C), substituted “an active employee” for “a participant” and added “if the active employee is eligible to establish a health savings account under federal law” at the end.

The 2015 amendment by No. 1135, in (1)(C), substituted “recommend that an active employee” for “require a participant” and added “if the active employee is eligible to establish a health savings account under federal law”.

The 2019 amendment deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” in (12)(B)(i) (a)(1)

21-5-405. Additional duties of board.

    1. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board and the Director of the Employee Benefits Division shall take a risk management approach in designing the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.
    2. The board shall ensure that the program, including all plan options offered under the program, is maintained on an actuarially sound basis as determined by actuarial standards established by the board.
  1. In addition to the objectives stated in § 21-5-404, the board shall:
    1. Develop uniform standards of vendor plan option funding;
    2. Promote increased access to plan options offered under the program;
    3. Promote access to vendors who will enhance plan option availability in rural Arkansas and in bordering states;
      1. Use the purchasing power of the program to foster competition among vendors and providers for the plan options offered under the program.
      2. A state agency or school district that accepts state funds intended to partially defray the cost of health and life insurance for state employees or public school employees shall:
        1. Use those funds only for the program; and
        2. Agree to rules of program participation as stated in the policies adopted by the board and as defined in the rules and procedures issued by the director, including without limitation timely eligibility reporting, prepayment of insurance premiums, actuarial adjustment for new enrollees, and any other requirements deemed necessary by the board;
    4. Assure guaranteed issue;
    5. Ensure an annual enrollment period;
    6. Verify that a dependent is eligible for coverage under the program as determined by the board; and
    7. Beginning in the 2015 plan year, implement a policy applicable to a participating entity to identify funds that are not required to be paid for federal taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, 26 U.S.C. § 3101 et seq., generated from health insurance pretaxed premiums only, and use the identified funds for premium assistance.
  2. Vendors of plan options offered under the program shall provide detailed information in order to justify rate increases or inadequate performance reporting as defined by the board.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 5; 1997, No. 1295, § 1; 1999, No. 1280, § 5; 2007, No. 1009, § 5; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2014, No. 293, § 12; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, §§ 5, 6; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) No. 6, §§ 5, 6; 2015, No. 910, § 2; 2015, No. 1135, § 2; 2019, No. 315, § 2322; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6139, 6140.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-405, concerning committee officers and proceedings, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 7; 1981, No. 749, § 3; 1981, No. 838, § 5; 1983, No. 423, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3107; Acts 1991, No. 867, § 4; 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 1; 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 28, § 1.

Amendments. The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 added “of board” to the end of the section heading; redesignated former (a) as (a)(1) and (2); in (a)(1), substituted “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “executive director” and “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” for “state and public school employees and retirees benefit programs”; substituted “program, including all plan options offered under the program, is” for “state and public school employees and retirees benefit programs are” in (a)(2); inserted “option” in (b)(1); substituted “plan options offered under the program” for “various plan options and health care models” in (b)(2); in (b)(3), deleted “those” preceding “vendors” and substituted “option” for “options”; rewrote (b)(4)(A); in (b)(4)(B), substituted “A” for “Any” and “state employees or public school employees” for “the employees of the state and public schools”; substituted “program” for “state and public school employees health benefit plans sponsored by the board” in (b)(4)(B)(i); in (b)(4)(B)(ii), inserted “program” and substituted “without limitation” for “but not limited to”; added (b)(4)(C); and substituted “Vendors of plan options offered under the program shall” for “Benefit plan vendors are required to” in (c).

The 2014 amendment inserted “in the school year in which the funding is received or in the following school year” in the introductory language of (b)(4)(C)(i).

The 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 added (b)(7) and (8); and repealed (b)(4)(C).

The 2015 amendment by No. 910 substituted “2015” for “2014” in (b)(8).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1135, in (b)(8), substituted “2015” for “2014” and inserted “generated from health insurance pretaxed premiums only.”

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” following “as defined in the” in (b)(4)(B)(ii).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” and deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (a)(1) and (b)(4)(B)(ii).

Research References

ALR.

Construction and Application of Federal Insurance Contributions Act, 26 U.S.C. §§ 3101 et seq. — Supreme Court Cases. 7 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 4 (2016).

21-5-406. Director — Staff.

    1. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall choose the Director of the Employee Benefits Division with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
      1. The director shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the secretary, and shall perform all duties in consultation with the secretary.
      2. However, the board may recommend the removal of the director, but removal is subject to the approval of the secretary.
    2. The director shall employ staff adequate to manage the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program within the funds appropriated for the program within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
  1. The director shall establish internal controls for the fiscal management of the program.
    1. The director and his or her staff shall be located in the Employee Benefits Division.
    2. Funds collected from employers, participating employees, retirees, and any other sources for the program, including plan options offered under the program, shall be used solely to pay medical claims, drug claims, premiums, benefits, and direct administrative expenses of the program.
  2. The director shall administer this subchapter and the rules and orders of the division and the board.
    1. The director may require all participating entities to appoint health insurance representatives who shall adhere to the policies adopted by the board and the rules and procedures issued by the director in managing the enrollment and premium payment processes of the state agency or school district.
    2. The director may request the removal of a health insurance representative to ensure necessary internal controls.
      1. The director has the authority to supervise the implementation and day-to-day management of the program and other employee benefits, plans, and individual and group policies made available to participants, if applicable.
      2. The authority granted under subdivision (e)(3)(A) of this section includes without limitation supervising:
        1. Life insurance coverage;
        2. Accident coverage;
        3. Dental coverage;
        4. Disability benefit programs;
        5. Optional retirement programs;
        6. Deferred compensation;
        7. Cafeteria plans; and
        8. Such other benefit plans, benefit programs, and individual and group benefit coverage that are offered from time to time to state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees.
      3. The authority granted under subdivision (e)(3)(A) of this section does not include supervising the State Employees Benefit Corporation benefit plan in effect on July 1, 1995.
      4. In addition, the director and the board may utilize the services of healthcare consultants and actuaries if necessary as provided for through the appropriation of the division.
      5. The Arkansas State Police Employee Health Plan is exempt from any mandatory participation required by this section.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, §§ 7, 8; 1999, No. 1280, § 6; 2001, No. 1814, §§ 1, 4; 2007, No. 1009, § 6; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2015, No. 910, § 3; 2015, No. 1135, § 3; 2019, No. 910, § 6141.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-406, concerning committee powers and duties, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 9; 1973, No. 842, § 3; 1975, No. 576, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 749, § 5; 1981, No. 838, § 7; 1983, No. 423, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3109, 12-3109.1; Acts 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 2; 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 28, § 2.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2001 amendment redesignated former (a) as (a)(1) through (a)(3); inserted “or her” in (b)(1); deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Division” in (c)(1) and (d); and added (e).

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “executive director” throughout the section; redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(2)(A) and (B); substituted “is” for “shall be” in (a)(2)(B); in (a)(3), substituted “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” for “program” and “for the program” for “therefor”; substituted “program” for “health and life insurance plans” in (b); in (c)(2), substituted “the program, including plan options offered under the program” for “health and life insurance plans” and “program” for “health and life insurance programs”; substituted “administer this subchapter and the rules” for “be charged with the duty of administering the provisions of this subchapter and the rules, regulations” in (d); in (e)(1), substituted “shall” for “will be required to,” substituted “rules” for “regulations,” and inserted “state” preceding “agency”; inserted “health insurance” in (e)(2); rewrote (e)(3)(A) and the introductory language of (e)(3)(B); substituted “state employees, state employee retirees, public school employees, and public school employee retirees” for “members” in (e)(3)(B)(viii); in (e)(3)(C), substituted “The authority granted under subdivision (e)(3)(A) of this section does not include supervising” for “This authority shall not include” and deleted “which is” following “plan”; substituted “healthcare” for “health care” in (e)(3)(D); and substituted “is” for “shall be” in (e)(3)(E).

The 2015 amendment by No. 910, in (c)(2), substituted “Funds” for “Premiums,” inserted “and any other sources,” “drug claims,” and “benefits”.

The 2015 amendment by No. 1135, in (c)(2), substituted “Funds” for “Premiums,” inserted “and any other sources,” deleted “shall be collected one (1) month in advance and” preceding “shall be used,” and inserted “drug claims,” and “benefits”.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Director” for “Executive director” in the section heading; rewrote (a); substituted “director” for “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” throughout (b) through (e); and deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (c)(1).

Case Notes

Cited: Arkansas Pharmacist's Ass'n v. Arkansas State & Pub. Sch. Life and Hlth. Ins. Bd., 352 Ark. 1, 98 S.W.3d 27 (2003).

21-5-407. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Active employee” means an eligible individual currently employed by a participating entity or participating institution;
  2. “Aggregate performance information” means a report or other means of communication about the measurement of accomplishment of the execution of certain tasks, achievement of certain results, or occurrence of certain events related to all patients or to a class or group of patients identifiable by certain criteria;
  3. “Consumer-driven health insurance plan option” means a qualified high deductible health plan option with high out-of-pocket costs adopted by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board that is consistent with guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service for health savings accounts, annual contribution limits, and high deductible health insurance plans under Revenue Procedure 2013-25 and subsequent guidance;
    1. “Dependent” means a participant's:
      1. Natural child, stepchild, or adopted child who is eligible for coverage under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program; and
      2. Spouse who is eligible for coverage under the program.
    2. Beginning in the 2015 plan year, “dependent” does not include:
      1. An individual who is legally separated or divorced from the participant; or
      2. A participant’s spouse if the spouse is offered healthcare coverage, other than the program, through a separate employer-funded or employee-funded benefit plan that provides healthcare coverage of essential health benefits as provided in 42 U.S.C. § 18022, as existing on January 1, 2013;
    1. “Eligible inactive retiree” means a former member of the General Assembly or a state-elected constitutional officer who has served a sufficient number of years of credited service to be eligible for retirement benefits but who has not yet reached retirement age.
    2. An eligible inactive retiree who enrolls in the program shall pay the entire premium cost of the plan option selected under the program as set by the board;
  4. “Health savings account” means an account established by a participant under a medical care savings account program to pay the eligible medical expenses of a participant and the dependents of the participant;
  5. “High deductible” means the deductible limitations for a qualified high deductible health plan under the Internal Revenue Service, as adjusted annually for inflation based upon the board's calculation using the formula provided by 26 U.S.C. § 1(f)(3)–(6);
  6. “Participant” means an individual or an individual's dependent who is enrolled in a plan option offered under the program and continues to be eligible for participation in the program;
  7. “Participating entity” means an organization authorized to participate in the program, including without limitation a state agency, school district, public charter school, or education service cooperative;
  8. “Participating institution” means a two-year or four-year college that is participating in the program;
  9. “Prepayment” means collection of medical or life insurance premiums or both medical and life insurance premiums from the employee and employer one (1) month in advance;
  10. “Public school employee” means an employee of a school district or public charter school;
  11. “Qualifying event” means a change in an employee's personal life that may impact his or her eligibility or a dependent's eligibility for benefits, as defined by Internal Revenue Service guidelines;
  12. “Quality-of-care information” means the contents of medical records, member claims, patient surveys, pharmacy data, lab data, and other records of or reports about systems, networks, hospitals, and clinical providers to be gathered for assessment of the quality and costs of health care provided by systems, networks, hospitals, and clinical providers;
  13. “Quality performance indicator” means a specific inquiry or standard that when applied to quality-of-care information reveals a quantifiable measure of success or failure in system, network, hospital, or clinical provider care;
  14. “Retiree” means a retired employee who is eligible under § 21-5-411;
  15. “Rural school district” means a school district or a public charter school that has an average daily membership of one thousand (1,000) students or less;
  16. “State employee” means an employee of a state agency, board, or commission whose position is budgeted for by the General Assembly; and
  17. “Vendor” means a corporation, partnership, or other organization that is:
    1. Licensed to do business and in good standing with the State of Arkansas; and
    2. Lawfully engaged in administering employer-funded or employee-funded benefit plans for employer groups in consideration of an administration fee.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 7; 1999, No. 1280, § 7; 2005, No. 1937, § 2; 2007, No. 1009, § 7; 2009, No. 252, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, §§ 7-9; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) No. 6, §§ 7-9; 2015, No. 910, § 4; 2015, No. 911, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-407, concerning the supervisor of the State Employees Insurance Section, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, §§ 6, 8; 1973, No. 842, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 749, § 4; 1981, No. 838, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3106, 12-3108.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment redesignated (2) as (2)(A) and (B); in (2)(A), inserted “in an alternate retirement plan as defined in § 24-7-801” following “a retiree,” deleted “as defined in § 24-7-801” from the end, and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 rewrote the section.

The 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “participant's child or spouse” for “member of a participant's family” in (3)(A); added (3)(B); in (7), deleted “covered” preceding “dependent” and added “and continues to be eligible for participation in the program” to the end; and added (16).

The 2015 amendment by No. 910 added (19) [now (1)].

The 2015 amendment by No. 911, in (3)(A) [now (4)(A)], inserted the (i) designation and added (ii); and substituted “Natural child, stepchild, or adopted child” for “child or spouse” in (3)(A)(i).

21-5-408. Compensation.

State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board members may receive from the Department of Finance and Administration expense reimbursement and stipends as allowable under § 25-16-901 et seq.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 6; 1997, No. 250, § 213; 1997, No. 1354, § 39; 1999, No. 1280, § 8; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-5-408, concerning cooperation among agencies, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The former section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3114.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “and stipends as allowable under” for “as authorized by law and stipends in accordance with”.

21-5-409. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning procedure for selecting policies, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1206, § 9. The section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 11; 1973, No. 574, § 1; 1981, No. 749, § 6; 1981, No. 838, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3111, 12-3111.1.

21-5-410. Eligibility generally — Definition.

  1. Individuals eligible to participate in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program include:
    1. All active state employees, active public school employees, or other eligible employees of a participating entity or participating institution;
    2. Members of the General Assembly;
    3. Elected constitutional officers;
    4. Appointed or elected board and commission members who are on a full-time salaried basis; and
      1. Those state contract employees hired by the Arkansas National Guard on a full-time basis in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2304.
      2. Program participation for contract employees of the Arkansas National Guard is conditioned upon the United States Government’s contributing the employer's share to the Employee Benefits Division.
  2. Program participation for a state employee is conditioned upon the state employee's being in a budgeted state employee position or a position authorized by the General Assembly.
  3. A state employee is one whose actual performance of duty requires one thousand (1,000) or more working hours per year.
  4. If a participating institution discontinues its participation in the program, then the participating institution shall not re-participate in the program for two (2) years after the institution's final date of participation in the program unless the Director of the Employee Benefits Division gives his or her consent to an earlier date.
  5. Participants are not allowed simultaneous participation in benefits provided by the state employee insurance plan or the public school employee insurance plan.
  6. The Arkansas State Police Health Benefit Plan is exempt from any mandatory participation required by this section.
    1. The following persons are eligible to participate in the program:
      1. A public school employee who is in a position that requires on average at least thirty (30) hours per week of actual performance of duty during the annual school year; and
      2. A full-time school bus driver who is employed by a public school district to drive regular routes during the annual school year.
    2. A public school employee who is not a full-time school bus driver and who is in a variable hour position is ineligible to participate in the program.
  7. As used in this section, “full-time school bus driver” means a person:
    1. Who contracts with a public school district to operate a school bus for at least seven hundred twenty (720) hours during the school year;
    2. Whose primary source of income during the school year is obtained by operating a school bus for a public school district; or
    3. Who contracts with a public school district to operate a school bus and is designated by the superintendent as a full-time school bus driver, regardless of the number of hours for which the person contracted.

History. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 13; 1975, No. 575, § 3; 1977, No. 206, § 1; 1983, No. 423, § 4; 1985 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3113; Acts 2001, No. 1814, §§ 2, 4; 2007, No. 1009, § 8; 2009, No. 252, § 3; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 2, § 1; 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) No. 7, § 1; 2019, No. 563, §§ 1, 2.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment substituted “Employees — Eligibility” for “Eligibility of employees generally” in the section head; redesignated former (a) as present (a)(1) through (a)(5); added (c); redesignated former (c) as present (d); and added (e) and (f).

The 2009 amendment substituted “An employee is one” for “Employees” in (c).

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 rewrote the section heading, the introductory language of (a) and (a)(1); deleted “the provisions of” following “in accordance with” in (a)(5)(A); substituted “Program participation for” for “Membership of the” in (a)(5)(B) and (b); substituted “Government's” for “Government” in (a)(5)(B); substituted “state employee's” for the second occurrence of “employee” in (b); substituted “A state” for “An” in (c); substituted “program, then the participating institution shall” for “group health and life insurance program instituted pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, then the institution may” in (d); rewrote (e); and substituted “is” for “shall be” in (f).

The 2014 (2nd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 2 and 7 added (g).

The 2019 amendment, in (g), added (g)(1)(B) and rewrote the remaining provisions; and added (h).

21-5-411. Eligibility of certain retired employees — Definition.

    1. If qualified, state employee retirees and public school employee retirees may continue coverage and participate in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program if the state employee retirees or public school employee retirees are:
      1. Participating members of:
        1. The Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, including the members of the legislative division and the contract personnel of the Arkansas National Guard;
        2. The Arkansas Teacher Retirement System;
        3. The Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System;
        4. The Arkansas Judicial Retirement System; or
        5. An alternate retirement plan of a qualifying institution under § 24-7-801; and
      2. Retired and drawing benefits under one (1) or more of the retirement systems listed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section.
        1. If a state employee retiree or a public school employee retiree who is a member of a retirement system listed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section receives retirement benefits, thereby becoming an active retiree, the active retiree may elect to enroll in the program.
        2. The election to enroll in the program shall be made within thirty (30) days of the state employee retiree's or public school employee retiree's becoming an active retiree and shall be made in writing to the Employee Benefits Division on forms required by the division.
        1. To be eligible to continue coverage or to qualify for coverage after electing to decline participation in the program, the retiree must have been covered on the last day of the retiree's employment.
        2. If a retiree declines to participate in the program at the time of retirement because the retiree is already covered under another employer-sponsored group health insurance policy, the retiree may make a one-time election to participate in the program with proof of continued insurance coverage at the time of open enrollment or if the retiree experiences a qualifying event.
        1. Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2)(C)(ii) of this section, an active retiree's failure to make an election to participate in the program during the thirty-day election period or an active retiree's election to decline participation in the program is final.
        2. If an active retiree declines participation in the program because the active retiree has health insurance coverage through another employer group health plan and the active retiree's coverage was subsequently terminated because of a loss of eligibility, as defined by Internal Revenue Service regulations, and provides information from the former insurance company of the loss of eligibility, then the active retiree shall qualify for participation in the program upon payment of the appropriate premium as determined by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board under subdivision (a)(5) of this section if the active retiree applies for participation in the program within thirty (30) days of the loss of eligibility.
      1. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this section, a state employee or public school employee with ten (10) or more years of creditable service under the terms of a retirement plan listed in this section shall qualify for continued participation in the program if the state employee or public school employee is separated from employment because of the expiration of a fixed period of employment.
        1. A state employee or public school employee qualifying for continued participation in the program under this subsection shall be considered an inactive retiree and shall have thirty-one (31) days from the effective date of termination to elect to continue participation in the program under this section by notifying the division.
        2. The election to continue participation in the program shall be made in writing on forms required by the division.
        1. Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2)(B)(ii) of this section, an inactive retiree's failure to elect to continue participation in the program during the thirty-day election period or an inactive retiree's election to decline participation in the program is final.
        2. If an inactive retiree as described in subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section declines participation in the program because the inactive retiree has health insurance coverage through another employer-sponsored group health plan and the inactive retiree's coverage is subsequently terminated because of a loss of eligibility, then the inactive retiree and any dependents shall qualify for participation in the program if, within thirty (30) days of the inactive retiree's involuntary loss of coverage, the inactive retiree submits to the board:
          1. Payment of the appropriate premium as determined by the board under subdivision (a)(5) of this section; and
          2. Proof that, until the inactive retiree's involuntary loss of coverage through another employer-sponsored group health plan, the coverage had been continuous.
      2. An eligible inactive retiree shall be reclassified as an active retiree upon electing to receive a retirement benefit by a retirement system listed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section and shall be charged the premium rate appropriate for his or her rating category as an active retiree as determined by the board under subdivision (a)(5) of this section.
      1. As used in this subsection, “loss of eligibility” means a loss of coverage as a result of:
        1. A legal separation;
        2. Divorce;
        3. Death of the insured;
        4. Termination of employment; or
        5. A reduction in the number of hours of employment.
      2. “Loss of eligibility” does not include:
        1. A loss of coverage from a failure to pay premiums on a timely basis;
        2. Voluntary termination of coverage; or
        3. A termination of coverage for cause, such as making a fraudulent claim.
      1. A qualified retiree hired as a new employee or elected as a public official after December 31, 2015, who applies for participation in the program shall pay a premium as determined by the board that includes:
        1. If a retiree enrolled in the program within the first three (3) years of employment with a participating entity, an appropriate premium rate for a retiree;
        2. If a retiree enrolled in the program between the fourth and thirteenth year of employment with a participating entity, an additional five percent (5%) of the premium rate;
        3. If a retiree enrolled in the program between the fourteenth and twenty-third year of employment with a participating entity, an additional ten percent (10%) of the premium rate; and
        4. If a retiree enrolled in the program after the twenty-third year of employment with a participating entity, an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the premium rate.
        1. A retiree shall be continuously enrolled in the program if actively employed in a position that is eligible to participate in the program.
          1. A retiree who has a break in enrollment in the program may be considered to be continuously enrolled in the program if the retiree:
            1. Applies for participation in the program within thirty-one (31) days of returning to active employment; and
            2. Is employed in a position that is eligible to participate in the program.
          2. If a retiree declines to participate in the program upon returning to active employment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(ii)(a) of this section, the retiree may participate in the program based on the year of the retiree's most recent enrollment in the program.
        2. A retiree who declines to participate in the program at the time of retirement is not considered continuously enrolled in the program.
    1. Retirees who draw retirement benefits under the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, or the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System and retired contract employees of the Arkansas National Guard who wish to participate in the program shall pay the retiree amount of the premium as determined by the board under subdivision (a)(5) of this section or the cost of the policy issued to the retired participant.
      1. The retiree portion of the premium shall be deducted from:
        1. The retirement benefit check of the retired participant; or
        2. A bank account of the retired participant, to be paid by a monthly bank draft on the date designated by the division.
      2. If the retirement benefit is to be withheld from a retirement benefit check and the retirement benefit check is not large enough for the premium deduction, the premium shall be paid by monthly bank draft on a designated date prescribed by the division.
  1. Members of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System who retire before January 2, 1988, under the Incentives for Early Retirement Act, §§ 24-4-732, 24-5-122, and 24-6-102, shall not pay the full amount of the premium but shall pay a portion of the cost of the policy as set forth by the Incentives for Early Retirement Act, §§ 24-4-732, 24-5-122, and 24-6-102.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (d)(2) of this section, any future change in program participation other than cancellation shall be allowed only for newly acquired dependents.
    2. A dependent may be added to an active or inactive retiree's health insurance coverage by payment of the appropriate premium as established by the board if:
      1. The active or inactive retiree declined health insurance coverage for the dependent at the time of election to be an active or inactive retiree because the dependent had other employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage;
      2. Subsequent to the active or inactive retiree's declination of health insurance coverage for the dependent under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, the dependent involuntarily lost his or her employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage and the loss of health insurance coverage was not the result of:
        1. Fraud; or
        2. Voluntary cessation of premium payment while the active or inactive retiree was covered by a plan option offered under the program; and
      3. Within thirty (30) days of a dependent's involuntary loss of health insurance coverage under subdivision (d)(2)(B) of this section, the active or inactive retiree submits to the board proof that:
        1. The dependent involuntarily lost health insurance coverage; and
        2. Until the dependent's loss of health insurance coverage, the coverage had been continuous.
    1. If a retiree dies and has covered dependents at the time of death, the dependents have the right to continue participation in the program.
    2. Dependent children may continue to participate in the program until marriage or until the maximum age limit for a dependent child has been reached.
    3. A surviving spouse may continue participation in the program.
    4. If a surviving spouse or dependent declines participation in the program or cancels existing participation, then the surviving spouse or dependent has no further privileges under the program.

History. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 13; 1975, No. 575, § 3; 1977, No. 206, § 1; 1983, No. 423, § 4; 1985 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3113; Acts 1987, No. 514, § 1; 1997, No. 1295, § 2; 1999, No. 1280, § 9; 2001, No. 1171, § 1; 2001, No. 1752, §§ 1, 2; 2007, No. 1009, § 9; 2013, No. 87, § 1; 2013, No. 331, § 1; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2015, No. 364, §§ 1-5; 2015, No. 913, §§ 1-5; 2019, No. 910, § 6142.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote this section.

The 2001 amendment by Nos. 1171 and 1752 rewrote (a); in (c), added “technical institutes … and the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services,” and substituted “five (5)” for “ten (10)”; in (e), added “and specified in writing that the reason for the declination was that the”; and made stylistic changes.

The 2013 amendment by No. 87 added (A) and (B) subdivisions in (b)(2); in (b)(2)(A)(i), substituted “check” for “checks” and “participant; or” for “participants”; added (b)(2)(A)(ii); and inserted “to be withheld from a retirement benefit check and the retirement benefit check is” in (b)(2)(B).

The 2013 amendment by No. 331 substituted “eligible for coverage” for “covered” in (a)(2)(B)(i); in (a)(2)(B)(ii), deleted “employer sponsored group” and inserted “that is not an accident only, specific disease, or other limited benefit policy” and inserted “or at the time of open enrollment”; and added (a)(2)(B)(iii).

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 rewrote the introductory language of (a)(1); substituted “one (1) or more of the retirement systems listed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section” for “the systems” in (a)(1)(B); rewrote (a)(2)(A)(i); in (a)(2)(A)(ii), deleted “retiree insurance” preceding “program,” substituted “state employee retiree or public school employee retiree's” for “member's” and substituted “division” for “Employee Benefits Division”; in (a)(2)(B)(i), substituted “in the program, the retiree” for “member” and “retiree's” for “member's”; in (a)(2)(B)(ii), substituted “to participate in the program” for the first occurrence of “coverage,” “specified” for “specific,” and “participate in the” for “return to the retiree insurance”; in (a)(2)(B)(iii), substituted “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board” for “board” and “participating in the program” for “making an election”; in (a)(2)(C)(i), inserted “to participate in the program” and deleted “health” preceding “program” near the end; rewrote (a)(2)(C)(ii); in (a)(3)(A), substituted “a state employee or public school” for “an” and “continued participation in the program if the state employee or public school” for “continuation of health insurance coverage offered by the board if that”; in (a)(3)(B)(i), substituted “A state employee or public school employee qualifying for continued participation in the program” for “An employee qualifying for continuation of coverage” and “participation in the program under this section by notifying the division” for “health insurance coverage under this section by notifying the Employee Benefits Division”; in (a)(3)(B)(ii), inserted “to continue participation in the program” and substituted “division” for “Employee Benefits Division”; in (a)(3)(C)(i), substituted “elect to continue participation in the program” for “make an election” and deleted “health” preceding “program” near the end; rewrote (a)(3)(C)(ii); substituted “under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of” for “within” in (a)(3)(D); rewrote (a)(4); in (b)(1), substituted “Retirees” for “Persons” and “program” for “group insurance program provided for in this subchapter”; deleted “or cost” following “premium” from the introductory language of (b)(2)(A); substituted “participant” for “participants” in (b)(2)(A)(i); substituted “division” for “Employee Benefits Division” in (b)(2)(A)(ii) and (b)(2)(B); in (c), deleted “the provisions of” following “under” and substituted “pay the full amount of the premium but” for “have to pay the full amount of the premium and”; in (d), substituted “program participation” for “coverage” near the beginning and substituted “a plan option offered under the program” for “the plan”; and rewrote (e).

The 2015 amendment by No. 364 added (a)(5); in (a)(2)(C)(ii) (a) and (a)(3)(C)(ii) [now (a)(3)(C)(ii) (a) ], substituted “determined” for “established” and inserted “under subdivision (a)(5) of this section”; inserted “as determined by the board under subdivision (a)(5) of this section” in (a)(3)(D) and (b)(1).

The 2015 amendment by No. 913, substituted “thirty (30) days” for “thirty-one (31) days” in (a)(2)(A)(ii); substituted “covered” for “eligible for coverage” in (a)(2)(B)(i); rewrote (a)(2)(B)(ii); deleted (a)(2)(B)(iii); substituted “thirty-day election” for “thirty-one-day election” in (a)(2)(C)(i); rewrote (a)(2)(C)(ii); in (a)(3)(C)(i), substituted “(a)(2)(B)(ii)” for “(a)(3)(C)(ii)” and “thirty-day election” for “thirty-one day election”; and rewrote (a)(3)(C)(ii) and (d).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (a)(2)(A)(ii).

21-5-412. Eligibility of certain elected officials.

  1. Members of the General Assembly and the state-elected constitutional officers who have served a sufficient number of years of credited service to be eligible for retirement benefits upon attainment of retirement age, but who have not yet reached retirement age, shall be eligible to continue to participate in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program upon leaving elective service.
    1. A person who is leaving the General Assembly or any state-elected constitutional office who wishes to participate in the program shall be offered continuation of coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, Pub. L. No. 99-272.
      1. An elected official with ten (10) or more years of creditable service under the terms of a retirement plan listed under § 21-5-411(a)(1)(A) shall qualify for continuation of participation in the program if the elected official is separated from employment because of the expiration of a fixed period of employment.
        1. An elected official qualifying for continuation of participation in the program under this subsection shall be considered an eligible inactive retiree and shall have thirty-one (31) days from the effective date of termination to elect to continue program participation by notifying the Employee Benefits Division in writing on forms required by the division.
        2. The eligible inactive retiree shall pay the full amount of the insurance premium.
        1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2)(C)(ii) of this section, an eligible inactive retiree's failure to elect to participate in the program during the thirty-one-day election period or an eligible inactive retiree's election to decline participation in the program is final.
        2. An eligible inactive retiree who declined to participate in the program and any dependents of the eligible inactive retiree shall qualify for participation in the program upon payment of the appropriate premium as established by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board, provided the eligible inactive retiree applies for program participation within thirty-one (31) days of the loss of eligibility if:
          1. The eligible inactive retiree who declined to participate in the program specifies in writing that the reason for the declination is that the eligible inactive retiree had coverage through another group health plan;
          2. The eligible inactive retiree's coverage was subsequently terminated because of a loss of eligibility; and
          3. The eligible inactive retiree provides information from the former insurance company confirming the loss of coverage.
        1. An eligible inactive retiree shall be charged the premium under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, Pub. L. No. 99-272, as determined by the board to be actuarially sound with administrative fees deemed appropriate.
        2. An eligible inactive retiree shall be reclassified as an active retiree upon electing to receive a retirement benefit by a retirement system listed under § 21-5-411(a)(1)(A) and shall be charged the premium rate appropriate for his or her rating category as an active retiree.

History. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 13; 1975, No. 575, § 3; 1977, No. 206, § 1; 1983, No. 423, § 4; 1985 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3113; Acts 2007, No. 1009, § 10; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 6143.

Amendments. The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 substituted “officials” for “officers” in the section heading; substituted “the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” for “state employees', life and health programs” in (a); in (b)(1), substituted “A” for “Any,” “office” for “officer,” and “program” for “state employees' life and disability program provided for in this subchapter”; rewrote (b)(2)(A); in (b)(2)(B)(i), substituted “official” for “officer,” “participation in the program” for “coverage,” “program participation” for “health insurance coverage under this section,” and “division” for “Employee Benefits Division”; in (b)(2)(C)(i), substituted “elect to participate in the program during the thirty-one-day” for “make an election during the thirty one day” and deleted “health” preceding “program” near the end; rewrote (b)(2)(C)(ii); in (b)(2)(C)(ii) (a) , substituted “to participate in the program” for “coverage,” “that” for “because,” and “had” for “has”; substituted “was” for “is” in (b)(2)(C)(ii) (b) ; in (b)(2)(D)(i), inserted “eligible” preceding “inactive,” inserted “the premium under,” and substituted “as” for “premium”; and substituted “under § 21-5-411(a)(1)(A)” for “within this section” in (b)(2)(D)(ii).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (b)(2)(B)(i).

U.S. Code. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, referred to in this section, is codified throughout Titles 5, 15, 19, 20, 26, 38, and 42 of the U.S. Code.

21-5-413. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning employer contributions, was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 1009, § 11. The section was derived from Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3112.

21-5-414. State contributions generally — Partial state contribution of employees' premiums.

  1. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall seek the advice of the Legislative Council and the House Committee on Insurance and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce before additional state contributions can be made to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program on behalf of state employees.
  2. Participating entities shall make a monthly contribution equal to the number of budgeted state employee positions multiplied by the monthly contribution authorized by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, not to exceed four hundred fifty dollars ($450) monthly for each state employee budgeted position into a fund designated for state employee health benefits to partially defray the cost of life and health benefits for state employees and retirees participating in the program.

History. Acts 1973, No. 72, § 1; 1975, No. 156, § 1; 1977, No. 389, § 1; 1979, No. 323, § 1; 1981, No. 838, §§ 1, 2; 1983, No. 469, §§ 1, 2; 1985, No. 615, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3115, 12-3115.1; Acts 1987, No. 743, § 1; 1989, No. 21, § 1; 1991, No. 127, § 1; 1991, No. 867, § 5; 1993, No. 904, § 1; 1995, No. 580, § 1; 1995, No. 1206, § 10; 1997, No. 183, § 4; 1997, No. 843, § 1; 1999, No. 1280, § 10; 2001, No. 185, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 12; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2015, No. 912, § 1; 2017, No. 242, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6144.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas State Employee and Public School Personnel Board” in (a); and rewrote (b).

The 2001 amendment redesignated former (b) as present (b)(1) and (b)(2); in (b)(1), substituted “multiplied by” for “times,” “three hundred fifty dollars ($350)” for “two hundred seventy-five dollars ($275),” and “State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board” for “board”; and, in (b)(2), substituted “department” for “Department of Finance and Administration” and “for that purpose” for “for such purpose.”

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6, in (a), inserted “state” preceding “contributions” and added “to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program on behalf of state employees” to the end; and, in (b)(1), substituted “state agencies participating in the program” for “agencies participating in the plans adopted by the state” and “state employees participating in the program” for “employees of the state participating in the plan sponsored by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board”.

The 2015 amendment redesignated former (b)(1) as (b) and substituted “Participating entities shall” for “The State of Arkansas, on behalf of state agencies participating in the program, is authorized to,” “benefits” for “insurance,” and inserted “and retirees” at the end; and deleted (b)(2).

The 2017 amendment substituted “four hundred fifty dollars ($450)” for “four hundred twenty-five dollars ($425)” in (b).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in (a).

21-5-415. Nonpayment of premiums and failure to file reports by agency or school district.

    1. If any participating state agency or school district does not remit insurance premiums and required monthly reports to the Employee Benefits Division by the last calendar day of each billing month, the division shall impose a penalty of two dollars ($2.00) per insured member or one hundred dollars ($100), whichever is greater.
      1. Penalties shall be assessed and invoiced based on the actual number of members included on the monthly billing report that is past due.
      2. Invoices shall be processed at the beginning of the month following the infraction.
    2. Penalties are payable to the division and shall be delivered to the division no later than the last calendar day of the month following invoicing.
    3. If payment is not delivered to the division by the due date, the following collection methods may be used:
        1. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may cause the amount sought to be transferred to the division from:
          1. Funds the state agency or school district has on deposit with the Treasurer of State; or
          2. Any funds the state agency or school district is due from the state.
        2. If a transfer is made, a transfer penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) per transfer shall be assessed each state agency or school district fund and included in the transfer;
      1. The state agency director or school district superintendent may be required to appear before the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board to report the reasons for nonpayment or incorrect reporting; and
      2. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may use his or her powers outlined in § 19-4-301 et seq. to aid in collection.
    4. Nonpayment of premiums by a school district, state agency, or agency assuming the responsibility for paying health and life insurance premiums for its employees may result in a lapse of health and life insurance coverage for participating state employees and public school employees of the school district or state agency.
    1. If a participating entity or participating institution fails to follow established policy and procedures set by the Director of the Employee Benefits Division, including without limitation notifying the division of an insured's leave without pay, family medical leave, or military leave status or if any participating entity or participating institution provides incorrect benefit information or processes unauthorized benefit changes, including system entries that result in unreimbursed expenses to the State Employees Benefit Trust Fund or Public School Insurance Trust Fund, the division may:
      1. Require the participating entity or participating institution to pay the total amount of the insured's premium; and
      2. Impose a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) per insured.
      1. Penalties shall be assessed and invoiced based on the actual number of violations.
      2. Invoices shall be processed at the beginning of the month following discovery of the infraction.
    2. Penalties are payable to the division and shall be delivered to the division by the last calendar day of the month following invoicing.
    3. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may cause the amount sought to be transferred from:
      1. Funds the state agency or school district has on deposit with the Treasurer of State; or
      2. Any funds the state agency or school district is due from the state.
    4. If a transfer is made, a transfer penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) per transfer shall be assessed each state agency or school district fund and included in the transfer.
  1. The division may correct any error regarding an insured's benefits according to existing documentation without authorization or prior notification to the state agency or school district.

History. Acts 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 48, § 8; 1973, No. 842, § 2; 1981, No. 749, § 4; 1981, No. 838, § 6; 1983, No. 582, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3108; Acts 1997, No. 1295, § 3; 2003, No. 826, § 2; 2007, No. 1009, § 13; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6145, 6146.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment added the subdivision designations in (a); rewrote present (a)(1), (b)(1) and (d)(1); inserted “per insured” in (d)(2); rewrote (e); and added (f) and (g).

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 inserted “state” preceding “agency” throughout the section; redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(2)(A) and (B) and substituted “shall” for “will” in both; substituted “are payable to the division and shall be delivered to” for “shall be payable to the Employee Benefits Division and must be received by” in (a)(3); substituted “delivered to” for “received by” in the introductory language of (a)(4); substituted “is” for “must be” in (a)(4)(A)(ii); rewrote (a)(5) and the introductory language of (b)(1); substituted “participating entity or participating institution” for “agency” in (b)(1)(A); redesignated former (b)(2) as (b)(2)(A) and (B) and substituted “shall” for “will” in both; and substituted “are payable to the division and shall be delivered to the division” for “shall be payable to the Employee Benefits Division and must be received” in (b)(3).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (a)(1); and substituted “Director of the Employee Benefits Division” for “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” in the introductory language of (b)(1).

21-5-416. Annual performance audits.

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee shall annually conduct a performance audit of the:

  1. Entity administering claims; and
  2. Employee Benefits Division.

History. Acts 1981, No. 749, § 7; 1981, No. 838, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3109.2; Acts 2003, No. 826, § 3; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 6147.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment substituted “Employee Benefits Division” for “State Employees Insurance Section.”

The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 redesignated part of the former undesignated paragraph as (1) and (2); and deleted “of the” from the beginning of (2).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division” in (2).

21-5-417. State contribution for employee receiving workers' compensation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, a state agency shall remit the employer's contribution for a state employee participating in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program to the Employee Benefits Division when the state employee is:

  1. In a leave-without-pay status because of a work-related injury; and
  2. Receiving benefits from workers' compensation.

History. Acts 1989, No. 711, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 14; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 6148.

Amendments. The 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 3 and 6 redesignated part of the former undesignated paragraph as (1) and (2); and, in the introductory language, inserted “for a state employee participating in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program” and substituted “when the state employee is” for “for state employees when the employee is” at the end.

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Employee Benefits Division”.

21-5-418. Health savings account.

  1. A health savings account shall be a component of a consumer-driven health insurance plan option adopted by the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board.
  2. A school district may make an employer contribution into a participating public school employee's health savings account up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
  3. A school district shall ensure that any vendor the school district contracts with to provide health savings account management for the school district provides annual education to the school district's public school employees concerning the:
    1. Advantages and disadvantages of a consumer-driven health plan option; and
    2. Effective strategies for using a health savings account.

History. Acts 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 2; 2013 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 6, § 2.

Subchapter 5 — Deferred Compensation

Effective Dates. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 12: Mar. 28, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that immediate passage of this Act is necessary to permit employees and agencies of the state, counties, cities, towns and other political subdivisions to become parties to deferred compensation agreements. Therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 937, § 6: Mar. 31, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that immediate passage of this Act is necessary to permit employees and agencies of the State, counties, cities, towns and other political subdivisions to become parties to deferred compensation agreements. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 19: Apr. 9, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that provisions contained in this bill be enacted into law. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1596, § 6: Apr. 13, 2001. Emergency clause provided. “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that existing law concerning public employees' deferred compensation plans does not conform with the requirements of IRC § 457; that failure to comply with these requirements may result in unintended income tax liabilities for public employees; that existing law concerning public employees' deferred compensation plans currently provides few alternatives for investing deferred compensation; that additional investment alternatives are necessary to enable public employees to maximize their earnings from deferred compensation investments. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-501. Definition.

For the purpose of this subchapter, “employee” means any person, partnership, or professional association whether appointed, elected, or under contract, providing services for the state, county, city, town, or other political subdivision for which compensation is paid.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1621.

21-5-502. Applicability.

This subchapter shall apply to all deferred compensation plans adopted by agencies subsequent to March 28, 1970, which shall all be subject to the rules issued by the Department of Finance and Administration under the authority granted in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 9; 1977, No. 937, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1626; Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 12; 2019, No. 315, § 2323.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas State Employee and Public School Personnel Board.”

The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules”.

21-5-503. Effect on other benefits.

The deferred compensation program established by this subchapter shall exist and serve in addition to retirement, pension, or benefit systems established by the state, county, city, town, or other political subdivision, and no deferral of income under the deferred compensation program shall effect a reduction of any retirement, pension, or other benefit provided by law.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1623.

21-5-504. Authority of state or political subdivision.

    1. The state or a county, city, town, or other political subdivision may agree, by contract, with an employee to defer, in whole or in part, a portion of that employee's future compensation to a deferred compensation program.
      1. The participation of an employee in the automatic enrollment in a deferred compensation plan under § 21-5-511 is a term of an employee's employment contract.
      2. A separate contract is not required to be executed for an employee to be enrolled in a deferred compensation plan under § 21-5-511.
    1. The administrator of the deferred compensation program may:
      1. Contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure annuity contracts for the deferred compensation program; and
      2. Through a trust or custodian, contract for, purchase, or otherwise procure fixed or variable life insurance contracts, mutual funds, pooled investment funds, or such other investment vehicles that comply with state and federal laws and which permit the deferral of compensation for income tax and retirement savings purposes.
    2. If an annuity or life insurance contract is purchased, then it must be purchased from an insurance company licensed to contract business in this state, and any insurance agent selling such contracts must be licensed by this state.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1618; Acts 2001, No. 1596, § 1; 2007, No. 1009, § 15; 2013, No. 452, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a), substituted “may, by contract, agree” for “may agree, by contract” and added “to a deferred compensation program” after “future compensation”; and rewrote (b).

The 2013 amendment added (a)(2).

21-5-505. Authority of Department of Finance and Administration.

  1. The Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to enter into contractual agreements with employees on behalf of the state to defer any portion of that employee's future compensation.
  2. The department may, upon request, designate an officer or officers within any state agency, department, board, commission, or institution to enter into such contractual agreements with employees of that particular state agency, department, board, commission, or institution.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 2; 1977, No. 937, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1619; Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 13.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas State Employee and Public School Personnel Board” in the section catchline and in (a); and substituted “The department” for “The board” in (b).

21-5-506. Administration of programs.

    1. The administration of the state government employees' deferred compensation program shall be under the direction of the Director of the Employee Benefits Division.
    2. Administration of other deferred compensation programs authorized by this subchapter shall be under the direction of the appropriate officer designated by the county, city, town, or other political subdivision.
  1. The administrator of the deferred compensation program is authorized and empowered to promulgate any and all rules deemed necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this subchapter.
  2. Deferrals of compensation shall be made in each instance by the appropriate disbursing officer and shall be paid over to an annuity contract or to a trust or custodial account maintained for the deferred compensation program without unreasonable delay.
  3. The administrator of the deferred compensation program may contract with a private corporation or institution for providing trust, custodial, investment, record keeping, legal, accounting, and other administrative services, and the cost of such services may be paid from the assets of the deferred compensation program.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 3; 1977, No. 937, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1620; Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 14; 2001, No. 1596, § 2; 2019, No. 315, § 2324.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas State Employee and Public School Personnel Board” in (a)(1); and substituted “The Department” for “The board” in (b).

The 2001 amendment inserted “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the” in (a)(1); substituted “department, or the appropriate officer designated by the county, city, town, or other political subdivision” for “administrator of the deferred compensation program” in (b); in (c), substituted “income” for “compensation,” added “and shall be paid … without unreasonable delay” and made minor changes in punctuation; and substituted “consolidated billing and other administrative services” for “trust, custodial … compensation program” in (d).

The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (b).

21-5-507. Payments by administrator.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration or the appropriate officer of the county, city, town, or other political subdivision designated to administer the deferred compensation program is authorized:
    1. To make payments of premiums for the purchase of annuity contracts under the deferred compensation program; and
    2. To make deferrals to a trustee or custodian holding fixed or variable life insurance contracts, annuity contracts, mutual funds, pooled investment funds, or other investment vehicles under the deferred compensation program.
  2. The payments and deferrals shall not be construed to be a prohibited use of the general assets of the state, county, city, town, or other political subdivision.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 5; 1977, No. 937, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1622; Acts 1999, No. 1280, § 15; 2001, No. 1596, § 3; 2007, No. 1009, § 16.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas State Employee and Public School Personnel Board.”

The 2001 amendment rewrote this section.

21-5-508. Taxation of deferred income.

A sum deferred under the deferred compensation program is not subject to income taxation until a distribution is made to the employee or beneficiary unless an employee has by contract directed that his or her contribution is to be deposited into a Roth deferred compensation plan.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1623; Acts 2007, No. 1009, § 17; 2013, No. 452, § 2.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.

21-5-509. Exclusive benefit.

All amounts of compensation deferred pursuant to a deferred compensation program, all property and rights purchased with such amounts, and income attributed to such amounts, property, and rights shall be held in one (1) or more annuity contracts, custodial accounts, or in trust for the exclusive benefit of the employees and their beneficiaries participating in such a program.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1625; Acts 2001, No. 1596, § 4.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment rewrote this section.

21-5-510. Liability of state or political subdivision.

The financial liability of the state, county, city, town, or other political subdivision under a deferred compensation program authorized by this subchapter shall be limited in each instance to:

  1. An amount determined by reference to the value of the annuity contracts which may have been purchased with respect to any employee;
  2. An amount determined by reference to the value of the employee's interest in a trust or custodial account holding mutual funds, in pooled investment funds, or in other investment vehicles purchased on behalf of the employee; and
  3. Any amounts deferred but not paid over to the annuity contracts, trusts, or custodial accounts.

History. Acts 1975, No. 669, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1624; Acts 2001, No. 1596, § 5.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment inserted (2) and made related changes; substituted “particular contract” for “annuity contracts” in present (1); and substituted “expended in purchase of the contracts” for “paid over to the annuity contracts, trusts, or custodial accounts” in present (3).

21-5-511. Automatic enrollment in deferred compensation plan — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Deferred compensation plan” means the Arkansas Diamond Deferred Compensation Plan or subsequent deferred compensation plan administered by the Director of the Employee Benefits Division under this subchapter; and
      1. “Employee” means a person employed full time by the state and the state employer participates in the Arkansas Diamond Deferred Compensation Plan on or after January 1, 2014.
      2. “Employee” does not mean a person employed by a city, county, town, or other political subdivision that has adopted the Arkansas Diamond Deferred Compensation Plan.
    1. An employee beginning employment or reemployment on or after January 1, 2014, shall be enrolled in the deferred compensation plan.
    2. However, an employee may elect not to participate in the deferred compensation plan.
    1. The amount of the contribution for an employee participating in the deferred compensation plan under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is three percent (3%) of the employee's annual compensation.
    2. An employee may elect to contribute an amount greater than or less than the amount required under subdivision (c)(1) of this section.
  2. If an employee elects not to participate in the deferred compensation plan within ninety (90) days of the employee's first contribution, the director may refund to the employee the balance of the employee's deferred compensation plan account.
  3. The director shall provide notice to each employee subject to this section:
    1. Within thirty (30) days of an employee's first contribution; and
    2. At the beginning of each plan year.
  4. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall promulgate rules to:
    1. Implement this section; and
    2. Comply with federal law to:
      1. Maintain the deferred compensation plan's tax qualification status by the federal government to remain tax exempt and tax qualified; and
      2. Protect an employee's deferred compensation plan account.

History. Acts 2013, No. 452, § 3; 2019, No. 910, § 3497.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in (f).

Subchapter 6 — Public Employee Workers' Compensation Act

A.C.R.C. Notes. The effect of Acts 1985, No. 866 (14-26-101 et seq., 14-60-101 et seq.) and this subchapter, read together, was to supersede the two preexisting laws on workers' compensation coverage for municipal and county officers (Acts 1973, Nos. 469 and 470) which were deleted from the Code.

Cross References. State Insurance Department, § 23-61-101 et seq.

Workers' compensation, § 11-9-101 et seq.

Preambles. Acts 1979, No. 809, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the General Assembly finds that an inherent conflict exists in the processing of Public Employee workers' compensation claims because the Workers' Compensation Commission serves as both initial determiner and final arbiter of claims; and

“Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes that Public Employee workers' compensation claims are currently being administered by the Public Employee Claims Section of the Workers' Compensation Commission; and

“Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the Public Employee compensation claims are inadequately defended against possible fraud and misuse; and

“Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the full incurred costs associated with payment of Public Employee workers' compensation claims are not routinely known;

“NOW, THEREFORE, the Legislature of the State of Arkansas recognizes the need for one single program to administer Public Employee claims for workers' compensation and enacts this measure for the achievement of that purpose.”

Effective Dates. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 11: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Arkansas General Assembly that it is necessary to establish one single program for the administration of Public Employee claims for workers' compensation. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in full force from and after July 1, 1979.”

Acts 1981, No. 916, § 5: Mar. 30, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that ‘workfare’ projects have been recently initiated in several counties within the State thereby creating a need to immediately establish the legal status of the ‘workfare’ participants for the purpose of workers' compensation coverage. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981, No. 929, § 8: Mar. 31, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the Public Employee Claims Division needs clarification of State workers' compensation fund coverages for the public worker and of its duties and responsibilities under this Act. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 33, § 5[6]: Dec. 2, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly, meeting in Extraordinary Session, that passage of this Act is necessary for continued maintenance and operation of County Roads in the State of Arkansas by increasing the appropriation to permit counties to receive available funds, and for providing an appropriation to expend funds transferred from the Military Lands Fund so that counties having lands in military reservations may receive funds as provided by law to continue critical services. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1985, No. 285, § 3: Mar. 7, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that workers' compensation benefits paid to injured public employees, or on their behalf, under Act 809 of 1979 are paid from funds appropriated from general revenues of the State of Arkansas, that when such injuries to a public employee are caused by the tortious conduct of a third party, the public employee, or his dependents, may make claim or maintain an action against such third party, that public employees have heretofore been successful in recovering from such third parties, or their liability carriers, but have effectively circumvented the lien claim of the State of Arkansas under Ark. Stats. Section 81-1340 by settling around the State of Arkansas pursuant to St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company v. Wood, 242 Ark. 879, 416 S.W.2d 322 (1967), that this type of ‘settlement around’ the State of Arkansas has resulted in a substantial loss of general revenues, that such lien claim of the State of Arkansas should be absolute when any recovery is made from a third party, or his liability carrier, by the injured public employee or his dependents as a result of injuries for which such public employee has received workers' compensation benefits under Act 809 of 1979, whether such recovery is by settlement with or judgment against the third party, to eliminate continued losses of general revenues. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the general revenues of the State of Arkansas shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1993, No. 901, § 52: Apr. 6, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the present laws addressed in this omnibus Act on workers' compensation benefits and insurance licensure and other insurance regulatory issues are inadequate for the protection of the Arkansas public and immediate passage of this Act is necessary in order to provide for the protection of the public. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this omnibus Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Powell, Survey of Workers' Compensation Law, 3 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 329 (1980).

Notes, Workers' Compensation — Statute of Limitations on Seeking Additional Benefits. Mohawk Rubber Co. v. Thompson, 265 Ark. 16, 576 S.W.2d 216 (1979), 3 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 513 (1980).

Legislative Survey, Workers' Compensation, 8 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 617.

Arkansas Law Survey, Baker, Workers' Compensation, 9 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 213.

Case Notes

Dual Liability.

Where dual coverage exists between a private insurance company and the state workers' compensation fund for injuries incurred by the employees of a city, either one or both of the carriers are liable, but only for the benefits mandated by the act; the injured employee may not receive double payments which exceed the maximum disability benefits. City of Waldo v. Poetker, 275 Ark. 216, 628 S.W.2d 329 (1982).

Where the mayor of a city notified the Workers' Compensation Commission that the city would continue its private workers' compensation plan, but the city failed to provide the commission with a copy of its policy and was subsequently placed by the commission on the list of cities participating in the state plan, there was dual coverage and dual liability between the private insurance company and the state fund for injuries to employees of that city and the only equitable and fair way to apportion the loss was to divide it equally between the plans. City of Waldo v. Poetker, 275 Ark. 216, 628 S.W.2d 329 (1982).

Effect of Procedural Amendment.

The 1979 amendment to this section, which deleted a portion prohibiting judicial review in an action of the Workers' Compensation Commission with respect to a claim by a municipal employee, was a procedural one affecting the manner in which one could enforce the substantive rights conferred on claimants and employers under the Workers' Compensation Act and, thus, did not violate the prohibition under § 1-2-120 against changes in substantial rights. Office of Emergency Servs. v. Home Ins. Co., 2 Ark. App. 185, 618 S.W.2d 573 (1981).

Newly Discovered Evidence.

Where the claimant filed a petition for rehearing of the denial of disability benefits on the ground that there was newly discovered evidence, but it appeared that all of the evidence which he claimed was newly discovered was actually within his knowledge before the case was originally submitted to and decided by the commission, the motion for a rehearing was properly denied. Walker v. J & J Pest Control, 6 Ark. App. 171, 639 S.W.2d 748 (1982).

Reconsideration of Claim.

Inasmuch as the commission must reconsider “any compensation order, award or decision,” on its own motion or upon application of any interested party and “upon such review may make an order or award terminating, continuing, decreasing or increasing for the future the compensation previously awarded,” due process of law dictates that an employee who has been denied benefits should be afforded the same opportunity to have his claim reconsidered where he has discovered subsequently to the denial of benefits that he has a meritorious claim. Walker v. J & J Pest Control, 270 Ark. 941, 606 S.W.2d 597 (1980).

Strict Compliance with Exclusionary Provisions.

Where a city was covered by a private workers' compensation policy, but failed to furnish a copy to the Workers' Compensation Commission by a specified date, two widows of city policemen were entitled to coverage from both the private plan and the municipal aid fund under this section since this section automatically extends state fund coverage to city employees in workers' compensation cases unless there is strict compliance with all the exclusionary provisions of the fund act; the failure of the city to strictly comply with the fund act's exclusionary provisions mandates a finding of coincidental or dual coverage and, consequently, dual liability. City of Waldo v. Poetker, 3 Ark. App. 12, 621 S.W.2d 491 (1981), aff'd, 275 Ark. 216, 628 S.W.2d 329 (1982).

21-5-601. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and cited as the “Public Employee Workers' Compensation Act”.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3603.

Case Notes

Cited: South Cent. Ark. Drug Task Force v. Ray, 56 Ark. App. 30, 937 S.W.2d 682 (1997).

21-5-602. Legislative intent.

It is the purpose of this subchapter to:

  1. Provide workers' compensation coverage through state funds for all public employees, as defined in this subchapter, who are not otherwise covered under a workers' compensation liability insurance policy written and issued by a private workers' compensation liability carrier;
  2. Consolidate the administration of benefits for the public employees covered by state funds;
  3. Consolidate the legal representation and defense of the state workers' compensation funds; and
  4. Establish and define the Public Employee Claims Division of the State Insurance Department as the unit of state government charged with payments of benefits provided by this subchapter.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 2; 1981, No. 929, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3602.

Case Notes

Cited: South Cent. Ark. Drug Task Force v. Ray, 56 Ark. App. 30, 937 S.W.2d 682 (1997).

21-5-603. Definitions.

  1. The term “public employee”, as used in this subchapter, includes:
    1. State employees and officers of any state agency, board, commission, department, institution, college, university, or community college receiving an appropriation for regular salaries, extra help, or authorized overtime payable from funds deposited into the State Treasury or depositories other than the State Treasury by the General Assembly, provided that inmates of state correctional facilities who perform work for the state while incarcerated or while on a work-release program shall not be considered state employees;
    2. Public school employees and officers of the various school districts of this state;
      1. Municipal employees and officers of the municipalities of this state, and the employees of any board, commission, department, or institution owned, operated, managed, and administered by the municipalities.
      2. However, employees of municipally owned hospitals and nursing homes operated, managed, or administered by private management companies or enterprises, whether under a contract for management, or under a lease agreement, or under any other type of management arrangement, are not public employees within the meaning of this subchapter and shall not be provided state fund coverage for workers' compensation benefits under the provisions of this subchapter;
      1. County employees and officers of the counties of this state, and the employees of any board, commission, department, or institution owned, operated, managed, or administered by the counties, including employees of county-owned hospitals and nursing homes operated, managed, or administered by private management companies or enterprises under a management agreement under the terms of which the employees retain their employment status as county employees.
      2. However, employees of county-owned hospitals and nursing homes operated, managed, or administered by private management companies or enterprises under a lease agreement or under a contract of management in which the managing company uses its own personnel, shall not be provided state fund coverage for workers' compensation benefits under the provisions of this subchapter; and
    3. Emergency services volunteer workers duly qualified and registered as provided in § 12-75-129 when such emergency services volunteer workers are acting subject to the order, control, or pursuant to a request of, and under the supervision and instruction of the Governor, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, or the chief executive officer of a county or local government unit making use of emergency service volunteer workers.
  2. The term “public employer”, as used in this subchapter, means:
    1. Any state agency, board, commission, department, institution, college, university, or community college receiving appropriation for regular salaries, extra help, and authorized overtime payable from funds deposited in the State Treasury or depositories other than the State Treasury by the General Assembly;
      1. Any municipality of the State of Arkansas or any department, board, commission, or institution owned, operated, managed, and administered by a municipality of the State of Arkansas.
      2. Any municipal hospital or nursing home operated, managed, or administered by a private management company or enterprise, whether under a contract for management, under a lease agreement, or under any other type of management arrangement, is a private employer and not entitled to workers' compensation coverage under the provisions of this subchapter.
      3. Any unincorporated city or town shall not be deemed to be a public employer and shall not have workers' compensation liability coverage for its employees under the provisions of this subchapter;
      1. Any county of the State of Arkansas or any department, board, commission, or institution owned, operated, managed, and administered by a county of the State of Arkansas.
      2. However, any county hospital or nursing home operated, managed, or administered by a private management company or enterprise, whether under a contract for management, or under a lease agreement, or under any other type of management arrangement, is a private employer and not entitled to workers' compensation coverage under the provisions of this subchapter;
    2. Any of the various school districts in the State of Arkansas; and
    3. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and any local government unit making use of emergency service volunteer workers.
  3. The term “reserve value”, as used in this subchapter, means the present value of all payments to be made to or on behalf of any public employee claimant based upon such reasonable tables of experience and regular interest as the Director of the Public Employee Claims Division shall adopt from time to time.
  4. The term “director”, as used in this subchapter, shall refer to the Director of the Public Employee Claims Division.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 1; 1981, No. 929, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3601; Acts 1993, No. 901, § 4; 1999, No. 646, §§ 63, 64.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Arkansas Department of Emergency Management” for “State Office of Emergency Services” in (a)(5) and (b)(5).

Cross References. Workers' compensation, § 11-9-101 et seq.

Case Notes

State Employees and Officers.

An employee of the South Central Arkansas Drug Task Force was a state employee and entitled to benefits under this subchapter. South Cent. Ark. Drug Task Force v. Ray, 56 Ark. App. 30, 937 S.W.2d 682 (1997).

Cited: Rose v. Arkansas State Police, 479 U.S. 1, 107 S. Ct. 334, 93 L. Ed. 2d 183 (1986).

21-5-604. Workfare participants excluded.

  1. A workfare participant by participating in workfare does not enter into any employment contract, expressed or implied, with the State of Arkansas or its several political subdivisions. Participation in the project is for the purpose of retaining food stamp benefits and not for employment with the State of Arkansas or its political subdivisions.
  2. The relationship of a workfare participant to the State of Arkansas or to any of its political subdivisions shall not be deemed to be an employer-employee relationship.
  3. Workfare participants shall not be considered public employees covered by the state workers' compensation funds and therefore are excluded from workers' compensation coverage under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1981, No. 916, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3609 — 12-3611.

21-5-605. Public Employee Claims Division.

  1. There is created a Public Employee Claims Division within the State Insurance Department.
  2. The Director of the Public Employee Claims Division shall be appointed by the Insurance Commissioner.
  3. The division is designated as the unit of state government primarily responsible for the administration of public employee workers' compensation claims in the State of Arkansas.
  4. Upon payment of compensation to or on behalf of any public employee, the division shall notify the appropriate public employer involved.
    1. The division shall determine in every claim where compensation is awarded the reserve value of such claim.
    2. Annually, on June 30 of each fiscal period, the director shall prepare a report which states the total of all reserve values established for the claims filed in that fiscal period and the total amount of moneys disbursed for payment of claims during that same period.
    3. The report shall be submitted to the Insurance Commissioner between June 30 and September 30.
    1. In each case where a claim for workers' compensation benefits is made under this subchapter, the division shall investigate the claim to ensure that the compensation benefits paid are justified by the facts of the claim and the reserve values for the claim established accordingly.
    2. The division shall in all appropriate cases pursue the recovery of benefits paid to public employees from third parties pursuant to § 11-9-410.
      1. The making of a claim for compensation against any public employer or the division for the injury or death of a public employee shall not affect the right of the public employee, or his or her dependents, to make claim or maintain an action in tort against any third party for the injury.
      2. In such event, the rights of the public employee, or his or her dependents, the public employer, and the division shall be governed by the provisions of § 11-9-410, provided, the rights of the public employer and the division in and to amounts received from the third party by the injured public employee, or his or her dependents, as a result of either settlement with or judgment against the third party shall be absolute.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, §§ 4, 5; 1981, No. 929, § 4; 1985, No. 285, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3604, 12-3605.

Case Notes

Cited: Public Emple. Claims Div. v. Clark, 2018 Ark. App. 215 (2018).

21-5-606. Division attorneys.

  1. The Director of the Public Employee Claims Division shall appoint lawyers of recognized ability admitted to practice in all state courts.
  2. The lawyers shall be the attorneys for the Public Employees Claims Division and shall represent the public employer before the Workers' Compensation Commission in any claim filed pursuant to this subchapter and shall perform such other duties as the director may designate.
  3. The attorneys of any state agency, department, or institution against which a workers' compensation claim is filed by an employee may represent their respective agencies before the commission and in the courts of this state with respect to claims filed under this subchapter against their agencies, departments, or institutions, provided that the representation and defense of the state workers' compensation funds, administered by the division, shall be coordinated with the attorneys for the division and shall be under the supervision of the director.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 7; 1981, No. 929, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3607.

21-5-607. Claim, review, and appeal procedures.

To the extent not in conflict with this subchapter, the method and procedure of filing claims on behalf of the public employee and the review and appeal of compensation orders or awards of the Workers' Compensation Commission shall be the same as those provided by law and the rules of the commission, with respect to claims filed by private employers and employees.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 5; 1981, No. 929, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3605; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2325.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules”.

21-5-608. Report of injury, death, or exposure.

  1. The appropriate public employer shall file with the Public Employee Claims Division, within ten (10) days after receiving notice of any personal injury, death, or occupational disease of any public employee, a report:
    1. Showing the date, time, and place of the injury, death, or exposure;
    2. Stating briefly the circumstances and extent of the injury, death, or exposure;
    3. Stating the name of the injured or deceased person; and
    4. Stating the names of all the witnesses.
  2. The report shall be made on forms approved by the division.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3606.

21-5-609. Benefits for emergency service volunteer workers.

  1. Benefits payable for the injury or death of a person appointed and regularly enrolled in an emergency services organization and covered by this subchapter shall be limited to the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law, § 11-9-101 et seq. Such benefits are payable if the injury or death occurred while the person was:
    1. Actually engaged in emergency service duties, either during training or during a period of emergency; and
    2. Under the supervision and instruction and subject to the order or control of, or serving pursuant to a request of, the Governor, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, or the chief executive officer of a county or local government unit making use of emergency volunteer workers.
  2. The remedy provided in this section shall be the exclusive remedy as against the state and political subdivisions of the state.
    1. For the purpose of workers' compensation coverage in cases of injury to or death of an individual, all duly registered and qualified emergency services volunteer workers shall be deemed local government or state employees and shall receive compensation and their survivors shall receive death benefits in the same manner as regular local government or state employees for injury or death arising out of and in the course of their activities as emergency services volunteer workers.
      1. If an emergency services volunteer worker is injured or killed while subject to the order or control of a local government, compensation and benefits shall be charged against the applicable local government's experience rate and paid from the appropriate state workers' compensation fund.
      2. If the emergency services volunteer worker was under the order or control of a state agency when injured or killed, compensation and benefits shall be charged against the experience rate of the state agency which exercised order or control at the time of injury or death and paid from the appropriate state workers' compensation fund.
    1. For the purpose of subsection (c) of this section, the weekly compensation benefits for an emergency services volunteer worker who receives no monetary compensation for services rendered as such a worker shall be calculated based upon the wages received from his or her regular or usual employment, the same as a regular local or state employee, with respect to injury, disability, or death.
    2. The reimbursement of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or less for out-of-pocket expenses for gasoline, oil, uniforms, required equipment, or similar expenses incurred in response to an emergency situation shall not be construed to be monetary compensation for the emergency services volunteer worker.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 5; 1981, No. 929, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3605; Acts 1999, No. 646, § 65; 2005, No. 1962, § 99.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “Arkansas Department of Emergency Management” for “State Office of Emergency Services” in (a)(2).

The 2005 amendment, in (d)(2), substituted “expenses for” for “expenses incurred in response to an emergency situation such as” and “or similar expenses incurred in response to an emergency situation” for “et cetera” and deleted “and” preceding “required.”

21-5-610. Workers' compensation benefits in conjunction with certain other benefits.

In the event that any public employee is entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits under the provisions of this subchapter, as a result of injury, disability, or death, and the injury, disability, or death also gives rise to an entitlement of benefits under a state or federal program or an act of the United States Congress which provides benefits for public safety officers who serve a public agency in an official capacity, with or without compensation, as a law enforcement officer or as a firefighter or in any other capacity, the state workers' compensation funds shall be entitled to a credit against its liability for payment of workers' compensation benefits to the extent of the benefits received under any state or federal program or act of the United States Congress.

History. Acts 1979, No. 809, § 5; 1981, No. 929, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3605.

Publisher's Notes. This section was held to be preempted by federal law in Rose v. Arkansas State Police. See case note.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Workers' Compensation, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 251.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Because the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3796 et seq., prohibits states from offsetting their death benefits against the federal payment, this section is invalid. Rose v. Arkansas State Police, 479 U.S. 1, 107 S. Ct. 334, 93 L. Ed. 2d 183 (1986).

Subchapter 7 — Death Benefits

Cross References. Accumulated leave or vacation, § 21-4-401 et seq.

Death benefits for State Police Officers, or any police officer in the State Highway and Transportation Department, § 12-8-212.

Effective Dates. Acts 1973, No. 150, § 2: July 1, 1973.

Acts 1987, No. 349, §§ 3, 5: July 1, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that emergency medical technicians are not currently covered by the law which provides for death benefits for survivors of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1987.”

Acts 1989, No. 15, § 7: Jan. 1, 1988. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that under current law there is no provision made for the surviving parents of a law enforcement officer injured or killed in the line of duty to be eligible for payment of claims as currently provided for, and it is the intention of the General Assembly to rectify this inequity in the law by passage of this Act. Therefore, an emergency is declared and this Act being immediately necessary to the preservation of public peace, health and safety shall be in full force from January 1, 1988.”

Acts 1999, No. 630, § 5: Mar. 16, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that at least one dependent child of a disabled policeman who would have been entitled to scholarship benefits had application been made prior to August 31, 1997, but who was denied those benefits because the minor is just now graduating from high school; and whereas this act will allow that child to apply for the scholarship benefits provided for the children of totally disabled policemen; and whereas unless this emergency clause is adopted this act will not be in effect until after the beginning of the fall college semester. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-701. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Child” or “children” means any natural child, adopted child, or stepchild who is eligible under § 21-5-707;
  2. “Coroner” means a coroner or a deputy coroner who is engaged in official duty at a crime scene or death location;
  3. “Covered public employee” means a police officer, firefighter, state highway employee, state correction employee, Division of Community Correction employee, jailer, qualified emergency services worker, wildlife enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, Arkansas Forestry Commission employee, commissioned law enforcement personnel, member of the Arkansas National Guard on state active duty, or emergency response personnel of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
  4. “Division of Community Correction employee” means any employee of the Division of Community Correction who is subject to injury through contact with parolees, probationers, or center residents;
  5. “Emergency medical technician” means emergency medical services personnel as defined in § 20-13-202;
  6. “Firefighter” means any member of a fire department or firefighting unit of any city of the first class or city of the second class, or any town, or any unincorporated rural area of this state who actively engages in the fighting of fires on either a regular or voluntary basis, or any instructor of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, or any member of the firefighting organization of the Arkansas National Guard Robinson Maneuver Training Center or of the Arkansas National Guard Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center;
  7. “Jailer” means an employee of a city, town, or county who, while engaged in official duty as a detention or transport officer, is subject to injury through contact with inmates, detainees, parolees, or probationers;
  8. “Police officer” means:
    1. Any law enforcement officer engaged in official duty who is a member of any regular or auxiliary police force on a full-time or part-time basis, the Division of Arkansas State Police, or any member of the law enforcement organization of the Arkansas National Guard Robinson Maneuver Training Center or of the Arkansas National Guard Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center;
    2. A sheriff or deputy sheriff of a county who is engaged in official duty; or
    3. A constable or night marshal of a town of this state engaged in official duty;
  9. “Qualified emergency services worker” means a state, local, volunteer, and other emergency responder as defined in § 12-75-103;
  10. “State correction employee” means an employee of the Division of Correction or the Corrections School System who is subject to injury through contact with inmates or parolees of the Division of Correction;
  11. “State highway employee” means an employee of the Arkansas Department of Transportation who is physically present on a roadway, bridge, or right-of-way of the state highway system or other public transportation facility and who is:
    1. Actively engaged in highway maintenance, construction, traffic operations, or the official duties of his or her employment; or
    2. Supervising, reviewing, evaluating, or inspecting highway maintenance, construction, or traffic operations; and
  12. “Wildlife enforcement officer” means an employee of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission who actively engages, on a full-time or part-time basis, in the enforcement of the boating safety laws and regulations enacted for the protection of game, fish, furbearing animals, and other wildlife of the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 1; 1973, No. 399, § 1; 1977, No. 812, § 1; 1977, No. 936, § 1; 1981, No. 437, § 1; 1981, No. 890, § 1; 1985, No. 839, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2347; Acts 1987, No. 349, § 1; 1987, No. 404, § 1; 1991, No. 409, § 1; 1997, No. 547, § 1; 2001, No. 113, § 4; 2013, No. 543, § 1; 2015, No. 1058, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 73; 2019, No. 767, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 998-1000.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment arranged the subdivisions in alphabetical order; in (2), inserted “Department of Community Correction employee” and substituted “State” for “Arkansas” preceding “Forestry”; inserted present (3); substituted “means” for “shall mean” in present (5); and added (10).

The 2013 amendment rewrote (9).

The 2015 amendment inserted (2) and (7) and redesignated remaining subdivisions accordingly; inserted “jailer” in (3); substituted “services personnel” for “technicians” in (5); inserted “city of the” preceding “second class” in (6); substituted “Arkansas National Guard Robinson Maneuver Training Center or of the Arkansas National Guard Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center” for “Camp Robinson Military Reservation or of Fort Chaffee” in (6) and (8)(A); substituted “responder” for “services worker” in (9); and substituted “Corrections School System” for “Department of Correction School District” in (10).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (11).

The 2019 amendment by No. 767 inserted “member of the Arkansas National Guard on state active duty” in (3).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (3), substituted “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction”, and substituted “Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism” for “State Parks Division of the Department of Parks and Tourism”; substituted “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction” twice in (4); and substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” twice in (10).

21-5-702. Jurisdiction of Arkansas State Claims Commission regarding claims filed under subchapter.

  1. The Arkansas State Claims Commission is vested with exclusive jurisdiction of, or authority with respect to, all claims filed against the state under this subchapter.
  2. The commission shall make a determination as to whether a death or total and permanent disability was or was not in the official line of duty.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2349; Acts 1997, No. 547, § 2.

21-5-703. Procedures for filing claims.

  1. All claimants shall be subject to the same rules as are provided by the law governing procedure before the Arkansas State Claims Commission.
  2. All claims asserted under this subchapter shall be filed within five (5) years of the following:
    1. The date of the covered public employee's death;
    2. The date of the incident causing the covered public employee's total and permanent disability; or
    3. The date the covered public employee permanently leaves the employment position covered by this subchapter.
  3. Unless § 6-82-504(e) is applicable, the commission shall award any scholarship benefit provided by the provisions of § 6-82-501 et seq. at the same time any death benefit or total and permanent disability benefit is awarded under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2349; Acts 1997, No. 547, § 3; 1999, No. 630, § 1; 2005, No. 1962, § 100; 2019, No. 315, § 2326.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in the introductory paragraph of (d), deleted “State Police employee or” following “child of any,” and inserted “Arkansas” and “or law enforcement officer”; substituted “March 16, 1999” for “August 1, 1997” in (d)(3); and made stylistic changes.

The 2005 amendment deleted “Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section” in (b); and deleted (d).

The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a).

21-5-704. Payment of claim to covered public employees, their designated beneficiaries, or their survivors — Funds — Definition.

      1. The state shall pay to the beneficiaries of any covered public employee who is killed in the official line of duty, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) with the following requirements for distribution of the award:
        1. If the covered public employee has a designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries are entitled to the award, in whatever percentage indicated by the covered public employee;
        2. Subject to subdivision (a)(1)(A)(iii) of this section, if the covered public employee has no designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the award shall go to the covered public employee's surviving spouse;
        3. If the covered public employee has a surviving spouse and surviving dependent children, the surviving spouse is entitled to fifty percent (50%) of the award, and the surviving dependent children are entitled to the other fifty percent (50%) of the award in equal shares; or
        4. If the covered public employee is unmarried at the date of his or her death:
          1. The covered public employee's surviving dependent children split the award in equal shares;
          2. The covered public employee's children split the award in equal shares if there are no surviving dependent children; or
          3. The covered public employee's surviving parents split the award in equal shares if there are no surviving children.
      2. In addition thereto, the municipality that employed the police officer or firefighter shall, upon certification of the amount by the police or fire department, pay to the beneficiaries of the deceased police officer or firefighter an allowance for all sick leave, vacation, or other leave time accumulated to the credit of the police officer or firefighter at the time of his or her death, with the following requirements for distribution of the allowance:
        1. If the deceased police officer or firefighter has a designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries are entitled to the allowance, in whatever percentage indicated by the covered public employee;
        2. Subject to subdivision (a)(1)(B)(iii) of this section, if the deceased police officer or firefighter has no designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the allowance shall go to the deceased police officer's or firefighter's surviving spouse;
        3. If the deceased police officer or firefighter has a surviving spouse and surviving dependent children, the surviving spouse is entitled to fifty percent (50%) of the allowance and the surviving dependent children are entitled to the other fifty percent (50%) of the allowance in equal shares; or
        4. If the deceased police officer or firefighter is unmarried at the date of his or her death:
          1. The deceased police officer's or firefighter's surviving dependent children split the allowance in equal shares;
          2. The deceased police officer's or firefighter's children split the allowance in equal shares if there are no surviving dependent children; or
          3. The deceased police officer's or firefighter's surviving parents split the allowance in equal shares if there are no surviving children.
      1. If a covered public employee suffers an injury while engaged in the performance of official duties resulting in his or her total and permanent disability, the disabled covered public employee shall be entitled to the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) from the State of Arkansas upon establishing proof of the total and permanent disability.
      2. Proof of total and permanent disability shall be established by offering evidence that the covered public employee was unable to work in the employment position covered by this subchapter for a period of more than one (1) year or that the covered public employee received a disability rating in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) from the Workers' Compensation Commission.
    1. All allowances as provided for in this section for the designated beneficiary, surviving spouse, surviving children, or surviving parents of covered public employees killed while performing official duties, or allowances provided covered public employees who are totally and permanently disabled while performing official duties, shall be paid totally from state funds appropriated therefor.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section, the funds shall not be reimbursed by transfer or charging the funds against any state funds allocated for turnback to cities or counties or distributed to the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund or distributed to any Division of Correction fund account or any other state department agency fund account other than the Arkansas State Claims Commission fund accounts and the Miscellaneous Revolving Fund or state funds levied for firefighters, police officers, employees of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and employees of the Division of Correction for pension purposes.
        1. Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) of the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) provided in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall be paid by the appropriate state department agency fund account.
        2. The appropriate state department agency shall transfer the necessary funds to the Arkansas State Claims Commission fund accounts for payment.
  1. It is the intent of this subchapter that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) of the total obligation of providing the benefits provided by this subchapter, even though the funds are to be administered by the Arkansas State Claims Commission, are to be defrayed from state funds and are not to be charged against, or recovered against, any turnback moneys due the cities or counties of this state or allocated to the state highway system of this state or to the Division of Correction or any other state department agency fund account other than the Arkansas State Claims Commission fund accounts and the Miscellaneous Revolving Fund.
    1. A person who claims a benefit under this section to which the beneficiaries of a deceased person are entitled shall submit a notarized affidavit provided by the Arkansas State Claims Commission that:
      1. Lists all known surviving children of the decedent, their respective ages, last known addresses, and contact information; and
      2. Discloses the existence of any last will and testament of the decedent.
    2. If a person who claims a benefit fails to list all known surviving children as required by subdivision (d)(1)(A) of this section, the Arkansas State Claims Commission may require that the person return the benefit to the Arkansas State Claims Commission for further proceedings.
  2. As used in this section, “surviving dependent children” means children who have not yet reached the age of majority as of the date of the award and children who have a legal incapacity that renders them dependent even after reaching the age of majority.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 2; 1973, No. 150, § 1; 1973, No. 399, § 2; 1977, No. 936, § 2; 1981, No. 890, § 2; 1985, No. 839, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2348; Acts 1987, No. 349, § 2; 1989, No. 15, §§ 1, 2; 1989, No. 345, § 2; 1997, No. 547, § 4; 2009, No. 1313, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 74; 2019, No. 785, § 3; 2019, No. 910, §§ 1001, 1002.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 1313, § 4, provided: “The provisions of this act are retroactive to July 1, 2008.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “their designated beneficiaries” in the section heading; inserted “designated beneficiary or, if there is no designated beneficiary, then to the” in (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(B); substituted “fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)” for “twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)” in (a)(1)(A); rewrote (b); inserted “twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)” in (c); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (b)(2)(A).

The 2019 amendment by No. 785 rewrote (a)(1); substituted “If” for “In the event” and “suffers” for “shall suffer” in (a)(2)(A); and added (d) and (e).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” twice in (b)(2)(A) and in (c).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Arkansas Law Survey, Baker, Workers' Compensation, 9 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 213.

21-5-705. Payment of claim to designated beneficiaries or survivors of certain specified public employees killed in the line of duty — Funds — Definitions.

  1. The state shall pay the additional sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) to the qualified recipient or recipients of a:
    1. Police officer, wildlife enforcement officer, commissioned law enforcement officer or emergency response employee of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Division of Community Correction employee, employee of the Division of Correction, jailer, or coroner whose death occurred:
      1. After January 1, 2003; and
      2. Either:
        1. In the official line of duty as the result of a criminal or negligent action of another person or persons or as the result of the engagement in exceptionally hazardous duty; or
        2. In the line of duty while the officer or employee was performing emergency medical activities;
    2. Firefighter, emergency medical technician, or employee of the Arkansas Forestry Commission killed after July 1, 1987, while responding to, engaging in, or returning from a fire, a rescue incident, a hazardous material or bomb incident, an emergency medical activity, or simulated training thereof; and
        1. Firefighter killed in the line of duty after January 1, 2012, including death from leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and multiple myeloma and cancer of the brain, digestive tract, urinary tract, liver, skin, breast, cervix, thyroid, prostate, testicle, or a cancer that has been found by research and statistics to show higher instances of occurrence in firefighters than in the general population, if he or she was exposed to a known carcinogen as determined by the Department of Health with consideration to the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer while in the official line of duty.
        2. Subdivision (a)(3)(A)(i) of this section does not include a firefighter who was diagnosed with cancer prior to the start of firefighter service.
      1. A death benefit under subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section shall be limited to:
        1. A maximum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) per individual death, including educational benefits provided in § 6-82-501 et seq.; and
        2. A firefighter who is under sixty-eight (68) years of age.
        1. The Firefighter Benefit Review Panel is created for the purpose of making recommendations to the Arkansas State Claims Commission regarding determinations of death benefits under subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section for deaths associated with cancer.
        2. The panel shall consist of the following seven (7) individuals to be appointed by the Governor:
          1. One (1) licensed oncologist;
            1. Two (2) firefighters paid by the state, a county, or a municipality.
            2. One (1) firefighter under subdivision (a)(3)(C)(ii)(b)(1) of this section shall be appointed from a list of names submitted by the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association;
            1. Two (2) volunteer firefighters.
            2. One (1) firefighter under subdivision (a)(3)(C)(ii)(c)(1) of this section shall be appointed from a list of names submitted by the Arkansas State Firefighters Association;
          2. One (1) fire chief who may be appointed from a list of names submitted by the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs; and
          3. One (1) citizen with experience in either cancer and healthcare professions or firefighter relations.
          1. Panel members shall serve a term of four (4) years.
          2. In the event of a vacancy in the membership of the panel, the Governor shall appoint a person meeting the applicable eligibility requirements of the vacated position to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
          1. The panel shall hold at least one (1) regular meeting in each calendar year at a time and place determined by the panel.
          2. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the chair selected under subdivision (a)(3)(C)(v) of this section.
        3. The panel shall select a chair and vice chair during the first annual meeting of each four-year term.
        4. Four (4) members of the panel constitute a quorum to transact business.
        5. The members of the panel may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.
        6. The panel shall:
          1. Render advisory opinions and reports concerning research and statistics that show higher instances of cancer among firefighters;
          2. Review claims for death benefits of firefighters who have died of cancer; and
          3. Make recommendations to the Arkansas State Claims Commission on death benefit awards under subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section.
      2. This section:
        1. Does not apply to any other benefits granted by the state, a county, a city, or a municipality; and
        2. Does not grant a cause of action against the state, a county, a city, or a municipality.
  2. In addition to the benefits provided for in subsection (a) of this section, the state shall pay the additional sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) to the qualified recipient of any police officer, wildlife enforcement officer of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, commissioned law enforcement officer of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Division of Community Correction employee, or employee of the Division of Correction:
    1. Who was wearing a bulletproof vest approved by the Director of the Department of Arkansas State Police or the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and
    2. Whose death occurred:
      1. After July 1, 1989; and
      2. In the official line of duty as the result of a criminal action of another person or persons.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, the benefits shall be paid totally from state funds appropriated for these benefits. The funds shall not be reimbursed by a transfer or charging the funds against any state funds allocated for turnback to cities or counties or distributed to any other state department agency fund account other than the Arkansas State Claims Commission fund accounts and the Miscellaneous Revolving Fund.
      1. Seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) of the one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) provided in subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall be paid by the appropriate state department agency fund account.
      2. The appropriate state department agency shall transfer the necessary funds to the Arkansas State Claims Commission fund accounts for payment.
  3. The additional benefits provided in this section shall be paid to the qualified recipient in four (4) equal annual payments, the first of which shall be paid immediately upon entry of the order awarding the benefits, and the next three (3) payments shall be paid in July of the next three (3) fiscal years after the date of the original order of the Arkansas State Claims Commission establishing entitlement to additional payments.
  4. Determination of eligibility for the additional payments provided in this section shall be made by the Arkansas State Claims Commission in accordance with Arkansas State Claims Commission rules and procedures.
    1. A person who claims a benefit as a qualified recipient under this section to which the beneficiaries of a deceased person are entitled shall submit a notarized affidavit provided by the Arkansas State Claims Commission that:
      1. Lists all known surviving children of the decedent, their respective ages, last known addresses, and contact information; and
      2. Discloses the existence of any last will and testament of the decedent.
    2. If a person who claims a benefit as a qualified recipient fails to list all known surviving children as required by subdivision (f)(1)(A) of this section, the Arkansas State Claims Commission may require that the person return the benefit to the Arkansas State Claims Commission for further proceedings.
  5. If a benefit under this section is payable to both the surviving spouse and other eligible persons such as surviving children, the Arkansas State Claims Commission shall hold a hearing to determine how the benefit shall be distributed among the eligible persons if those percentages are not already provided for by law.
  6. As used in this section:
    1. “Qualified recipient” means a beneficiary of an award or allowance under this section with the following priority for eligibility and distribution to a beneficiary:
      1. If the person has a designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries are entitled to the award or allowance, in whatever percentage indicated by the covered public employee;
      2. Subject to subdivision (h)(1)(C) of this section, if the person has no designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, the award or allowance shall go to the person's surviving spouse;
      3. If the person has a surviving spouse and surviving dependent children, the surviving spouse is entitled to fifty percent (50%) of the award or allowance and the surviving dependent children are entitled to the other fifty percent (50%) of the award or allowance in equal shares; or
      4. If the person is unmarried at the date of his or her death:
        1. The person's surviving dependent children split the award or allowance in equal shares;
        2. The person's children split the award or allowance in equal shares if there are no surviving dependent children; or
        3. The person's surviving parents split the award or allowance in equal shares if there are no surviving children; and
    2. “Surviving dependent children” means children who have not yet reached the age of majority as of the date of the award and children who have a legal incapacity that renders them dependent even after reaching the age of majority.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 2; 1973, No. 150, § 1; 1973, No. 399, § 2; 1977, No. 936, § 2; 1981, No. 890, § 2; 1985, No. 839, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2348; Acts 1987, No. 349, § 2; 1989, No. 15, §§ 3, 4; 1989, No. 345, § 1; 1991, No. 99, § 1; 1993, No. 809, § 1; 1993, No. 1207, § 1; 1997, No. 547, § 5; 1999, No. 57, § 1; 2001, No. 113, § 5; 2003, No. 355, § 1; 2007, No. 806, § 1; 2009, No. 1313, § 1; 2015, No. 341, § 1; 2015, No. 1058, § 2; 2019, No. 785, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 1003, 1004.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 1313, § 4, provided: “The provisions of this act are retroactive to July 1, 2008.”

Acts 2015, No. 341, § 2, provided:

“Initial appointment of Firefighter Benefit Review Panel members.

“Within thirty (30) days of July 22, 2015, the Governor shall appoint the initial members of the Firefighter Benefit Review Panel and designate one (1) member of the panel to call the first meeting of the panel.”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment inserted “or employee of the Arkansas Forestry Commission” in (a).

The 2001 amendment rewrote (a) and (b).

The 2003 amendment substituted “specified public employees” for “certain officers” in the section heading; substituted “January 1, 2003” for “July 1, 1987” in (a)(1)(A); rewrote (a)(1)(B)(i); inserted “Arkansas” in (a)(2); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2009 amendment inserted “designated beneficiaries or” in the section heading; substituted “one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000)” for “seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000)” in the introductory language of (a); inserted “designated beneficiary” in the introductory language of (a) and in (d); inserted “designated beneficiary, surviving” in the introductory language of (b); rewrote (c); and made minor punctuation changes.

The 2015 amendment by No. 341 substituted “under twenty-two (22) years of age of a” for “under the age of twenty-two (22) of any” in (a); and added (a)(3).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1058, in the introductory language of (a)(1), deleted “of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission” following “wildlife enforcement officer” and inserted “jailer, or coroner”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 785 substituted “qualified recipient or recipients” for “designated beneficiary, surviving spouse, or surviving children under twenty-two (22) years of age” in the introductory language of (a); substituted “constitute” for “shall constitute” in (a)(3)(C)(vi); substituted “Does not apply” for “Shall not be applied” in (a)(3)(D)(i); substituted “qualified recipient” for “designated beneficiary, surviving spouse, or surviving children under twenty-two (22) years of age” in the introductory language of (b); rewrote (d); and added (f) through (h).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism” for “State Parks Division of the Department of Parks and Tourism”, “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction”, and “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” in (a)(1) and the introductory language of (b); and inserted “or the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police” in (b)(1).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Arkansas Law Survey, Baker, Workers' Compensation, 9 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 213.

Case Notes

Cited: Brewer v. Lacefield, 301 Ark. 358, 784 S.W.2d 156 (1990).

21-5-706. Funds for payment of claims generally.

  1. All claims allowed under the provisions of this subchapter shall be paid upon award thereof by the Arkansas State Claims Commission from funds appropriated therefor.
  2. The commission may impose reasonable requirements for protecting funds paid under this subchapter to children under eighteen (18) years of age, including, but not limited to, a guardianship of the estate.

History. Acts 1969, No. 43, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2350; Acts 1997, No. 547, § 6.

21-5-707. Eligibility of children for death benefits.

  1. Unless designated as the beneficiary of a covered public employee under § 21-5-708, in order for a natural child to be eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter:
    1. The natural child must have been born prior to the date of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability; or
    2. The covered public employee or the covered public employee's spouse must have been pregnant with the natural child at the time of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability.
  2. Unless designated as the beneficiary of a covered public employee under § 21-5-708, in order for an adopted child to be eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter:
    1. The adopted child must have been adopted prior to the date of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability; or
    2. The adopted child's adoption process must have begun prior to the date of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability.
  3. Unless designated as the beneficiary of a covered public employee under § 21-5-708, in order for a stepchild under nineteen (19) years of age to be eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter:
    1. The stepchild must have been listed as a dependent on the covered public employee's federal and state income tax returns for each of the five (5) income years immediately prior to the date of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability; and
    2. The stepchild must have received more than one-half (1/2) of his or her financial support from the covered public employee in each of the five (5) income years immediately prior to the date of the covered public employee's death or total and permanent disability.
  4. Unless designated as the beneficiary of a covered public employee under § 21-5-708, in order for a stepchild nineteen (19) years of age or older to be eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter:
    1. The stepchild must have been listed as a dependent on the covered public employee's federal and state income tax returns in each of the five (5) previous income years; and
    2. The stepchild must have received more than one-half (1/2) of his or her financial support from the covered public employee in each of the five (5) previous income years.

History. Acts 1997, No. 547, § 7; 2005, No. 1962, § 101; 2009, No. 1313, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 1313, § 4, provided: “The provisions of this act are retroactive to July 1, 2008.”

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted “the” preceding “five (5) previous income years” twice in (d).

The 2009 amendment added “Unless designated as the beneficiary of a covered public employee under § 21-5-708” in the introductory language of (a) through (d).

21-5-708. Designated beneficiary.

    1. A covered public employee may designate a beneficiary on a form provided by his or her employer.
    2. The form to designate a beneficiary shall be completed by the covered public employee, witnessed, and submitted to his or her employer to be kept in the covered public employee's personnel file.
    3. Upon a change of beneficiary, the employer shall notify the previous beneficiary within thirty (30) days after the change of beneficiary occurred.
  1. If the covered public employee does not designate a beneficiary, the benefits shall be paid to the surviving spouse or surviving children under twenty-two (22) years of age or, if there is no surviving spouse or surviving children under twenty-two (22) years of age, then to the surviving children twenty-two (22) years of age or older or to the surviving parents.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1313, § 3; 2015, No. 297, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 1313, § 4, provided: “The provisions of this act are retroactive to July 1, 2008.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “witnessed” for “notarized” in (a)(2); deleted (a)(3)(A); and redesignated (a)(3)(B) as (a)(3).

Subchapter 8 — Attorney’s Fees and Court Costs

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Miscellaneous, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 593.

21-5-801. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “State agency” means any office, department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, institution, legislative body, or other agency of this state; and
  2. “State officer” means elected state officials and members of commissions, boards, or other governmental bodies of state agencies.

History. Acts 1987, No. 805, § 1.

21-5-802. Right to payment — Claims and awards.

  1. Any state officer or state employee who has been subjected to a lawsuit based on an act or omission of the officer or employee while acting within the course and scope of the office or employment and in performance of his or her other official duties shall be entitled to payment from the state for reasonable attorney's fees and court costs incurred by the officer or employee in the action if:
    1. The Attorney General declined to represent the officer or employee; and
    2. The officer or employee acted without malice and in good faith.
  2. Claims for payment shall be filed with the Arkansas State Claims Commission and shall be governed by the laws pertaining to proceedings before the commission.
    1. Awards made by the commission pursuant to this subchapter may be paid from the appropriation and supporting funds of the state agency from which the state officer or state employee is supported if the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State approves payment from the funds after determining that there is sufficient appropriation and funds available for paying the award.
    2. Awards not paid from the appropriation and funds of the state agency shall be paid pursuant to the laws governing payment of claims allowed by the commission.

History. Acts 1987, No. 805, § 2.

Subchapter 9 — Cafeteria Plans

Effective Dates. Acts 2001, No. 1814, § 5: Apr. 18, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that many state and public school employees participate in benefits offered through a cafeteria plan; that many state and public school employees participate in voluntary health, disability and other insurance programs; that the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration is charged with the responsibility of administering these plans; that the existing law governing these plans is in need of clarification in order to allow the Employee Benefits Division to obtain bids for these programs at the lowest possible rates; that state and public school employees are in need of obtaining these programs at the lowest possible rates; and, that this act is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

21-5-901. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Cafeteria plan” means a written fringe benefits plan which meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code;
  2. “Eligible employee” means full-time employees of governmental entities;
  3. “Governmental entities” means any agency of the state, any city, any county, any school district, or any other political subdivision of this state; and
  4. “Salary reduction agreement” means a written agreement between an eligible employee and a governmental entity whereby the employee agrees to reduce his or her salary by a stated amount or an amount equal to the employee's cost of benefits selected under a cafeteria plan.

History. Acts 1987, No. 810, § 1.

U.S. Code. The Internal Revenue Code, referred to in this section, is codified as Title 26 of the U.S. Code.

21-5-902. Salary reduction agreement.

  1. Any eligible employee who chooses to participate in a cafeteria plan may enter into a salary reduction agreement with the governmental entity.
  2. The governmental entity is authorized, upon request of the eligible employee, to enter into a salary reduction agreement to reduce, each payday, the salary of the eligible employee by an amount of money or by the employee's cost of the selected benefits as designated by the employee.

History. Acts 1987, No. 810, § 2.

21-5-903. Computing retirement benefits.

The amount by which an eligible employee's salary is reduced pursuant to a salary reduction agreement shall continue to be included as compensation for the purpose of computing retirement benefits.

History. Acts 1987, No. 810, § 3.

21-5-904. Administration of cafeteria plans.

  1. The Director of the Employee Benefits Division shall have administrative responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining cafeteria plans on behalf of state employees and may promulgate necessary rules as he or she deems necessary to carry out the provision of this section.
    1. This section shall not apply to separate cafeteria plans established by governmental entities prior to April 18, 2001.
    2. However, the exempt governmental entities may choose to participate in a cafeteria plan established pursuant to this section.
  2. The Arkansas State Police Employee Health Plan shall be exempt from any mandatory participation required by this section.

History. Acts 1989, No. 389, § 1; 2001, No. 1814, §§ 3, 4; 2019, No. 315, § 2327.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a), added “Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division of the” in the first sentence, substituted “on behalf of state employees and may” for “The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall” and made gender neutral changes; and added (b) and (c).

The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a).

Subchapter 10 — Employee Performance Evaluation

Effective Dates. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 11: March 27, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a substantial number of state employees are eligible for salary increases on July 1, 1997; that this act prescribes the procedure to be followed in awarding salary increases to classified state employees; and that unless this emergency clause is adopted the procedures prescribed herein will not be in effect until after July 1, 1997. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1461, § 14: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that several position changes have been incorporated into agencies' budgets to begin July 1, 2001 and that changes to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act must also take effect at that time to prevent confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

Acts 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 8: July 1, 2003, except § 7, effective May 8, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in compensation levels enacted during the previous session of the General Assembly were applicable to the current biennium and that without this act becoming effective at the beginning of the fiscal year state employees could not be compensated at the approved level. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and Section 7 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective after the date of its passage and approval. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto a bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto; and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2017, No. 365, § 29: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-1001. Legislative intent.

  1. It is the intent of the General Assembly that each state agency, board, commission, and institution of higher education evaluate the performance of its employees annually.
    1. State agency, board, and commission employees shall be evaluated using an instrument approved by the Office of Personnel Management.
    2. Institution of higher education employees shall be evaluated using an instrument approved by the Division of Higher Education.

History. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 1; 2001, No. 1461, § 8; 2017, No. 365, § 24; 2019, No. 910, § 2311.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (b), inserted “shall be” following “Employees” and deleted “who exceed standards in the performance of their duties shall be eligible for incentive pay awards” following “Administration”; and deleted (c).

The 2017 amendment redesignated former (b) as (b)(1); substituted “State agency, board, and commission employees” for “Employees” in (b)(1); and added (b)(2).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (b)(2).

21-5-1002, 21-5-1003. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning definitions for performance evaluation categories and the performance evaluation process, were repealed by Acts 2017, No. 365, §§ 25 and 26. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-5-1002. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 2; 2001, No. 1461, § 9; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 5.

21-5-1003. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 3; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 6; 2007, No. 449, § 1; 2009, No. 252, § 4.

21-5-1004 — 21-5-1006. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning annual evaluation, amount of incentive pay award, and analysis of current system, were repealed by Acts 2001, No. 1461, § 10. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-5-1004. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 4.

21-5-1005. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 5.

21-5-1006. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 6.

21-5-1007. Annual leave.

  1. When an officer or employee of a state office or agency excluded from the provisions of the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act, § 21-4-201 et seq., by the definition of “state agencies” in § 21-4-203 leaves employment of the excluded office or agency and becomes employed by an agency or institution which is subject to the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act, § 21-4-201 et seq., the period of employment with the excluded office or agency shall be included as state employee service for the purpose of determining the rate at which the employee earns paid annual leave.
  2. The provisions of this section shall be applied in computing annual leave earned after March 27, 1997.

History. Acts 1997, No. 899, § 7.

Subchapter 11 — Career Ladder Incentive Program

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1061, § 6: July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas requires the General Assembly to develop a career ladder incentive program which will allow for the development of a competency based pay program for employees of state agencies and institutions of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 1999.”

Acts 2001, No. 1461, § 14: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that several position changes have been incorporated into agencies' budgets to begin July 1, 2001 and that changes to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act must also take effect at that time to prevent confusion and uncertainty. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

Acts 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 8: July 1, 2003, except § 7, effective May 8, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several changes in compensation levels enacted during the previous session of the General Assembly were applicable to the current biennium and that without this act becoming effective at the beginning of the fiscal year state employees could not be compensated at the approved level. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and Section 7 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective after the date of its passage and approval. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto a bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto; and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2007, No. 289, § 2: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that provisions of this act changes the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act and should become effective July 1, 2007, for consistent application and to avoid confusion and that unless this emergency clause is adopted, this act will not go into effect until after the beginning of the next fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2007, No. 799, § 4: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act affects the consideration of retirement benefits in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System and that the ideal and most efficient time to make revisions to the consideration of retirement benefits is at the beginning of the state's fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2007.”

Acts 2009, No. 688, § 15: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is immediately necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2009.”

Acts 2011, No. 1017, § 11: July 1, 2011. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the state salary classification schedules must be updated and revised; that the fiscal year for state employees begins each July 1; and that this act is essential and immediately necessary to implement the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act and to ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of state government and services. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2011.”

Acts 2013, No. 1321, § 7: July 1, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the state salary classification schedules must be updated and revised; that the fiscal year for state employees begins each July 1; and that this act is essential and immediately necessary to implement the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act and to ensure the continued, uninterrupted operation of state government and services. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2013.”

Acts 2017, No. 365, § 29: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees begins on July 1 of every year and that the implementation of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-1101. Merit increase pay system — Definition.

    1. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services is authorized to develop and establish a merit increase pay system in accordance with the performance evaluation process under § 21-5-1001 et seq. for employees of all state agencies, boards, and commissions covered by the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq.
    2. The merit increase pay system shall be reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  1. For the purpose of this subchapter, “merit increase pay system” means a merit-based pay system that incorporates pay and performance evaluation standards according to § 21-5-1001 et seq. and establishes criteria for payments for employees who meet requisite performance categories.
  2. Merit payments may be awarded to employees who satisfy performance evaluation-based criteria developed by agencies in accordance with procedures and policies developed and approved by the Office of Personnel Management after review by the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1061, § 1; 2001, No. 1461, § 12; 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 4; 2007, No. 289, § 1; 2007, No. 799, § 2; 2009, No. 688, § 14; 2011, No. 1017, § 10; 2013, No. 1321, § 6; 2017, No. 365, § 27; 2019, No. 910, § 6149.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment added (c) through (g).

The 2003 (1st Ex. Sess.) amendment rewrote present (c).

The 2009 amendment, in (a), deleted “a job series promotion system and” following “implement” in the introductory language, and deleted “of higher education” following “institutions” in (a)(1) and (a)(2); in (b)(2), substituted “who has had continuous part-time employment with the state for twelve (12) months” for “that completes two thousand eighty (2,080) hours” and inserted “and to receive the merit pay increase on a pro rata basis; deleted (c)(2) and redesignated the remaining subdivision accordingly; substituted “2009” for “2007, for the 2007-2009 biennium” in the introductory language of (e); rewrote (f); added (h); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2011 amendment deleted “salary adjustments or” preceding “lump-sum payments” in (c); substituted “2011” for “2009” in the introductory language of (e); rewrote (f)(1)(A); and added “and the payment shall not be construed as exceeding maximum salary” in (f)(1)(B) and (C).

The 2013 amendment inserted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (d); changed the date from 2011 to 2013 in (e); substituted “merit increase of one and five-tenths percent (1.5%)” for “one and five tenths percent (1.5%) merit increase” in (e)(1); substituted “merit increase of three percent (3%)” for “three percent (3.0%) merit increase” in (e)(2); and substituted “merit increase of four and five-tenths percent (4.5%)” for “four and five-tenths percent (4.5%) merit increase” in (e)(3).

The 2017 amendment rewrote (a); deleted former (b); redesignated former (c) and (d) as (b) and (c); deleted “lump-sum” preceding “payments” in (b); substituted “agencies in accordance with procedures” for “agencies and institutions in accordance with rules” in (c); and deleted (e) through (h).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in (a)(1).

Subchapter 12 — Active Duty After September 11, 2001

Effective Dates. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-1201. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Emergency nature or contingency” means:
    1. Any case or imminent danger of invasion, disaster, insurrection, riot, or breach of peace;
    2. A threat to the public health or security; or
    3. A threat to the maintenance of law and order; and
  2. “State agency” includes the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, and the State Highway Commission.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2113, § 3; 2017, No. 707, § 75.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (2).

21-5-1202. Compensation of employees of state agencies and state-supported institutions of higher education — Emergency activities.

  1. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act, § 21-4-201 et seq., during the period that an employee of a state agency or institution of higher education is called to active duty after September 11, 2001, as a member of the National Guard or any of the reserve components of the armed services by order of the President of the United States or the Governor of an emergency nature or contingency for more than thirty (30) consecutive days, the employee shall be eligible for continued proportionate salary payments which, when combined with the employee's active duty pay, incentives, and allowances, except for uniform and clothing allowances, equal the amount that the employee would have otherwise received but for the employee's required active duty under the order of the President or the Governor.
  2. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall establish appropriate procedures for the administration of this section.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2113, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6150.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in (b).

21-5-1203. Compensation of public school district employee — Emergency activities.

  1. Notwithstanding any other law, during the period that an employee of a public school district is called to active duty after September 11, 2001, as a member of the National Guard or any of the reserve components of the armed services by order of the President of the United States or the Governor of an emergency nature or contingency for more than thirty (30) consecutive days, the employee shall be eligible for continued proportionate salary payments which, when combined with the employee's active duty pay, equal the amount that the employee would have otherwise received but for the employee's required active duty under the order of the President or the Governor.
  2. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall establish appropriate procedures for the administration of this section.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2113, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 2312.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” in (b).

Subchapter 13 — Deferred Contribution to a Tuition Savings Program

Effective Dates. Acts 2015, No. 1255, § 2: Jan. 1, 2016.

21-5-1301. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Agency” means a board, commission, department, officer, or other authority of the government of the State of Arkansas.
    2. “Agency” does not include the General Assembly, the courts, and Governor; and
  1. “Tuition savings program” means an account as defined under § 6-84-103(1).

History. 2015, No. 1255, § 1.

21-5-1302. Participation in tuition savings program.

  1. When a state employee begins his or her employment with an agency, the agency shall notify the state employee that:
    1. The tuition savings program is available; and
    2. The employee may have a regular distribution made to the tuition savings program from his or her salary before the state employee receives his or her payroll deposit or pay check.
    1. Upon request of the state employee, the agency charged with the duty to distribute the state employee's salary may withhold, by agreement with the state employee, an amount of money from the state employee's salary each payday for deposit into the employee's tuition savings program.
    2. The amount withheld from the state employee's salary shall be designated by the state employee.
    3. The agency that enters an agreement under this subsection shall deposit the money withheld from the state employee's salary into the state employee's tuition savings program at the time the state employee's salary is distributed to the state employee.
  2. An agency that is charged with the duty to distribute the state employee's salary shall adopt formal policies and guidelines in furtherance of this subchapter.

History. 2015, No. 1255, § 1.

Subchapter 14 — Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act

Effective Dates. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 5: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the fiscal year for employees of institutions of higher education begins annually on July 1; and that the implementation of the Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act is necessary to ensure the continued services and operations of the state. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2017.”

Acts 2019, No. 763, § 13: July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the compensation plan for institutions of higher education; and that the optimal time to implement this act is at the beginning of the state's fiscal year and in concert with the appropriation acts for each institution of higher education. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-5-1401. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act”.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4.

21-5-1402. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Class” or “classification” means a group of positions sufficiently similar as to duties performed, scope of discretion and responsibility, minimum requirements of education or training, skill, experience, and other characteristics that the same class title, the same test of fitness, and the same grade have been or may be applied to each position in the group;
  2. “Classified employee” means a person regularly appointed or employed in a position of state service by an institution of higher education for which:
    1. He or she is compensated on a full-time basis or on a pro rata basis; and
    2. A class title and grade are established in the appropriation act for the institution in accordance with the classification and compensation plan enacted in this subchapter;
  3. “Class specification” means a written document that identifies a group of positions that require the same type of work and responsibility and sets out the general components of the job description for each position in the category by providing a class title, class code, distinguishing features and examples of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the necessary minimum education and experience requirements to perform the assigned duties;
    1. “Crossgrade” means a temporary reclassification of a position during the fiscal year.
    2. The Division of Higher Education may authorize a temporary crossgrade through a change in the classification of a position from the classification authorized in an institution's appropriation act between legislative sessions to assure correct classification and for other purposes with the following restrictions:
      1. A position shall not be crossgraded to a classification at a grade higher than the grade originally authorized for the position by the General Assembly in the institution's appropriation act;
      2. A position may be crossgraded to a classification at the same or lower grade than the position as originally authorized for the position by the General Assembly in the institution's appropriation act;
      3. Positions that have been crossgraded may be restored to the original authorized class during the fiscal year with the approval of the division for those positions within the same occupational group;
      4. Position classifications may be crossgraded or restored to their original classifications only after the review and approval of the division;
      5. Positions established under the pay plan may not be crossgraded to positions having an authorized line item maximum salary established by the General Assembly in the institution of higher education's appropriation act; and
      6. Positions having an authorized line item maximum salary by the General Assembly in the institution's appropriation act may not be crossgraded from line-item status to classified status;
  4. “Demotion” means the change in duty assignment of an employee from a position in one classification to a position in another classification of a lower grade;
  5. “Grade” means an authorized pay range for classifications assigned to the pay plan having a minimum pay level, midpoint pay level, and maximum pay level as provided in this subchapter;
  6. “Head of the institution” means the executive head of an institution of higher education;
  7. “Institution of higher education” or “institution” means a public institution of higher education supported, in whole or in part, by appropriation of state funds;
      1. “Job sharing” means a form of employment in which the hours of work of two (2) or more persons are arranged in such a way as to cover one (1) regular full-time position.
      2. The division may authorize job sharing for any regular full-time position.
    1. The Director of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee shall promulgate necessary rules to carry out this subdivision (9);
  8. “Maximum pay level” means the highest authorized level of pay for a grade for normal compensation administration purposes;
  9. “Midpoint pay level” means the rate of pay midway between the minimum pay level and the maximum pay level established for each grade;
  10. “Minimum pay level” means the entry level pay rate for classifications assigned to the compensation plan;
    1. “Occupational group” means a collection of classes having similar job description components and sharing a primary function.
    2. In determining the occupational group to which a class is assigned, consideration shall be given to the type of work performed, the education or experience required, job elements or tasks, and the purpose of the job;
  11. “Pay level” means any single rate of pay in a grade, including the minimum pay level, midpoint pay level, and maximum pay level;
  12. “Position” means an office or employment that is legislatively authorized in an institution of higher education, occupied or vacant, requiring the services of one (1) full-time equivalent employee;
  13. “Promotion” means the change in duty assignment of an employee from a position in one classification to a position in another classification of a higher grade; and
    1. “Reclassification” means a change in the assignment of a position from one classification title to another classification title of either a higher or lower grade when material and permanent changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position being recommended for reclassification have occurred or when it is necessary to establish a new classification title to meet federal standards as a prerequisite for federal programs.
    2. Positions eligible for reclassification within an institution of higher education are only those positions assigned a specific classification title and grade.
    3. Positions having a line-item maximum salary are exempt from the provisions in this section and may not be reclassified from line-item status to a classified designation bearing a salary grade.
    4. Positions within an institution of higher education designated within a classification title and grade shall not be reclassified to a classification title for which a line-item maximum annual salary has been established.
    5. Interim reclassifications approved by the division shall be implemented through the crossgrading of existing positions within an institution of higher education or through the acquisition of pool positions as authorized in § 21-5-1415(a)(1).

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2313-2317.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 deleted former (1) through (3) and (9), inserted (12), and redesignated the remaining definitions accordingly; substituted “pay plan” for “career service compensation plan” in (4)(B)(v); rewrote (6); substituted “minimum” for “base” in (11); substituted “minimum pay level, midpoint pay level, and maximum pay level” for “entrance rate, intermediate rate, and the maximum rate of pay” in (14); and substituted “21-5-1415(a)(1)” for “21-5-1414(a)(1)” in (17)(E).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in the introductory language of (7)(B) [now (4)(B)] and in (13)(B) [now (9)(B)]; and substituted “division” for “department” in (7) [now (4)] twice and in (13) and (20) [now (9) and (17)].

21-5-1403. Regular salary procedures and restrictions.

Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 4, provides: “The General Assembly shall fix the salaries and fees of all officers in the State, and no greater salary or fee than that fixed by law shall be paid to any officer, employee or other person, or at any rate other than par value; and the number and salaries of the clerks and employees of the different departments of the State shall be fixed by law.” Therefore, the following provisions are applicable to all authorized regular salary positions in appropriation acts unless specific exception is made otherwise by law:

  1. For any position authorized by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas for the benefit of any institution of higher education for which the provisions of this subchapter are to be applicable, it is the intent of the General Assembly that this subchapter govern with respect to:
    1. The entry pay level;
    2. The frequency with which increases in pay may be granted; and
    3. The maximum annual salary that may be paid for the grade assigned each employee;
  2. For any position authorized by the General Assembly for the benefit of any institution of higher education for which a maximum annual salary is set out in dollars, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the position be paid at a rate of pay not to exceed the maximum established for the position during any one (1) fiscal year and that the maximum annual salary authorized is for full-time employment;
    1. For all positions authorized by the General Assembly for any institution of higher education, it is the intent of the General Assembly in determining the annual salaries of employees in those positions, that the head of the institution take into consideration the ability of the employee and length of service.
    2. It is not the intent of the General Assembly that the maximum annual salaries as authorized in the appropriation act or pay increases established for the various grades under this subchapter be paid unless the employee meets the qualifications associated with each pay level and then only within the limitations of the appropriations and funds available for that purpose.
    3. An employee authorized by the General Assembly shall not receive from appropriated or cash funds, either from state, federal, or other sources, compensation in an amount greater than that established by the General Assembly as the maximum annual salary for the employee, unless specific provisions are made by law; and
  3. An employee of an institution of higher education shall not be paid any additional cash allowances, including without limitation uniform allowance, clothing allowance, motor vehicle depreciation or replacement allowance, fixed transportation allowance, or meals and lodging allowance other than for reimbursement for costs actually incurred by the employee unless the allowances are specifically set out by law as to eligibility of employees to receive the allowances, and the maximum amount of such allowances are established by law for each employee or for each class of employees eligible to receive the allowances.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4.

21-5-1404. Effect on appropriation acts.

  1. All appropriation acts of all institutions of higher education subject to this subchapter shall be governed by this subchapter with respect to grades, class titles, salary increases, salary increase eligibility, and other provisions unless special language in the appropriation act of the institution specifically allows the institution to provide salary increases, grade assignments, class title assignments, salary increase eligibility, and other provisions different from those provided by this subchapter.
  2. When the intent of the General Assembly, by amendment to appropriation bills, is to allow a higher grade for a classification than that listed in this subchapter, the grade assigned to the classification in the appropriation act for the classification, as designated with the higher grade, shall be the grade for the classification in the institution during the biennium.
  3. When a higher grade is authorized in this subchapter for classifications that are not reflected in the appropriation act of an institution, this subchapter shall set the grades to be authorized in an institution's appropriation act for the biennium unless special language in the appropriation act of an institution allows the institution to provide salary increases other than that provided in this subchapter.
  4. It is the intent of this section that the institutions governed by this subchapter be authorized to allow grades as provided in the appropriation acts of the institutions, provided that the rules that apply to salary increases under this subchapter shall not be waived unless special language in the appropriation act of the institution authorizes the institution to provide increases other than those authorized under this subchapter.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4.

21-5-1405. Division of Higher Education — Duties.

  1. The Division of Higher Education shall perform the following administrative duties with respect to the institution of higher education classification and compensation plan, subject to this subchapter:
    1. Determine that each position of an institution of higher education affected by this subchapter is allocated to a class having a written class specification based on the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and the requirements necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties;
    2. Assist institutions in the allocation of positions to classes established in this subchapter and in the appropriation acts covering each of the institutions affected by this subchapter, and disallow the allocation of a position to a class that is not in conformance with this subchapter;
      1. Authorize the temporary reclassification of positions in an institution affected by this subchapter in cases in which it has been determined by the division that there are material changes in the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position when there is no available vacant position having the proper classification and when it is impracticable to restructure the duties of the position to the proper classification.
      2. The reclassification of positions may also be authorized when it is necessary to establish a new classification to meet federal standards as a prerequisite for federal programs, provided that a position is not placed in a class and receive pay at a salary rate in excess of the maximum salary rate authorized for the position that was reclassified as provided in the appropriation act of the institution;
      1. Review all class specifications and all classes and grades and the compensation plan affecting all institutions covered by this subchapter and submit to the Legislative Council and the Governor in advance of the regular session and fiscal session of the General Assembly recommendations for revisions, modifications, or additions.
      2. When necessary, the division shall confer with the staff of the Legislative Council on the development of and revisions to uniform classification and compensation systems.
      3. Time periods for the development of recommendations and time periods for the review by the Legislative Council of those recommendations shall be as established by the Legislative Council.
      4. The time periods for recommendations and for review shall be sufficiently in advance of budget hearings for the regular session and fiscal session to allow for the thorough review by the Legislative Council;
    3. Develop and implement rules to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter;
      1. Establish a procedure to allow the head of the institution to review the qualifications of applicants whose education and experience either do not meet or exceed that required by the class specification but who have other job-related qualifications that might be validly substituted for the class requirements.
      2. The procedure under subdivision (a)(6)(A) of this section is intended to allow institutions to substitute job-related education and experience for the specific requirements stated in the class specification without the necessity for the revision of the class specification.
      3. The procedure under subdivision (a)(6)(A) of this section shall require the final approval of the Director of the Division of Higher Education, with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee;
      1. Review institution personnel transactions reported as unqualified appointments.
      2. Unqualified appointments shall be reported by the division to the Legislative Council unless one (1) of the following actions is taken:
        1. Questionable appointments are reviewed by the director;
        2. Payroll actions for questionable appointments that are determined by the director to be unqualified for the specific appointment are not processed until the unqualified appointment is removed from the payroll or is placed into a position in the institution for which the individual meets the minimum qualifications of the classification; or
        3. Corrective action is documented by the institution.
      3. It is the specific responsibility of the head of each institution to certify that the qualifications of persons appointed to positions within the institution do meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements as stated in the class specification;
      1. Establish each year, upon the review of the Personnel Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, new classifications at an appropriate grade in order to meet new or changed conditions and report at the end of each fiscal year all class titles contained in § 21-5-1406 for which a class specification has not been written.
      2. Any classification established under this subdivision (a)(8) shall remain in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year during which the classification was established unless specifically authorized to continue by the General Assembly as an addition to this subchapter;
    4. Revise, as necessary, the class specification of a classification in order to ensure the accuracy of the description of the assigned duties and the minimum requirements necessary to perform these duties and thereby maintain a valid relationship between the requirements and the duties and responsibilities of the jobs;
    5. Administer and maintain a system for the evaluation of employee performance effectiveness;
    6. Provide assistance to institutions in identifying, developing, and maintaining training and resource programs; and
    7. Develop and implement, as needed and upon the review of the Legislative Council, rules to ensure a uniform system of personnel administration within higher education.
  2. To ensure and provide for the accuracy and efficiency of this subchapter and to provide for an efficient and equitable system of personnel management, the division, with the review of the Legislative Council, shall:
    1. Study on a continuing basis and modify and revise when necessary the current classifications, the class specifications, minimum requirements, and other requirements;
    2. Create when necessary new classifications at an appropriate grade that will accurately describe those positions for which no appropriate classification exists;
    3. Determine those positions that are improperly classified and reclassify those positions to the appropriate classification in accordance with this subchapter; and
    4. Develop and implement the policies, rules, and procedures necessary for the implementation of this subchapter.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2318-2323.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in the introductory language of (a) and in (a)(6)(C); and substituted “division” for “department” throughout the section.

21-5-1406. Classification of positions.

    1. There are established for the institutions of higher education covered by this subchapter the classification titles and grades.
    2. No payment of salaries may be made except in conformity with the maximum annual salary rates assigned to the grades established by this section for each year as provided in the appropriation act of the institution and in this subchapter.
  1. The following classification titles with their assigned grades are approved for the classification and compensation plan under this subchapter, subject to the appropriation acts for the institutions:

Class Code Title Grade D007C INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER C128 B015C ENGINEER SUPERVISOR C126 D016C SENIOR TECHNOLOGY ANALYST C126 D114C UAF SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR C126 D020C INST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COORD C125 E009C TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR C125 A031C ASSISTANT CONTROLLER C124 D035C COMPUTER SUPPORT MANAGER C124 D034C DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR C124 E013C EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER C124 D030C INFORMATION SYSTEMS COORDINATOR C124 D028C SENIOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST C124 D022C SYSTEMS SPECIALIST C124 A038C FISCAL SUPPORT MANAGER C123 D039C NETWORK SUPPORT SPECIALIST C123 P004C PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER C123 D038C SENIOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT ANALYST C123 G103C ASSOCIATE REGISTRAR C122 T019C DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY I C122 T018C HE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER III C122 D047C INFORMATION SYSTEMS BUSINESS ANALYST C122 D050C SECURITY ANALYST C122 E018C SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL FACULTY C122 D044C SYSTEMS ANALYST C122 B033C UAF CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR C122 A052C ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR C121 D054C COMPUTER SUPPORT COORDINATOR C121 E022C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION MANAGER C121 A047C FINANCIAL ANALYST II C121 G109C GRANTS MANAGER C121 T023C HE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER II C121 S004C MAINTENANCE MANAGER C121 L036C NURSE INSTRUCTOR C121 R014C PERSONNEL MANAGER C121 V004C PROCUREMENT MANAGER C121 D052C SOFTWARE SUPPORT ANALYST C121 D051C SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS SUPERVISOR C121 P008C TELEVISION PROGRAM MANAGER C121 D060C ASST DIR COMPUTER SVCS C120 S006C ASU ASSOC DIR PHYSICAL PLANT C120 B056C ASU CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR C120 G136C ASU DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C120 D059C ASU ENGINEERING COMM FACILITIES DIR C120 B054C CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR C120 E027C CAREER & TECHNICAL FACULTY C120 D058C COMPUTER OPERATIONS COORDINATOR C120 E026C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION COOR- DINATOR C120 D057C INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER C120 Q078C PC SUPPORT SPECIALIST C120 P013C PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR C120 T030C PUBLIC SAFETY COMMANDER I C120 L038C REGISTERED NURSE C120 D056C SYSTEMS COORDINATION ANALYST C120 G118C UAF ASSOC DIR OF AR UNION C120 A053C UAF ASST BUSINESS MANAGER C120 P011C UAF SPORTS INFORMATION COOR- DINATOR C120 B064C ASU DIRECTOR OF FARMING C119 R022C BENEFITS COORDINATOR C119 R021C BUDGET ANALYST C119 V008C BUYER SUPERVISOR C119 S008C CAMPUS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR C119 D063C COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST C119 P016C CURATOR C119 D062C DATABASE ANALYST C119 G159C DEPARTMENT BUSINESS COORDINATOR C119 P065C DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST C119 E032C EDUCATION COUNSELOR C119 E031C EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR C119 G147C GRANTS COORDINATOR C119 D061C INFORMATION SYSTEMS COORDINATION SPEC C119 A066C INTERNAL AUDITOR C119 A065C PAYROLL SERVICES COORDINATOR C119 V007C PROCUREMENT COORDINATOR C119 B061C RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIST C119 G144C TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PROGRAM COOR- DINATOR C119 R024C ASSISTANT PERSONNEL MANAGER C118 S012C ASU ASST DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL PLANT C118 G172C CAREER PLANNING & PLAC COOR- DINATOR C118 M030C CHILD CARE DIRECTOR C118 D066C DIGITAL BROADCAST SPECIALIST C118 G169C DIRECTOR OF STUDENT UNION C118 E038C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION ANALYST C118 C010C EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR C118 A075C FINANCIAL ANALYST I C118 A074C FISCAL SUPPORT SUPERVISOR C118 R023C INSTITUTION PERSONNEL SVCS MANAGER C118 L047C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST SUPERVISOR C118 D065C NETWORK SUPPORT ANALYST C118 A072C RESEARCH & STATISTICS MANAGER C118 M022C UAPB DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C118 D064C WEBSITE DEVELOPER C118 A082C ACCOUNTANT II C117 G190C ASST DIR FINANCIAL AID C117 G189C ATU DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C117 S020C AVIATION TECHNICIAN C117 P023C BROADCAST PROMOTION SPECIALIST C117 R027C BUDGET SPECIALIST C117 C019C CLINIC BUSINESS SVCS MANAGER C117 D071C COMPUTER SUPPORT ANALYST C117 P022C COORDINATOR OF SPORTS INFORMATION C117 L055C DIETICIAN C117 P021C EDITOR C117 G180C GRANTS ANALYST C117 R025C HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST C117 D068C INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST C117 D067C INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY ANALYST C117 G179C LEGAL SERVICES SPECIALIST C117 S017C MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR C117 V011C MEDICAL BUYER C117 P020C PRODUCTION ARTIST C117 M038C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANALYST C117 T051C PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR C117 B076C RESEARCH PROJECT ANALYST C117 S016C SKILLED TRADES FOREMAN C117 E040C STAFF DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR C117 M035C UALR DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C117 M034C UAM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C117 M033C UCA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C117 A089C ACCOUNTANT I C116 B072C AGRICULTURE PROGRAM COORDINATOR C116 B091C ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FARMING C116 C023C ASSOCIATE BOOKSTORE MANAGER C116 B089C ASU ASST DIRECTOR OF FARMING C116 S029C ASU DIRECTOR OF HOUSEKEEPING C116 A087C ASU PAYROLL SERVICES MANAGER C116 S092C ATHLETIC TICKET SALES COORDINATOR C116 S025C BUILDING AND GROUNDS COORDINATOR C116 C022C BUSINESS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST C116 V014C BUYER C116 X129C CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR C116 S024C CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE COORD C116 P032C DESIGN CONSULTANT C116 G197C DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI C116 E048C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST C116 R030C EEO/GRIEVANCE OFFICER C116 B087C ENERGY CONSERVATION COORD C116 B090C ENGINEER TECHNICIAN C116 G195C HIGHER ED INSTITUTION PROG COORD C116 R029C HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITER C116 P031C MEDIA SPECIALIST C116 P030C MUSEUM EXHIBIT PROGRAM SPECIALIST C116 X119C OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COORDINATOR C116 S023C PRINT SHOP MANAGER C116 P027C PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST C116 T055C PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER C116 P066C RADIO NEWS DIRECTOR C116 P026C RADIO PROGRAM DIRECTOR C116 S022C SKILLED TRADES SUPERVISOR C116 D075C SOFTWARE SUPPORT SPECIALIST C116 C020C STUDENT APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST C116 D074C TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR C116 E046C TRAINING INSTRUCTOR C116 C037C ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST C115 Q123C ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT C115 G212C ASST DIR STUDENT UNION C115 C035C ASST REGISTRAR C115 G211C ASU ASST DIRECTOR OF HOUSING C115 R033C BENEFITS ANALYST C115 C034C BOOKSTORE MANAGER C115 C033C CLINIC BUSINESS SVCS SUPERVISOR C115 D079C COMPUTER SUPPORT TECHNICIAN C115 S097C CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST C115 S035C FABRICATION SHOP MANAGER C115 G207C FINANCIAL AID ANALYST C115 A091C FISCAL SUPPORT ANALYST C115 D077C HELP DESK SPECIALIST C115 R032C HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE C115 R031C INSTITUTION HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR C115 E050C LIBRARY SUPERVISOR C115 S033C MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR C115 C028C MEDICAL RECORDS SUPERVISOR C115 L061C MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST C115 A090C PAYROLL SERVICES SPECIALIST C115 S032C PRINT SHOP SUPERVISOR C115 V015C PURCHASING SPECIALIST C115 M055C SAU DIRECTOR OF HOUSEKEEPING C115 S031C SKILLED TRADESMAN C115 P033C SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER C115 C025C STUDENT ACCOUNTS OFFICER C115 S038C TRANSIT OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR C115 B100C ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN C114 P043C ARCHIVAL ASSISTANT C114 S042C ATU COLISEUM MANAGER C114 S041C BOILER OPERATOR C114 P042C BROADCAST PRODUCTION SPECIALIST C114 G215C CAREER PLANNING & PLACEMENT SPECIALIST C114 P041C COMMERCIAL GRAPHIC ARTIST C114 D084C COMPUTER OPERATOR C114 S044C FOOD PREPARATION MANAGER C114 G214C GRANTS SPECIALIST C114 P039C INSTITUTIONAL PRINTER C114 D082C NETWORK ANALYST C114 M066C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST C114 T067C PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER II C114 L064C RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN C114 X151C SAFETY SUPERVISOR C114 E051C STAFF DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST C114 S099C STATIONARY ENGINEER C114 A093C STATISTICIAN C114 M062C STUDENT UNION NIGHT MANAGER C114 D081C TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST C114 V018C WAREHOUSE MANAGER C114 C050C ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SUPERVISOR C113 S048C ASST RESTAURANT MANAGER C113 E053C AUDIOVISUAL AIDS SUPV C113 A096C COLLECTION OFFICER C113 P049C COMMERCIAL ARTIST I/GRAPHIC ART I C113 P084C MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST C113 C051C FINANCIAL AID SPECIALIST C113 R036C HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST C113 V020C INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER C113 S047C LANDSCAPE SUPERVISOR C113 C046C LEGAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST C113 L069C LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE C113 S049C LODGE HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR C113 G219C LOGISTICS MANAGER C113 S046C MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN C113 C044C MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALIST C113 L068C MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC ANALYST C113 P048C MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST C113 P047C MUSEUM REGISTRAR C113 R035C PERSONNEL ASSISTANT II — INST C113 P046C PHOTOGRAPHER C113 S045C PRINTING ESTIMATOR/PLANNER C113 P045C PUBLIC INFORMATION TECHNICIAN C113 C043C RECORDS MANAGEMENT ANALYST C113 T072C SECURITY OFFICER SUPERVISOR C113 G218C STUDENT RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST C113 C057C ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST C112 C056C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III C112 C055C ASSISTANT BOOKSTORE MANAGER C112 S053C AUTO/DIESEL MECHANIC C112 A099C CREDIT & COLLECTIONS SUPV C112 E055C DAY CARE TEACHER C112 T080C DIRECTOR TRANSIT & PARKING C112 B105C FARM FOREMAN — INST C112 A098C FISCAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST C112 S051C INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN C112 S050C MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST C112 C053C MEDICAL RECORDS TECHNICIAN C112 A097C PAYROLL TECHNICIAN C112 V022C PURCHASING TECHNICIAN C112 M072C RECREATION COORDINATOR C112 B106C RESEARCH ASSISTANT C112 P053C SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR C112 P052C SPORTS INFORMATION SPECIALIST C112 P051C THEATER ARTS TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR C112 C060C ALUMNI AFFAIRS SPECIALIST C111 S055C ATHLETIC FACILITY SUPV C111 M077C COORDINATOR OF HOUSEKEEPING C111 S056C FOOD PREPARATION SUPERVISOR C111 D089C INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT C111 B108C LABORATORY COORDINATOR C111 E058C LIBRARY SPECIALIST C111 X177C PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN C111 S054C PRINTER C111 M075C RESIDENT HALL SPECIALIST C111 M074C RESIDENTIAL ADVISOR C111 V023C STOREROOM SUPERVISOR C111 C065C ADMISSIONS ANALYST SUPERVISOR C110 L092C ATHLETIC TRAINER C110 C064C BOOKSTORE OFFICE MANAGER C110 D092C CALL CENTER SPECIALIST C110 C063C CAMPUS POSTMASTER C110 X181C COLLECTOR C110 D091C COMPUTER LAB TECHNICIAN C110 S058C EQUIPMENT MECHANIC C110 B120C FARM MAINTENANCE MECHANIC C110 L077C HEALTH SERVICES SPECIALIST II C110 L076C HOSPITAL PROGRAM SERVICES ASSISTANT C110 R038C HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT C110 B111C LABORATORY TECHNICIAN C110 S057C LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST C110 P057C LIVESTOCK NEWS REPORTER C110 A100C PAYROLL OFFICER C110 T084C PUBLIC SAFETY SECURITY OFFICER C110 P055C SPECIAL EVENTS SUPERVISOR C110 C061C STUDENT ACCOUNT SPECIALIST C110 G221C VEHICLE FACILITIES COORD C110 V025C WAREHOUSE SPECIALIST C110 A101C ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN C110 C073C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II C109 C072C ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SPECIALIST C109 C071C ADMISSIONS ANALYST C109 P059C BROADCAST ANNOUNCER C109 L082C CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT C109 L080C DIETETIC TECHNICIAN C109 C070C DUPLICATION ASSISTANT C109 B112C GREENHOUSE TECHNICIAN C109 S060C HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR C109 L079C HOSPITAL TECHNICIAN C109 S063C INNKEEPER SPECIALIST C109 S062C INSTITUTIONAL BUS DRIVER C109 C069C LIBRARY TECHNICIAN C109 C066C PATIENT ACCOUNT SPECIALIST C109 B113C RESEARCH TECHNICIAN C109 C068C RETAIL SPECIALIST C109 M080C STUDENT UNION SECTION MANAGER C109 M079C WORK STUDY COORD C109 C079C ADMISSIONS SPECIALIST C108 C078C CASHIER C108 C077C COOP EXTENSION SRV PRG ASST C108 A102C FISCAL SUPPORT TECHNICIAN C108 S068C FOOD PREPARATION COORDINATOR C108 V027C INVENTORY CONTROL TECHNICIAN C108 S065C MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT C108 C074C MEDICAL RECORDS ASSISTANT C108 P060C MULTI-MEDIA TECHNICIAN C108 S064C SKILLED TRADES HELPER C108 S073C HOUSEKEEPER C107 S071C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES SHIFT SUPVT C107 C085C LIBRARY SUPPORT ASSISTANT C107 C083C MAIL SERVICES COORDINATOR C107 S069C RADIO DISPATCH OPERATOR C107 C082C REGISTRAR'S ASSISTANT C107 S074C RESIDENT HALL MANAGER I C107 C087C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I C106 B115C AGRI FARM TECHNICIAN C106 B116C AGRI LABORATORY TECHNICIAN C106 S075C ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT SUPV C106 E057C AUDIOVISUAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT C106 T089C HE PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER C106 T088C PARKING CONTROL SUPV C106 V029C PURCHASING ASSISTANT C106 M089C RESIDENTIAL CARE ASSISTANT C106 T087C SECURITY OFFICER C106 P063C SPECIAL EVENTS WORKER C106 V028C WAREHOUSE WORKER C106 B117C ACADEMIC LABORATORY ASSISTANT C105 S081C APPRENTICE TRADESMAN C105 M086C CHILD CARE TECHNICIAN C105 S080C EQUIPMENT OPERATOR C105 C088C MAIL SERVICES ASSISTANT C105 T090C PARKING CONTROL OFFICER C105 S079C REPROD EQUIPMENT OPERATOR C105 V030C SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK C105 S078C STADIUM MAINTENANCE SUPV C105 M085C CAREGIVER C104 S086C COOK C104 B118C FARM WORKER C104 S085C FOOD PREPARATION SPECIALIST C104 S084C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR C104 S087C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES ASSISTANT C103 B119C LAB ASSISTANT C103 S089C FOOD PREPARATION TECHNICIAN C102 C093C EXTRA HELP ASSISTANT C101 T091C WATCHMAN C101

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History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 2.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment rewrote the table in (b).

21-5-1407. Compensation plan.

  1. There is established for institutions of higher education covered by this subchapter a compensation plan for the setting of salaries and salary increases, when deserved, of all employees serving in positions covered by this subchapter.
    1. No employee shall be paid at a rate of pay higher than the appropriate rate in the grade assigned to his or her class, and no employee shall be paid more than the highest pay level established for the employee's grade unless otherwise provided for in this subchapter.
    2. However, an employee presently employed in a position who is being paid at a rate in excess of the maximum for his or her assigned grade may continue to receive his or her rate of pay.
  2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to authorize, in the enactment of the compensation plans, rates of pay for each of the appropriate grades assigned to a class, but it is not the intent of the General Assembly that any pay increases be automatic or that any employee have a claim or a right to pay increases unless the head of the institution determines that the employee, by experience, ability, and work performance, is eligible for the increase in pay authorized for the grade assigned by classification to the employee's position.
  3. Pay levels established in this subchapter are for compensation management purposes and are not to be construed as a contract, right, or other expectation of actual employee salary determination.
    1. The following grades and pay levels are the authorized pay plan, effective July 1, 2019, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of institutions covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the institution:
    2. The following grades and pay levels are the authorized professional and executive pay plan, effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, for the state service for all positions of institutions covered by this subchapter to which a classification title and professional and executive salary grade have been assigned in accordance with this subchapter and the appropriation act of the institution:
  4. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the compensation plans in this section shall be implemented and function in compliance with other provisions in this subchapter and other fiscal control laws of this state, when applicable.
  5. With the approval of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, salaries established by this section may exceed the maximum pay level for the grade assigned by the classification by no more than twenty-five percent (25%) for no more than ten percent (10%) of the positions authorized in the institution's appropriation act.

Grade Minimum 15% Above Minimum Midpoint 30% Above Minimum Maximum C101 $20,800 $23,920 $26,520 $27,040 $32,240 C102 $21,127 $24,295 $27,328 $27,464 $33,530 C103 $21,453 $24,671 $28,162 $27,889 $34,871 C104 $21,780 $25,046 $29,023 $28,313 $36,266 C105 $22,106 $25,422 $29,911 $28,738 $37,716 C106 $22,433 $25,797 $30,829 $29,162 $39,225 C107 $22,759 $26,173 $31,776 $29,587 $40,794 C108 $23,086 $26,548 $32,756 $30,011 $42,426 C109 $23,412 $26,924 $33,767 $30,436 $44,123 C110 $23,739 $27,299 $34,813 $30,860 $45,888 C111 $24,065 $27,675 $35,894 $31,285 $47,723 C112 $25,268 $29,058 $37,450 $32,848 $49,632 C113 $26,531 $30,511 $39,074 $34,490 $51,617 C114 $27,858 $32,037 $40,770 $36,215 $53,682 C115 $29,251 $33,639 $42,540 $38,026 $55,829 C116 $30,713 $35,320 $44,388 $39,927 $58,062 C117 $32,249 $37,086 $46,317 $41,924 $60,385 C118 $33,861 $38,940 $48,331 $44,019 $62,800 C119 $35,554 $40,887 $50,433 $46,220 $65,312 C120 $37,332 $42,932 $52,628 $48,532 $67,925 C121 $39,199 $45,079 $54,920 $50,959 $70,642 C122 $41,159 $47,333 $57,313 $53,507 $73,467 C123 $43,217 $49,700 $59,812 $56,182 $76,406 C124 $45,377 $52,184 $62,420 $58,990 $79,462 C125 $47,646 $54,793 $65,143 $61,940 $82,641 C126 $50,029 $57,533 $67,988 $65,038 $85,947 C127 $52,530 $60,410 $70,957 $68,289 $89,384 C128 $55,156 $63,429 $74,058 $71,703 $92,960 C129 $57,914 $66,601 $77,296 $75,288 $96,678 C130 $60,810 $69,932 $80,678 $79,053 $100,545

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GRADE BASE MIDPOINT MAXIMUM N901 $65,000 $73,125 $81,250 N902 $67,600 $76,050 $84,500 N903 $70,304 $79,092 $87,880 N904 $73,116 $82,256 $91,395 N905 $76,041 $85,546 $95,051 N906 $79,082 $88,968 $98,853 N907 $82,246 $92,526 $102,807 N908 $85,536 $96,228 $106,919 N909 $88,957 $100,077 $111,196 N910 $92,515 $104,080 $115,644 N911 $96,216 $108,243 $120,270 N912 $100,065 $112,573 $125,081 N913 $104,067 $117,075 $130,084 N914 $108,230 $121,759 $135,287 N915 $112,559 $126,629 $140,699 N916 $117,061 $131,694 $146,327 N917 $122,914 $138,279 $153,643 N918 $130,289 $146,575 $162,862 N919 $139,410 $156,836 $174,262 N920 $150,562 $169,383 $188,203 N921 $164,113 $184,627 $205,141 N922 $180,524 $203,090 $225,655

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History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, §§ 3, 4.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment rewrote (e)(1); and added (g).

21-5-1408. Implementation of plan — Changes in class specifications.

  1. For the purposes of implementing the higher education uniform classification and compensation plan for the institutions of higher education covered by this subchapter, the General Assembly determines that the class specifications prepared by the Division of Higher Education in classifying the positions authorized in the appropriation act of each institution be the class specifications to be followed in implementing the respective appropriations for all part-time and full-time employees of the institutions covered by this subchapter.
  2. Changes in class specifications may be made, in whole or in part, by rule of the division, and the changes shall be reported on a quarterly basis to the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4.

21-5-1409. Implementation procedure for grade changes — Salary adjustments.

  1. The Division of Higher Education has administrative responsibility for enforcing compliance by institutions of higher education affected by this subchapter in implementing classification and grade changes.
    1. The rate of compensation an employee shall receive on July 1, 2019, is an increase of one percent (1%) above the employee's current salary.
    2. An employee whose adjusted annual salary falls below the entry pay level for the grade assigned to his or her classification shall be further adjusted to the entry pay level.
    3. The salary increase authorized by subdivision (b)(1) of this section may allow an employee's compensation to exceed the maximum pay level amount set out for the position.
    1. In addition to the compensation increase under subsection (b) of this section, the maximum annual salary for which an employee covered by this subchapter is eligible on July 1, 2019, may be increased:
      1. By a percentage up to two percent (2%) with written approval by the Director of the Division of Higher Education; or
      2. More than two percent (2%) only with written approval of the director after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. The salary increase may be established as an increase to the employee's salary or as a lump sum.
    3. An employee compensated at the highest pay level rate authorized for his or her classification is eligible to receive the salary increase authorized in this section as a lump sum payment.
  2. Salary adjustments made by the director under this section shall be reported to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  3. All percentage calculations stipulated in this subchapter or any other law affecting salaries of employees of institutions of higher education may be rounded to the nearest even-dollar amount by the division when making the increases to employee salaries as provided under subdivision (c)(1) of this section.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 5; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2324-2326.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 inserted (b); redesignated and rewrote former (b) as (c); and deleted former (c).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (a), (b)(1)(A)(i) [now (c)(1)(A)], and (e).

21-5-1410. New appointments — Other compensation plan provisions.

  1. A new appointment to a position in an institution of higher education covered by this subchapter shall be paid at the minimum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification unless otherwise authorized by law.
  2. Special rates of pay may be established for either classifications or positions for the following reasons:
    1. Prevailing labor market conditions;
    2. An extraordinarily well-qualified candidate;
    3. The need to retain trained, competent employees;
    4. An employee assigned additional duties as a result of the elimination of a position by an institution; or
    5. To meet the requirements of state or federal laws.
    1. An institution may request a special rate of pay for a specific classification or position due to prevailing market rates of pay up to the midpoint pay level of the appropriate grade of a classification on the appropriate pay table for the assigned grade with the written approval of the Director of the Division of Higher Education.
    2. An institution may request a special rate of pay for a specific classification or position due to prevailing market rates of pay up to the maximum pay level for the assigned grade only with the approval of the director after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    3. The Division of Higher Education shall maintain a register of classifications or positions for which special rates of pay have been established due to prevailing market rates of pay.
    4. The division shall file a report of special rates of pay established due to prevailing market rates of pay with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval.
    1. A special rate of pay may be established for an exceptionally well-qualified applicant whose educational background or experience qualifies the applicant to perform the job with little or substantially less orientation and training than would be required for another qualified applicant.
      1. The head of the institution may approve a special rate of pay under subdivision (d)(1) of this section up to fifteen percent (15%) above the minimum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification and shall report all actions under the division's procedures.
      2. The director may approve a special rate of pay under subdivision (d)(1) of this section above fifteen percent (15%) up to thirty percent (30%) above the minimum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification.
      3. The division may approve a special rate of pay under subdivision (d)(1) of this section above thirty percent (30%) up to the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the classification after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. The division shall file a report of special rates of pay established under this subsection with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval.
    1. The head of the institution may approve special rates of pay to retain a trained, competent employee or due to the assignment of additional duties as a result of the elimination of positions by the institution, subject to the following:
      1. The assignment of additional duties is permanent and the duties assigned are beyond the scope of work currently being performed by the employee;
      2. The same employee may not receive a special rate of pay under this subdivision (e)(1) more than one (1) time during a biennium; and
      3. All increases up to ten percent (10%) approved under this subdivision (e)(1) shall be reported by the institution to the division, and increases above ten percent (10%) shall be approved by the division.
    2. The division shall file a report of all salary increases established under this subsection with the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the approval for review.
      1. An employee promoted on or after July 1, 2019, shall receive a salary increase up to ten percent (10%).
      2. However, an employee's rate of pay upon promotion shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the classification.
    1. An employee who upon promotion is receiving a rate of pay below the minimum pay level established for the new grade shall be adjusted to the minimum pay level for that grade.
    2. An employee who returns to a position in a classification the employee formerly occupied within a twelve-month period after promotion from the classification is eligible for a rate of pay no greater than that for which the employee would have been eligible had the employee remained in the lower-graded classification.
      1. Upon demotion, an employee's pay shall be decreased by up to ten percent (10%).
      2. However, an employee's rate of pay upon demotion shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the classification.
    1. If the employee's salary falls below the lowest minimum pay level of the new grade upon demotion, his or her salary shall be adjusted to the minimum pay level for the grade.
    1. If an employee accepts a new position that is a transfer, the employee may receive a change in pay, as follows:
      1. If the employee's salary falls below the minimum pay level of the new grade, then his or her salary shall be adjusted to the minimum pay level for the grade; or
      2. If a special rate of pay has been established under this section, then his or her salary shall be appropriately adjusted.
    2. A transferring employee's rate of pay shall not exceed the maximum pay level of the grade assigned to the new position unless otherwise authorized.
  3. An employee who is placed in a lower-graded position on the same pay table because the original position has expired due to lack of funding, program changes, or withdrawal of federal grant funds may continue to be paid at the same rate as the employee was being paid in the higher-graded position upon approval of the division after seeking the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  4. If an employee who has been terminated for more than thirty (30) working days returns to service at the institution, the institution may offer up to the employee's last rate of pay not to exceed the maximum pay level established for the grade.
  5. Upon transfer of employment between institutions, an employee shall receive a lump-sum payment from the original institution for any overtime that has been accrued and not been paid and for any compensatory time accrued that has not been used at the higher rate of either the:
    1. Average regular rate of pay received by the employee during the last three (3) years of his or her employment; or
    2. Final regular rate of pay received by the employee.
  6. Any special rate of pay established under this section shall not affect the salary level or salary eligibility of any existing employee within the institution.
    1. A special rate of pay is subject to the institution's ability to certify funding for a special rate of pay established under this section.
    2. An institution shall not use merit adjustment funds for a special rate of pay established under this section.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 6; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2327-2331.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” and “division” for “department” throughout the section.

21-5-1411. Shift differential.

    1. Upon the approval of the Division of Higher Education, an employee whose working hours do not conform to normal state business hours shall be eligible for additional compensation up to twelve percent (12%) of the hourly rate for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter as a shift differential if:
      1. The institution of higher education routinely schedules more than one (1) work shift per day;
      2. The shift to which the employee is assigned is a full work shift; and
      3. The employee is regularly assigned to the late shift or is assigned to the shift on a regularly scheduled rotating basis.
    2. An employee assigned to an evening shift shall not receive additional compensation that exceeds six percent (6%) above that for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
    3. An employee assigned to a night shift shall not receive additional compensation that exceeds twelve percent (12%) above that for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
      1. An employee at or near the maximum authorized salary level for the grade assigned to his or her classification may be compensated at an additional rate not to exceed twelve percent (12%) of his or her eligible salary under this subchapter.
      2. When granting additional compensation has the effect of temporarily exceeding the highest pay level for the grade assigned to the employee's classification, the additional compensation shall not be construed as exceeding the highest pay level for that grade.
    1. A person employed in areas providing critical support, custody, and care to designated client service units at state-operated inpatient hospital facilities, at state-operated human development centers, and at maximum security units at correctional facilities during weekend hours is eligible to receive up to twenty percent (20%) of the hourly rate for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter paid as a shift or weekend differential.
    2. Designated weekend hours begin no earlier than 2:30 p.m. on Friday and end no later than 8:00 a.m. on the following Monday.
    1. If a facility uses shifts other than traditional eight-hour shifts, a shift differential may be paid for those shifts exceeding the normal day shift of the facility.
    2. If shift and weekend differentials are provided to an employee, the total compensation may exceed the highest pay level for the grade for those positions included in this subchapter.
      1. The institution shall identify the shifts, job classifications, and positions to be eligible for the shift differential and the differential percentage for which each classification is eligible within each shift.
      2. The shift schedule, classifications, positions, and the percentage of shift differential for which the class titles are eligible shall be submitted to the division for approval by the Director of the Division of Higher Education.
      3. Subsequent changes to the shift schedule, classifications, grades, positions, and shift differential percentages shall receive prior approval by the director.
  1. An employee who is receiving additional compensation under this section and then is reassigned to a normal shift shall revert on the day of the reassignment to the rate of pay for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
  2. The division shall report all shift differential approvals to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2332-2334.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in the introductory language of (a)(1) and in (c)(3)(B); and substituted “division” for “department” in (c)(3)(B) and (e).

21-5-1412. Compensation differentials.

  1. To address specific employee compensation needs not otherwise provided for in this subchapter, an institution of higher education may pay additional compensation for current employees in specific positions or for classifications of positions assigned to a compensation plan authorized by the General Assembly for one (1) or more compensation differentials.
    1. Authorization for one (1) or more compensation differentials may be approved if the:
      1. Institution has documented the need for a compensation differential for specified positions or classifications;
      2. Institution submits to the Division of Higher Education a plan of the terms and conditions for eligibility that must directly address the needs of the targeted positions or classifications for any requested compensation differential;
      3. Cost of implementing and maintaining a compensation differential is within the institution's existing appropriation and shall not be implemented using funds specifically set aside for other programs within the institution; and
      4. Compensation differential has been approved by the division after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. Any compensation differential authorized under this section shall be renewed each fiscal year.
    3. The cumulative total of any compensation differentials paid to an employee shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the employee's base salary.
    1. A hazardous duty differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized for the increased risk of personal physical injury for an employee occupying a certain identified high-risk position if the:
      1. Position classification is determined to be physically hazardous or dangerous due to location, facility, services provided, or other factors directly related to the duty assignment of the position; and
      2. Employee's regularly assigned work schedule exposes him or her to clear, direct, and unavoidable hazards during at least fifty percent (50%) of the work time and the employee is not compensated for the hazardous exposure.
      1. The institution shall identify the facility or unit, location, and eligible positions and classifications within the facility or unit that are identified as high-risk.
      2. The positions shall be certified by the institution as having been assigned to a work environment that poses an increased risk of personal injury and shall be submitted as part of the plan for payment of a hazardous duty differential to the division for approval by the Director of the Division of Higher Education after review and approval of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      3. Subsequent changes to the facility or unit, location, and eligible positions or classifications within the facility or unit on file with the division shall receive prior approval by the director after review and approval by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. It is the intent of this subsection that a hazardous duty differential shall be at the discretion of the director and the institution and shall not be implemented using funds specifically set aside for other programs within the institution.
    3. An employee who is receiving additional compensation for hazardous duty and then is reassigned to normal duty shall revert on the day of the reassignment to the rate of pay for which he or she is eligible under this subchapter.
    1. A professional certification differential of up to ten percent (10%) for job-related professional certifications for individual positions or for specific classifications within an institution may be authorized if the certification is:
      1. From a recognized professional certifying organization and is determined to be directly related to the predominant purpose and use of the position or classification; and
      2. Not included as a minimum qualification established or as a special requirement for the classification by the official class specification.
      1. A professional certification differential may be paid only while the certification is current and maintained by the employee and while the employee is employed in a position or classification covered by the compensation plan.
      2. Documentation of continuation or renewal of the certification of the employee is required for continuation of the professional certification differential.
  2. An education differential of up to ten percent (10%) for job-related education for individual positions or for specific classifications within an institution may be authorized if:
    1. Attainment of additional education is from an accredited institution of higher education, documented by official transcript, certificate, or degree award, and directly related to the predominant purpose and use of the position or classification; and
    2. The education to be compensated is not included as a special requirement or minimum qualification established for the classification by the official class specification.
  3. A geographic area differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized to address the documented inability to recruit and retain certain employees in a specific geographic area of the state if the additional geographic area differential is based on a documented recruitment, turnover, or other competitive pay issue in a specific geographic area that does not justify a statewide labor market special entry rate.
    1. A second-language differential of up to ten percent (10%) may be authorized for an employee who has the demonstrated ability and skill to communicate in a language other than English, including American Sign Language, if that skill is determined by the institution to be directly related to the effective performance of the job duties for the position occupied by the employee.
    2. An employee who receives additional compensation under this subsection and who moves into a position that does not need the skill to communicate in a language other than English shall revert on the effective date of the change to the rate of pay that the employee would otherwise receive.
    1. An on-call duty or standby-duty differential may be authorized for an employee whose job requires him or her to provide services on nights, weekends, or holidays or at other times or in other situations when the institution does not have regularly scheduled staff coverage.
    2. An on-call duty or standby-duty differential is to be used for officially scheduled duty outside regular work hours during which time an employee is required to be accessible by telephone, pager, or other means and is required to return to the designated work site upon notification of need within a specified response time.
      1. An employee who is required to be available for duty on nights, weekends, or holidays or at other times or in other situations when the institution does not have regularly scheduled staff coverage is eligible to receive an on-call or standby-duty pay equivalent of an hourly rate not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of his or her base hourly pay rate for each on-call or standby hour for not more than forty-eight (48) hours during any seven-day work period.
        1. Compensation shall not be paid to an employee required to be on on-call or standby duty who fails to respond after the second notification that his or her services are needed.
        2. If the equipment or paging device malfunctions, the penalty under subdivision (h)(3)(B)(i) of this section shall not apply.
        1. An employee on on-call or standby duty who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay with a minimum of two (2) hours for each call-back.
        2. The employee shall not be paid on-call or standby pay for hours actually worked during a call-back.
  4. If granting additional compensation would have the effect of exceeding the maximum pay level for the grade assigned to the employee's classification, the additional compensation shall not be considered as exceeding the maximum allowable rate for that grade.
  5. Other compensation differentials may be administered by the division after:
    1. Approval by the director; and
    2. Review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 7; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2335, 2336.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 inserted “to the Department of Higher Education” and “must” in (b)(1)(B); substituted “salary” for “pay level” in (b)(3); substituted “ten percent (10%)” for “six percent (6%)” in the introductory language of (c)(1); substituted “facility” for “facility or unit” in (c)(1)(A); substituted “institution” for “head of the requesting institution” and the second occurrence of “facility or unit” for “facility” in (c)(2)(A); substituted “institution” for “head of the institution” in (c)(2)(B); rewrote former (d) and redesignated it as (c)(3); redesignated former (e) as (c)(4); redesignated former (f) through (k) as (d) through (i); substituted “ten percent (10%)” for “six percent (6%)” in the introductory language of (d)(1); inserted “compensation” in (d)(2)(A); rewrote (e); substituted “ten percent (10%)” for “six percent (6%)” in (f); inserted “at other times or in” in (h)(1); substituted “or holidays or at other times or in other situations when the institution does not have regularly scheduled staff coverage is” for “and holidays shall be” in (h)(3)(A); inserted “under subdivision (h)(3)(B)(i) of this section” in (h)(3)(B)(ii); substituted “maximum pay level” for “maximum or the career pay level”, “considered” for “construed”, and “allowable rate” for “annual salary” in (i); added (j); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (b)(1)(D) and (c)(2)(B); and substituted “division” for “department” in (c)(2)(B) and (c)(2)(C).

21-5-1413. Salary administration grids.

    1. An institution of higher education may request that a salary administration grid be approved for specific classifications of positions assigned to the pay plan as established in § 21-5-1410 if the:
      1. Institution has documented the need for a salary administration grid for specified positions or classifications;
      2. Terms and conditions of a salary administration grid proposed by the institution address the needs of the targeted positions;
      3. Cost of implementing and maintaining a salary administration grid is within the institution's existing appropriation and the implementation does not use funds specifically set aside for other programs within the institution; and
      4. Salary administration grid has been approved by the Director of the Division of Higher Education after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
      1. Special rates of pay may be authorized up to the highest pay level authorized for the grade assigned the classification of a career service position for specific classifications only.
      2. An approved salary administration grid shall be used for establishing the entry pay level for an employee in a position.
      3. A person hired above the entry pay level shall meet or exceed the minimum qualifications for the job classification.
      4. Subsequent salary determinations within a salary administration grid shall be based on the employee's qualifications, relevant competitive compensation rates, professional or educational achievements, and internal equity within the institution.
      5. A plan of implementation and salary progression shall be approved by the Division of Higher Education on a biennial basis.
    2. An approved salary administration grid may be amended only upon approval by the division after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    3. Compensation differentials that are included in an institution's grid plan shall not exceed rates provided in § 21-5-1412.
    1. A monthly report shall be made to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, describing all personnel transactions involving applications of this section.
    2. The hiring of a new employee under this section shall not affect the salary, grade, or classification of any current employee within the institution.
    3. The division shall promulgate rules regarding the implementation and use of a salary administration grid with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 8; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2337-2340.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 substituted “pay plan as established in § 21-5-1410” for “career service compensation plan” in the introductory language of (a)(1); and inserted “salary administration” in (a)(1)(B).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” and “division” for “department” throughout the section.

21-5-1414. Extra help positions.

    1. A position authorized as extra help in an institution of higher education shall be assigned an authorized classification by the institution, and any person hired in an extra help position shall meet the minimum qualifications and any other requirements set by the class specification of the classification and grade assigned to the position.
    2. The rates of pay for extra help employees shall be set in accordance with and shall not exceed those provided in this subchapter for the appropriate classification.
    3. Extra help employees of institutions shall not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours per fiscal year as set out in § 6-63-314.
  1. The salary eligibility for an employee transferring or returning from an extra help position to a regular position shall be established at the minimum pay level for the grade assigned by classification with the following exceptions:
    1. The classification has an established current labor market special entry pay level;
    2. The position is approved for shift differential in accordance with this subchapter; or
    3. The employee's eligibility is based on prior state service in a regular position.
  2. A former employee from a state agency, institution, board, or commission who is rehired in an extra help position is ineligible for benefits except holiday pay.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 9.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “authorized classification” for “authorized career service classification or a professional and executive classification” in (a)(1); deleted “entry” following “minimum” in the introductory language of (b); and deleted (b)(4).

21-5-1415. Position pools.

    1. The Division of Higher Education shall establish and maintain a central pool of four hundred (400) positions to be used to establish additional positions in an institution of higher education when an institution does not have sufficient positions available to meet unanticipated enrollment growth, industry training demands, or its mandated responsibilities.
    2. Central pool positions shall be used by the institution if the personnel service needs exceed the number of positions authorized by the General Assembly and were not anticipated at the time of the passage of the institution's operating appropriation act.
    1. The division shall establish and maintain a temporary transition pool of fifty (50) positions to be used to establish additional temporary positions of the proper classification and grade in an institution if the institution does not have sufficient positions available with the appropriate classification and grade to address organizational transition issues such as succession planning or other changes involving administration of the institution.
    2. An institution shall use temporary transition pool positions only if the personnel service needs exceed the number of positions in a classification authorized by the General Assembly and were not anticipated at the time of the passage of the institution's operating appropriation bill.
    3. A position established under this section shall be approved for the same classification as the position occupied by the transitioning full-time employee.
    4. A position from the temporary transition pool shall not be authorized for an institution until the specific position is:
      1. Requested by the institution;
      2. Recommended by the division; and
      3. Reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    5. Temporary transition pool positions shall be authorized for not more than one hundred eighty (180) calendar days in a fiscal year and may not be renewed or extended.
  1. A pool position received by an institution under this section is subject to the institution's ability to certify funding.
  2. A position established under this section shall not exceed a salary rate of the highest maximum annual salary rate or the highest grade level position authorized by the General Assembly in the requesting institution's appropriation act.
  3. The institution shall provide justification to the division for the need to allocate positions from the central pool or temporary transition pool.
  4. Titles shall not be assigned to the institution from the central pool or temporary transition pool until specific positions are:
    1. Requested by the institution;
    2. Recommended by the division; and
    3. Reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  5. If an institution requests any central pool position to be continued during the subsequent fiscal year, the position shall be requested as a new position in the institution's subsequent fiscal year budget request.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 10; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2341, 2342.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 redesignated (a) as (a)(1) and (b) as (a)(2); inserted (b) and (c) and redesignated former (c) through (f) as (d) through (g); added “or temporary transition pool” in (e); and rewrote (f).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (a); and substituted “division” for “department” in (d) and (e) [now (e) and (f)].

21-5-1416. Annual career service recognition payments for employees of institutions of higher education.

      1. Nonfaculty and classified employees of institutions of higher education shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments upon completion of ten (10) or more years of service in either elected positions or classified or nonclassified positions with a state agency or an institution.
      2. To receive the full amount authorized in subsection (c) of this section, the service shall have been in either elected positions or regular full-time positions.
      3. Nonfaculty and classified employees of institutions who work part-time in regular salary positions may receive annual career service recognition payments on a pro rata basis.
    1. Periods of authorized leave without pay and leave of absence for military service when veterans' reemployment rights are exercised shall not negate eligibility for the payment, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
  1. The Division of Higher Education shall establish and publish policies and procedures for the administration of career service recognition payments to employees of institutions upon a determination by the Director of the Division of Higher Education that the respective institution has sufficient funds available for that purpose.
  2. Nonfaculty and classified employees of institutions who meet eligibility requirements established by subsection (a) of this section shall become eligible for annual career service recognition payments on the anniversary date of the completion of such service according to the following schedule:
  3. Career service recognition payments authorized by this section are:
    1. Subject to withholding of all applicable state and federal taxes; and
    2. Included by retirement systems in determining benefits.

STATE SERVICE ANNUAL PAYMENT 10 through 14 years of state service $ 800 15 through 19 years of state service 1,000 20 through 24 years of state service 1,200 25 or more years of state service 1,500

Click to view table.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 2343; 2019, No. 914, § 2.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” twice in (b).

The 2019 amendment by No. 914, in (c), substituted “$800” for “$600”, “1,000” for “700”, “1,200” for “800”, and “1,500” for “900”.

21-5-1417. Merit increase pay system — Definition.

    1. The Division of Higher Education may develop and establish a merit increase pay system for employees of all institutions of higher education covered by this subchapter.
      1. Employees are eligible for a merit increase to be paid as an increase in salary or a lump sum on the employee's merit increase date, and the payment shall not be construed as exceeding the maximum pay level for the grade.
      2. The lump-sum payments authorized in this section shall be considered as salary for the purposes of retirement eligibility.
    2. The merit increase pay system shall be reviewed by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  1. As used in this section, “merit increase pay system” means a merit-based pay system that incorporates pay and performance evaluation standards and establishes criteria for payments for employees who meet requisite performance categories.
  2. Merit payments may be awarded to employees who satisfy performance evaluation-based criteria developed by institutions in accordance with procedures and policies developed and approved by the division after review by the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 2017, No. 599, § 4; 2019, No. 763, § 11; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2344-2345.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 763 rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” twice.

21-5-1418. Information technology labor market rates for recruitment and retention.

    1. In order for an institution of higher education to recruit and retain information technology professionals in classified positions, the Division of Higher Education may develop and implement a plan for labor market rates up to the midpoint allowed for the grade after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
    2. The division shall establish the list of applicable information technology classifications after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.
  1. An institution of higher education implementing a labor market rate under subsection (a) of this section shall report any salary adjustments made to the:
    1. Division; and
    2. Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

History. Acts 2019, No. 763, § 12.

Chapter 6 Fees

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Effective Dates. Acts Dec. 23, 1842, § 35, p. 27: Jan. 1, 1843.

Acts 1977, No. 333, § 6: Mar. 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the establishment of uniform advance fees to be charged for causes of action by the clerks in the various circuit and chancery courts of this State is necessary to provide for the efficient operation of said offices and to minimize the necessity of maintaining separate accounts for various fees; that the fees charged by county recorders are not now adequate to reimburse the county for the service of recording instruments, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to promote the efficient administration of justice in this State and to enable counties to recover reasonable fees for services rendered by recorders. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

21-6-101. Fees in certain sections superseded.

The appropriate fee prescribed in §§ 21-6-306, 21-6-402, and 21-6-403 shall be in lieu of the fee prescribed in:

  1. Section 18-44-117 for filing mechanics' and materialmen's liens;
  2. Section 18-46-115 for filing medical, nursing, and hospital liens;
  3. Section 16-65-117 for filing judgments to establish judgment liens on lands; and
  4. Section 17-90-303 for recording licenses of optometrists.

History. Acts 1977, No. 333, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1720.2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Section 17-90-303 does not prescribe a fee for recording licenses of optometrists.

21-6-102. Posting of fees.

Every officer to whom fees are allowed by law shall cause to be set up in some conspicuous place in his or her office and there constantly keep a fair list or table of his or her fees. In case of default, any such officer shall forfeit all the fees pertaining to his or her office so long as he or she shall neglect to set up and keep up the list or table of fees.

History. Acts Dec. 23, 1842, § 26, p. 27; C. & M. Dig., § 4626; Pope's Dig., § 5715; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1737.

Case Notes

Construction.

This section is highly penal and must be strictly construed. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940).

Applicability.

This section is not applicable to an official who is not paid fees for his services but is paid a fixed salary for all purposes, though fees are collected for benefit of the county which pays his salary. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940).

21-6-103. Illegal fees — Penalty.

If any officer shall charge, demand, or receive any more or greater fees for his or her services than are allowed by law, or shall demand, charge, or receive any such fees without having performed the services for which the fees are charged, the officer for every offense shall forfeit to the injured party, or the party against whom the fees may be charged, the amount of fees illegally charged, and five dollars ($5.00) for each item illegally demanded, charged, or received, with cost, and shall also be subject to an indictment for extortion.

History. Acts Dec. 23, 1842, § 35, p. 27; C. & M. Dig., §§ 2810, 4632; Pope's Dig., §§ 3528, 5721; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1738.

Publisher's Notes. This section may be partially superseded, as it relates to notaries public, by § 21-6-309(b).

Cross References. Soliciting unlawful compensation, § 5-52-104.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Official Misconduct under the Arkansas Criminal Code, 30 Ark. L. Rev. 160.

Case Notes

Construction.

This section is highly penal and must be strictly construed. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940); McCourtney v. Morrow, 216 Ark. 959, 229 S.W.2d 124 (1950).

This section must be given the same construction in civil cases as in criminal cases. McCourtney v. Morrow, 216 Ark. 959, 229 S.W.2d 124 (1950).

Applicability.

This section has no application to an action by a county against the circuit clerk to set aside judgments allowing claims for services and warrants issued pursuant thereto. Johnson County v. Bost, 139 Ark. 35, 213 S.W. 388 (1919).

This section is not applicable to an official who is not paid fees for his services but is paid a fixed salary for all purposes, though fees are collected for benefit of the county which pays his salary. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940).

Extortion.

—Defined.

Extortion, as defined in this section, embraces only state, county, and township officers and does not relate to or include road commissioners. Hood v. State, 156 Ark. 92, 245 S.W. 176 (1922).

—Proof of Intent.

If an officer takes a fee not authorized by law under the belief that he is by law entitled to it and without any corrupt intent in the matter, he is not guilty of extortion. Leeman v. State, 35 Ark. 438 (1880).

As a prerequisite to liability, there must be a finding of fact that officer acted corruptly with bad motive or evil intent. McCourtney v. Morrow, 216 Ark. 959, 229 S.W.2d 124 (1950).

—Sufficiency of Indictment.

It is sufficient averment of a corrupt intent in an indictment for extortion to allege that the defendant “extorsively” took the unlawful fee. Leeman v. State, 35 Ark. 438 (1880).

An indictment of a road commissioner of a road improvement district for extortion in receiving money for services not performed was fatally defective in failing to allege that the money was received corruptly and under color of office. Hood v. State, 156 Ark. 92, 245 S.W. 176 (1922).

Setoff.

An officer proceeded against under this section cannot set off illegal charges against omitted legal charges, nor avoid the penalty by tendering overcharge before action is commenced. Turner v. Blount, 49 Ark. 361, 5 S.W. 589 (1887).

21-6-104. Fees in absence of fixed fee.

In all cases where any officer or other person is required to perform any duty for which no fees are allowed by any law, he or she shall be entitled to receive such pay as would be allowed for similar services.

History. Acts Dec. 23, 1842, § 24, p. 27; C. & M. Dig., § 4624; Pope's Dig., § 5713; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1735.

Cross References. Constructive fees not allowed, § 14-23-108.

Case Notes

Common Law.

The right to recover costs did not exist at common law. Jackson v. Lofton, 102 Ark. 144, 143 S.W. 895 (1912).

Statutory Authority Required.

An officer is not entitled to fees for every specific act done by him officially; rather, can only collect where the law makes provision to pay him. Crittenden County v. Crump, 25 Ark. 235 (1868).

Where the compensation of an officer is regulated by fees, he can only demand those authorized by law and cannot charge for a particular service for which no special fee is provided, unless there is a general provision of law covering all services not specially provided for; such a general provision would not embrace services for the state or a county, unless they are expressly named or necessarily implied. Standford v. Wheeler, 28 Ark. 144 (1873); Cole v. White County, 32 Ark. 45 (1877).

The county court is absolutely prohibited from allowing to any officer any fee or allowance not specifically allowed the officer by law, nor can it allow any officer constructive fees. Trimble v. St. Louis & S.F. Ry., 56 Ark. 249, 19 S.W. 839 (1892); Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893).

To authorize a county court to allow a claim of fees for services rendered by an officer, three things must concur: (1) There must be a specific statutory authority to the officer to make a charge for the service; (2) The officer must be required by the statute, or by the rules of practice or order of the court, to perform the service; and (3) The statute must indicate, expressly or by fair intendment, the intention to permit the fee allowed by the statute for the service to be charged against the county. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893).

21-6-105. Computation of fees.

In all cases where fees are allowed by law according to the number of words, each figure shall be counted as one (1) word.

History. Acts Dec. 23, 1842, § 23, p. 27; C. & M. Dig., § 4623; Pope's Dig., § 5712; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1734.

Subchapter 2 — State Officers

Effective Dates. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 53: effective on passage.

Acts 1881, No. 40, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1927, No. 197, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1983, No. 886, § 6: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1983 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1983 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1985, No. 318, § 2: July 1, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fifth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this Act is essential to the efficient operation of the State Land Department and any delay in the implementation of this Act will seriously hamper the efficient operation of the State Land Department. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of public peace and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1985.”

Acts 2001, No. 423, § 2: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-third General Assembly that the effective date of this act shall be July 1, 2001, in that the fiscal year for all state agencies begins on July 1; that for purposes of accounting and record keeping it is necessary that the changes made by this act to the collection of fees by the Commissioner of State Lands be implemented on a date corresponding with the start of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

21-6-201. Auditor of State.

The following fee shall be paid into the State Treasury for services performed by the Auditor of State:

For each certified transcript from the Auditor of State, to be paid by the person who shall desire the same $ 1.00

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 2, p. 167; C. & M. Dig., § 4569; Pope's Dig., § 5653; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1702.

21-6-202. Secretary of State.

  1. The following fees shall be allowed for services performed by the Secretary of State and paid into the State Treasury in the same manner that all other fees are or shall be directed to be paid:
    1. For affixing the Great Seal of the State, or the Seal of the Secretary of State to any instrument $ 5.00
    2. For every commission issued to a citizen of another state or apostilles 10.00
    3. For every commission issued to a state officer other than prosecuting attorneys 15.00
    4. For every commission issued to prosecuting attorneys 15.00
    5. For every commission issued to a sheriff, collector, clerk, county judge, treasurer, assessor, coroner, or surveyor 10.00
    6. For every commission issued to any other county officer or justice of the peace other than members of the General Assembly 5.00
    7. For all copies of records or other written or printed files in the office of the Secretary of State, and for recording, for every page .80
    8. For all copies of maps, profiles, or other files of a similar nature, such fee as may be established by the Secretary of State, to be determined with reference to the amount of clerical labor and stationery required to make such copies, at the rate of not less than one dollar ($1.00) per hour for the time employed in making the copies.
  2. All fees specified in this section shall be paid at the time the commission, certificate, instrument, or copy is delivered.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 1, p. 167; 1881, No. 40, § 1, p. 73; C. & M. Dig., § 4568; Acts 1927, No. 197, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 5652; Acts 1957, No. 340, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1701; Acts 1989, No. 285, § 1.

Case Notes

State Officers' Commissions.

A special judge of the Supreme Court is not required to pay the fee for a commission issued to a state officer. Chism v. Martin, 57 Ark. 83, 20 S.W. 809 (1892).

21-6-203. Commissioner of State Lands — Definition.

  1. The Commissioner of State Lands may by rule:
    1. Establish a schedule of rates, fees, and charges for the deeds produced and filed or services performed in carrying out the established duties and authority of the office of the Commissioner of State Lands; and
    2. Revise the rates, fees, and charges to ensure that the revenues from the rates, fees, and charges together with other available funds shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the various deeds produced or filed and services performed in carrying out the established duties and authority of the office of the Commissioner of State Lands.
    1. A fee under this section shall not be established in an amount that exceeds the costs expended by the Commissioner of State Lands in producing or filing deeds or performing services.
    2. As used in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, “costs” means the actual costs expended by the Commissioner of State Lands plus three percent (3%) of the actual costs expended by the Commissioner of State Lands.
  2. All rates, fees, and charges collected by the Commissioner of State Lands shall be deposited into a financial institution in the state.

History. Acts 1883, No. 117, §§ 1, 2, p. 295; C. & M. Dig., § 4570; Pope's Dig., § 5654; Acts 1983, No. 886, §§ 1, 3; 1985, No. 318, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 10-114, 10-115, 12-1704, 12-1705; Acts 2001, No. 423, § 1; 2019, No. 673, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment substituted “office of the Commissioner of State Lands” for “Office of the State Land Commissioner” in (a)(10); in (b), substituted “The commissioner shall” for “The Commissioner shall,” substituted “collection fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars” for “twenty-five dollar ($25.00) collection fee,” deleted “which has been transferred to the Commissioner of State Lands” following “delinquent land,” and inserted the present language following “delinquent land”; substituted “commissioner” for “Commissioner of State Lands” in (c), (d), and (e); substituted “a fee” for “into the State Treasury the sum” in (c) and (d); and substituted “a financial institution in the state” for “the State Treasury to the credit of the Constitutional Officers Fund” in (e).

The 2019 amendment rewrote the section.

Subchapter 3 — County Officers

Effective Dates. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 53: effective on passage.

Acts 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 15: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 114, § 226: effective on passage.

Acts 1885, No. 97, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1885, No. 98, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1899, No. 190, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1903, No. 32, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1921, No. 224, § 3: approved Mar. 3, 1921. Emergency clause provided: “This act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared, and this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage.”

Acts 1923, No. 142, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1929, No. 95, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1941, No. 78, § 2: approved Feb. 20, 1941. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the uncertainty of the law governing county treasurers' fees in this State is causing great confusion in our county governments and is endangering the public peace and safety, an emergency is therefore declared and this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.”

Acts 1941, No. 120, § 2: approved Mar. 6, 1941. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby determined that on account of reduced assessed valuation and other reasons, additional compensation to collectors is necessary for proper enforcement of the law and collection of taxes; therefore an emergency exists and this act being necessary for the public peace, health and safety shall be in force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1943, No. 31, § 3: approved Feb. 10, 1943. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby determined that on account of reduced assessed valuation and other reasons, additional compensation to collectors is necessary for proper enforcement of the law and collection of taxes, therefore, an emergency exists and this act being necessary for the public peace, health and safety shall be in force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1945, No. 55, § 3: Feb. 16, 1945. Emergency clause provided: “All laws and parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, and because of the confusion and uncertainty existing in the various counties throughout the State under the present laws relative to the legal fees entitled to be charged by the Circuit and Chancery Clerks and Recorders in this State for the services they render, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1945, No. 271, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1947, No. 201, § 3: Mar. 7, 1947. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the present fees now being paid to county surveyors are inadequate:

“Now, Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1947, No. 221, § 4: Mar. 18, 1947. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the fees now being paid to justices of the peace and constables of this State are totally inadequate to compensate them for the services rendered; now, therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1949, No. 348, § 3: approved Mar. 21, 1949. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby ascertained that the commissions payable to the Collector are inadequate due to the increased cost of living and that a great hardship is being imposed; it being further ascertained that adequate compensation is necessary for the carrying on of county government and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the inhabitants of the State of Arkansas, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1963, No. 124, § 2: Feb. 28, 1963. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the fee presently provided for recorders for recording, indexing and cross-indexing instruments of writing is not adequate to compensate such recorders and in fact is working a severe hardship on the recorders in the various counties and that this act is immediately necessary to correct the situation. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in effect from the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1973, No. 141, § 2: Jan. 1, 1974.

Acts 1975, No. 127, § 7: Feb. 7, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and determined by the General Assembly that the adoption of Amendment No. 55 to the Constitution requires legislation to implement immediately Section 5 of said Amendment; that standards for the payment of compensation of county officers and employees are required; and that requirements for receipt and deposit of fees, fines, and penalties consistent with said Amendment are required. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 333, § 6: Mar. 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the establishment of uniform advance fees to be charged for causes of action by the clerks in the various circuit and chancery courts of this State is necessary to provide for the efficient operation of said offices and to minimize the necessity of maintaining separate accounts for various fees; that the fees charged by county recorders are not now adequate to reimburse the county for the service of recording instruments, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to promote the efficient administration of justice in this State and to enable counties to recover reasonable fees for services rendered by recorders. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 399, § 3: approved Mar. 10, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the operations of industries and inflationary activities have caused a great increase in wages and a great influx into this State, which has resulted in a congestion of population in many areas, which congestion has brought about more lawlessness and has necessitated a great deal of additional expense and work by the several Sheriffs of this State, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the same shall take effect and be in full force and effect after its passage.”

Acts 1985, No. 558, § 4: Mar. 25, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law is not clear with regard to the right of a county treasurer to receive a commission on public school funds handled by him for a district which is not administered in his county; that in some counties of the State both the county treasurer in which school funds are collected and the county treasurer of the county in which the district is administered are taking a full commission on such school funds; that the county treasurer of the county in which funds are collected but in which the school district is not administered actually performs very little service to the district; that to allow treasurers of two counties to take a commission on any particular public school funds places an unfair burden on such funds and on the districts for which such funds are collected; that it is the purpose and intent of this Act to clarify the law to assure that in the case of a school district located in two or more counties, only the county treasurer of the county in which the district is administered is entitled to a commission on the funds of such district and that this Act should be given effect at the earliest possible date to avoid this inequity. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989, No. 304, § 6: Mar. 2, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the fees currently prescribed by law to be charged by notaries for their services are outdated and are not sufficient to compensate notaries public for their services; that the current laws relating to notaries public do not require applicants for a notary commission to post a bond to assure that they perform their duties as a notary in accordance with law; that this act is designed to increase fees for notary services and to require notaries to file a bond at the time of making application for a notary commission and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989, No. 534, § 10: Mar. 14, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the fees currently charged for filing and recording instruments for initiation of actions in the circuit and chancery courts and for other official functions of the circuit and chancery courts are inadequate and should be increased immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1999, No. 108, § 5: Feb. 17, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that there is a lack of modern computerized accounting equipment and software in county treasurers' offices across the state. It is further determined by the Arkansas General Assembly that this lack of automation could impede the smooth operation of county finances in those counties without such equipment and software. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1215, § 2: March 30, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that due to the passage of Amendment 79 to the Constitution of Arkansas it is vital that the county collectors have the means to establish an automation system to ensure efficient and accurate records are kept by the county collector. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2001, No. 1275, § 4: Apr. 4, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that property tax reimbursements to the counties will most likely begin in April and it is critical to the counties to account for costs borne by the certification of amounts of real property tax reduction to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015, No. 741, § 6: Jan. 1, 2016.

21-6-301. Fees not basis for compensation.

  1. Fees of the office shall not be the basis of compensation for officers or employees of county offices.
  2. All compensation, including salary, hourly compensation, expense allowances, and other remunerations allowed to any county officer or employee shall be made only on specific appropriation by the quorum court of the county. The quorum court shall make those appropriations required by law.
  3. All expense allowances and remunerations other than salary allowed to any county officer or employee by law shall be paid only for actual expenses incurred in the official performance of duties as attested by vouchers certified by the county officer or employee and by such other evidence as may be required.

History. Acts 1975, No. 127, §§ 1, 3, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1740, 12-1742, 12-1743.

Case Notes

In General.

Acts 1941, No. 342, provided that county delinquent tax collectors were to be paid from the fees they collected in their official capacity, but Acts 1975, No. 127, codified in this section as enabling legislation to Ark. Const. Amend. No. 55, provides that no county officers or employees shall be compensated through such a system; thus, Act 342 and Act 127 were plainly in direct conflict and the chancellor was correct in finding that Act 127 impliedly repealed Act 342. Bahil v. Scribner, 265 Ark. 834, 581 S.W.2d 334 (1979).

Construction with Other Laws.

This section repealed Acts 1941, No. 342. Bahil v. Scribner, 265 Ark. 834, 581 S.W.2d 334 (1979).

County Officers.

Defendants were county officers or employees where the defendants conducted their operations out of the county courthouse, the county supplied their office space and utilities, their bonds were payable to the county, the county paid the employer's part of their Social Security payments, and the county paid the employer's part of their state retirement payments. Bahil v. Scribner, 265 Ark. 834, 581 S.W.2d 334 (1979).

Eligibility for Retirement System.

Substantial evidence supported the finding of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System that former employees of nursing homes owned by counties were not “county employees” under the relevant statutes and were not eligible for membership in the retirement system because their compensation was payable from patient revenues rather than from appropriated funds. Bd. of Trs. of the Ark. Pub. Emples. Ret. Sys. v. Garrison, 2019 Ark. App. 245, 576 S.W.3d 485 (2019).

Assuming that the nursing-home administrative boards and their respective counties were synonymous under the definitions of “County employees” and “Employees” in § 24-4-101, the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System's finding that the former employees of county-owned nursing homes were not paid from appropriated funds as required by the definition of “Employees” in § 24-4-101 was affirmed as no ordinances in the record specifically designated county money for their compensation. Bd. of Trs. of the Ark. Pub. Emples. Ret. Sys. v. Garrison, 2019 Ark. App. 245, 576 S.W.3d 485 (2019).

21-6-302. County treasurers — Commission — Definition — Findings.

  1. The General Assembly finds that:
    1. Requiring the collection of commissions from funds under this section provides for fair and equitable treatment of the entities on the books of the county;
    2. The exceptions to the collection of commissions from funds are valid exceptions; and
    3. The exceptions to the collection of county treasurer commissions under this section are the only valid exceptions.
  2. Unless otherwise provided under subdivision (f)(1) of this section or subsection (g) of this section or under § 6-13-701, § 6-17-908, § 6-20-221, § 8-15-111, § 14-90-913, § 14-174-109, § 14-284-403, or § 19-5-1096, the county treasurers shall collect, as a treasurer's commission, two percent (2%) on all funds coming into their hands as treasurers and to be paid out of the respective funds.
  3. The commissions collected under this section shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the county treasurer's commission fund.
  4. The moneys collected by the treasurer as commissions shall be used by the treasurer to offset administrative costs.
    1. The treasurer may set aside up to ten percent (10%) of the gross commissions collected annually to be credited to the county treasurer's automation fund to be used:
      1. To operate the office of the county treasurer;
      2. For administrative costs; and
      3. To purchase, maintain, and operate an automated accounting and record-keeping system.
    2. The acquisition and update of software for the automated accounting and record-keeping system are permitted uses of these funds.
      1. Moneys deposited into the county treasurer's automation fund may accumulate and are not subject to the distribution of excess commission.
      2. The moneys shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this section by the quorum court at the direction of the treasurer.
    1. The treasurer shall not receive a commission for the handling of revolving loan, equalizing, and vocational education funds, proceeds of school bond sales, money collected from insurance or risk management funds on losses, federal or state grants, funds the county treasurer is not statutorily or by ordinance authorized to manage, and nonrevenue receipts.
    2. As used in this subsection, “nonrevenue receipts” means reimbursement of all or a part of a payment made by the county.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, in the case of funds of a school district composed of area in two (2) or more counties, only the county treasurer of the county in which the district is administered shall be allowed a commission on the funds.
    2. If the school district has a district treasurer, the county treasurer collecting the school district funds and remitting them to the district treasurer is allowed a commission on the funds of that school district in accordance with §§ 6-13-701 and 6-20-221.
  5. Annual commissions not used for the operation of the county treasurer's office, except those commissions set aside in the county treasurer's automation fund, shall be prorated to the appropriate entities as excess commission.

History. Acts 1941, No. 78, § 1; 1985, No. 558, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1728; Acts 1991, No. 257, § 1; 1999, No. 108, § 1; 2003, No. 844, § 1; 2005, No. 435, § 2; 2017, No. 420, § 1; 2019, No. 310, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The Arkansas Real Property Reappraisal Fund was originally codified as §§ 19-5-1096 and 19-5-1207. However, to eliminate problems arising from the dual codification, § 19-5-1207 was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 388, § 5. Accordingly, the amendment of § 21-6-302 by Acts 2019, No. 310, which changed a reference in (b) from “§ 19-5-1096” to “§ 19-5-1207” has not been given effect.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in (a), inserted “by §§ 6-13-701, 6-17-908, 6-20-221, 14-90-913, and 21-6-104” and substituted “required to collect, as treasurer's commission,” for “allowed, as fees,”; added (b) through (d); redesignated former (b) and (c) as present (e) and (f); and inserted “school” in (e)(1).

The 2003 amendment inserted present (d)(1)(A) and (d)(1)(B); and inserted the (d)(1)(C) designation.

The 2005 amendment inserted “14-284-403” in (a).

The 2017 amendment inserted “Commission” and “Findings” in the section heading; added present (a); redesignated former (a) through (f) as present (b) through (g); substituted “Unless otherwise provided under subdivision (f)(1) or subsection (g) of this section or under § 6-13-701, § 6-17-908, § 6-20-221, § 8-15-111, § 14-90-913, § 14-174-109, § 14-284-403, or § 19-5-1096” for “Unless otherwise provided by §§ 6-13-701, 6-17-908, 6-20-221, 14-90-913, 14-284-403, and 21-6-104” in (b); added “and are not subject to the distribution of excess commission” in (e)(3)(A); in (f)(1), inserted “or risk management funds” and “federal or state grants, funds the county treasurer is not statutorily or by ordinance authorized to manage”; added “Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section” in (g)(1); added (g)(2) and (h); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment substituted “§ 19-5-1207” for “§ 19-5-1096” in (b).

Case Notes

Purpose.

This section does not purport to be a salary act or other compensatory act for county treasurers, but it was intended to create a source of revenue accruing to that office from which the salary of the incumbent could be paid. Howard v. Stafford, 203 Ark. 736, 158 S.W.2d 929 (1942).

Construction with Other Laws.

This section repealed Acts 1939, No. 146, but not any other act, either legislative or initiative, fixing the salaries of county treasurers. Howard v. Stafford, 203 Ark. 736, 158 S.W.2d 929 (1942).

Funds Excluded.

This section contemplated the allowance of fees on all county revenue but not upon funds belonging to a drainage district. Honey v. Greene County, 102 Ark. 106, 143 S.W. 592 (1912) (decision under prior law).

Proportionate Contribution from Funds.

The county treasurer's salary is fixed in amount by the total of the county funds coming into his hands, but in the settlement of the salary each fund contributes its own proportion and pays in its own kind. Hodges v. Prairie County, 80 Ark. 62, 95 S.W. 988 (1906) (decision under prior law).

Sale of Bonds.

The county treasurer is not entitled to a commission on sales of bonds of a drainage district. Fuller v. State, 112 Ark. 91, 164 S.W. 770 (1914) (decision under prior law).

21-6-303. County surveyors.

County surveyors shall be allowed the following fees:

  1. For each day he or she may be engaged, either under an order of the county court, or otherwise, not to exceed $50.00
  2. For each mile traveled from the place of residence to a place where the service is to be made and return .12
  3. For calculating the amount of land in each tract or division and making the plat, a fee of not to exceed three dollars ($3.00) per hour devoted in the preparation thereof, but in no event less than 1.00
  4. For recording plat and certificate .50
  5. For every copy of plat and certificate .50.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 29, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 10, p. 103; C. & M. Dig., § 4596; Acts 1921, No. 224, § 1; 1929, No. 95, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 5684; Acts 1947, No. 201, § 1; 1957, No. 173, § 1; 1963, No. 192, § 1; 1971, No. 455, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1729.

Cross References. Fees as county timber inspector, § 15-32-410.

Case Notes

Extra Compensation.

An agreement between county judge and surveyor that surveyor would receive the compensation in excess of statutory amount was unauthorized. Prairie County v. Radican, 174 Ark. 622, 296 S.W. 80 (1927) (decision prior to 1929 amendment).

21-6-304. Coroners.

    1. Coroners shall be allowed fees as follows:
      1. For viewing a dead body in case of inquisition of death $ 7.50
      2. For summoning each witness .50
      3. For each deposition duly taken and returned .50
      4. For summoning and swearing jury, taking and returning inquisition 25.00
      5. For taking each recognizance .50
      6. For arresting any person whom, according to the inquisition or otherwise, he or she may be bound to arrest 1.00
      7. For going from his or her residence to the place of viewing a dead body and returning, each mile .20
      8. For each mile traveled in arresting any person and committing such person .20
      9. For each and every mile traveled in answering call wherein inquest is found not necessary, each mile .05
      10. For each and every day for making the call and report to the circuit clerk where inquest is found not necessary 5.00.
    2. Such fees, together with the fees of the jurors and witnesses, shall be paid out of the county treasury as other demands.
  1. For performing the duties of sheriff, the coroner shall be entitled to the same fees for the time being as are allowed to sheriffs for such services.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 26, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 9, p. 103; C. & M. Dig., § 4593; Pope's Dig., § 5681; Acts 1945, No. 271, § 2; 1953, No. 178, § 1; 1959, No. 38, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1727.

Case Notes

Autopsies.

When an autopsy is necessary in determination of the cause of death at coroner's inquest, the county is liable for reasonable compensation to the physician performing the autopsy. St. Francis County v. Cummings, 55 Ark. 419, 18 S.W. 461 (1892).

Inquests.

The coroner will not be allowed fees for conducting an inquest when it is evident before the inquest that death was due to natural causes. Clark County v. Callaway, 52 Ark. 361, 12 S.W. 756 (1890).

Cited: Partain v. Greene County, 158 Ark. 305, 250 S.W. 23 (1923).

21-6-305. Collector of revenue.

  1. The collector of revenue shall be allowed commissions for collecting the revenue and for certifying the amount of real property tax reduction to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State pursuant to § 26-26-310, as follows:
    1. For the first ten thousand dollars ($10,000) collected, five percent (5%) in kind;
    2. For all sums over ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and under twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) collected, four and one-half percent (4.5%) in kind;
    3. For all sums over twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) collected, four percent (4%) in kind; and
    4. For the amount of real property tax reduction certified to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, four percent (4%) in kind.
  2. All commissions allowed to the collector by this section or any other law shall be paid into the county treasury as general revenues.
    1. Commissions received by the county collector shall be used by the county collector to offset administrative costs.
      1. The county collector may set aside up to ten percent (10%) of the gross commissions collected annually to be credited to the county collector's automation fund:
        1. To operate the office of the county collector;
        2. For administrative costs; and
        3. To purchase, maintain, and operate an automated record-keeping system.
      2. The acquisition and update of software for the automated accounting and record-keeping system shall be a permitted use of these funds.
    2. Moneys deposited into this fund may accumulate and shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this section by the quorum court at the direction of the county collector.
  3. All moneys not used by the county collector to offset administrative costs or set aside into the county collector's automation fund shall be prorated to the appropriate taxing entities.

History. Acts 1883, No. 114, § 120 (last par.), p. 199; C. & M. Dig., § 10071; Pope's Dig., § 13832; Acts 1941, No. 120, § 1; 1943, No. 31, § 1; 1949, No. 348, §§ 1, 2; 1951, No. 105, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1726, 12-1726n; Acts 2001, No. 1215, § 1; 2001, No. 1275, § 1; 2003, No. 847, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment by No. 1215 added present (c) and (d) and made stylistic changes.

The 2001 amendment by No. 1275 inserted “and for certifying … § 26-26-310” in the introductory language of (a); deleted former (a)(4), (b), and (c); and added present (a)(4) and (b).

The 2003 amendment redesignated former (c)(2)(A) as present (c)(2)(A) and (c)(2)(A)(iii); and inserted present (c)(2)(A)(i) and (c)(2)(A)(ii).

Case Notes

Road Taxes.

Commission for collection of road taxes is determined from the total amount of all taxes collected. Road Imp. Dist. v. Smith, 164 Ark. 522, 262 S.W. 314 (1924).

Special Act.

Where the Auditor of State settled with a tax collector on the basis of this section instead of a special act (Acts 1917, No. 48) providing fees for that tax collector, thereby leaving in his hands a sum as commission on the state taxes to which he was not entitled under the special act, the county was not entitled to such surplus. Independence County v. Wright, 154 Ark. 184, 241 S.W. 903 (1922).

Cited: Venhaus v. Board of Educ., 280 Ark. 441, 659 S.W.2d 179 (1983).

21-6-306. Recorders.

    1. The uniform fees to be charged by the recorders in the various counties in this state shall be as follows:
      1. For recording deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, release deeds, powers of attorney, plats, survey plats, notary bonds, foreign judgments, materialmen's liens, and other recordable instruments, except as otherwise prescribed in this section, fifteen dollars ($15.00) for one (1) page, one (1) side only, and five dollars ($5.00) for each additional page;
      2. For recording mortgage assignments, mortgage releases, and other instruments when multiple instruments are listed in a single document, an additional fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per instrument listed not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300) shall be charged; and
      3. Eight dollars ($8.00) for filing or recording a certificate of assessment or any other instrument not specified in this subsection.
    2. If the recorder waives the requirements of § 14-15-402(b)(1) for good cause, the instrument may be recorded for an additional fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
    1. All fees collected under this section shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the fund to be known as the “county recorder's cost fund”.
    2. Moneys deposited into this fund shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this section by the quorum court at the direction of the recorder.
    3. Appropriated moneys shall be placed into line items within the recorder's budget as approved by the quorum court.
    1. All moneys collected by the recorder as a fee as provided in this section shall be used by the recorder's office to offset administrative costs.
      1. At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the moneys collected annually shall be used to purchase, maintain, and operate an automated records system. The acquisition and update of software for the automated records system shall be a permitted use of these funds.
      2. At the discretion of the recorder, any funds not needed by the recorder for any of the purposes under this subdivision (c)(2) may be transferred to the county general fund.
      3. Any funds in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) held at any time in the county recorder's cost fund shall be transferred to the county general fund.

History. Acts 1945, No. 55, § 2; 1963, No. 124, § 1; 1977, No. 333, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1720; Acts 1989, No. 534, § 2; 1995, No. 768, § 1; 2001, No. 1144, § 1; 2003, No. 1339, § 1; 2007, No. 615, § 1; 2009, No. 202, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a)(1), substituted “eight dollars ($8.00)” for “six dollars ($6.00)” and “three dollars ($3.00)” for “two dollars ($2.00)”; and substituted “section that are” for “section which are” in (a)(2).

The 2003 amendment added (c)(2)(B).

The 2009 amendment deleted “writs of execution, writs of garnishment” in (a)(1)(A), and made a related change.

Cross References. Circuit court clerks as ex officio recorders, § 14-14-1301.

Acknowledgment of satisfaction on record, § 18-40-104.

Case Notes

County Ordinances.

The General Assembly, by adopting this section, established a standard amount of recording fee and preempted a field that otherwise could have been validly regulated by county ordinance. Kollmeyer v. Greer, 267 Ark. 632, 593 S.W.2d 29 (1980).

Where the ordinances of a county quorum court which levied additional local recording fees on deeds and other instruments were inconsistent and in conflict with this section, those ordinances exceeded the local legislative authority granted to the counties by Ark. Const. Amend. 55 and § 14-14-801 et seq. and were, therefore, void and the moneys collected thereunder had to be refunded. Kollmeyer v. Greer, 267 Ark. 632, 593 S.W.2d 29 (1980).

21-6-307. Sheriffs.

  1. The following fees shall be charged by each of the sheriffs of the several counties of the State of Arkansas:
    1. For serving every summons, capias, scire facias, attachment, writ of garnishment, writ of injunction, or subpoena $ 30.00
    2. For serving a writ of execution 100.00
    3. For commission for receiving and paying money on execution or process when lands or goods have been taken into custody, advertised, or sold 10%
    4. For every return of a writ, summons, or subpoena, original or judicial 20.00
    5. For executing a writ of inquiry 20.00
    6. For executing a certificate of purchase for real estate under execution 20.00
    7. For making, executing, and subscribing a sheriff's deed to be paid by purchaser 30.00
    8. For serving each order, notice, or rule of any court 30.00
    9. For serving each notice to vacate 30.00
    10. For advertising goods or lands for sale 30.00
    11. For returning each execution or attachment 20.00
    12. For advertising elections in each voting precinct 20.00
    13. For delivering voter registration books for each voting
    14. For serving warrant or order of arrest from any court 50.00
    15. For taking and entering every bail or delivery bond 20.00
    16. For attending every trial of a criminal or civil case of confession in open court 20.00
    17. For serving subpoena for special jurors 20.00.
    1. Seventy-five percent (75%) of all fees collected by the sheriff shall be paid into the county treasury in the manner provided by law, or to the person entitled to receive the money, or to his or her order, or to his or her attorney of record.
      1. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of all fees collected by the sheriff shall be used by the sheriff to establish a special fund to be known as the “communications facility and equipment fund”.
      2. All funds so designated shall be invested by the sheriff in an interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit into one (1) or more banking institutions domiciled within the State of Arkansas and insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
      3. All sums paid into the communications facility and equipment fund by the sheriff may accumulate as to principal and interest until such time as the deposits or a portion thereof are needed by the sheriff to:
        1. Train operations staff;
        2. Operate, equip, repair, or replace existing communications equipment;
        3. Purchase additional communications equipment;
        4. Otherwise improve a communications facility or system for the sheriff's department; or
        5. Purchase vehicles, weapons, or other equipment for the sheriff's department.
      4. At the discretion of the sheriff, any funds not needed by the sheriff for any of the purposes under this subdivision (b)(2) may be transferred to the county general fund.
  2. The court clerk shall on or before the fifteenth day of each month transmit to the sheriff the fees collected under this section, and the sheriff shall dispose of the fees as provided in this section.
  3. If more persons than one (1) are named in a writ, process, or subpoena, fees shall be charged for each named, unless parties reside or are employed in the same location.
  4. The fees provided shall be for serving of process from any of the several courts of the county.
  5. The fees set forth in this section shall be the sole and exclusive fees to be charged by the sheriffs of the several counties of this state for each of the services enumerated in this section.

precinct 20.00

History. Acts 1977, No. 399, § 1; 1981, No. 256, § 1; 1983, No. 717, § 1; 1985, No. 851, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1722; Acts 1995, No. 662, § 1; 2001, No. 1427, § 1; 2003, No. 1338, § 1; 2015, No. 741, § 3.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment substituted “30.00” for “15.00” in (a)(1) and (a)(7)-(10); substituted “100.00” for “50.00” in (a)(2); substituted “10%” for “7%” in (a)(3); substituted “20.00” for “10.00” in (a)(4)-(6), (a)(11)-(13), and (a)(15)-(17); and substituted “50.00” for “25.00” in (a)(14).

The 2003 amendment inserted “to” preceding “his” twice in (b)(1); and added (b)(2)(D).

The 2015 amendment added (b)(2)(C)(v).

Case Notes

In General.

The right of a sheriff to charge fees is derived from and dependent on statute and he is not entitled to any compensation except as is given to him by law. Miller County v. Magee, 177 Ark. 752, 7 S.W.2d 973 (1928) (decision under prior law); Campbell v. White, 294 Ark. 656, 746 S.W.2d 42 (1988).

Bond.

Where the sheriff had not collected the amount of a forfeited bond, he was not entitled to a collection fee. McInturf v. State, 175 Ark. 388, 299 S.W. 388 (1927) (decision under prior law).

Notice of Appointment.

The sheriff was entitled to fees for serving on the judges of election notice of their appointment. Ouachita County v. Chidester, 99 Ark. 206, 137 S.W. 811 (1911) (decision under prior law).

Service of Process.

In a suit to enforce a lien on 66 tracts of land belonging to one person, where 66 copies of the summons were served on the owner, the sheriff was entitled to one fee therefor, service of only one copy being necessary. Sewer Dist. v. School Dist., 70 Ark. 59, 66 S.W. 152 (1902) (decision under prior law).

Although special act creating a municipal court provided certain duties to be performed by the constable, where process from the municipal court was directed to the sheriff, he was entitled to fees for the service. Miller County v. Magee, 177 Ark. 752, 7 S.W.2d 973 (1928) (decision under prior law).

Unable to Levy.

Subdivision (a)(2) does not authorize a fee for serving a writ of execution when the sheriff is unable to levy upon a defendant's property or to notify a defendant, by serving him a copy of the writ, of the sheriff's intention to levy on the defendant's property. Campbell v. White, 294 Ark. 656, 746 S.W.2d 42 (1988).

Cited: City of Greenbrier v. Cotton, 293 Ark. 264, 737 S.W.2d 444 (1987).

21-6-308. Constables.

  1. The quorum court may fix the salary of the constables that are elected within the jurisdiction of the quorum court.
  2. All constables in this state shall collect and account for all fees collected, and the fees shall be deposited with the county treasurer in the constable's jurisdiction not more than thirty (30) days after their collection.
  3. Constables shall collect and account for the following fees:
    1. For serving a warrant in a criminal case, for each
    2. For taking a criminal to jail 2.00
    3. For summoning each jury before a justice of the peace 1.00
    4. For levying each execution 2.00
    5. For taking each delivery bond 1.00
    6. For summoning each witness .75
    7. For levying a writ of attachment 2.00
    8. For every return of non est on a writ, original or
    9. For return of nulla bona .20
    10. For attending a trial of each case in the court of a
    11. For attending and calling court at each trial upon
    12. For care of each prisoner while in actual custody for
    13. For summoning each defendant 2.00.

defendant $ 2.00

judicial, or subpoena .20

justice of the peace .50

continuance .50

each day .75

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 31, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 11, p. 103; 1885, No. 97, § 1, p. 156; 1885, No. 98, § 2, p. 157; 1899, No. 190, § 1, p. 334; 1903, No. 32, § 1, p. 55; C. & M. Dig., § 4598; Pope's Dig., § 5687; Acts 1947, No. 221, § 1; 1961, No. 472, § 1; 1971, No. 233, § 1; 1973, No. 141, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1730; Acts 2011, No. 561, § 5.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment substituted “may” for “shall” preceding “fix” in (a).

Cross References. Townships containing city having district court or state-supported educational institution, constables not entitled to fees in criminal cases, § 16-17-114.

21-6-309. Notaries public.

  1. A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in this state may charge and collect a fee for a notarial act if the fee:
    1. Is a reasonable amount as determined by the notary public; and
    2. The fee is disclosed to and agreed upon by the client or principal before executing the notarial act.
    1. A notary public who knowingly charges, demands, or receives any fees not provided by law, or who charges, demands, or receives a fee amount that violates subsection (a) of this section, is guilty of a violation.
    2. Upon conviction, the notary public shall be fined no less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

History. Acts 1923, No. 142, §§ 1, 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 5685, 5686; Acts 1969, No. 155, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1733, 12-1739; Acts 1989, No. 304, § 1; 2015, No. 570, § 1; 2017, No. 537, § 1.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “may” for “shall” in the introductory paragraph in (a); and added (a)(4).

The 2017 amendment rewrote the section.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Official Misconduct under the Arkansas Criminal Code, 30 Ark. L. Rev. 160.

21-6-310. Officers and employees generally — Disposition of funds.

    1. All fees, fines, penalties, and other moneys collected by any county officer, deputy, or county employee shall be deposited with the county treasurer on the first day of each month or within ten (10) days thereafter, and, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be placed in the county general fund.
    2. Inmate commissary trust account balances belonging to the inmate and held by the county sheriff are not deemed county funds and are not subject to this section.
  1. The county treasurer shall keep a complete and accurate record of the receipt of such moneys and shall provide a written receipt to the person or office making such a deposit.

History. Acts 1975, No. 127, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1741; Acts 2013, No. 405, § 2; 2013, No. 1158, § 3; 2015, No. 741, § 4.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment by No. 405 substituted “ten (10) days” for “five (5) days” in (a).

The 2013 amendment by No. 1158 added (a)(2); and inserted “a” preceding “deposit” in (b).

The 2015 amendment substituted “account balances belonging to the inmate and” for “accounts” in (a)(2).

Subchapter 4 — Officers of the Court

Cross References. Forfeiture of fees for improper taxation of costs, § 16-68-409.

Legal Education Fund, § 6-64-601 et seq.

Payment of fees as prerequisite to entry of action or issuance of writ, § 16-58-101.

Effective Dates. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 53: effective on passage.

Acts 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 15: effective on passage.

Acts 1887, No. 89, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1889, No. 7, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1895, No. 145, § 9: effective on passage.

Acts 1917, No. 251, § 2: effective on passage. Emergency declared. Approved Mar. 16, 1917.

Acts 1929, No. 172, § 40: approved Mar. 22, 1929. Emergency clause provided: “It is ascertained and hereby declared that the present system of assessing property for taxation is defective, unfair, unjust and inequitable; that the changes herein contemplated are necessary in order to bring about a more equitable distribution of the costs of government, so that the immediate operation of the Act is essential for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and an emergency is therefore declared, and this Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.”

Acts 1945, No. 55, § 3: Feb. 16, 1945. Emergency clause provided: “All laws and parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, and because of the confusion and uncertainty existing in the various counties throughout the State under the present laws relative to the legal fees entitled to be charged by the Circuit and Chancery Clerks and Recorders in this State for the services they render, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1947, No. 111, § 4: July 1, 1947. “All laws and parts of laws enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, effective July 1, 1947.

“APPROVED: February 24, 1947.”

Acts 1947, No. 221, § 4: Mar. 18, 1947. Emergency clause provided: “Whereas, the fees now being paid to justices of the peace and constables of this State are totally inadequate to compensate them for the services rendered; now, therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1959, No. 309, § 2: Mar. 26, 1959. Emergency clause provided: “Because of the confusion and uncertainty existing in the various counties throughout the State under the present laws relative to the legal fees entitled to be charged by the County and Probate Clerks in the State of Arkansas, for the services they render, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1961, No. 132, § 3: Feb. 22, 1961. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is declared by the General Assembly of Arkansas that the funds available to the Supreme Court for the maintenance and improvement of the Supreme Court Library are grossly inadequate, that there is urgent need for additional funds, and that enactment of this bill will provide the additional necessary funds. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act, being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall take effect and be in force from the date of its approval.”

Acts 1969, No. 307, § 3: Mar. 21, 1969. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that in the case of Doty v. Goodwin, 246 Ark. 149 (1969) the Arkansas Supreme Court held that a justice of the peace could not have a pecuniary interest in convicting the accused; that this means that justices of the peace in this State will have to try all criminal cases without any compensation since no provision has been made for reimbursing such justices of the peace other than upon a fee system based on the conviction of the accused; that some counties in this State do not have municipal courts; and that in order to remedy this situation, it is necessary that this Act become effective immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1969, No. 657, § 3: became law without Governor's signature, May 29, 1969. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that in the case of Doty v. Goodwin, 246 Ark. 149 (1969) the Arkansas Supreme Court held that a justice of the peace could not have a pecuniary interest in convicting the accused; that this means that justices of the peace in this State will have to try all criminal cases without any compensation since no provision has been made for reimbursing such justices of the peace other than upon a fee system based on the conviction of the accused; that in order to remedy this situation, it is necessary that this Act become effective immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 333, § 6: Mar. 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the establishment of uniform advance fees to be charged for causes of action by the clerks in the various circuit and chancery courts of this State is necessary to provide for the efficient operation of said offices and to minimize the necessity of maintaining separate accounts for various fees; that the fees charged by county recorders are not now adequate to reimburse the county for the service of recording instruments, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to promote the efficient administration of justice in this State and to enable counties to recover reasonable fees for services rendered by recorders. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981, No. 601, § 4: approved Mar. 23, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly that the filing fees for proceedings in the Supreme Court have remained unchanged since 1977 in spite of inflationary trends and greatly increased costs, particularly in the field of legal publications. As a result, the cost of maintenance and improvement of the Supreme Court Library increased to the extent that financial resources for that purpose have been virtually exhausted. Since the fees paid for filing appeals and petitions are a substantial part of the resources devoted to the maintenance and improvement of the Supreme Court Library and there is a dire need for enhancement of those resources, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage.”

Acts 1981, No. 824, § 12: Mar. 28, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the practice of court reporting should be regulated by the Arkansas Supreme Court and that the salaries of court reporters should be set and appropriated by the State, and that this Act is immediately necessary to accomplish the same. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 16, § 12: Nov. 25, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined that some of the provisions of Act 824 of 1981, which provides that the official court reporters of the circuit and chancery courts in the State are state employees, and provides for the levy and collection of additional court costs to pay the salaries and expenses of reporters, are vague and difficult to interpret, and that it is essential to the effective and efficient administration of justice that this Act be given effect immediately to clarify the law relating to court reporters. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 5: Dec. 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly, meeting in Extraordinary Session, that the passage of this Act is necessary for continued efficient operation of the Circuit and Chancery Courts and to pay authorized salaries for the official Court Reporters. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989, No. 534, § 10: Mar. 14, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the fees currently charged for filing and recording instruments for initiation of actions in the circuit and chancery courts and for other official functions of the circuit and chancery courts are inadequate and should be increased immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 34, § 6: Nov. 8, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that since the passage of Act 273 of 1989 there has arisen the need to clarify that certain cases brought by the prosecuting attorney or the Department of Human Services have traditionally been brought without the necessity of payment of a filing fee to the court clerk; that additional confusion has arisen over an unnecessary requirement that the prosecuting attorney accompany delinquency petitions with a supporting affidavit of facts; that these two requirements constitute a burden on the juvenile justice system of this state; that it is in the best interests of all citizens of this state that these matters be clarified; that this act should become effective immediately upon its passage to alleviate these concerns. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1995, No. 1256, § 23: Apr. 13, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the current system of funding the state judicial system has created inequity in the level of judicial services available to the citizens of the state; and it is further determined that the current method of financing the state judicial system has become so complex as to make the administration of the system impossible, and the lack of reliable data on the current costs of the state judicial system prohibits any comprehensive change in the funding of the system at this time. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 788, § 36: became law without the Governor's signature. Noted Mar. 11, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 1997 is essential to the operation of the state court system, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this act beyond July 1, 1997 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental progress. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 1997, No. 1341, § 35: became law without the Governor's signature. Noted Apr. 11, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 1997 is essential to the operation of the state court system, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this act beyond July 1, 1997 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental progress. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 2007, No. 663, § 56, as amended by Acts 2009, No. 345, § 7, provided:

“(a) Sections 2 through 15 of this act are effective January 1, 2008.

“(b) Sections 16 through 50 and 52 through 55 of this act are effective January 1, 2012.

“(c) Section 51 of Act 663 of 2007 is effective January 1, 2012, except:

“(1) That portion of Section 51 of Act 663 of 2007 that is referred to in Act 663 of 2007 as 16-17-933, establishing the Cleburne County District Court and departments of that court, codified as § 16-17-936 is effective July 1, 2009; and

“(2) That portion of Section 51 of Act 663 of 2007 that is referred to in Act 663 of 2007 as 16-17-950, establishing the St. Francis County District Court and departments of that court, codified as § 16-17-954 is effective July 1, 2009.”

Acts 2013, No. 282, § 17: Mar. 6, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a one-year period; that the effectiveness of this act as soon as possible is essential to the operation of the judiciary and the administration of justice; and that this act is immediately necessary because the delay in the effective date of this act could cause irreparable harm upon the proper administration of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-6-401. Clerk of the Supreme Court.

    1. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the appellant or petitioner, in advance, in all civil actions and misdemeanors filed in either the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
      1. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for a certified question from a federal court.
      2. The fee shall be prorated among the parties filing briefs and paid by each party at the time the brief is filed except that if the Attorney General is requested to file a brief, he or she shall not be required to pay any portion of the fee.
    2. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the petitioner, in advance, for each petition for rehearing of a decision of the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
    3. If the judgment of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals is in favor of the appellant or petitioner, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall tax the fee provided in this subsection in favor of the appellant or petitioner.
    1. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the petitioner, in advance, for each petition for review of a decision of the Court of Appeals filed in the Supreme Court a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
    2. If the decision of the Court of Appeals is reversed by the Supreme Court, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall tax the fee provided in this subsection in favor of the petitioner.
  1. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall also be allowed:
    1. For each certificate and seal $ 1.00
    2. For acknowledging each deed .50
    3. For copies of papers and records per page .50
    4. For other services, the same fees allowed clerks of the circuit court.
  2. The Supreme Court may implement a case management system for the courts of the state that may include electronic filing and public online access to court decisions and other court records, and the Supreme Court by court rule may establish a reasonable fee for access and related use.
  3. All of the collected fees provided in subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(4) of this section and subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall be deposited into a bank to the account of the Supreme Court Library Fund, to be used by the Supreme Court for the maintenance and improvement of the Supreme Court Library.
  4. All of the collected fees provided in subdivisions (a)(2) and (3) of this section and subsection (d) of this section shall be remitted by the Clerk of the Supreme Court on or before the fifteenth day of each month to the Administration of Justice Funds Section on a form provided by the Office of Administrative Services of the Department of Finance and Administration for deposit into the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund established by § 16-13-712.

History. Acts 1851, § 7, p. 89; 1895, No. 145, § 7, p. 213; C. & M. Dig., §§ 2141, 4572, 9776f; Pope's Dig., §§ 2747, 5656, 13315; Acts 1961, No. 132, § 1; 1961, No. 133, § 1; 1981, No. 601, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1709 — 12-1709.2, 22-238; Acts 1993, No. 822, § 1; 2005, No. 1934, § 13; 2007, No. 378, § 1; 2009, No. 328, § 5; 2009, No. 633, § 20.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Pursuant to § 1-2-207, the amendment of § 21-6-401 by Acts 2009, No. 328, § 5, is superseded by the amendment of § 21-6-401 by Acts 2009, No. 633, § 20. As amended by Acts 2009, No. 328, § 5, § 21-6-401 read as follows:

“21-6-401. Clerk of Supreme Court.

“(a)(1) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the appellant or petitioner, in advance, in all civil actions and misdemeanors filed in either the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

“(2) (A) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for a certified question from a federal court;

“(B) The fee shall be prorated among the parties filing briefs and paid by each party at the time the brief is filed except that if the Arkansas Attorney General is requested to file a brief, he or she shall not be required to pay any portion of the fee.

“(3) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the petitioner, in advance, for each petition for rehearing of a decision of the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

“(4) If the judgment of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals is in favor of the appellant or petitioner, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall tax the fee provided in this subsection in favor of the appellant or petitioner.

“(b)(1) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid by the petitioner, in advance, for each petition for review of a decision of the Court of Appeals filed in the Supreme Court a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

“(2) If the decision of the Court of Appeals is reversed by the Supreme Court, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall tax the fee provided in this subsection in favor of the petitioner.

“(c) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall also be allowed:

“(1) For each certificate and seal …… $ 1.00

“(2) For acknowledging each deed …… .50

“(3) For copies of papers and records per page …… .50

“(4) For other services, the same fees allowed clerks of the circuit court.

“(d) The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be allowed and paid in advance in all civil actions and misdemeanors filed in either the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) for every motion, response, and similar paper.

“(e) The Supreme Court may implement a case management system for the courts of the state that may include electronic filing and public online access to court decisions and other court records, and the Supreme Court by court rule may establish a reasonable fee for access and related use.

“(f) All of the collected fees provided for in subsections (a)(1), (a)(4), (b), and (c) of this section shall be deposited in a bank to the account of the Supreme Court Library Fund, to be used by the Supreme Court for the maintenance and improvement of the Supreme Court Library.

“(g) All of the collected fees provided for in subsections (a)(2), (a)(3), (d), and (e) of this section shall be remitted by the Clerk of the Supreme Court on or before the fifteenth day of each month to the Administration of Justice Funds Section of the Office of Administrative Services of the Department of Finance and Administration on a form provided by that office for deposit in the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund established by § 16-13-712.”

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted former (c)(4); redesignated former (c)(5) as present (c)(4); added (f); substituted “Supreme Court” for “clerk” in (d); deleted “and (d)” in (e); and made related changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 328, in (a), inserted (a)(2) and (a)(3) and redesignated the remaining subdivision accordingly; deleted “which shall be full payment of all the costs in the proceedings” following “($150)” in (a)(1) and following “($25.00)” in (b)(1); inserted (d) and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly; rewrote (e); inserted “collected” and “(1), (a)(4)” in (f); rewrote (g); and made related changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 633 inserted (a)(2) and (a)(3), deleted (d), and redesignated accordingly; deleted “which shall be full payment of all the costs in the proceedings” following the dollar amounts in (a)(1) and (b)(1); rewrote (d); substituted “(a)(1), (a)(4)” for “(a)” in (e); rewrote (f); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

Case Notes

Docket Fees.

In the absence of statutory authority, the Supreme Court cannot make an exception in divorce cases from the requirement of payment of the docket fee as a prerequisite to its jurisdiction. In re Smith, 183 Ark. 1025, 39 S.W.2d 703 (1931).

Felony Cases.

This section does not permit the collection of a filing fee in a felony case. Langley v. State, 343 Ark. 324, 34 S.W.3d 364 (2001).

The appellant was properly required to pay a $100 filing fee where she appealed from a judgment entered against her on both a misdemeanor charge and felony charges. Langley v. State, 343 Ark. 324, 34 S.W.3d 364 (2001).

21-6-402. Circuit court clerks — Miscellaneous fees.

    1. The fees to be charged by the clerks of the circuit courts for the following matters in the circuit courts in the state shall be as prescribed in this section.
    2. No portion of these fees shall be refunded.
  1. The fees shall be:
    1. For drawing and issuing, sealing any summons, subpoena $2.50
    2. For writs or executions 20.00
    3. For certificate and seal 5.00
    4. For making and preparing any transcript:
      1. Two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per page for the first one thousand (1,000) pages;
      2. Two dollars ($2.00) per page for pages one thousand one (1,001) through two thousand (2,000);
      3. One dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per page for pages two thousand one (2,001) through three thousand (3,000);
      4. One dollar ($1.00) per page for pages three thousand one (3,001) through four thousand (4,000); and
      5. Fifty cents (50¢) per page for any page over four thousand one (4,001);
    5. For indexing each page .25
    6. For certifying costs 2.50
    7. For authentication certificate 5.00
    8. For filing an application for appointment to serve civil process under Supreme Court Administrative Order Number 20 140.00
    9. For filing a renewal of an appointment to serve civil process under Supreme Court Administrative Order Number 20 50.00.
  2. The fees to be charged by the circuit court clerks of this state to the Department of Finance and Administration shall be as follows:
    1. For filing a certificate of indebtedness issued by the Department of Finance and Administration 8.00
    2. For filing a release of a certificate of indebtedness 6.00
    3. For an execution on a certificate of indebtedness filed by the Department of Finance and Administration 10.00.

History. Acts 1945, No. 55, § 1; 1977, No. 333, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1710; Acts 1999, No. 1081, § 7; 2003, No. 1765, § 26; 2005, No. 919, § 1; 2005, No. 1934, § 14; 2009, No. 328, § 6; 2011, No. 1145, § 1; 2013, No. 68, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 328, §§ 1 and 2, provided:

“Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-10-101 and 16-10-102, the Arkansas Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of the Courts, is responsible for the design, purchase, implementation, and operation of a comprehensive automated court management system for use by all district, circuit, and appellate courts in the State of Arkansas.

“In 2001, the Arkansas Supreme Court created the Arkansas Court Automation Project to carry out these responsibilities and appointed the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Automation to oversee the project. Since that time a comprehensive system has been bid and purchased, redesigned for maximum use in Arkansas courts, and implemented in a number of pilot courts in the state. The system is now completed and scheduled for distribution and use by all of the courts in the state.

“The purpose of this Act is to provide a structure for the perpetual staffing and operation of the system so that the system is self-supporting and all funding is generated by and through use of the system and without any use of the general revenue funds of the State of Arkansas.

“This Act is to be known as the ‘Court Technology Improvement Act of 2009’.”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote (8).

The 2003 amendment deleted “and chancery” following “circuit” in the section catchline and introductory language; and substituted “10.00” for “4.00” in (9).

The 2005 amendment by 919 inserted the subsection (a) designation; inserted “Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section” in present (a); and added (b).

The 2005 amendment by 1934 substituted “5.00” for “2.00” in (10) and added (15).

The 2009 amendment rewrote (a) and (b); and redesignated former (b) as (c).

The 2011 amendment deleted “each page in” and “2.50” in the present introductory language of (b)(4); and inserted (b)(4)(A) through (E).

The 2013 amendment inserted “per page” throughout (b)(4).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Divorce — Indigent's Right to Avoid Payment of Filing Fees, 26 Ark. L. Rev. 87.

Case Notes

In General.

The clerk is without power to waive statutory fees. McCourtney v. Morrow, 216 Ark. 959, 229 S.W.2d 124 (1950).

Appeal from Inferior Court.

Filing an appeal from municipal court is “initiating a cause of action” in the circuit court under § 21-6-403 so that an advance fee must be paid under this section. Neeley v. Barber, 288 Ark. 384, 706 S.W.2d 358 (1986).

The filing fee charged for appealing to the circuit court is collected no matter whether the defendant is tried by a jury or by the judge or even if the prosecution ends without any trial at all. Neeley v. Barber, 288 Ark. 384, 706 S.W.2d 358 (1986).

Fee Not Allowed.

The circuit clerk was not entitled to any fee for a certificate of attendance to jury commissioners. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

Neither § 16-10-301 to 16-10-305 nor § 21-6-402 to 21-6-406 refer to a fee that may be charged by bailiffs, clerks, or the courts for potential juror information. Therefore, a circuit court erred when it refused to refund a $3.00 fee charged by a bailiff for potential juror information in a criminal case. Aikens v. State, 368 Ark. 641, 249 S.W.3d 788 (2007).

Indexing.

The circuit clerk was entitled to his fee for every record entry indexed. Trimble v. St. Louis & S.F. Ry., 56 Ark. 249, 19 S.W. 839 (1892) (decision under prior law).

Liability of County.

The county was liable to circuit clerk for the fee provided in this section for swearing and entering the regular panels of grand and petit jurors and for the fee in all criminal cases in which the county was chargeable with the costs for service in entering and swearing the jury in such case. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law). See McDonald v. Logan County, 55 Ark. 577, 18 S.W. 1047 (1892) (decision under prior law).

The circuit clerk was entitled to a fee for swearing jurors on their voir dire and witnesses to their attendance and, if the county was liable for the costs of the case, those fees were properly chargeable to it. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

While the county was liable for the clerk's fee for oaths administered to regular jurors, if a juror was called for a particular case, the oaths administered to him were chargeable to the case. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

When court ordered summons issued for jury commissioners, the clerk could charge the same to county as for summons. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

The circuit clerk was entitled to his fee for copies of order of court appointing jury commissioners, chargeable to the county. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

The clerk was entitled to a fee for entering every order with reference to the grand and petit juries, to be paid by the county. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

Summons.

In suit to foreclose and enforce lien for delinquent improvement taxes where clerk signed, sealed, and delivered to the sheriff numerous summonses, clerk and stenographer were each entitled to a fee for each summons, and the fact that they were printed made no difference. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940) (decision under prior law).

Decree allowing fees of clerk and stenographer for summons which had been constructively served and disallowing fees for those personally served was unauthorized, since the fee was not dependent upon manner in which sheriff served the summons. Sebastian Bridge Dist. v. Lynch, 200 Ark. 134, 138 S.W.2d 81 (1940) (decision under prior law).

Transcripts.

Where the attorney in the case had the transcript typewritten, gave it to the clerk of court, who checked, corrected, and certified to it, this constituted making and preparing by the clerk within the meaning of this section. McCourtney v. Morrow, 216 Ark. 959, 229 S.W.2d 124 (1950).

21-6-403. Circuit court clerks — Uniform filing fees — Definition.

    1. The uniform filing fees to be charged by the clerks of the circuit courts for initiating or reopening a cause of action in the circuit courts in the state shall be as prescribed in this section.
    2. No portion of the filing fees shall be refunded.
  1. The uniform filing fees are:
    1. For initiating a cause of action in the circuit court, including appeals $150.00
    2. For filing a mortgagee's or trustee's notice of default and intention to sell pursuant to § 18-50-104 140.00
    3. For reopening a cause of action in the circuit court 50.00
    4. For any cause of action which by court order is transferred from any district or circuit court to a circuit court 50.00.
  2. A fee shall not be charged or collected by the clerks of the circuit courts when the court, by order, pursuant to Rule 72 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, allows an indigent person to prosecute a cause of action in forma pauperis.
  3. An initial filing fee shall not be charged for domestic violence petitions filed pursuant to § 9-15-201 et seq. Established filing fees may be assessed pursuant to § 5-26-310 and § 9-15-202(b) and (c).
      1. The fee established in subdivision (b)(3) of this section shall be assessed and collected by the circuit clerk to reopen a cause of action in which a final order has been entered, so long as the new claim involves the same parties and the same issues as were present in the initial cause of action.
      2. Otherwise, the circuit clerk shall assess and collect the fee established in subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
    1. A fee shall not be charged or collected by the clerks of the circuit courts for reopening a cause of action in the circuit court under the following circumstances:
      1. Application is made for revocation of conditional release of insanity acquittees under § 5-2-316;
      2. An agreed order or an order of income withholding is presented to be filed, and a service of process is not required; or
      3. A party to the original cause of action for whom a judgment for monetary damages was entered attempts to enforce the monetary judgment by filing a pleading or through other court action, if the pleading is filed or court action is taken within twelve (12) months of issuance of the final judgment in the case.
  4. A county shall not authorize, and a circuit court clerk shall not assess or collect, any other filing fees than those authorized by this section unless specifically provided by state law.
  5. The circuit court may waive the filing fee in cases of involuntary admission upon a finding that the petition is being brought for the benefit of the respondent and it would be inequitable to require the petitioner to pay the fee.
  6. As used in this section, “circuit court clerk” means the circuit clerk and, with respect to probate matters, any county clerk who serves as ex officio clerk of the probate division of the circuit court.
    1. When a statutory cause of action waives the payment of a filing fee, no other claim for relief shall be brought in that action.
    2. To assert another claim:
      1. A separate case shall be opened;
      2. A new case number shall be assigned; and
      3. A filing fee shall be assessed.

History. Acts 1977, No. 333, § 1; 1981, No. 824, § 2; 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 16, §§ 9, 11; 1981, (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1710.2; Acts 1989, No. 534, § 1; 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 34, § 3; 1995, No. 1256, § 3; 1997, No. 788, § 25; 1997, No. 1341, § 25; 1999, No. 1081, § 4; 2003, No. 1185, § 259; 2003, No. 1765, § 27; 2005, No. 65, § 1; 2005, No. 431, § 1; 2005, No. 1893, § 1; 2007, No. 663, § 15; 2009, No. 475, § 1; 2013, No. 282, § 13; 2019, No. 246, § 1.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment added (b)(4).

The 2003 amendment by Nos. 1185 and 1765 deleted “and chancery” following “circuit” throughout the section; rewrote (b) and (e); deleted “or chancery” following “circuit' in (f); added (g) and (h); and made stylistic changes.

The 2005 amendment by 65 substituted “$125.00” for “$100.00” in (b)(1).

The 2005 amendment by 431 substituted “$140.00” for “$125.00” in (b)(1).

The 2005 amendment by 1893 substituted “50.00” for “30.00” in (b)(2).

The 2009 amendment substituted “$150.00” for “$140.00” in (b)(1) and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2013 amendment substituted “9-15-202(b) and (c)” for “9-15-202(c)” in (d); rewrote (e); added (i); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment, added (e)(2)(C), and made a stylistic change.

Cross References. Legislative intent of Acts 1997, No. 1341, § 16-10-601.

Legislative intent of Acts 1997, No. 788, § 16-10-601.

Transition to state funding, §§ 16-87-301 and 16-87-302.

Case Notes

Appeals.

The filing fee charged for appealing to the circuit court is collected no matter whether the defendant is tried by a jury or by the judge or even if the prosecution ends without any trial at all. Neeley v. Barber, 288 Ark. 384, 706 S.W.2d 358 (1986).

Court Costs.

In Arkansas, filing fees and service fees for subpoenas are authorized by statute; thus, the trial court was correct in assessing these costs. Wood v. Tyler, 317 Ark. 319, 877 S.W.2d 582 (1994).

Initiating Cause of Action.

Filing an appeal from municipal court is “initiating a cause of action” in the circuit court under this section so that an advance fee must be paid under § 21-6-402. Neeley v. Barber, 288 Ark. 384, 706 S.W.2d 358 (1986).

Cited: Courtney v. Butt, 264 Ark. 475, 572 S.W.2d 407 (1978).

21-6-404, 21-6-405. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning circuit, chancery, and probate court clerks' additional advance fee and additional circuit court clerks' fees in certain cases, were repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1256, § 20, as amended by Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 13, § 4. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-6-404. Acts 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 16, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1710.3.

21-6-405. Acts 1981 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 16, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1710.4.

21-6-406. Clerks of county courts — Miscellaneous fees.

  1. A clerk of a county court may charge the following maximum fees:
    1. For each order to erect or repair bridge $ .50
    2. For making out and issuing an order for the appointment of a commissioner to erect or repair any bridge .50
    3. For filing a bond of any contractor .10
    4. For reading and filing every petition and recording the order to be made thereon, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    5. For making copy of petition, order, and other papers pertaining thereto, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    6. For reading and filing a remonstrance against any road or bridge .25
    7. For each certificate of appointment of road reviewers .25
    8. For issuing a precept of inquiry of damages in the case of
    9. For entering order for the appointment of a justice of the peace to apportion hands to work on roads, and copy of same, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    10. For entering the appointment of each overseer of a road .25
    11. For each notice to overseers and justices of the peace .25
    12. For entering each order concerning the erection or repairing of any county building, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    13. For entering the appointment of any commissioner to superintend the erection or repairing of any county building, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    14. For issuing the certificate of appointment to commissioner
    15. For entering every order for ascertaining any county line, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    16. For recording a return of any survey of a county line, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    17. For entering every order fixing the place of holding elections, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    18. For entering every order for the support of a poor person, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    19. For all services required to be performed relating to the laying out of a township, or altering township lines 1.00
    20. For trying and sealing any weight or measure, to be paid by the applicant .50
    21. For taking, filing, and safekeeping of any bond required by law to be filed in his or her office, not otherwise provided for .25
    22. For making settlements of each account with the county, to be paid to the county clerks for the official account record of the various accounts of the county treasurers and collectors, for each receipt entered on each account .10
    23. For filing each county treasurer's and collector's receipt .10
    24. For all services rendered in the filing of a claim against the county general and road accounts, and the issuing of the first warrant thereon .75
    25. For each additional warrant issued on the same claim .50
    26. For issuing each writ, receiving, filing, and docketing return
    27. For recording marks or brands 1.00
    28. For filing each paper not specified in this section, except county claims .10
    29. For administering each oath .25
    30. For swearing each jury .50
    31. For copies of records and papers not provided for in this section, for each one hundred (100) words or figures .20
    32. For taking and entering verdict of jury .25
    33. For entering judgments, except allowances against the county, for each one hundred (100) words .20
    34. For commission to take depositions 1.00
    35. For indexing each case on record .10
    36. For entering all appeals except on assessments records .25
    37. For every certificate and seal not provided for in this section
    38. For every subpoena or summons to witnesses .50
    39. For recording every paper not provided for in this section, for each one hundred (100) words .20
    40. For entering on record the appraised value of estray, and filing bond and appraisement .75
    41. For filing and approving bond for marriage license .50
    42. For filing, recording, and certifying copy of marriage license after its return .50
    43. For each coupon of marriage license furnished registrar of vital statistics, to be retained by clerk in addition to salary .10
    44. For all services in issuing general licenses, licenses to hawkers, ferries, taverns, peddlers, auctioneers, circuses, menageries, or other public exhibitions for which a license is by law required. Shows or public exhibitions may only be licensed for twelve (12) days or less for one (1) license fee 2.00
    45. For filing abstracts of witnesses before grand jury .10
    46. For entering the judgment of the court on an abstract 1.00
    47. For issuing each certificate of land redemption 1.00
    48. For each additional tract on certificate of land redemption .25
    49. For cancelling each warrant, to be paid by funds upon which warrants are drawn .10
    50. The county clerk shall receive for services under the revenue laws for each settlement he or she makes with a clerk, sheriff, constable, or inferior collecting officer for fines, penalties, licenses, forfeitures, and seal tax by them, for which they are required to settle in full one (1) time each quarter .75
    51. For auditing each account in collector's and treasurer's record quarterly .75
    52. For each abstract forwarded to the Auditor of State and to the Director of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education 1.00
    53. For making out the original tax books, for every one hundred (100) words, counting one (1) figure as a word, but excluding calculations not carried into the tax records .20
    54. For each copy thereof, for every one hundred (100) words, counting each figure as a word, as aforesaid .20
    55. For furnishing copy of delinquent lands to printer for each tract .10
    56. For attending sales of delinquent lands and making records thereof, for each tract for sale .10
    57. For each additional tract .10
    58. For transferring land to name of purchaser when sold to an individual .10
    59. For furnishing for publication copy of the delinquent list of delinquent and insolvent personal taxpayers, for each name .10
    60. For recording delinquent list of personal property, for every one hundred (100) words .20
    61. For making each certificate of lands sold to the state and not redeemed to Commissioner of State Lands 5.00
    62. For making settlement with collector for each day employed including quarterly apportionments, not exceeding thirty (30) days during entire calendar year, per day 5.00
    63. For furnishing Auditor of State with an abstract of tax
    64. For making a deed to the purchaser of lands sold at delinquent sale, one (1) tract per deed 1.00
    65. For waiting on county courts and the probate and juvenile divisions of circuit court, per day 10.00.
  2. A clerk of a county court shall not charge a fee for filing an appeal from a county equalization board.
  3. A clerk of a county court shall not charge a fee for filing a petition with the county court requesting a refund under § 26-35-901.

roads .50

.50

.50

.50

records 3.00

History. Acts 1959, No. 309, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1717.1; Acts 2003, No. 1185, § 261; 2013, No. 544, §§ 1, 2; 2017, No. 729, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 2346.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment substituted “and the probate and juvenile divisions of circuit court” for “probate courts, and juvenile courts” in (65).

The 2013 amendment rewrote the introductory language of present (a) and added (b).

The 2017 amendment added (c).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” in (a)(52).

Cross References. City clerk to receive same fees as county clerk in attesting papers, § 14-43-406.

Case Notes

Apportionment.

Where the tax books were partially made out by the county clerk then in office and completed by his successor in office, in a controversy between the two as to the division of the fees for the work, the county was only bound to the payment for the tax books, and where the county clerk who delivered the tax books to the collector was satisfied with the fees as apportioned by the clerk, the former clerk would not have been heard to complain. Allen v. Clark County, 108 Ark. 498, 158 S.W. 155 (1913) (decision under prior law).

County Warrants.

The county clerk was entitled to a fee for issuing warrants not signed or delivered. St. Francis County v. Folbre, 66 Ark. 91, 48 S.W. 1070 (1899) (decision under prior law).

Where, in a proceeding for calling in county warrants for allowance and reissuance, 2,247 warrants were presented by 700 different persons and the county court ordered 2,113 new warrants to be issued in lieu thereof, the clerk was entitled to a fee for the allowance and indexing of only 700 claims. Duncan v. Scott County, 70 Ark. 607, 70 S.W. 314 (1902) (decision under prior law).

Clerk was entitled to fee for service in cancelling and redeeming county warrants, it being a service which the law requires him to perform, and the fee for services where no other fee was specifically provided was that fixed by statute. Baker v. State ex rel. Independence County, 201 Ark. 652, 147 S.W.2d 17 (1941) (decision under prior law).

Fee Not Allowable.

A county clerk was not entitled to a fee for each warrant paid and presented by the county treasurer for allowance in his annual settlements with the county. Johnson County v. Bunch, 63 Ark. 315, 38 S.W. 518 (1896) (decision under prior law).

Liability of County.

The county was not liable for the fees of the county clerk in entering an order of appointment of special bailiffs. Logan County v. Trimm, 57 Ark. 487, 22 S.W. 164 (1893) (decision under prior law).

The county was not liable for the fee for filing a claim against the county. Prairie County v. Vaughan, 64 Ark. 203, 41 S.W. 420 (1897) (decision under prior law).

A county was not liable for the county clerk's fee for filing county warrants for allowance and reissuance. Duncan v. Scott County, 70 Ark. 607, 70 S.W. 314 (1902) (decision under prior law).

The fee for making a deed to the purchaser of lands forfeited and sold for delinquent taxes is required to be paid by the purchaser and not by the county. Sanderson v. Williams, 142 Ark. 91, 218 S.W. 179 (1920) (decision under prior law).

21-6-407. Fees of clerks of county courts — Method of payment.

    1. The fees provided for in § 21-6-406 shall be paid by the county under the order and direction of the county court.
    2. The county court shall examine and approve each fee account.
    3. If found correct, the county court shall make an order showing the amount due by the county by items and shall direct the clerk to draw his or her warrant on the county treasury for the amount due by the county.
  1. All fees of county clerks for extending the taxes, other than those paid by special improvement districts, shall be paid from the general fund of the county.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 13, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 6, p. 103; 1887, No. 89, § 1 (last par.), p. 139; 1889, No. 7, § 1, p. 5; C. & M. Dig., § 4578; Acts 1929, No. 172, § 35; Pope's Dig., § 5663; Acts 1947, No. 111, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1719.

21-6-408, 21-6-409. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning masters in chancery and justices of the peace, were repealed by Acts 2003, No. 1185, §§ 262 and 263 respectively. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-6-408. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 14, p. 167; C. & M. Dig., § 4580; Pope's Dig., § 5665; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1711.

21-6-409. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 32, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 12, p. 103; C. & M. Dig., § 4599; Pope's Dig., § 5688; Acts 1947, No. 221, § 2; 1969, No. 307, § 1; 1969, No. 657, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1731, 12-1731.1; Acts 1987, No. 445, § 1.

21-6-410. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning prosecuting and city attorneys, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1256, § 20, as amended by Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 13, § 4. The section was derived from Acts 1875, No. 77, § 4, p. 167; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 58, § 1, p. 103; C. & M. Dig., § 4571; Init. Meas. 1936, No. 3, § 37, Acts 1937, p. 1384; Pope's Dig., §§ 4121, 5655; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1707, 12-1708; Acts 1989, No. 796, § 1; 1991, No. 904, §§ 15, 20.

21-6-411. Prosecuting attorneys — Certain checks, orders, drafts, or other forms of presentment involving transmission of account information.

  1. A prosecuting attorney may collect a fee if his or her office collects and processes a check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information if the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information has been issued or passed in a manner that makes the issuance or passing an offense under the:
    1. Arkansas Criminal Code; or
    2. Arkansas Hot Check Law, § 5-37-301 et seq.
  2. A prosecuting attorney may collect a fee from any person issuing a bad check as described in subsection (a) of this section. The amount of the fee shall not exceed:
    1. Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) if the face amount of the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information does not exceed one hundred dollars ($100);
    2. Forty-five dollars ($45.00) if the face amount of the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information is greater than one hundred dollars ($100) but does not exceed three hundred dollars ($300);
    3. Sixty-five dollars ($65.00) if the face amount of the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information is greater than three hundred dollars ($300) but does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500); and
    4. Ninety dollars ($90.00) if the face amount of the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information is greater than five hundred dollars ($500).
  3. If the person from whom the fee is collected was a party to the offense of forgery, under §§ 5-37-101 and 5-37-201 — 5-37-214, by altering the face amount of the check, order, draft, or other form of presentment involving the transmission of account information, the face amount as altered governs for purposes of determining the amount of the fee.
  4. Fees collected under this section shall be deposited into a special fund to be administered by the prosecuting attorney.
    1. In those counties in which the sheriff is operating a hot check program and the prosecuting attorney is not operating such a program on September 20, 1985, the sheriff shall be entitled to continue the program as long as he or she elects to do so and the prosecuting attorney shall not initiate any such program in the county unless the sheriff in the county discontinues his or her program.
    2. In those counties in which the sheriff operates a hot check program, the sheriff's office shall be entitled to the same fees as provided in this section, but all fees shall be paid into an account for the sheriff's office and shall be subject to appropriation by the quorum court to be used to defray the cost of the hot check program and other costs of the sheriff's office.
  5. This section is cumulative to all other acts and shall not repeal any other act.

History. Acts 1985 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 33, §§ 2-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 67-727, 67-728, 67-728n; Acts 2003, No. 1088, § 1; 2011, No. 997, § 1; 2015, No. 1151, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. For codification of the Arkansas Criminal Code, see the “meaning of ‘this code’” note at § 5-1-101.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment inserted “or other forms of presentment involving the transmission of account information” in the section heading and throughout the section; substituted “Section” for “Ark. Code Ann. §” in (a)(3); rewrote (b)(1); deleted former (b)(2) and redesignated former (b)(3) through (b)(5) as present (b)(2) through (b)(4); and made gender neutral and stylistic changes.

The 2011 amendment substituted “twenty-five dollars ($25.00)” for “fifteen dollars ($15.00)” in (b)(1); substituted “forty-five dollars ($45.00)” for “thirty dollars ($30.00)” in (b)(2); substituted “sixty-five dollars ($65.00)” for “fifty dollars ($50.00)” in (b)(3); and substituted “ninety dollars ($90.00)” for “seventy-five dollars ($75.00)” in (b)(4).

The 2015 amendment substituted “that” for “which” in (a); added “or” in (a)(1); substituted “§ 5-37-301 et seq.” for “§§ 5-37-3015-37-306; or” in (a)(2); and deleted (a)(3).

21-6-412. Commissioners to sell property.

    1. Commissioners appointed to make sales of real property under judicial decrees shall be allowed the following fees as compensation for such services:
      1. On sales for $ 1.00 to $ 500 $10.00 (B) On sales for 500 to 2,500 15.00 (C) On sales for 2,500 to 5,000 20.00 (D) On sales for 5,000 to 10,000 25.00 (E) On sales for 10,000 to 20,000 30.00 (F) On sales for 20,000 to 35,000 35.00 (G) On sales for 35,000 or more, one-tenth of one percent (0.1%).
    2. Commissioners appointed to make sales of personal property under judicial decrees shall be allowed as compensation for such services the fee prescribed by the judge of the court that issued the decree.
  1. In lieu of the fees provided for in this section, the court may set reasonable fees for commissioners based upon services rendered on sales under thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000).
      1. If the circuit clerk's office is appointed as commissioner for a sale of real or personal property under judicial decree, the fee awarded to the circuit clerk's office under this section shall be:
        1. Collected by the circuit clerk and paid into the county treasury to the credit of a fund to be known as the “circuit clerk commissioner's fee fund”; and
        2. Used exclusively by the circuit clerk's office for the following purposes and in the following order:
          1. To offset administrative costs associated with the performance of the commissioner's duties; and
          2. For general operational expenses of the office of circuit clerk.
      2. Moneys deposited into the fund shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this section by the quorum court at the direction of the circuit clerk.
      1. If the county clerk's office is appointed as commissioner for a sale of real or personal property under judicial decree, the fee awarded to the county clerk's office under this section shall be:
        1. Collected by the county clerk and paid into the county treasury to the credit of a fund to be known as the “county clerk commissioner's fee fund”; and
        2. Used exclusively by the county clerk's office for the following purposes and in the following order:
          1. To offset administrative costs associated with the performance of the commissioner's duties; and
          2. For general operational expenses of the office of county clerk.
      2. Moneys deposited into the county clerk commissioner's fee fund shall be appropriated and expended for the uses designated in this section by the quorum court at the direction of the county clerk.

Click to view table.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 52, p. 167; 1917, No. 251, § 1, p. 1324; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4581, 4582; Pope's Dig., §§ 5666, 5667; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1712, 12-1713; Acts 1989, No. 32, § 1; 1989, No. 751, § 1; 1995, No. 1296, § 79; 2003, No. 1740, § 1; 2013, No. 291, § 1; 2015, No. 159, § 1.

Amendments. The 2003 amendment deleted former (b); redesignated former (c) as present (b); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2013 amendment inserted leaders in the table in (a)(1); and added (c).

The 2015 amendment redesignated (c)(1) as (c)(1)(A) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly and added (c)(2).

Case Notes

Clerk as Ex Officio Commissioner.

The circuit clerk is an ex officio commissioner and the salary allowed him as clerk covers the entire compensation fixed by law for all duties performed by him as clerk or as commissioner ex officio. State ex rel. Lonoke County v. Swaim, 167 Ark. 225, 268 S.W. 366 (1925).

Fees Controlling.

A chancery clerk commissioner appointed for the purpose of selling property involved in a divorce action was entitled only to a fee of $52, pursuant to the specified provision of this section, where the property sold for $52,000; the clerk was not entitled to collect a fee of $600 which was purportedly awarded to him pursuant to § 16-13-313 since § 16-13-313 expressly exempts cases where the compensation may now or hereafter be fixed by law. Valley Nat'l Bank v. Stroud, 289 Ark. 284, 711 S.W.2d 785 (1986).

Reduction of Fee.

Where the commissioner's fee exceeded the amount allowed by this section and the record did not reflect that the defendant ever waived an objection to the fee, the fee was reduced to the statutory amount. Meeks v. Meeks, 290 Ark. 563, 721 S.W.2d 653 (1986).

21-6-413. Probate and county matters — Miscellaneous court fees.

  1. Miscellaneous court fees are established as follows:
    1. Dissolutions of incorporation $25.00 (2) Articles of incorporation 25.00 (3) Amendments to articles of incorporation 25.00 (4) Filing last will and testament for safekeeping 5.00 (5) Authentication certificate 5.00 (6) Certify and seal document 5.00 (7) Marriage license 30.00 (8) Certified copy of marriage license 5.00 (9) Underage marriages — Petition and order 10.00 (10) Small estates 25.00 (11) Assumed names 25.00 (12) Limited partnerships 25.00 (13) Alcoholics and insane persons 25.00 (14) Clerk's tax deed 5.00 (15) Recording doctors' and nurses' credentials 5.00 (16) Recording ministers' credentials 5.00 (17) Filing affidavit of claim against an estate 5.00 (18) Filing power of attorney 10.00 (19) Filing and recording all accounts and settlements 50.00 (20) Certified copies of all letters 5.00 (21) Issuing subpoena or summons 5.00 (22) Putting up advertisement of settlement of executors, administrators, and guardians 5.00 (23) Preparing notices of settlements to be published in paper each month 5.00 (24) Filing exceptions 5.00.
  2. With respect to probate matters, this section applies to circuit clerks and any county clerk who serves as ex officio clerk of the probate division of the circuit court.
  3. Any fee not specifically provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be set by the circuit court if it is a probate matter or by the county judge if it is a county court matter.
  4. The fee provisions provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be in lieu of any or all fees now established by law.
      1. Fees collected under this section shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the fund to be known as the “county clerk's cost fund”.
      2. With the exception of those funds referred to in subdivision (e)(2) of this section, all funds deposited into the county clerk's cost fund are general revenues of the county and may be used for any legitimate county purpose.
      1. At least thirty-five percent (35%) of the moneys collected annually shall be used to purchase, maintain, and operate an automated records system.
      2. The acquisition and update of software for the automated records system shall be a permitted use of these funds.
      3. Funds set aside for automation may be allowed to accumulate from year to year or at the discretion of the clerk may be transferred to the county general fund by a budgeted appropriated transfer.
        1. In those counties having combined offices of circuit clerk and county clerk, the clerk shall elect to use the automation fund authorized by this section or the automation fund allowed by the county recorder's cost fund, § 21-6-306.
        2. In those counties having combined offices of county clerk and recorder, the clerk shall elect to use the automation fund authorized by this section or the automation fund allowed by the county recorder's cost fund, § 21-6-306.
      1. The clerk's election shall be made in writing and filed in the office of the circuit clerk.
      2. Under no circumstances shall the clerk be allowed to use both the automation fund as authorized by § 21-6-306 and the county clerk's cost fund as authorized in this subchapter, except for the revenue generated under § 16-20-407(b).

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History. Acts 2003, No. 1765, § 28; 2009, No. 348, § 1.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment, in (e)(3)(C), added “except for the revenue generated under § 16-20-407(b)” and made a related and a minor stylistic change.

21-6-414. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning probate and county matters and uniform court costs, was repealed by Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 102. The section was derived from Acts 2003, No. 1185, § 260.

21-6-415. County court clerks — Uniform filing fees.

  1. The uniform filing fees to be charged by the clerks of the county court for initiating a cause of action in the county court shall be thirty dollars ($30.00), and no portion of the filing fee shall be refunded.
  2. No county shall authorize, and no county court clerk shall assess or collect, any other filing fees other than those authorized unless specifically provided by state law.
  3. The provisions of § 21-6-413(e) shall apply to filing fees collected under this section.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1185, § 260; 2003, No. 1765, § 29.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The language originally assigned to § 21-6-405 by Acts 2003, No. 1185, § 260, is identical to the language added to this subchapter by Acts 2003, No. 1765, § 29. Consequently the two act provisions were both codified as this section.

Cross References. Fee for filing a district report or affidavit, § 16-20-408.

21-6-416. Court clerks — Technology fees — Definition.

    1. The court technology fee to be charged by the clerks of the Supreme Court, circuit courts, and district courts of this state shall be as prescribed in this section.
    2. No portion of the court technology fee shall be refunded.
  1. The court technology fee is as follows:
    1. For all civil actions and misdemeanors filed in either the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals $15.00
    2. For initiating a cause of action in the civil, domestic relations, or probate division of circuit court, including appeals 15.00
    3. For initiating a cause of action in the civil or small claims division of district court 15.00.
    1. The fee provided under subdivision (b)(1) of this section collected in the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals shall be remitted by the Clerk of the Supreme Court on or before the fifteenth day of each month to the Administration of Justice Funds Section on a form provided by the Office of Administrative Services of the Department of Finance and Administration for deposit into the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund established by § 16-13-712.
    2. The fee provided under subdivisions (b)(2) and (3) of this section collected in circuit court or district court shall be remitted by the county or city official, agency, or department designated under § 16-13-709 as primarily responsible for the collection of fines assessed in circuit court or district court on or before the fifteenth day of each month to the section, on a form provided by the office, for deposit into the Judicial Fine Collection Enhancement Fund established by § 16-13-712.
  2. No fee shall be charged or collected by the clerks of the circuit or district courts when the court by order, under Rule 72 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, allows an indigent person to prosecute a cause of action in forma pauperis.
  3. Prosecuting attorneys filing actions on behalf of the state, with the exception of child support cases, are exempt from paying fees under this section.
  4. Fees under this section shall not be charged or collected in cases brought in the circuit court under the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989, § 9-27-301 et seq., by a governmental entity or nonprofit corporation, including without limitation an attorney ad litem appointed in a dependency-neglect case or the Department of Human Services.
  5. As used in this section, “circuit court clerk” means the circuit clerk and with respect to probate matters any county clerk who serves as ex officio clerk of the probate division of the circuit court.

History. Acts 2009, No. 328, § 7.

Subchapter 5 — Miscellaneous Fees

Cross References. Legal Education Fund, § 6-64-601 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 53: effective on passage.

Acts 1907, No. 260, § 3: effective on passage.

21-6-501. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning depositions and officers, was repealed by Acts 2005, No. 726, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1875, No. 77, § 17, p. 167; C. & M. Dig., § 4585; Pope's Dig., § 5671; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1714.

21-6-502. Service of subpoena or warrant — Officers.

For issuing a subpoena or warrant of arrest and for summoning or arresting the witnesses, officers shall be allowed the same fees as are allowed to clerks and sheriffs for similar services.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 18, p. 167; C. & M. Dig., § 4586; Pope's Dig., § 5672; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1715.

21-6-503. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning telephone service of summons or subpoena, was repealed by Acts 2005, No. 726, § 2. The section was derived from Acts 1907, No. 260, § 2, p. 605; C. & M. Dig., § 4588; Pope's Dig., § 5676; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1723.

21-6-504. Limitation on fees in criminal cases.

    1. In criminal cases where the costs are paid by the county, no sheriff, coroner, constable, or other person serving subpoenas for witnesses shall be allowed to receive from the county pay for making more than two (2) returns on subpoenas in any given case.
    2. In no case shall either of the officers or other person charge or receive pay or mileage in serving any writ, process, or subpoena in a criminal case for more than the actual number of miles traveled.
  1. No clerk or magistrate shall receive pay from any county for the issuance of more than two (2) subpoenas in a criminal case.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, §§ 20, 33, p. 167; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4589, 4600; Pope's Dig., §§ 5677, 5689; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1724, 12-1732.

Case Notes

Mileage.

When a sheriff arrests a person without a warrant or commitment and conveys him to the county jail, and the person arrested is subsequently indicted and convicted, the sheriff is entitled to no mileage in conveying him to jail. McHenry v. Hot Spring County, 57 Ark. 565, 22 S.W. 175 (1893).

When a sheriff arrests a defendant under one of four warrants in his hands, he is entitled to mileage on only one warrant. McHenry v. Hot Spring County, 57 Ark. 565, 22 S.W. 175 (1893).

Service of Subpoena.

“Return,” as used in this section, does not mean “service,” and the county is responsible, in cases for which it is liable to the sheriff, for every subpoena served, however numerous. Phillips County v. Pillow, 47 Ark. 404, 1 S.W. 686 (1886).

21-6-505. Expenses of keeping seized property.

The sheriff, constable, or other officer shall safely keep all property taken or seized under legal process and shall be allowed by the court the necessary expenses of doing so, to be paid by the plaintiff, and taxed in the cost.

History. Acts 1875, No. 77, § 21; C. & M. Dig., § 4590; Pope's Dig., § 5678; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1725.

Case Notes

Storage Costs.

Where the sheriff, on execution, levied against several mobile homes and stored them on land of petitioners, who thereafter filed a motion to tax as costs of the original action the value of the storage and asked that it be assessed against the sheriff, the sheriff was entitled to protection of this section and a default judgment against him on contract theory was improper without notice to him. Saxon v. Purma, 256 Ark. 461, 508 S.W.2d 331 (1974).

Where landowner orally contracted with sheriff to store levied goods and later filed a motion to tax storage rent as costs against both the plaintiff and sheriff, it was error for the court to grant severance of claim against sheriff, to entertain action in contract, and to enter default judgment against sheriff since the motion to sever created a new and independent cause of action. Saxon v. Purma, 256 Ark. 461, 508 S.W.2d 331 (1974).

Chapter 7 Accounting and Reporting

Research References

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 263 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

[Reserved.]

Subchapter 2 — State and Local Officers — Income and Expenditures

Effective Dates. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 12: effective 30 days from passage.

Acts 2001, No. 854, § 2: July 1, 2001. The emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the state's fiscal year begins on July 1 of each year and that for the purposes of accounting and record keeping it is necessary that the changes to the payment of fees by the Commissioner of State Lands made by this act be implemented on a date corresponding to the beginning of the start of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2001.”

21-7-201. Penalties.

    1. Any officer who shall refuse or neglect to keep a record complying in all particulars with the requirements of this subchapter or who shall refuse access to the record, within reasonable hours, to any officer by law entitled to inspect the same, or who shall neglect or refuse to make returns as provided in this subchapter shall be deemed guilty of malfeasance.
    2. Upon conviction, he or she shall, for each such offense, be fined in any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and be removed from office.
    1. The writ of mandamus shall lie to compel the production to the proper officer of the records and reports prescribed in this subchapter.
    2. Any officer who shall knowingly and willfully make a false report of the amount received or expended shall be deemed guilty of perjury and, upon conviction, shall suffer the penalties affixed by law thereto.
  1. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to release the officer offending against the provisions of this subchapter from any liability upon his or her official bond, to exempt him or her from the operation of the provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Article 7, § 27, or to relieve him or her from prosecution and punishment for the crime of embezzlement.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 9, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4643; Pope's Dig., § 5732; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1810.

21-7-202. Treasurer of State's fiscal responsibility.

The Treasurer of State shall be responsible for all moneys and evidences of value in his or her hands from fees and emoluments of office, in the same manner as for the other public moneys, and shall disburse the same only in such manner as may be prescribed by law.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 3, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4635; Pope's Dig., § 5724; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1803.

Cross References. State Treasury Management Law, § 19-3-501 et seq.

21-7-203. Monthly reports by certain state officers — Disposition of funds.

    1. The Secretary of State, Auditor of State, and Commissioner of State Lands shall each render to the Treasurer of State, on the first day of each month, a statement of the amounts received by him or her from fees and emoluments of office during the month preceding.
    2. The officer shall, at the same time, deposit with the Treasurer of State the amounts in the identical pieces of money, or the evidence of value so received.
    3. The Treasurer of State shall render to the Auditor of State, in like manner in all respects, monthly statements in detail of the amounts by him or her directly received from fees and emoluments proper from the office of the Treasurer of State.
  1. The officers shall each incorporate into his or her regular report to the Governor, for transmission to the General Assembly, a classified statement of the sums received by him or her from fees and emoluments since the date of his or her last report.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 2, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4634; Pope's Dig., § 5723; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1802.

21-7-204 — 21-7-206. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning annual reports, report and approval of expenditures, and disapproval of expenditures for local officers, were repealed by Acts 1993, No. 1279, § 1. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-7-204. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 5, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4637, 4638; Pope's Dig., §§ 5726, 5727; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1805, 12-1806.

21-7-205. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 5, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4639; Pope's Dig., § 5728; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1807.

21-7-206. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 6, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4640; Pope's Dig., § 5729; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1808.

21-7-207. Reports in case of vacancy in office.

  1. In case any officer shall die or resign, or his or her office become otherwise vacated before the expiration of the full term, the report of the officer's receipts and expenditures as required pursuant to this subchapter shall immediately, upon such vacation, be rendered for that portion of the year during which the office was occupied by him or her.
  2. The net amount of money to be credited to such outgoing officer shall be proportioned at the rate of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year for the length of time he or she occupied the office.
  3. In case of death of an officer, the report and settlement as therein prescribed shall be made by his or her executor or administrator under the same penalties for refusal or neglect to render the report or for knowingly and willfully filing a false report as prescribed for an offending officer in § 21-7-201.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 10, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4644; Pope's Dig., § 5733; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1811.

21-7-208. Estimate of expenditures.

    1. Any officer coming within the purview of this subchapter may submit to the officer to whom he or she is required to make a report, as provided in this subchapter, an estimate of the amount of expenditures proposed.
    2. The officer making the expenditures shall, with his or her annual report, make a full statement of particulars and produce vouchers showing the manner of expenditure of the amount.
    1. If the estimate is approved by the reviewing officer, no further approval of such amount shall be required.
    2. If any officer shall submit his or her estimate of expenditure as provided for in subsection (a) of this section, and the estimate shall not be approved, the officer shall have the same right of appeal from the decision as provided in § 21-7-206 [repealed].

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 8, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4642; Pope's Dig., § 5731; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1809.

21-7-209. Credit for fees prohibited — Exception.

    1. Except as stated in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, no officer coming within the purview of this subchapter shall give credit to any person for fees or other emoluments or perquisites of his or her office unless in cases where parties are permitted by law to give bond for costs and the bond has been given as prescribed by law.
    2. In case any such prohibited credit shall be given, the amount thereof shall be charged to the officer as cash.
  1. A public officer performing services for an agency of the State of Arkansas for which a fee is provided in § 21-6-307 or § 21-6-406 may extend credit to that agency provided that statements demanding payment are submitted on at least a quarterly basis.
    1. Circuit court clerks and probate clerks of the circuit court, sheriffs, and other elected county officials are authorized to extend credit for the payment of court costs and fees to licensed attorneys, financial institutions, improvement districts, and state and federal agencies and may extend credit for payment of recording fees to the Commissioner of State Lands.
    2. Each official may establish policies within his or her office to implement the provisions of this section, which shall include a provision that withdraws this privilege from any person whose account remains past due and unpaid for thirty (30) days until the delinquent account is paid in full.
  2. When elected county officials are authorized to extend credit to attorneys or other persons or entities or agencies for court costs and fees and the official does so and is unable to collect such court costs or fees from the person, entity, or agency, the official shall not be personally liable for payment of such court costs and fees.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, § 7, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., § 4641; Pope's Dig., § 5730; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1736; Acts 1987, No. 720, § 1; 1989, No. 269, § 1; 1989, No. 871, § 1; 2001, No. 854, § 1.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment added “and may extend credit for payment of recording fees to the Commissioner of State Lands” in (c)(1); and inserted “or her” in (c)(2).

Cross References. Pro rata division when full fees not collected, § 16-68-506.

21-7-210. Records kept by officers.

    1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, the Auditor of State, the Treasurer of State, and the Commissioner of State Lands, and of each officer of any county, city, town, or village receiving fees or emoluments of office to keep a record book in which shall be entered on each day an account of all moneys or other funds received by him or her in payment of fees or by way of emolument pertaining to his or her office.
    2. The record shall show in each instance by whom, on what account, and in what funds such payment was made.
    1. The record book of fees of each of the state officers, as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, shall, at all times, be open to the inspection of the Governor and other state officers.
    2. The record book of each of the county officers proper shall, at all times, be open to the inspection of the judges of the circuit and county courts of the county.
    3. The record book of justices of the peace and constables shall, at all times, be open to the inspection of the judge of the county court of the county.
    4. The record book of each officer of any city, town, or village shall, at all times, be open to the inspection of the mayor or other chief officer of such city, town, or village.

History. Acts 1875, No. 47, §§ 1, 4, p. 124; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4633, 4636; Pope's Dig., §§ 5722, 5725; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1801, 12-1804.

Cross References. Accounts of clerks of courts, § 16-20-106.

Case Notes

County Clerks.

Fees and emoluments of the county clerk are public funds and it is his duty to report them to the court and to pay into the county treasury all except his statutory compensation. Marable v. State, 175 Ark. 589, 2 S.W.2d 690 (1928).

Official Liability.

Neglect of the duty imposed by this section does not render an official liable irrespective of his good faith. White v. Williams, 192 Ark. 41, 89 S.W.2d 927 (1936).

Cited: Williams v. Buchanan, 86 Ark. 259, 110 S.W. 1024 (1908).

21-7-211. Failure of officer to render and settle accounts.

If any collector, sheriff, clerk, or other officer shall willfully neglect or refuse to render his or her accounts and settle with the county court for moneys received by him or her, or which he or she ought to have received, to the use of the county, in the manner and at the time prescribed by this subchapter or shall render a false account, he or she shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office and shall be proceeded against accordingly.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 41, § 36; C. & M. Dig., § 2816; Pope's Dig., § 3534; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1812.

Cross References. Collector's settlement of funds, § 26-39-201.

Penalty for failure to pay amount due on settlement, § 26-39-213.

Subchapter 3 — State Officers — Quarterly Reports to Governor

Effective Dates. Acts 1883, No. 119, § 4: effective on passage.

21-7-301. Quarterly statements by certain state officers.

On the first day of January, March, July, and October, it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of State, the Secretary of State, and the Commissioner of State Lands to file with the Governor a sworn statement, in tabulated form, showing:

  1. The balances that the officers were chargeable with on account of the several funds;
  2. All amounts received by the officers during the quarter last past, and the several funds on account of which the same have been received; and
  3. An itemized statement of all expenditures and disbursements made by the officers, and on what account the same have been made during the quarter.

History. Acts 1883, No. 119, § 1, p. 296; C. & M. Dig., § 8086; Pope's Dig., § 10424; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1901.

Cross References. Commissioner of State Lands to make quarterly reports to Auditor of State, § 22-6-101.

Quarterly reports of Treasurer of State as to money from sale of state lands, § 25-16-611.

21-7-302. Quarterly statement by Auditor of State.

It shall be the duty of the Auditor of State, on the first day of January, March, July, and October to file with the Governor a report and statement showing:

  1. The different amounts of money which, during the preceding quarter, have been charged upon his or her books to the various fiscal officers of the state;
  2. What disbursements or settlements during the quarter have been made by him or her; and
  3. In what manner the disbursements or settlements have been made.

History. Acts 1883, No. 119, § 2, p. 296; C. & M. Dig., § 8087; Pope's Dig., § 10425; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1902.

21-7-303. Statement to be public record — Investigation of deficits.

  1. The statements provided for in this subchapter, when so filed with the Governor, shall remain in his or her hands as public records, subject to inspection upon proper application.
  2. Copies of the statements shall be embraced in or accompany the Governor's message to the General Assembly.
  3. Whenever a deficit occurs in the reports, it shall be the Governor's duty to order through the Attorney General an immediate investigation and, if necessary, to order suit brought against the parties whose report shows the deficit.

History. Acts 1883, No. 119, § 3, p. 296; C. & M. Dig., §§ 8088, 8089; Pope's Dig., §§ 10426, 10427; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1903.

Subchapter 4 — Printing and Distribution of State Reports

Cross References. Distribution of state publications, § 25-18-202 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1943, No. 204, § 3: effective on passage.

21-7-401. Biennial reports of Treasurer of State and Department of Finance and Administration.

    1. The only biennial reports which shall be printed and distributed shall be the biennial reports of the Treasurer of State and the Department of Finance and Administration.
    2. These reports shall be distributed to the constitutional officers of the state, and upon request, to members of the General Assembly.
    3. Copies shall be available for distribution to the general public upon written request.
  1. In addition to the financial statements and tables required to be published in the report, the department shall be required to summarize briefly all of the financial affairs of each state-supported institution or department and to publish the summaries in its biennial report to the constitutional officers of the state.

History. Acts 1943, No. 204, § 2; 1981, No. 241, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1907.

Case Notes

Cited: Andres v. First Ark. Dev. Fin. Corp., 230 Ark. 594, 230 Ark. 594, 324 S.W.2d 97 (1959).

21-7-402. Annual and biennial reports.

  1. Whenever the laws of this state require any state agency, department, board, or commission to prepare and publish an annual or biennial report, the report shall be prepared in the least expensive manner possible.
  2. Fifty (50) copies shall be filed with the Arkansas State Library, and twenty (20) copies shall be filed with the Mullins Library of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, as required by law, for distribution purposes.
  3. The publication and filing of such reports in the manner provided in this section shall constitute sufficient distribution, in lieu of other distribution requirements which may be prescribed by law, provided:
    1. A record or list of reports available at the Arkansas State Library shall be distributed every three (3) months to the appropriate parties, including members of the General Assembly or other public officials who may be designated by law to receive copies thereof. The furnishing of the lists or record shall meet the formalities of any statutory requirements specifying which officials shall receive copies of the reports;
    2. Copies of the reports shall be made available to the maximum extent practicable, upon request therefor, but the Arkansas State Library may provide, by rules, for recovery of the costs of reproduction.

History. Acts 1981, No. 241, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1908; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2328.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (c)(2).

Cross References. Furnishing state and local publications to Arkansas State Library, § 25-18-308.

Chapter 8 Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2016, No. 127, § 7, provided:

“ADVERTISING. No advertising targeting the prevention or reduction of tobacco use shall include the name, voice, or likeness of any elected official or their immediate family.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.”

Research References

ALR.

Orders and enactments requiring public officers and employees, or candidates for office, to disclose financial condition, interests, or relationships. 22 A.L.R.4th 237.

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 247 et seq.

Ark. L. Notes.

Leflar, The Reform of Ethics Rules In Arkansas Government, 2000 Ark. L. Notes 65.

C.J.S. 67 C.J.S., Officers, § 347 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2016, No. 127, § 7, provided:

“ADVERTISING. No advertising targeting the prevention or reduction of tobacco use shall include the name, voice, or likeness of any elected official or their immediate family.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.”

Acts 2017, No. 88, § 7, provided:

“ADVERTISING. No advertising targeting the prevention or reduction of tobacco use shall include the name, voice, or likeness of any elected official or their immediate family.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Acts 2018, No. 157, § 7, provided:

“ADVERTISING. No advertising targeting the prevention or reduction of tobacco use shall include the name, voice, or likeness of any elected official or their immediate family.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.”

Cross References. Certain ethical guidelines and prohibitions for educational administrators, employees, and board members, § 6-24-101 et seq.

21-8-101. Nepotism.

  1. A person who is related within the second degree, by consanguinity or affinity, to a member or employee of a state board or commission shall not be eligible for appointment as a member of the board.
  2. A person who is related within the second degree, by consanguinity or affinity, to a member of a state board or commission shall not be eligible for employment by the board or commission.
  3. This section shall apply only to persons hired or appointed after July 28, 1995.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 3.

21-8-102. Restrictions on employment of former state officials and former state employees — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “State employee” means an individual employed in the office of:
      1. The Governor;
      2. The Lieutenant Governor;
      3. The Attorney General;
      4. The Secretary of State;
      5. The Auditor of State;
      6. The Treasurer of State;
      7. The Commissioner of State Lands;
      8. A justice of the Supreme Court;
      9. A judge of the Court of Appeals;
      10. A judge of a circuit court; or
      11. A judge of a district court; and
    2. “State official” means:
      1. The Governor;
      2. The Lieutenant Governor;
      3. The Attorney General;
      4. The Secretary of State;
      5. The Auditor of State;
      6. The Treasurer of State;
      7. The Commissioner of State Lands;
      8. A justice of the Supreme Court;
      9. A judge of the Court of Appeals;
      10. A judge of a circuit court;
      11. A judge of a district court;
      12. An executive head of a state agency;
      13. The chief deputy of an executive head of a state agency; and
      14. A member of the Arkansas Public Service Commission.
  2. A former state official or former state employee shall not knowingly act as a principal or agent for anyone other than the state in connection with any of the following if he or she participated personally and substantially through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise while serving in that capacity and the state is a party or has a direct or substantial interest:
    1. A judicial, administrative, or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling, or other determination;
    2. A contract;
    3. A claim; or
    4. A charge or controversy.
  3. A former state official or former state employee shall not knowingly act as a principal or agent for anyone other than the state within one (1) year after cessation of his or her employment with the state agency in connection with any of the following if the matters were within the former state official's or former state employee's official responsibility and the state is a party or has a direct or substantial interest:
    1. A judicial, administrative, or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling, or other determination;
    2. A contract;
    3. A claim; or
    4. A charge or controversy.
  4. A former state official or former state employee who knowingly violates this section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

History. Acts 2011, No. 1200, § 1; 2013, No. 486, § 2.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote (a); in the introductory language of (b), substituted “official or former state employee” for “regulatory official” and “he or she” for “the former state regulatory official”; rewrote the introductory language of (c); and substituted “official or former state employee” for “regulatory official” in (d).

21-8-103. Elected state officials prohibited from registering as lobbyists — Definition.

  1. A person serving as an elected state official in any jurisdiction is prohibited from registering as a lobbyist in Arkansas under § 21-8-601 et seq. or similarly in any other jurisdiction while the person is serving as an elected state official.
  2. As used in this section, “elected state official” means a person holding an elective office of state government as a constitutional officer or as a member of the General Assembly and includes persons during the time period between the date that he or she is elected and the date he or she takes office.

History. Acts 2019, No. 342, § 1.

Subchapter 2 — Income Disclosure by Salaried Employees

21-8-201. Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter:

  1. “Public agency” shall include:
    1. The agency with which a state employee is employed, a state board, commission, institution, office, or agency;
    2. Any city, county, or school district, or any agency, division, or instrumentality thereof, including those agencies, divisions, or instrumentalities which are funded in part with funds provided by state appropriations; or
    3. Any area or regional program in this state which derives financial support in whole or in part from state funds or from any nonprofit corporation, foundation, or organization; and
    1. “Regular salary basis” means employment in a full-time position for which a maximum regular salary is established by law.
    2. “Regular salary basis” shall also include:
      1. In the case of the institutions of higher education, any person employed on a contract basis for nine (9) months or more of services where the maximum regular salary is established by law; and
      2. Regular salaries paid from funds deposited in the State Treasury or from bank funds belonging to the state agency, or from federal funds, trust funds, grant funds, donated funds, or other funds of whatever nature administered by the state agency.

History. Acts 1977, No. 849, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1629.

21-8-202. Penalty.

  1. Any employee of the State of Arkansas, including employees of the state-supported institutions of higher education, who fails to file or who shall falsely file any statement as required under the provisions of this subchapter shall be guilty of a violation.
  2. Upon conviction, he or she shall be fined in an amount not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).

History. Acts 1977, No. 849, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1632; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 141.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment substituted “violation” for “misdemeanor” in (a).

21-8-203. Disclosure of income required.

The General Assembly determines that it is essential to the efficient operation of government, and to minimize the opportunities for conflicts of interest, that all state employees who are employed on a regular salary basis shall be required to disclose each source of income in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) earned during any calendar year from sources other than their regular salary from employment or from professional or consultant services rendered for any public agency.

History. Acts 1977, No. 849, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1628.

Case Notes

Evidence.

A judge violated Canon 4 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, this section and § 21-8-204(b)(1) by failing to properly report his outside income and financial interests to the clerk of the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Secretary of State. Judicial Discipline & Disability Comm'n v. Thompson, 341 Ark. 253, 16 S.W.3d 212 (2000).

21-8-204. Filing of income disclosure statement.

  1. On or before January 31 following the close of each calendar year, all state employees who are employed by a state office, agency, department, board, commission, or institution of higher education in this state on a regular salary basis shall file a statement under oath reflecting all income in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) received by them during the preceding calendar year as wages or salary or as fees or payments for professional or consultant services rendered to any public agency of this state, other than the salary said person receives on a regular salary basis.
    1. All state employees who are employed by any state office, agency, department, board, or commission, other than employees of institutions of higher education, shall file the statement required herein with the Secretary of State.
      1. All employees of institutions of higher education in the state shall file the statement with the president of the institution of higher education by which the employee is employed.
      2. All such statements filed with the presidents of the various institutions of higher education shall be public records and shall be open to public inspection during reasonable business hours.

History. Acts 1977, No. 849, §§ 3, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1630, 12-1631.

Case Notes

Evidence.

A judge violated Canon 4 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, § 21-8-203 and this section by failing to properly report his outside income and financial interests to the clerk of the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Secretary of State. Judicial Discipline & Disability Comm'n v. Thompson, 341 Ark. 253, 16 S.W.3d 212 (2000).

Subchapter 3 — Code of Ethics

Effective Dates. Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 35: became law without governor's signature Apr. 20, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that various provisions of the Arkansas Code relating to campaign financing and ethics are vague or otherwise in need of modification; that this act accomplishes those purposes; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible so that those persons who are subject to the provisions of the various ethics and campaign finance statutes receive the benefit of the clarifications as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015, No. 1280, § 16: Apr. 8, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of Arkansas adopted Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, at the 2014 General Election, which added Sections 28, 29, and 30 to Article 19 of the Arkansas Constitution; that Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, requires the General Assembly to provide by law that Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 be under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Ethics Commission; that this act should become effective at the earliest opportunity to allow the commission to enforce Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 and issue guidance to affected public officials; and that the additional provisions of this act provide clarity to the ethics laws of the State of Arkansas and should become effective at the earliest opportunity to prevent confusion and avoid incorrect applications of the state's ethics laws. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Cross References. Code of ethics, public procurements, § 19-11-701 et seq.

21-8-301. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Constitutional office” means the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Secretary of State, Commissioner of State Lands, the Attorney General, the General Assembly, Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, circuit judge, and district judge;
  2. “Governmental body” means an office, department, commission, council, board, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of the executive, judicial, or legislative branch of the state, municipality, county, school district, improvement district, or any political district or subdivision thereof;
    1. “Public appointee” means an individual who is appointed to a governmental body.
    2. “Public appointee” does not include an individual appointed to an elective office;
    1. “Public employee” means an individual who is employed by a governmental body or who is appointed to serve a governmental body.
    2. “Public employee” does not include a public official or a public appointee;
    1. “Public official” means a person holding an elective office of any governmental body, whether elected or appointed to the office.
    2. “Public official” includes without limitation:
      1. A person holding an elective office of any governmental body, whether elected or appointed to the office, during the time period between the date he or she is elected or appointed and the date he or she takes office; and
      2. A member of a school district board of directors;
  3. “Public servant” means a:
    1. Public appointee;
    2. Public employee; or
    3. Public official; and
  4. “Public trust crime” means a crime prohibited under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 9.

History. Acts 1979, No. 570, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3001; Acts 2005, No. 1284, § 12; 2011, No. 721, § 14; 2017, No. 449, § 1; 2019, No. 894, § 1.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted former (1) and (2) and the subdivision (3) designation, and made related changes.

The 2011 amendment deleted “‘state employee’ means all employees of the State of Arkansas employed on a full-time or part-time basis” from the end of the introductory language; and added (1) through (5).

The 2017 amendment redesignated former (4)(B) as the introductory language of (4)(B) and (4)(B)(i); added “without limitation” in the introductory language of (4)(B); and added (4)(B)(ii).

The 2019 amendment added the definitions for “Constitutional office” and “Public trust crime”.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2005 Arkansas General Assembly, Election Law, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 351.

21-8-302. Penalties.

Any person who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of this subchapter shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

History. Acts 1979, No. 570, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3007; Acts 2005, No. 1284, § 13.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment deleted former (b) and the subsection (a) designation; and deleted “fails to file any report pursuant to this subchapter or files an incomplete or inaccurate report or otherwise” following “willfully.”

Cross References. Fines, § 5-4-201.

Imprisonment, § 5-4-401.

21-8-303. Enforcement.

    1. It shall be the duties and responsibilities of the prosecuting attorneys of this state to supervise compliance with this subchapter and to prosecute persons who violate the provisions of this subchapter.
    2. However, the Arkansas Ethics Commission shall also have authority to investigate and address alleged violations of this subchapter.
    1. In the event the prosecuting attorney shall fail or refuse to enforce the provisions of this subchapter when the facts are known by him or her, or called to his or her attention, any citizen of this state may bring action in circuit court to force compliance with this subchapter.
    2. The citizen shall be entitled to receive reimbursements for expenses and reasonable attorney's fees upon the successful outcome of such litigation.

History. Acts 1979, No. 570, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3007; Acts 1999, No. 553, § 30.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment added the proviso in (a).

Case Notes

Attorney's Fees Denied.

Where a registered voter met his burden of proving that a candidate was ineligible to run for the office of circuit court judge, the circuit court did not err in deciding not to award fees under subsection (b) of this section as there was no evidence that the prosecuting attorney's office first failed or refused to act. Wyatt v. Carr, 2020 Ark. 21, 592 S.W.3d 656 (2020).

21-8-304. Prohibited activities.

  1. No public servant shall use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or herself or his or her spouse, child, parents, or other persons standing in the first degree of relationship, or for those with whom he or she has a substantial financial relationship that are not available to others except as may be otherwise provided by law.
  2. No public servant shall accept employment or engage in any public or professional activity while serving as a public official which he or she might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her to disclose any information acquired by him or her by reason of his or her official position that is declared by law or rule to be confidential.
  3. No public servant shall disclose any such information gained by reason of his or her position, nor shall he or she otherwise use such information for his or her personal gain or benefit.

History. Acts 1979, No. 570, §§ 3, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3003, 12-3004; Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 22; 2007, No. 221, § 16; 2011, No. 721, § 15; 2019, No. 315, § 2329.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Subchapter 10 of this chapter supplements this section.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a), substituted “use or attempt to use his or her official” for “use his” and inserted “or herself”; and made minor punctuation and gender neutral changes.

The 2011 amendment substituted “servant” for “official or state employee” in (a) through (c).

The 2019 amendment substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (b).

Cross References. State boards and commissions, § 21-8-1001 et seq.

Applicability of this section, § 6-43-114.

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Leflar, The Reform of Ethics Rules In Arkansas Government, 2000 Ark. L. Notes 65.

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Development: Public Officials, 58 Ark. L. Rev. 471.

Case Notes

Cited: Biedenharn v. Thicksten, 361 Ark. 438, 206 S.W.3d 837 (2005).

21-8-305. Person convicted of public trust crime ineligible as candidate for constitutional office or to hold constitutional office.

  1. If a person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or has been found guilty of a public trust crime, he or she shall not:
    1. File as a candidate for a constitutional office;
    2. Run as a candidate for a constitutional office; or
    3. Hold a constitutional office.
    1. The sealing of any public trust crime or any similar offense under the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, § 16-90-1401 et seq., or any sealing or expungement act in any jurisdiction shall not restore a privilege, eligibility, or qualification to file as a candidate for, run as a candidate for, or hold a constitutional office under this section.
    2. A person who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or has been found guilty of a public trust crime that was sealed or expunged as described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section:
      1. Upon inquiry, shall disclose the fact and nature of the crime which the person pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or was found guilty of; and
      2. Shall not publicly state or affirm under oath that the:
        1. Conduct underlying the plea or finding did not occur;
        2. Record of the underlying plea or finding does not exist; or
        3. Person has not been convicted of a criminal offense.
    3. If a person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or has been found guilty of a public trust crime or similar offense that was sealed under the Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, § 16-90-1401 et seq., or any sealing or expungement act in any jurisdiction, evidence of the plea, finding, and conduct underlying the plea or finding shall be admissible in a court of competent jurisdiction for an action concerning the person's filing for, candidacy for, or holding of a constitutional office.

History. Acts 2019, No. 894, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Former § 21-8-305, concerning filing requirements for financial disclosure statements, was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 553, § 31. The former section was derived from Acts 1979, No. 570, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3002; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 5; 1991, No. 326, § 2.

Case Notes

Burden of Proof.

Circuit court did not clearly err in determining that a registered voter had established by a preponderance of the evidence that a circuit court judge candidate had pleaded guilty to and been convicted of violations of the Arkansas Hot Check Law, § 5-37-301 et seq., where it required the voter to demonstrate that he had a clear and certain right to the disqualification of the candidate, thereby correctly applying the burden of proof. The candidate also failed to present documentary evidence to contradict the certified court records and admitted that he was 25 years old at the time, which was consistent with the certified court record. Wyatt v. Carr, 2020 Ark. 21, 592 S.W.3d 656 (2020).

21-8-306 — 21-8-309. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. Former §§ 21-8-30521-8-309, concerning filing required and exceptions, time and place of filing, public records, contents, and notification of failure to file of financial disclosure statements, were repealed by Acts 1999, No. 553, §§ 31-35. The sections were derived from the following sources:

21-8-305. Acts 1979, No. 570, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3002; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 5; 1991, No. 326, § 2.

21-8-306. Acts 1991, No. 326, § 2.

21-8-307. Acts 1991, No. 326, § 2.

21-8-308. Acts 1991, No. 326, § 2.

21-8-309. Acts 1991, No. 326, § 2.

21-8-310. Gifts from lobbyists.

Persons elected or appointed to the following offices shall not knowingly or willfully solicit or accept a gift in violation of Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 30, from a lobbyist, a person acting on behalf of a lobbyist, or a person employing or contracting with a lobbyist:

  1. Governor;
  2. Lieutenant Governor;
  3. Secretary of State;
  4. Treasurer of State;
  5. Auditor of State;
  6. Attorney General;
  7. Commissioner of State Lands;
  8. Member of the General Assembly;
  9. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
  10. Justice of the Supreme Court;
  11. Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals;
  12. Judge of the Court of Appeals;
  13. Circuit court judge;
  14. District court judge;
  15. Prosecuting attorney; and
  16. Member of the independent citizens commission for the purpose of setting salaries of elected constitutional officers of the executive department, members of the General Assembly, justices, and judges under Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 31.

History. Acts 2015, No. 1280, § 12.

Subchapter 4 — Disclosure by Lobbyists and State and Local Officials — General Provisions

Effective Dates. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1: Jan. 1, 1989.

Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 35: became law without governor's signature. Approved Apr. 20, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that various provisions of the Arkansas Code relating to campaign financing and ethics are vague or otherwise in need of modification; that this act accomplishes those purposes; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible so that those persons who are subject to the provisions of the various ethics and campaign finance statutes receive the benefit of the clarifications as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2017, No. 312, § 3: Mar. 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the provisions of this act impact the behavior and conduct of public servants in this state by amending certain ethics laws; that the state's ethics laws ensure consistent and appropriate behavior by public office holders and other public servants; and that the provisions of this act should be implemented at the earliest opportunity to ensure that the conduct of public servants is consistent with the ethics laws of this state and the provisions of this act. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

Am. Jur. 51 Am. Jur. 2d, Lobby, § 1 et seq.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey, Miscellaneous, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 653.

21-8-401. Title.

This subchapter, § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq. may be referred to and cited as the “Disclosure Act for Lobbyists and State and Local Officials”.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 1; Acts 2007, No. 827, § 175.

Research References

ALR.

Validity, Construction, and Application of State and Municipal Enactments Regulating Lobbying and of Lobbying Contracts. 35 A.L.R.6th 1.

21-8-402. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter and § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq., unless the context otherwise requires:

    1. “Administrative action” means any decision on, or proposal, consideration, or making of any rule, ratemaking proceeding, or policy action by a governmental body.
    2. “Administrative action” does not include ministerial action;
  1. “Business” means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual, receivership, trust, or any legal entity through which business is conducted;
  2. “County government” means any office, department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of a county;
  3. “Family” means an individual's spouse, children of that individual or his or her spouse, or brothers, sisters, or parents of the individual or his or her spouse;
    1. “Gift” means any payment, entertainment, advance, services, or anything of value, unless consideration of equal or greater value has been given therefor.
    2. The term “gift” does not include:
        1. Informational material such as books, reports, pamphlets, calendars, or periodicals informing a public servant regarding his or her official duties.
        2. Payments for travel or reimbursement for any expenses are not informational material;
      1. The giving or receiving of food, lodging, or travel which bears a relationship to the public servant's office and when appearing in an official capacity;
      2. Gifts which are not used and which, within thirty (30) days after receipt, are returned to the donor;
      3. Gifts from an individual's spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the spouse of any of these persons, unless the person is acting as an agent or intermediary for any person not covered by this subdivision (5)(B)(iv);
      4. Campaign contributions;
      5. Any devise or inheritance;
        1. Anything with a value of one hundred dollars ($100) or less.
        2. The value of an item shall be considered to be less than one hundred dollars ($100) if the public servant reimburses the person from whom the item was received any amount over one hundred dollars ($100) and the reimbursement occurs within ten (10) days from the date the item was received;
      6. Wedding presents and engagement gifts;
      7. A monetary or other award presented to an employee of a public school district, the Arkansas School for the Blind, the Arkansas School for the Deaf, the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a university, a college, a technical college, a technical institute, a comprehensive life-long learning center, or a community college in recognition of the employee's contribution to education;
      8. Tickets to charitable fund-raising events held within this state by a nonprofit organization which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
      9. A personalized award, plaque, or trophy with a value of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) or less;
      10. An item which appointed or elected members of a specific governmental body purchase with their own personal funds and present to a fellow member of that governmental body in recognition of public service;
      11. Food or beverages provided at a conference-scheduled event that is part of the program of the conference;
      12. Food or beverages provided in return for participation in a bona fide panel, seminar, or speaking engagement at which the audience is a civic, social, or cultural organization or group;
        1. A monetary or other award publicly presented to an employee of state government in recognition of his or her contributions to the community and State of Arkansas when the presentation is made by the employee's supervisors or peers, individually or through a nonprofit organization which is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the employee's receipt of the award would not result in or create the appearance of the employee using his or her position for private gain, giving preferential treatment to any person, or losing independence or impartiality.
        2. The exception in subdivision (5)(B)(xv)(a) of this section shall not apply to an award presented to an employee of state government by a person having economic interests which may be affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee's duties or responsibilities; and
      13. Anything of value provided by a political party under § 7-1-101 or § 7-7-205 when serving as the host of the following events to all attendees as part of attendance at the event:
        1. The official swearing-in, inaugural, and recognition events of constitutional officers and members of the General Assembly; and
        2. An official event of a recognized political party so long as all members of either house of the General Assembly affiliated with the recognized political party are invited to the official event;
  4. “Governmental body” means any office, department, commission, council, board, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of the executive, judicial, or legislative branch of the state, municipality, county, school district, improvement district, or any political district or subdivision thereof;
    1. “Income” or “compensation” means any money or anything of value received or to be received as a claim for future services, whether in the form of a retainer, fee, salary, expense, allowance, forbearance, forgiveness, interest, dividend, royalty, rent, or any other form of recompense or any combination thereof. It includes a payment made under obligation for services or other value received.
    2. The term “compensation” does not include anything of value presented to an employee of a public school district, the Arkansas School for the Blind, the Arkansas School for the Deaf, the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a university, a college, a technical college, a technical institute, a comprehensive life-long learning center, or a community college in recognition of the employee's contribution to education;
  5. “Legislative action” means introduction, sponsorship, consideration, debate, amendment, passage, defeat, approval, veto, or any other official action or nonaction on any bill, ordinance, law, resolution, amendment, nomination, appointment, report, or other matter pending or proposed before a committee or house of the General Assembly, a quorum court, or a city council or board of directors of a municipality;
  6. “Legislator” means any person who is a member of:
    1. The General Assembly;
    2. A quorum court of any county;
    3. The city council or board of directors of any municipality; or
    4. A member of a school district board of directors;
  7. “Lobbying” means communicating directly or soliciting others to communicate with any public servant with the purpose of influencing legislative action or administrative action;
  8. “Lobbyist” means a person who:
    1. Receives income or reimbursement in a combined amount of four hundred dollars ($400) or more in a calendar quarter for lobbying one (1) or more governmental bodies;
    2. Expends four hundred dollars ($400) or more in a calendar quarter for lobbying one (1) or more governmental bodies, excluding the cost of personal travel, lodging, meals, or dues; or
    3. Expends four hundred dollars ($400) or more in a calendar quarter, including postage, for the express purpose of soliciting others to communicate with any public servant to influence any legislative action or administrative action of one (1) or more governmental bodies unless the communication has been filed with the Secretary of State or the communication has been published in the news media. If the communication is filed with the Secretary of State, the filing shall include the approximate number of recipients;
  9. “Municipal government” means any office, department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of a municipality;
  10. “Official capacity” means activities which:
    1. Arise solely because of the position held by the public servant;
    2. Would be subject to expense reimbursement by the agency with which the public servant is associated; and
    3. Involve matters which fall within the official responsibility of the public servant;
  11. “Person” means a business, individual, corporation, union, association, firm, partnership, committee, club, or other organization or group of persons;
    1. “Public appointee” means an individual who is appointed to a governmental body.
    2. “Public appointee” shall not include an individual appointed to an elective office;
    1. “Public employee” means an individual who is employed by a governmental body or who is appointed to serve a governmental body.
    2. “Public employee” shall not include public officials or public appointees;
    1. “Public official” means a legislator or any other person holding an elective office of any governmental body, whether elected or appointed to the office, and shall include such persons during the time period between the date they were elected and the date they took office.
    2. “Public official” includes without limitation a member of a school district board of directors;
  12. “Public servant” means all public officials, public employees, and public appointees;
  13. “Registered lobbyist” means a lobbyist registered pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter and § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq.;
  14. “Special event” means a planned activity to which a specific governmental body or identifiable group of public servants is invited; and
  15. “State government” means any office, department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of the State of Arkansas.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 1; 1999, No. 553, §§ 36, 37; 2001, No. 239, § 1; 2001, No. 1192, §§ 1, 2; 2001, No. 1839, §§ 23-26; 2007, No. 827, §§ 176, 177; 2017, No. 312, § 2; 2017, No. 449, §§ 2, 3; 2019, No. 315, § 2330.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment rewrote (5)(B)(vii); added (5)(B)(viii); and added the language beginning with “and shall include such persons” in (16).

The 2001 amendment by No. 239 inserted present (13) and renumbered the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2001 amendment by Nos. 1192 and 1839 rewrote (7).

The 2001 amendment by No. 1839 rewrote (5)(B); in (11)(A)-(C), substituted “four hundred dollars ($400)” for “two hundred fifty dollars ($250)”; added present (20); and made stylistic changes.

The 2017 amendment by No. 312 added (5)(B)(xvi).

The 2017 amendment by No. 449 redesignated former (9) as the introductory language of (9) and (9)(A) through (9)(C); added (9)(D); redesignated former (17) as (17)(A); and added (17)(B).

The 2019 amendment deleted “regulation” following “rule” in (1)(A).

U.S. Code. Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, referred to in this section, is codified as 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

21-8-403. Penalty.

  1. Upon conviction, any person who violates any provision of this subchapter, § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., or § 21-8-801 et seq. is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
  2. The culpable mental state required shall be a purposeful violation.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 1; 2007, No. 827, § 178.

21-8-404. Investigation generally.

The prosecuting attorney of the district where an alleged violation occurred shall have the authority to investigate the alleged violations of this chapter.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 1.

Cross References. Arkansas Ethics Commission, § 7-6-217.

21-8-405. Provisions supplemental.

This subchapter, § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq. are supplemental to any other law pertaining to ethics or conflicts of interest and do not repeal any other law except for a law specifically repealed by this subchapter, § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., or § 21-8-801 et seq.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 1; 2007, No. 827, § 179.

21-8-406. Tickets to charitable events.

For the purposes of this subchapter, § 21-8-601 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq., the value of a ticket to a charitable event shall not include the tax deductible portion of the ticket.

History. Acts 1997, No. 117, § 1.

21-8-407. Gifts of art.

Any work of art contracted for prior to January 1, 1998, for public service recognition for members of the General Assembly shall not be a gift under § 21-8-402 nor shall it be deemed an unlawful gift under any other statute or rule.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 33; 2019, No. 315, § 2331.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rule” for “regulation”.

Subchapter 5 — Disclosure by Lobbyists and State and Local Officials — Investigation by Attorney General

21-8-501 — 21-8-503. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning disclosure by lobbyists and state and local officials and investigation by the attorney general, was repealed by Initiated Measure 1990, No. 1, § 7. The subchapter was derived from:

21-8-501. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1.

21-8-502. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1.

21-8-503. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1.

For present law, see §§ 7-6-217 and 7-6-218.

Subchapter 6 — Disclosure by Lobbyists

Effective Dates. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1: Jan. 1, 1989.

Init. Meas. 1990, No. 1, §§ 7, 9: July 1, 1991.

Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 35: became law without governor's signature. Approved Apr. 20, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that various provisions of the Arkansas Code relating to campaign financing and ethics are vague or otherwise in need of modification; that this act accomplishes those purposes; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible so that those persons who are subject to the provisions of the various ethics and campaign finance statutes receive the benefit of the clarifications as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

Am. Jur. 51 Am. Jur. 2d, Lobby, § 1 et seq.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey, Miscellaneous, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 653.

21-8-601. Registration required — Exceptions — Termination.

    1. A lobbyist shall register within five (5) days after beginning lobbying. Such registration shall be on forms provided by the Secretary of State containing the following information:
      1. The name, address, and telephone number of the lobbyist;
      2. The calendar year for which the lobbyist is registering;
      3. The types of public servants being lobbied;
      4. The name, address, and telephone number of the lobbyist's client or employer;
      5. A description of the nature of the lobbyist's client or employer; and
      6. Certification by the lobbyist that the information contained on the lobbyist registration form is true and correct.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (a)(2)(B) of this section, if there is a change of information during the registration period, a lobbyist shall file an amended registration form within ten (10) days of the change.
      2. A lobbyist registered to lobby members of the General Assembly shall file an amended registration form within three (3) business days of a change of information that occurs during a regular or extraordinary session of the General Assembly.
    2. A lobbyist shall not be required to register if he or she engages in no lobbying other than the following activities:
      1. The publishing or broadcasting, by news media executives or their employees or agents, in the ordinary course of business, of news items, editorials, or other comments or paid advertisements which directly or indirectly urge legislative action or administrative action;
      2. Engaging in lobbying exclusively on behalf of an Arkansas church which qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code when lobbying solely for the purpose of protecting the rights of members or adherents to practice the religious doctrines of the church;
        1. Action in a person's official capacity as a public servant.
        2. However, a public servant shall be required to register as a lobbyist if he or she:
          1. Receives income from a nongovernmental person in excess of four hundred dollars ($400) in a quarter for lobbying; or
          2. Expends or is reimbursed in excess of four hundred dollars ($400), regardless of the source, in a quarter for lobbying, excluding the cost of informational material and personal travel, lodging, meals, and dues;
      3. Drafting legislation;
      4. Appearing in:
        1. A judicial proceeding;
        2. A proceeding or hearing if the appearance is a matter of public record; or
        3. Any hearing or appeal proceeding conducted pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.;
      5. Assisting an executive agency, at the written request of the agency, in drafting administrative rules or in publicizing or assisting in the implementation of final administrative actions;
      6. Testifying as an individual at a public hearing in support of or in opposition to legislation or administrative action, testifying on behalf of a corporation, partnership, association, or other organization with which the person is regularly associated as an employee, officer, member, or partner, or testifying at the request of a legislative committee; or
      7. Actions by contractors or employees of contractors while engaged in selling to a governmental body by demonstrating or describing commodities or services or inquiring as to specifications or terms and conditions of a particular purchase unless such contractor or its employees expend in excess of four hundred dollars ($400) in a calendar quarter for food, lodging, travel, or gifts to benefit public servants who purchase commodities or services on behalf of a governmental body.
    3. A person whose only act of lobbying is to compensate or reimburse a registered lobbyist in the person's behalf shall not be required to register as a lobbyist.
  1. Upon the termination of a registered lobbyist's employment or designation as a lobbyist, the termination shall be conveyed by the registered lobbyist in writing to the public official with whom the lobbyist is registered. The written notice of termination shall:
    1. State the registered lobbyist's name;
    2. State the date the registered lobbyist's employment is terminated or his or her designation as a lobbyist terminated; and
    3. Report any activity to be reported during the period in which the registration was in effect that has not already been reported.
  2. Each registered lobbyist whose employment or designation as a lobbyist has not terminated shall reregister by January 15 of each year.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; 2001, No. 1839, § 27; 2005, No. 1284, § 14; 2019, No. 315, § 2332.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment added the last sentence in (a)(1); added (a)(1)(A) through (a)(1)(E); substituted “four hundred dollars $(400)” for “two hundred fifty dollars ($250)” in (a)(2)(C)(ii)(a), (a)(2)(C)(ii)(b) and (a)(2)(H); added the last sentence to (b); and added (b)(1) through (b)(3).

The 2005 amendment inserted present (a)(1)(C) and (a)(2); and redesignated former (a)(1)(C)-(E), (a)(2) and (a)(3) as present (a)(1)(D)-(F), (a)(3) and (a)(4).

The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (a)(3)(F).

U.S. Code. Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, referred to in this section, is codified as 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

Cross References. Preparation of General Assembly bills, resolutions, and amendments, § 10-2-501.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

Validity, Construction, and Application of State and Municipal Enactments Regulating Lobbying and of Lobbying Contracts. 35 A.L.R.6th 1.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2005 Arkansas General Assembly, Election Law, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 351.

21-8-602. Other filings required.

  1. A lobbyist who lobbies public servants of state government shall register and make other filings with the Secretary of State.
  2. A lobbyist who lobbies public servants of municipal government shall register and make other filings with the city clerk or recorder of the municipality, as the case may be.
  3. A lobbyist who lobbies public servants of county government or any government body not otherwise covered by this section shall register and make other filings with the county clerk of the county.
  4. A lobbyist who lobbies public servants of a governmental body covering a district which includes all or part of more than one (1) county shall file with the Secretary of State and the county clerk of his or her principal place of business or residence within the state.
  5. A lobbyist who would be required to register and file with more than one (1) public official under this section may, in lieu of registering with each public official, register and make other filings with the Secretary of State and the county clerk of his or her principal place of business or residence within the state.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2.

Research References

ALR.

Validity, Construction, and Application of State and Municipal Enactments Regulating Lobbying and of Lobbying Contracts. 35 A.L.R.6th 1.

21-8-603. Activity reports — Inspection.

    1. Within fifteen (15) days after the end of each calendar quarter, each registered lobbyist shall file a complete and detailed statement, signed and sworn to, concerning his or her lobbying activities during the previous calendar quarter.
      1. A registered lobbyist who lobbies members of the General Assembly shall file a monthly lobbyist activity report, signed and sworn to, for any month in which the General Assembly is in session. A quarterly report is not required if the registered lobbyist has filed monthly lobbyist activity reports for each month of the calendar quarter.
      2. The monthly lobbyist activity report shall be filed within ten (10) days after the end of each month.
    1. Lobbyist activity reports shall be open to public inspection.
    2. Beginning January 1, 2010, all lobbyist activity reports that are required to be filed with the Secretary of State shall be filed in electronic form through the Internet.
  1. The Secretary of State shall provide a form to be filed simultaneously with the lobbyist activity report that:
    1. Is signed by a registered lobbyist under penalty of perjury under § 5-53-102; and
    2. Certifies that the lobbyist activity report is accurate.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; 1999, No. 553, § 38; 2009, No. 963, § 1.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in (a)(2)(A), substituted “A” for “In addition to the quarterly lobbyist activity report, a” and added the last sentence.

The 2009 amendment added the (b)(1) designation; and added (b)(2) and (c).

Research References

ALR.

Validity, Construction, and Application of State and Municipal Enactments Regulating Lobbying and of Lobbying Contracts. 35 A.L.R.6th 1.

21-8-604. Activity reports — Required contents.

  1. The lobbyist activity reports shall be signed and sworn to by the registered lobbyist.
  2. The reports shall contain:
      1. The total of all expenditures made or incurred by the registered lobbyist or on behalf of the registered lobbyist by his or her employer or any officer, employee, or agent during the preceding period.
      2. These totals shall be itemized according to financial category and employers and clients, including food and refreshments, entertainment, living accommodations, advertising, printing, postage, travel, telephone, and other expenses or services.
      3. Registered lobbyists shall not be required to report office expenses other than office expenses specifically required to be reported under this section.
      4. Registered lobbyists are not required to report unreimbursed personal living and travel expenses not incurred directly for lobbying;
      1. An itemized listing of each:
        1. Gift given to a public servant or on behalf of the public servant;
        2. Payment for food, lodging, or travel in excess of forty dollars ($40.00) on behalf of a public servant; and
        3. Any other item paid or given to a public servant or on behalf of the public servant, except for campaign contributions, having a value in excess of forty dollars ($40.00) unless consideration of equal or greater value has been given therefor. If the person receiving or to be benefited by the item is a public employee, the person's governmental body shall be identified.
      2. Each item shall be identified by date, amount paid or value, and the name of the individual receiving or to be benefited by the item, and a description of the item.
      3. In the case of special events, including parties, dinners, athletic events, entertainment, and other functions, expenses need not be allocated by individuals. The information reported for a special event shall include:
        1. The date of the event;
        2. The name of the event;
        3. The location of the event;
        4. The name of the governmental body or group of public servants invited;
        5. The exact amount paid by the lobbyist toward the total expenditure; and
        6. The name of the lobbyist's employer or client making the expenditure and the names of all other lobbyists sharing in the cost of the payment;
    1. A detailed statement of any money loaned or promised or line of credit established to a public servant or to anyone on behalf of the public servant in excess of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per individual. Money loaned or a line of credit established that is issued in the ordinary course of business by a financial institution or a person who regularly and customarily extends credit shall not be required to be disclosed; and
    2. A statement detailing the direct business association or partnership with any public servant before whom the lobbyist may engage in lobbying.
  3. Whenever the name of a public servant will appear in an activity report of a lobbyist, the lobbyist shall notify the public servant and provide him or her the information being reported. The lobbyist shall mail or deliver the notification to the public servant not later than seven (7) working days prior to the date for filing the activity report.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; 1997, No. 114, § 1; 1999, No. 553, § 39; 2001, No. 1839, §§ 28, 34.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in (b)(1)(A), inserted “or any officer, employee, or agent”; substituted “forty dollars ($40.00)” for “twenty-five dollars ($25.00)” in (b)(2)(A)(ii) and (b)(2)(A)(iii); and added the last sentence in (b)(2)(A)(iii).

The 2001 amendment, in (b)(2)(C), deleted “but the date of the event, location, name of the governmental body or groups of public servants invited, and total expense shall be stated” following “by individuals” and added the last sentence; and added (b)(2)(C)(i) through (b)(2)(C)(vi).

Research References

ALR.

Validity, Construction, and Application of State and Municipal Enactments Regulating Lobbying and of Lobbying Contracts. 35 A.L.R.6th 1.

21-8-605. Records.

A registered lobbyist shall maintain and preserve all accounts, bills, receipts, and any other documents necessary to substantiate the financial reports required by this subchapter, § 21-8-401 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq. for a period of at least four (4) years from the date of the filing of the statement or report.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; 1999, No. 553, § 40.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment deleted “5” following “subchapters 4” and substituted “four (4) years” for “three (3) years.”

21-8-606. Duties of public officials.

The Secretary of State, each county clerk, and each city clerk or recorder shall:

  1. Provide forms approved by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for registration and for statements required by this subchapter, § 21-8-401 et seq., § 21-8-701 et seq., and § 21-8-801 et seq. to all persons required to file; and
  2. Make all statements and reports filed available for public inspection and copying at a reasonable cost during regular office hours.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; Init. Meas. 1990, No. 1, § 7; 2001, No. 1839, § 29.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (1), deleted “4, 5 [repealed]” following “by subchapters” and added “and” to the end; deleted (2); and redesignated former (3) as present (2).

21-8-607. Prohibited acts.

  1. No person shall purposely employ any lobbyist who is required to register as a registered lobbyist but is not registered pursuant to this chapter.
  2. No person engaging in lobbying shall:
    1. Influence or attempt to influence, by coercion, bribery, or threat of economic sanction, any public servant in the discharge of the duties of his or her office;
    2. Purposely provide false information to any public servant as to any material fact pertaining to any legislative or administrative action;
    3. Purposely omit, conceal, or falsify in any manner information required by the registration and lobbyist activity reports;
    4. Contract to receive or accept compensation that is dependent in any manner upon:
      1. The success or failure of a legislative or administrative action; or
      2. The outcome of any executive, legislative, or administrative action relating to the solicitation or securing of a procurement contract; or
      1. Provide payment for food or beverages at any location or event at which the lobbyist is not present physically.
      2. Subdivision (b)(5)(A) of this section shall not apply to a special event under § 21-8-402(20).
    1. A person convicted of violating subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section is:
      1. Prohibited from acting as a registered lobbyist for a period of three (3) years from the date of the conviction; and
      2. Subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
    2. Any person violating the three-year ban shall be deemed guilty of an additional violation of this subchapter.
  3. Any person who acts as a lobbyist as defined by § 21-8-402(11) but purposely fails to register within five (5) days of beginning lobbying activities as required by § 21-8-601 is subject to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
    1. On a lobbyist registration form, a person acting as a lobbyist shall not:
      1. Purposely provide false information; or
      2. Purposely omit information.
    2. A person who violates subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall:
      1. Not be considered a registered lobbyist; and
      2. Be subject to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  4. A person convicted of three (3) or more violations of a provision of this subchapter shall be permanently prohibited from acting as a registered lobbyist in this state.
  5. An expunged record shall not serve as the basis for disqualification under this section.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 2; 2009, No. 963, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment added (b)(4) and (b)(5); rewrote (c); and added (d) through (g).

Cross References. Arkansas Ethics Commission, § 7-6-217.

Subchapter 7 — Disclosure by State and Local Officials — Statement of Financial Interest

Effective Dates. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1: Jan. 1, 1989.

Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 35: became law without governor's signature. Approved Apr. 20, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that various provisions of the Arkansas Code relating to campaign financing and ethics are vague or otherwise in need of modification; that this act accomplishes those purposes; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible so that those persons who are subject to the provisions of the various ethics and campaign finance statutes receive the benefit of the clarifications as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015, No. 999, § 5: Apr. 2, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the retention of certain public records such as campaign contribution reports and statements of financial interest filed by public officials warrants recognition, promotion, and protection by this state; that it is of vital importance that the state immediately designates an official custodian of these records so that the public can be assured that a designated state office will keep the records; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure that the records will be available for immediate inspection. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015, No. 1280, § 16: Apr. 8, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of Arkansas adopted Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, at the 2014 General Election, which added Sections 28, 29, and 30 to Article 19 of the Arkansas Constitution; that Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 94, requires the General Assembly to provide by law that Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 be under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Ethics Commission; that this act should become effective at the earliest opportunity to allow the commission to enforce Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Sections 28, 29, and 30 and issue guidance to affected public officials; and that the additional provisions of this act provide clarity to the ethics laws of the State of Arkansas and should become effective at the earliest opportunity to prevent confusion and avoid incorrect applications of the state's ethics laws. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 8: May 29, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that independent candidates may circulate petitions for candidacy for ninety (90) days before the deadline for filing as a candidate for office; and that without an emergency clause, the effective date of this act will cause confusion regarding the rights and interests of independent candidates and the time period for circulating petitions for candidacy. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey, Miscellaneous, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 653.

21-8-701. Persons required to file — Exceptions — Contents.

  1. The following persons shall file a written statement of financial interest:
    1. A public official, as defined in § 21-8-402(17);
    2. A candidate for elective office;
    3. A district judge or city attorney, whether elected or appointed;
    4. An agency head, department director, or division director of state government or a chief of staff or chief deputy of a constitutional officer, the Senate, or the House of Representatives;
      1. A public appointee to a state board or commission that is authorized or charged by law with the exercise of regulatory authority or is authorized to receive or disburse state or federal funds.
      2. A public appointee to a state board or commission that is not charged by law with the exercise of regulatory authority and that receives or disburses state or federal funds only in the form of mileage reimbursement for members attending meetings of the board or commission shall not be required to file a written statement of financial interest;
    5. A person who is an elected member of a school board or who is a candidate for a position on a school board;
    6. A public or charter school superintendent;
    7. An executive director of an education service cooperative;
    8. A person appointed to one (1) of the following types of regional, municipal, or county boards or commissions:
      1. A planning board or commission;
      2. An airport board or commission;
      3. A water or sewer board or commission;
      4. A utility board or commission; or
      5. A civil service commission;
    9. A member of an advertising and promotion commission; and
    10. A member of a research park authority board under § 14-144-201 et seq.
  2. A member of a levee district or a levee and drainage district or any candidate therefor shall not be required to file a written statement of financial interest under this section.
      1. The statement of financial interest for the previous calendar year shall be filed by January 31 of each year, except that a candidate for elective office shall file the statement of financial interest for the previous calendar year on the first Monday following the close of the period to file as a candidate for the elective office, and persons identified in subdivisions (a)(4) and (5) of this section shall file the statement of financial interest within thirty (30) days after appointment or employment.
      2. If a person is included in any category listed in subsection (a) of this section for any part of a calendar year, then such person shall file a statement of financial interest covering that period of time regardless of whether the person has left his or her office or position as of the date that statement of financial interest is due.
    1. Any incumbent officeholder who filed the statement of financial interest by January 31 of the year in which the election is held shall not be required to file an additional statement upon becoming a candidate for reelection or election to another office at any election held during the year.
  3. The statement of financial interest shall include the following:
    1. The name of the public servant or candidate and his or her spouse and all names under which they do business;
    2. The reasons for filing the statement of financial interest;
    3. Identification of each:
        1. Employer and of each other source of gross income amounting to more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) annually received by the person or his or her spouse in his or her own name, or by any other person for the use or benefit of the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse, and a brief description of the nature of the services for which the compensation was received.
        2. However, this subdivision (d)(3)(A) does not require the disclosure of individual items of income that constitute a portion of the gross income of the business or profession from which the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse derives income; and
        1. Source of gross income as described in subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section of more than twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500).
        2. However, this subdivision (d)(3)(B) does not require the disclosure of individual items of income that constitute a portion of the gross income of the business or profession from which the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse derives income;
      1. The name and address of every business in which the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse, or any other person for the use or benefit of the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse, has an investment or holdings of over one thousand dollars ($1,000) at fair market value as of the last day of the previous calendar year.
      2. Each source described in subdivision (d)(4)(A) of this section that has a fair market value of over twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) as of the last day of the previous calendar year shall also be identified;
    4. Every office or directorship held by the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse in any business, corporation, firm, or enterprise subject to jurisdiction of a regulatory agency of this state or of any of its political subdivisions;
      1. The name and address of each creditor to whom the value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more was personally owed or personally obligated and is still outstanding by the public servant or candidate.
        1. Loans made in the ordinary course of business by either a financial institution or a person who regularly and customarily extends credit shall not be required to be disclosed.
        2. Debts owed to the members of the public servant's or candidate's family need not be included;
    5. The name and address of each governmental body to which the public servant or candidate is legally obligated to pay a past-due amount and a description of the nature and amount of the obligation;
      1. The name and address of each guarantor or co-maker, other than a member of the public servant's or candidate's family, who has guaranteed a debt of the public servant or candidate that is still outstanding.
        1. This requirement shall be applicable only to debt guaranties for debts assumed or arising after January 1, 1989.
        2. Guaranteed debts existing prior to January 1, 1989, which are extended or refinanced shall become subject to disclosure in the annual financing statement due to be filed after the conclusion of the year in which such extension or refinancing occurred;
    6. The source, date, description, and a reasonable estimate of the fair market value of each gift of more than one hundred dollars ($100) received by the public servant or candidate or his or her spouse or more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) received by his or her dependent children;
    7. Each monetary or other award of more than one hundred dollars ($100) received by the public servant or candidate in his or her capacity as an employee of a public school district, the Arkansas School for the Blind, the Arkansas School for the Deaf, the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a university, a college, a technical college, a technical institute, a comprehensive life-long learning center, or a community college in recognition of his or her contribution to education;
    8. Each nongovernmental source of payment of the public servant's expenses for food, lodging, or travel that bears a relationship to the public servant's office when the public servant is appearing in his or her official capacity when the expenses incurred exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The public servant shall identify the name and business address of the person or organization paying the public servant's expenses and the date, nature, and amount of that expenditure if not compensated by the entity for which the public servant serves;
    9. Any public servant who is employed by any business that is under direct regulation or subject to direct control by the governmental body which he or she serves shall set out this employment and the fact that the business is regulated by or subject to control of the governmental body on the statement of financial interest; and
    10. If a public servant or any business in which he or she or his or her spouse is an officer, director, stockholder owning more than ten percent (10%) of the stock of the company, and the owner, trustee, or partner shall sell any goods or services having a total annual value in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to the governmental body in which the public servant serves or is employed, then the public servant shall set out in detail the goods or services sold, the governmental body to which they were sold, and the compensation paid for each category of goods or services sold.
    1. All statements of financial interest required to be filed with the Secretary of State on or after January 1, 2010, shall be made publicly accessible at no charge by the Secretary of State in electronic form through the Internet.
    2. The Secretary of State is the official custodian of the records of statements of financial interest that are filed with the Secretary of State under this section.
    1. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution or disciplinary action if a person required to file a statement of financial interest under this subchapter amends the statement of financial interest within thirty (30) days of discovering or learning of an unintentional error in the statement of financial interest.
      1. The Arkansas Ethics Commission shall not proceed with an investigation of an alleged error in a statement of financial interest filed under this subchapter if the Arkansas Ethics Commission determines that a person would be eligible to raise the affirmative defense under subdivision (f)(1) of this section.
      2. If the Arkansas Ethics Commission does not proceed with an investigation of an alleged error in a statement of financial interest under subdivision (f)(2)(A) of this section, the person shall not be considered to have committed a violation of the applicable statute.
    2. This section shall not be construed to:
      1. Remove the duty to file a statement of financial interest under this subchapter; or
      2. Authorize a person to knowingly fail to file a statement of financial interest under this subchapter.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 3; 1991, No. 240, § 1; 1999, No. 553, §§ 41-44; 1999, No. 1172, § 1; 2001, No. 1599, § 22; 2001, No. 1839, § 30; 2005, No. 1284, § 15; 2007, No. 221, § 17; 2007, No. 267, § 1; 2007, No. 617, § 42; 2009, No. 473, § 13; 2009, No. 963, §§ 3, 4; 2013, No. 88, § 1; 2013, No. 706, § 1; 2015, No. 999, § 3; 2015, No. 1151, § 2; 2015, No. 1280, § 13.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1989, No. 719, § 3, provided, in part, that, for the financial statement required to be filed by January 31, 1989, this requirement shall apply only to gifts received after November 8, 1988.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment by No. 553 added (a)(6) and (7); rewrote (b) and (c); added (d)(2); redesignated former (d)(2)-(d)(10) as present (d)(3)-(d)(11), respectively; substituted “last day of the previous calendar year” for “date of the state” in (d)(4)(A); substituted “as of the last day of the previous calendar year” for “on the date of the statement” in (d)(4)(B); rewrote (d)(8); and made stylistic changes.

The 1999 amendment by No. 1172 added (a)(6) and (7).

The 2001 amendment by No. 1599 inserted (a)(7)-(8) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2001 amendment by No. 1839 inserted “gross” preceding “income” twice in (d)(3); substituted “description and a reasonable estimate of the fair market value” for “reasonable fair market value, and” in (d)(8); added (d)(9) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; inserted “or she” in present (d)(11); and in present (d)(12), deleted “or” preceding “stockholder,” substituted “and the owner” for “the owner,” and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2005 amendment redesignated former (5) as present (5)(A); substituted “commission that” for “commission who” in present (5)(A); and added (5)(B).

The 2009 amendment by No. 473 inserted “and address” in (d)(4)(A).

The 2009 amendment by No. 963 added “or a chief of … House of Representatives” in (a)(4); and added (e).

The 2013 amendment by No. 88 rewrote (a)(6), (a)(7) and (a)(8); and added (a)(10) and (a)(11).

The 2013 amendment by No. 706 inserted present (d)(7) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2015 amendment by No. 999 added (e)(2).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1151 rewrote (d)(3) and (4).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1280 added (f).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Leflar, The Reform of Ethics Rules In Arkansas Government, 2000 Ark. L. Notes 65.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2005 Arkansas General Assembly, Election Law, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 351.

21-8-702. Forms.

Forms used by persons in filing statements as required in this subchapter shall provide for the signature of the person, under penalty of false swearing, with respect to the truth and accuracy of the statements made on the form.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 3; 1999, No. 553, § 45.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “false swearing” for “perjury.”

21-8-703. Place and manner of filing.

  1. The statement of financial interest shall be filed as follows:
    1. State or district public servants and candidates for state or district public office required to file shall file with the Secretary of State;
    2. County, township, or school district public servants and candidates for county, township, or school district public office required to file shall file with the county clerks;
    3. Municipal public servants and candidates for municipal office required to file shall file with the city clerk or recorder, as the case may be;
    4. All city attorneys, whether elected or appointed, shall file with the city clerk of the municipality within which they serve;
    5. Members of regional boards or commissions shall file with the county clerk of the county in which they reside; and
    6. District judges shall file with the Secretary of State.
  2. Any report required by this subchapter shall be deemed timely filed if it is:
    1. Hand-delivered to the appropriate public official on or before the date due;
    2. Mailed to the appropriate public official, properly addressed, postage prepaid, bearing a postmark indicating that it was received by the post office or common carrier on or before the date due;
    3. Received via facsimile by the appropriate public official on or before the date due, provided the original is received by the appropriate public official within ten (10) days of the transmission; or
    4. Received by the appropriate public official in a readable electronic format which is acceptable to such public official and approved by the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

History. Acts 1989, No. 719, § 3; 1999, No. 553, § 46; 2001, No. 1839, § 31; 2013, No. 475, § 1; 2017, No. 721, § 11.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment inserted “and manner” in the section catchline; added (b); and made stylistic changes.

The 2001 amendment inserted “and candidates for state or district public office” in (a)(1); inserted “and … office” in (a)(2); inserted “and candidates for municipal office” in (a)(3); added “and” to the end of (a)(4); added (a)(5); substituted “appropriate public official” for “Secretary of State” throughout (b); and substituted “such public official” for “the Secretary of State” in (b)(4).

The 2013 amendment deleted “district judges or” preceding “city” in (a)(4); and added (a)(6).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Secretary of State” for “county clerk” in (a)(6).

21-8-704. Filing by persons called to active duty — Exceptions.

If a person who is required to file a statement of financial interest under this subchapter is called to active duty in the United States Armed Forces:

  1. The person shall be allowed an additional one hundred eighty (180) days to file the statement of financial interest required by this subchapter; and
  2. The statement of financial interest may be completed by the spouse of the person. If the statement of financial interest is completed by the spouse of the person, the spouse's signature shall be sufficient for the requirement of § 21-8-702.

History. Acts 1991, No. 472, § 1.

21-8-705. Filing of additional statement of financial interest in year in which party filing period is held. [Expires December 31, 2016.]

If the party filing period under § 7-7-203 ends before January 1 of the year of the general election, a candidate for elective office shall file a statement of financial interest for the previous calendar year no later than January 31 of the year of the general election in addition to the statement of financial interest required under § 21-8-701.

History. Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 6, provided:

“(a) To ensure that independent candidates are provided the maximum number of days allowed by law to circulate petitions to qualify as an independent candidate, the provisions of this act are retroactive to August 1, 2015.

“(b) Signatures on a petition to have the name of a person placed upon the ballot as an independent candidate under § 7-7-103 collected between August 11, 2015, and the effective date of this act shall be counted if:

“(1) The signatures are not otherwise collected in violation of Arkansas law;

“(2) The signatures otherwise comply with applicable Arkansas law; and

“(3) The petition is lawfully filed.”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 7, provided:

“(a) This act is cumulative of existing laws and shall not repeal but merely suspend any law in conflict with the act.

“(b) The provisions of this act are temporary and expire on December 31, 2016.

“(c) On and after December 31, 2016, the provisions of law suspended by this act shall be in full force and effect.

“(d) The expiration of this act shall not affect rights acquired under it or affect suits then pending.”

Subchapter 8 — Disclosure by State and Local Officials — Conflict of Interest

Effective Dates. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1: Jan. 1, 1989.

Acts 2001, No. 1839, § 35: became law without governor's signature. Approved Apr. 20, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that various provisions of the Arkansas Code relating to campaign financing and ethics are vague or otherwise in need of modification; that this act accomplishes those purposes; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible so that those persons who are subject to the provisions of the various ethics and campaign finance statutes receive the benefit of the clarifications as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey, Miscellaneous, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 653.

21-8-801. Prohibited acts generally.

  1. No public servant shall:
    1. Receive a gift or compensation as defined in § 21-8-401 et seq., other than income and benefits from the governmental body to which he or she is duly entitled, for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of his or her office or position; or
    2. Purposely use or disclose to any other person or entity confidential government information acquired by him or her in the course of and by reason of the public servant's official duties, to secure anything of material value or benefit for himself or herself or his or her family.
    1. No person shall confer a gift or compensation as defined in § 21-8-401 et seq. to any public servant, the receipt of which is prohibited by subdivision (a)(1) of this section.
      1. The first violation of this subsection by any person other than a registered lobbyist shall result in a written warning.
      2. Upon a second violation and subsequent violations by persons other than registered lobbyists and upon a first violation by registered lobbyists, the penalties provided for in § 7-6-218 shall apply.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 4; 2001, No. 1839, § 32.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment redesignated the former introductory language as present (a); added “or” to the end of (a)(1); and added (b).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Leflar, The Reform of Ethics Rules In Arkansas Government, 2000 Ark. L. Notes 65.

21-8-802. Prohibited appearances — Exceptions.

  1. No legislator shall appear for compensation on behalf of another person, firm, corporation, or entity before any entity of:
    1. State government, if the legislator is a member of the General Assembly;
    2. The legislator's county government, if the legislator is a member of a quorum court;
    3. The legislator's municipal government, if the legislator is a member of a city council or board of directors of a municipality; or
    4. The legislator's school district board of directors, if the legislator is a member of a school district board of directors.
  2. This section shall not:
    1. Apply to any judicial proceeding or to any hearing or proceeding which is adversarial in nature or character;
    2. Apply to any hearing or proceeding on which a record is made by the entity of state government, entity of county government, entity of municipal government, or school district board of directors;
    3. Apply to an appearance which is a matter of public record;
    4. Apply to ministerial actions; or
    5. Preclude a legislator from acting on behalf of a constituent to determine the status of a matter without accepting compensation.
  3. An appearance which is a matter of public record as provided in subdivision (b)(3) of this section may be made by:
      1. Filing a written statement within twenty-four (24) hours with the agency head of the entity of state government, entity of county government, entity of municipal government, or school district before which an appearance is sought.
      2. In the event that a written statement cannot be provided to the agency head prior to the meeting, telephonic notice must be given the agency head or his or her office; or
    1. Filing a quarterly statement with the agency head of the entity of state government before which an appearance is sought.
    1. A statement filed under subsection (c) of this section shall identify the client on behalf of whom the appearance is made and contain a general statement of the action sought from the governmental body.
      1. The statements shall be retained by the agency head and shall be a matter of public record.
      2. If the agency head determines that the release of the client's name would be an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy or would give advantage to competitors for bidding, the agency head may withhold the name until appropriate.
  4. No member of the General Assembly shall receive any income or compensation as defined in § 21-8-401 et seq., other than income and benefits from the governmental body to which he or she is duly entitled, for lobbying other members of the General Assembly by communicating directly or soliciting others to communicate with any other member with the purpose of influencing legislative action by the General Assembly.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 4; 1995, No. 1111, § 1; 2017, No. 449, § 4.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (a)(4); in (b)(2), inserted “entity of” twice and added “or school district board of directors”; and, in (c)(1)(A), inserted “entity of” twice and inserted “or school district”.

21-8-803. Reporting of potential conflicts.

  1. A legislator who is required to take an action in the discharge of his or her official duties that may affect his or her financial interest or cause financial benefit or detriment to him or her, or a business in which he or she is an officer, director, stockholder owning more than ten percent (10%) of the stock of the company, owner, trustee, partner, or employee, which is distinguishable from the effects of the action on the public generally or a broad segment of the public, shall:
    1. Prepare a written statement describing the matter requiring action and stating the potential conflict; and
      1. Deliver a copy of the statement to the appropriate official to be filed with the statement of financial interest.
      2. The copy of the statement may be delivered in person by the public official, by mail, or by a person authorized by the public official to deliver the copy.
  2. The obligation to report a potential conflict of interest under this section arises as soon as the legislator is aware of the conflict.
  3. If the statement of financial interest filed by the legislator makes the conflict readily apparent, then no report need be filed.

History. Init. Meas. 1988, No. 1, § 1; Acts 1989, No. 719, § 4.

21-8-804. Gifts to governmental entities.

    1. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, Commissioner of State Lands, and Attorney General, in their official capacity, may accept gifts, grants, and donations of money or property on behalf of the state for any lawful public purpose.
    2. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate, in his or her official capacity, may accept gifts, grants, and donations of money or property on behalf of the Senate for any lawful public purpose.
    3. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, in his or her official capacity, may accept gifts, grants, and donations of money or property on behalf of the House of Representatives for any lawful public purpose.
    4. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in his or her official capacity, may accept gifts, grants, and donations of money or property on behalf of the Supreme Court for any lawful public purpose.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the items received shall:
      1. Not be of such a personal nature that their use is limited to a specific person or persons;
      2. Be available to be enjoyed by the public at large; and
      3. Become property of the governmental entity to which they were donated.
    2. The designated officials may accept donations of money for the purpose of hosting the:
      1. Official swearing-in and inaugural events of the constitutional officers, Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court justices;
      2. Official recognition event for the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
      3. Official recognition event for the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  1. The public official accepting the gift, grant, or donation of money on behalf of the appropriate entity shall disclose to the Arkansas Ethics Commission on a quarterly basis:
    1. The gift, grant, or donation of money received;
    2. The person donating the gift, grant, or donation of money; and
    3. The estimated value of the gift, grant, or donation of money.

History. Acts 2001, No. 239, § 2.

Subchapter 9 — Disclosure by Legislators — Sales to the State

21-8-901. Disclosure required.

In addition to the required filings under § 21-8-701, a member or a member-elect of the General Assembly shall report any goods or services sold during the previous calendar year having a total annual value in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to an office, department, commission, council, board, bureau, committee, legislative body, agency, or other establishment of the State of Arkansas by the member, his or her spouse, or by any business in which such person or his or her spouse is an officer, director, or stockholder owning more than ten percent (10%) of the stock.

History. Acts 1991, No. 808, § 1; 1999, No. 553, § 47.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “under § 21-8-701, a member or a member-elect” for “under § 21-8-401 et seq., a member,” inserted “during the previous calendar year,” and substituted “such person” for “the member.”

21-8-902. Place of filing — Form.

  1. The disclosure required by § 21-8-901 shall be filed with the Secretary of State at the same time as the filing of the statement of financial interest required under § 21-8-701 et seq.
  2. The disclosure shall be on a form requiring the signature of the member, under penalty of perjury, with respect to the truth and accuracy of the statements made on the form.

History. Acts 1991, No. 808, § 1.

21-8-903. Penalty.

Any person who purposely violates the provisions of this subchapter shall be deemed guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

History. Acts 1991, No. 808, § 1.

Subchapter 10 — State Boards, Commissions, and Entities Receiving State Funds

A.C.R.C. Notes. This subchapter supplements the provisions in § 21-8-304.

21-8-1001. Conflicts of interest.

    1. No member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds shall participate in, vote on, influence, or attempt to influence an official decision if the member has a pecuniary interest in the matter under consideration by the board, commission, or entity.
    2. A member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds may participate in, vote on, influence, or attempt to influence an official decision if the only pecuniary interest that may accrue to the member is incidental to his or her position or accrues to him or her as a member of a profession, occupation, or large class to no greater extent than the pecuniary interest could reasonably be foreseen to accrue to all other members of the profession, occupation, or large class.
  1. No member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds shall participate in any discussion or vote on a rule or regulation that exclusively benefits the member.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 2; 2001, No. 1244, § 2.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a)(1), inserted “or board member of an entity receiving state funds” throughout and substituted “board, commission, or entity” for “board or entity.”

21-8-1002. Use of position for privileges or exemptions.

No member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds shall use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself or herself or others.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 2; 2001, No. 1244, § 3.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment inserted “or board member of an entity receiving state funds.”

21-8-1003. Confidential information.

No member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds shall disclose confidential information acquired by him or her in the course of the member's official duties or use such information to further his or her personal interests.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 2; 2001, No. 1244, § 4.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment inserted “or board member of an entity receiving state funds” and made minor punctuation changes.

21-8-1004. Penalties — Investigation by Arkansas Ethics Commission.

  1. In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, any member of a state board or commission or board member of an entity receiving state funds who knowingly and intentionally violates any of the provisions of this subchapter may be removed from office by the appointing authority.
  2. The Arkansas Ethics Commission may investigate complaints alleging a violation of this subchapter and may make recommendations to the appointing authority.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 2; 2001, No. 1244, § 5.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment inserted “or board member of an entity receiving state funds in (a).”

21-8-1005. Subchapter supplemental to other laws.

This subchapter shall be supplemental to all other laws concerning ethics or conflicts of interest.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 2.

Chapter 9 Liability of State and Local Governments

Cross References. Immunity from tort liability, § 16-120-701 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

[Reserved.]

Subchapter 2 — Liability of State

Cross References. Immunity of state officers and employees, § 19-10-305.

State Claims Commission, § 19-10-201 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1977, No. 543, § 9: Mar. 18, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a number of State officers and employees are being made defendants in lawsuits seeking damages for their acts or omissions in the performance of their official duties; that in many instances such lawsuits are filed against the estates of such officers or employees; and that it is essential that the State of Arkansas offer protection for its officers or employees against personal liability for performing their official duties, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to accomplish this purpose. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 113, § 6: Feb. 7, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 10 of the First Extraordinary Session of 1995 abolished the Joint Interim Committee on Judiciary and in its place established the House Interim Committee and Senate Interim Committee on Judiciary; that the Arkansas Code 21-9-203 refers to the Joint Interim Committee on Judiciary and should be corrected to refer to the House and Senate Interim Committees on Judiciary; that this act so provides; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to make the laws compatible as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

ALR.

Government liability for death or injury resulting from design, construction, or failure to warn of narrow bridge. 2 A.L.R.4th 635.

Governmental tort liability for injuries caused by negligently released individual. 6 A.L.R.4th 1155.

Liability of governmental officer or entity for failure to warn or notify of release of potentially dangerous individual from custody. 12 A.L.R.4th 722.

Municipal or state liability for injuries resulting from police roadblocks etc. 19 A.L.R.4th 937.

State or local governmental unit's liability for injury to private highway construction worker based on its own negligence. 29 A.L.R.4th 1188.

Validity and construction of statute or ordinance limiting the kinds or amount of actual damages recoverable in tort action against governmental unit. 43 A.L.R.4th 19.

Failure to restrain drunk driver as ground of liability of state or local government unit or officer. 48 A.L.R.4th 320.

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 301 et seq.

Ark. L. Rev.

Pagan, Eleventh Amendment Analysis, 39 Ark. L. Rev. 447.

Case Notes, Bly v. Young, Beaulieu v. Gray, and Carter v. Bush: The Arkansas State Employee Immunity Trilogy, 41 Ark. L. Rev. 893.

C.J.S. 67 C.J.S., Officers, § 341 et seq.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Legislative Survey, Civil Procedure, 8 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 555.

Case Notes

In General.

This subchapter provides for a way of paying claims adjudged against employees who have no insurance to pay the claim or where the claim exceeds the limits of the employee's coverage. Carter v. Bush, 283 Ark. 16, 677 S.W.2d 837 (1984), overruled in part on other grounds, Beaulieu v. Gray, 288 Ark. 395, 705 S.W.2d 880 (1986).

21-9-201. Definition.

For the purpose of this subchapter, elected state officials and members of commissions, boards, or other governing bodies of agencies are officers of the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1977, No. 543, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3406.

21-9-202. Jurisdiction of Arkansas State Claims Commission.

  1. The Arkansas State Claims Commission shall have jurisdiction over all claims for indemnification based on a judgment or negotiated settlement in conformity with § 21-9-203.
  2. Proceedings for the recovery of claims and the payment of claims shall be governed by the law governing proceedings before the commission and payment of claims allowed by the commission.

History. Acts 1977, No. 543, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3405.

21-9-203. Authority to pay damages — Conflict of interest.

  1. The State of Arkansas shall pay actual, but not punitive, damages adjudged by a state or federal court, or entered by such a court as a result of a compromise settlement approved and recommended by the Attorney General, against officers or employees of the State of Arkansas, or against the estate of such an officer or employee, based on an act or omission by the officer or employee while acting without malice and in good faith within the course and scope of his or her employment and in the performance of his or her official duties.
      1. When it has been determined by the Attorney General's office that a conflict of interest for the civil litigation division or any division of the Attorney General's office exists and that therefore the Attorney General's office must decline representation of the officer or employee, the state agency for which the officer or employee is employed is authorized to enter into a contract to hire special counsel to represent the officer or employee under the same conditions that are set out under the provisions of this subchapter and § 21-9-304.
      2. The agency will be responsible for the payment of the contract with funds from its maintenance and general operation accounts.
    1. When situations arise in which the Attorney General feels that a conflict of interest exists and therefore must decline representation of the officer or employee, the Attorney General shall prepare a report that he or she shall submit to the House Committee on Judiciary and Senate Committee on Judiciary, in which he or she shall recite the reasons for the conflict of interest and the reasons his or her office declined representation.
  2. Upon the recommendation of the Attorney General, the State of Arkansas shall have authority to pay damages based on an act or omission by an officer or employee of the State of Arkansas while acting without malice and in good faith within the course and scope of his or her employment and in the performance of his or her official duties, where the amount of damages is determined by negotiated settlement before or after an action has been commenced.

History. Acts 1977, No. 543, §§ 1, 2; 1985, No. 863, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3401, 12-3402; Acts 1997, No. 113, § 2.

Case Notes

Action Against State.

A tort action nominally filed against state employees was in reality an action against the state in violation of the sovereign immunity clause since, under the provisions of this section, the state would be required to pay any judgment obtained against the state employees. Beaulieu v. Gray, 288 Ark. 395, 705 S.W.2d 880 (1986).

Where a suit is brought against an officer or agency with relation to some matter in which defendant represents the state in action and liability, and the state, while not a party to the record, is the real party against which relief is sought so that a judgment for plaintiff, although nominally against the named defendant as an individual or entity distinct from the state, will operate to control the action of the state or subject it to liability, the suit is in effect one against the state and cannot be maintained without its consent. Assaad-Faltas v. University of Ark. for Medical Sciences, 708 F. Supp. 1026 (E.D. Ark. 1989), aff'd without op., 902 F.2d 1572 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 905, 111 S. Ct. 271, 112 L. Ed. 2d 227 (1990).

Waiver.

Arkansas did not expressly waive its sovereign immunity by virtue of this section. Burk v. Beene, 948 F.2d 489 (8th Cir. 1991).

Cited: Heigle v. Miller, 332 Ark. 315, 965 S.W.2d 116 (1998); Okruhlik v. Univ. of Ark., 255 F.3d 615 (8th Cir. 2001).

21-9-204. Effect of employee insurance.

Damages payable under this subchapter shall be reduced to the extent that the officer or employee has been indemnified or is entitled to indemnification under any contract of insurance.

History. Acts 1977, No. 543, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3403.

21-9-205. Procedure for making claims.

  1. A party desiring to make a claim for indemnification under this subchapter shall notify the Attorney General of the filing of a complaint in any court or the making of any other form of demand for damages promptly after it is filed or made and permit the Attorney General to participate in all trial or settlement negotiations or proceedings regarding the complaint or demand.
  2. Compliance with all requirements of this section shall be prerequisite to payment of any claim under this subchapter.
  3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny any party desiring to make a claim under this subchapter from employing legal counsel of his or her choosing to defend any lawsuit or other demand for damages.

History. Acts 1977, No. 543, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3404.

Subchapter 3 — Liability of Political Subdivisions

Preambles. Acts 1987, No. 1064, contained a preamble which read:

“WHEREAS, Act 165 of 1969 (Ark. Stat. 12-2901 — 12-2903) provided statutory tort immunity to units of local government after more than 150 years of tort immunity for local government under the common law; and

“WHEREAS, this statute has been upheld at least 17 times by the State Supreme Court and Federal Court decisions in the past 18 years; and

“WHEREAS, two of these decisions, Matthews v. Martin, 280 Ark. 345, 658 S W 2d 374 (1983) and Autry v. Lawrence, 286 Ark. 501, 696 S W 2nd 315, have reaffirmed that local government employees in the performance of their official duties have the same immunity as their local government employer; and

“WHEREAS, Section 3 of Act 165 of 1969 (Ark. Stat. 12-2903) requires political subdivisions to carry liability insurance on their motor vehicles in the minimum amounts prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. These limits are now $25,000 for injury or death for one person; $50,000 for injuries or death for two or more persons and $15,000 property damage; and

“WHEREAS, under the Supreme Court opinion of Sturdivant v. City of Farmington, 255 Ark. 415, 500 S W 2nd 769, (1973) local governments can be self-insured up to these limits and under other Arkansas laws can form pools and groups to better self-insure the risks; and

“WHEREAS, the maximum combined limits for the local government employee in the performance of his official duty and the local government employer should be the minimum as provided in the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act,

“NOW THEREFORE….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1969, No. 165, § 4: became law without Governor's signature, Mar. 5, 1969. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that because of the decision of the Arkansas Supreme Court in Parish v. Pitts, 244 Ark. 1239, municipalities and all units of local government are in imminent danger of bankruptcy because of tort lawsuits and vital public services are in danger of being discontinued. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary to protect the public peace, health and safety, shall take effect immediately on its passage and approval.”

Acts 1987, No. 590, § 6: Apr. 4, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the escalating costs of automobile liability insurance premiums for the political subdivisions and municipalities of the State of Arkansas drains the financial resources of these local governments and that financial problems of local governments threaten the delivery of vital services to the citizens of this State and that by self-insuring their motor vehicles, local governments may relieve themselves of this financial burden. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1987, No. 820, § 3: Apr. 8, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a question has arisen regarding the applicability of Act 711 of 1983 regarding cases in which first class cities, second class cities, incorporated towns, counties and their employees are covered by contracts of insurance. It was the intent of the General Assembly in enacting Act 711 of 1983 that providers of insurance coverage for said entities not be relieved of their obligations to said entities with regard to the provision of legal defense and the payment of judgments for said entities. It is further hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that cases are or may be pending in which this issue is in question, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary in order to clarify for the courts the legislative intent with regard to this issue. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1987, No. 1064, § 3: Apr. 17, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that present law affirms governmental immunity of political subdivisions of the State but requires such political subdivisions to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance in the minimum amounts prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law; that the Arkansas Supreme Court has held that local government employees in the performance of their duties have the same immunity as their local government employer; that this Act is designed to clarify the combined liability of local governmental entities and their employees and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 47, § 4: Nov. 16, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that some political subdivisions of this State have purchased motor vehicle liability insurance in excess of the minimum amounts required by the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act; that the insurers are refusing to honor the policy limits and instead claiming their maximum liability is the minimum amounts prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act; that it is fundamentally unfair for insurance carries to not provide the coverage for which they have collected a premium; that this will require the insurance carriers to honor their contractual obligations; and that this Act should be given effect immediately in order to eliminate the inequity as soon as possible. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1991, No. 542, § 11: Mar. 14, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly that a recent court decision has led to uncertainty in the area of immunity under existing Arkansas Code provisions; that to clarify such provisions will allow those persons to avoid needless legal expenses resulting from the possible misinterpretation of the law. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1993, No. 292, § 7: Mar. 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth General Assembly that a recent court decision regarding Act 542 of 1991 has led to uncertainty and confusion in the area of immunity of officials and employees of the state and local government of Arkansas; that this act is necessary to clarify the application and immunities of Act 542 of 1991 and to avoid the unintended interpretation of Act 542 as permitting suits directly against the liability insurers for state and local government officials and employees; and that it is necessary to extend its coverage retroactively to the effective date of Act 542 of 1991. Therefore, in order to prevent the misinterpretation of law, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 2011, No. 993, § 18: Apr. 1, 2011. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is the state's constitutional obligation to provide a general, suitable, and efficient free system of public schools in the state; that the public school funding distribution changes in this act are needed to ensure that proper funding is provided to the affected public charter schools; and that this act is immediately necessary so that the affected public charter schools will receive the amount of funding provided under this act for the current school year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Research References

ALR.

Government liability for death or injury resulting from design, construction, or failure to warn of narrow bridge. 2 A.L.R.4th 635.

Liability of governmental unit or its officers for injury to innocent occupant of moving vehicle, or for damages to such vehicle, as result of police chase. 4 A.L.R.4th 865.

Governmental tort liability for injuries caused by negligently released individual. 6 A.L.R.4th 1155.

Liability of governmental officer or entity for failure to warn or notify of release of potentially dangerous individual from custody. 12 A.L.R.4th 722.

Liability, in motor vehicle-related cases, of governmental entity for injury, death, or property damage, resulting from defect or obstruction in shoulder of street or highway. 19 A.L.R.4th 532.

Municipal or state liability for injuries resulting from police roadblocks, etc. 19 A.L.R.4th 937.

State or local governmental unit's liability for injury to private highway construction worker based on its own negligence. 29 A.L.R.4th 1188.

Modern status of rule excusing governmental unit from tort liability on theory that only general, not particular, duty was owed under circumstances. 38 A.L.R.4th 1194.

Validity and construction of statute or ordinance limiting the kinds or amount of actual damages recoverable in tort action against governmental unit. 43 A.L.R.4th 19.

Failure to restrain drunk driver as ground of liability of state or local government unit or officer. 48 A.L.R.4th 320.

Am. Jur. 57 Am. Jur. 2d, Mun. Tort. Liab., § 1 et seq.

63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 301 et seq.

C.J.S. 20 C.J.S., Counties, § 291 et seq.

64A C.J.S., Mun. Corp., § 2541 et seq.

78A C.J.S., Schools, § 924 et seq.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Arkansas Law Survey, Roberts and Deere, Torts, 8 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 207.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Sections 21-9-301 — 21-9-303 are not unconstitutional as a violation of Ark. Const., Art. 2, § 13 or Ark. Const., Art. 2, § 29. Thompson v. Sanford, 281 Ark. 365, 663 S.W.2d 932 (1984).

Cited: Salley v. Central Ark. Transit Auth., 326 Ark. 804, 934 S.W.2d 510 (1996).

21-9-301. Tort liability — Immunity declared.

  1. It is declared to be the public policy of the State of Arkansas that all counties, municipal corporations, school districts, public charter schools, special improvement districts, and all other political subdivisions of the state and any of their boards, commissions, agencies, authorities, or other governing bodies shall be immune from liability and from suit for damages except to the extent that they may be covered by liability insurance.
  2. No tort action shall lie against any such political subdivision because of the acts of its agents and employees.

History. Acts 1969, No. 165, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2901; Acts 1991, No. 542, § 7; 1993, No. 292, § 2; 1999, No. 984, § 1; 2011, No. 993, § 17.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1993, No. 292, § 3, provided:

“This act shall have a retroactive application to the effective date of Act 542 of 1991 to avoid the misinterpretation of the intent of Act 542 as permitting suits directly against liability insurers of state and local government officials and employees. This act is intended to have retroactive effect so as to apply to any suits pending as of the effective date of this act.”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment inserted “and any of their boards … governing bodies” in the first sentence, and made a minor punctuation change.

The 2011 amendment inserted “public charter schools” in (a).

Cross References. Donors of firefighting equipment not liable — Exceptions, § 16-120-801.

Research References

ALR.

Comment Note: Governmental Liability for Failure to Reduce Vegetation Obscuring View at Railroad Crossing or at Street or Highway Intersection. 50 A.L.R.6th 95.

Municipal Liability for Damage Resulting from Obstruction or Clogging of Drain or Sewer. 54 A.L.R.6th 201.

Ark. L. Rev.

Case Notes, Bly v. Young, Beaulieu v. Gray, and Carter v. Bush: The Arkansas State Employee Immunity Trilogy, 41 Ark. L. Rev. 893.

“Taking” a Look at Inverse Condemnation in Arkansas: Robinson v. City of Ashdown, 44 Ark. L. Rev. 519.

Thomas Christoph Keller, Comment: ABC's and AR-15's: Arming Arkansas's Teachers, 67 Ark. L. Rev. 687 (2014).

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Notes, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 — Civil Rights — Municipalities Liable for Money Damages. Monell v. Department of Social Servs., 436 U.S. 658, 98 S. Ct. 2018, 56 L. Ed. 2d 611 (1978), 2 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 419.

Survey — Torts, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 609.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Sovereign immunity to tort suit did not violate Ark. Const., Art. 2, § 13, in action where administratrix had other recourse for victim's suffocation in unattended jail. Hardin v. City of DeValls Bluff, 256 Ark. 480, 508 S.W.2d 559 (1974).

This section is not unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of U.S. Const. Amend. 14 because the effect of this section is to restore the tort immunity of cities that had been abolished and to reaffirm the tort immunity of school districts, special improvement districts, and all other political subdivisions. Lacey v. Bekaert Steel Wire Corp., 619 F. Supp. 1234 (W.D. Ark. 1985), aff'd, 799 F.2d 434 (8th Cir. 1986).

The statutory scheme which provides that local governments are immune from tort liability is a valid legislative effort to provide a method and manner of relief to some victims of governmental tortfeasors; thus, the district court did not err in sustaining these sections as rationally related to a legitimate state interest. Lacey v. Bekaert Steel Wire Corp., 799 F.2d 434 (8th Cir. 1986).

Constitutionality of this section upheld. Plaintiffs are not denied recourse for their damage, only the right to proceed in tort. Chestnut v. Norwood, 292 Ark. 498, 731 S.W.2d 200 (1987).

This section is constitutional and does not violate Ark. Const., Art. 2, § 13 or Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 32. White v. City of Newport, 326 Ark. 667, 933 S.W.2d 800 (1996).

In an action filed against a school district and a bus driver after the rape of a student, the provision of limited immunity under this section did not violate Ark. Const. art. 2, § 13, and an appellate court was unable to overturn caselaw to the extent that it shielded a school district from accountability under the Arkansas Public Education Act, §§ 6-15-1001 to 1007, because judicial precedent from the Arkansas Supreme Court had to be followed. Young v. Blytheville Sch. Dist., 2013 Ark. App. 50, 425 S.W.3d 865 (2013).

In General.

The former distinction between governmental and proprietary actions was abolished by this section. Augustine v. City of W. Memphis, 281 Ark. 162, 662 S.W.2d 813 (1984).

Since statutes granting political subdivisions immunity or denying them immunity are legal; statutes which limit that liability are legal for the same reasons — to make these government entities bear some responsibility for wrongs to individuals harmed by their negligence, but also to prevent these same entities from exposure to high judgments which would destroy them. Thompson v. Sanford, 281 Ark. 365, 663 S.W.2d 932 (1984).

This section prevents a person from recovering for the negligence of a political subdivision, or for its employees' negligent performance of their official duties. Davis v. Fulton County, 884 F. Supp. 1245 (E.D. Ark. 1995).

The grant of immunity contained in § 21-9-301 is not as comprehensive as the constitutional prohibition established by Article 5, Section 20, of the Arkansas Constitution; specifically, the immunity granted by statute for tortious conduct is limited to any recovery in excess of insurance coverage, whereas the constitutional prohibition against bringing an action against the state is far-reaching and applies to all circumstances where the state's treasury could be tapped for the payment of damages. Dermott Special Sch. Dist. v. Johnson, 343 Ark. 90, 32 S.W.3d 477 (2000).

Qualified immunity afforded by this section had to be asserted and proven as an affirmative defense; it was incumbent upon the school district to plead and prove that it was entitled to the immunity due to a lack of insurance, and the student's complaint did not have to allege the absence of insurance in order to state a cause of action. Vent v. Johnson, 2009 Ark. 92, 303 S.W.3d 46 (2009).

Arkansas Legislature did not intend to partially repeal this section when it enacted the Arkansas Public Education Act, §§ 6-15-1001 to 1007. Young v. Blytheville Sch. Dist., 2013 Ark. App. 50, 425 S.W.3d 865 (2013).

Construction.

While the pleading distinction between “official capacity” liability and “individual capacity” liability remains relevant in federal actions alleging official misconduct by public officials, this distinction is of no moment when determining the scope of the immunity afforded by this section in any analogous tort actions. Davis v. Fulton County, 884 F. Supp. 1245 (E.D. Ark. 1995).

Purpose.

It was the intent of the General Assembly in enacting this section to grant immunity to municipal agents and employees for acts of negligence committed in their official capacities. Autry v. Lawrence, 286 Ark. 501, 696 S.W.2d 315 (1985).

Applicability.

Claims under the torts of outrage (also known as intentional infliction of emotional distress), battery, assault, false imprisonment, and intentional torts fall outside the purview of this section. Davis v. Fulton County, 884 F. Supp. 1245 (E.D. Ark. 1995).

Mayor was entitled to summary judgment on police chief's claim under the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, § 16-123-101 et seq., because the mayor was entitled to qualified immunity; the mayor could not have reasonably known that his termination of the police chief's employment, which was done upon the discovery of missing or incomplete police reports 15 days after the police chief made a statement at a city council meeting, would violate the police chief's constitutional right to free speech under Ark. Const. art. 2, § 6. Smith v. Brt, 363 Ark. 126, 211 S.W.3d 485 (2005).

Although the former police chief alleged a violation of the right to freedom of speech under Ark. Const. art. 2, § 6, he failed to raise a genuine issue of fact as to whether the mayor would have known that his termination of the chief's employment as police chief violated that clearly established right; because the chief did not raise a genuine issue of fact as to whether the mayor would have known that the dismissal violated the chief's clearly established constitutional right, the mayor was entitled to qualified immunity under § 21-9-301. Smith v. Brt, 363 Ark. 126, 211 S.W.3d 485 (2005).

Educational cooperative, unless covered by liability insurance for the damages alleged in a complaint against it, was immune from liability and from suit for damages under this section because it was an agency of a school district. Ark. River Educ. Servs. v. Modacure, 371 Ark. 466, 267 S.W.3d 595 (2007).

This section provides city employees with immunity from civil liability for negligent acts, but not for intentional acts. City of Fayetteville v. Romine, 373 Ark. 318, 284 S.W.3d 10 (2008).

Trial court erred in denying a city's motion for summary judgment in an action by property owners for damage to their property because at no point did the complaint mention breach of a contract; because the city put forth proof that it did not have insurance coverage for the claim alleged, it was entitled to immunity under subsection (a) of this section as to the tort cause of action. City of Malvern v. Jenkins, 2013 Ark. 24, 425 S.W.3d 711 (2013).

Civil Rights Actions.

A county is a unit of local government and does not share in the state's immunity from 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights actions, thus, where the violation of policies by a sheriff over a period of time were overlooked, the county as an entity was responsible for injuries caused. Mosier v. Robinson, 722 F. Supp. 555 (W.D. Ark. 1989).

Trial court erred in denying a city employee's motion for summary judgment in a property owner's action for violation of civil rights where the employee established that the employee was entitled to qualified immunity; because sewer lines were not owned by the city, but were instead private lines, the city, and by extension, the employee, owed no duty to the owner. City of Fayetteville v. Romine, 373 Ark. 318, 284 S.W.3d 10 (2008).

In a former inmate's action for damages stemming from a rape by a county jailer, a county judge was entitled to summary judgment dismissing the civil rights claims under § 16-123-105 on immunity grounds under this section because the inmate failed to establish that the County acted with deliberate indifference when it hired the jailer where the inmate only offered unsupported allegations that the jailer had previously inappropriately hugged and kissed a 16-year-old female inmate; an unwanted hug and kiss were not nearly identical enough to the inmate's allegations to constitute deliberate indifference. Gentry v. Robinson, 2009 Ark. 634, 361 S.W.3d 788 (2009).

In plaintiff's lawsuit against defendants, the school district and school officials, in which he asserted that his disabled child was subjected to multiple incidents of sexual abuse in his classroom in the presence of teachers, the district court held that defendants were immune from suit for negligence under this section. Braden v. Mt. Home Sch. Dist., 903 F. Supp. 2d 729 (W.D. Ark. 2012).

Police officer was entitled to qualified immunity on appellee's claim for violation of the right to remonstrate; the lack of precedent made it clear that appellee's right to remonstrate was not clearly established at the time of appellee's arrest. Graham v. Cawthorn, 2013 Ark. 160, 427 S.W.3d 34 (2013).

County Judge.

In a case alleging abuse of process and false light, a county judge was entitled to qualified immunity under this section; the factual recitations within the body of the complaint indicated that the suit was against the judge only in his official capacity, and it did not identify or plead facts sufficient to show that he violated an established statutory or constitutional right. In addition, the county judge was entitled to judicial immunity when he entered an order requiring a county clerk to retain employees who had filed a grievance because he was performing a quasi-judicial function. Blevins v. Hudson, 2016 Ark. 150, 489 S.W.3d 165 (2016), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 137 S. Ct. 239, 196 L. Ed. 2d 134 (2016).

Deceit.

An action against a city by a landowner who alleged that his execution of a deed granting the city an easement across his property for the installation of sewer lines was induced by deliberate fraud was a cause of action for deceit which would be precluded by this section. Harrington v. City of Greenbrier, 262 Ark. 773, 561 S.W.2d 302 (1978).

De Novo Review.

Where plaintiff's tort claim against county was denied by county judge and plaintiff sought a de novo review in the circuit court in accordance with § 16-67-207, the circuit judge held that the provisions of this section immunized the county from the tort claim and properly dismissed the claim. The circuit court thus did, in the de novo review pursuant to § 16-67-207, exactly as it would have had to do if the case had been brought “as other cases at law.” Bigelow v. Union County, 287 Ark. 486, 701 S.W.2d 125 (1985).

Insurance Coverage.

State employees are not immune from suit for negligence to the extent they are covered by other viable liability insurance. Deitsch v. Tillery, 309 Ark. 401, 833 S.W.2d 760 (1992).

Construction company was not an insurer for the purposes of administrator's wrongful death action, notwithstanding that it agreed to indemnify the city against damages and obtained insurance to do so. Cherry v. Tanda, Inc., 327 Ark. 600, 940 S.W.2d 457 (1997).

Administrator's action against insurance carrier as a quasi-insurer of the city under this section was without merit where the insurance contract was carried by the employer construction company, not the city. Cherry v. Tanda, Inc., 327 Ark. 600, 940 S.W.2d 457 (1997).

A city is not immune to the extent that it has liability insurance. City of Caddo Valley v. George, 340 Ark. 203, 9 S.W.3d 481 (2000).

Summary judgment was improperly granted in favor of a city and its employee in a negligence action based on governmental immunity where there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the operation of the loader on public roads was frequent and regular or merely incidental and, thus, whether the front-end loader was exempted from the statutory definition of “motor vehicle.” Spears v. City of Fordyce, 351 Ark. 305, 92 S.W.3d 38 (2002).

Immunity for negligent torts afforded to school districts and employees was qualified, and an employee or district could be sued to the extent that applicable coverage existed under a policy of insurance; however, the appellate court could not determine whether there was insurance coverage because the actual policy was not included for review and, as the school district had the burden to make the insurance policy a part of the record, the denial of the school district's motion for summary judgment on parent's negligence claim was affirmed. Helena-West Helena Sch. Dist. v. Monday, 361 Ark. 82, 204 S.W.3d 514 (2005).

Under this section, the city and its employees enjoy immunity from liability and from suits for damages, except to the extent that the city is covered by liability insurance, or acts as a self-insured for certain amounts as provided by statute. City of Farmington v. Smith, 366 Ark. 473, 237 S.W.3d 1 (2006).

Even though this section provided immunity to a public school district with regard to a mother's claim, that it negligently failed to provide adequate supervision for her disabled child, which resulted in the child's being sexually assaulted by a fellow special needs student at school, the school district was denied summary judgment as to that claim because it failed to present any evidence showing that its liability insurance policy did not cover that claim: (1) the statute granted immunity to the school district, except to the extent that it was covered by liability insurance; (2) therefore, in order to establish its immunity as a matter of law, the school district had to show that the mother's negligence claim was not covered by its insurance policy; and (3) the school district did not prove that it did not have insurance coverage with regard to the mother's claim because it did not present a copy of its insurance policy to support its summary judgment motion. Finch v. Texarkana Sch. Dist. No. 7, 557 F. Supp. 2d 976 (W.D. Ark. 2008).

Circuit court properly denied a city and its employees summary judgment on a citizen's negligence claims because they did not show that they were entitled to assert the affirmative defense of statutory immunity; under this section, it was incumbent on the city and its employees, and not on plaintiff, to plead and prove entitlement to immunity due to a lack of insurance. City of Little Rock v. Dayong Yang, 2017 Ark. 18, 509 S.W.3d 632 (2017).

When a defendant pleads an affirmative defense of immunity, that defendant must plead and prove no liability coverage under this section for purposes of summary judgment. City of Little Rock v. Dayong Yang, 2017 Ark. 18, 509 S.W.3d 632 (2017).

Although the defendant city and its employees admitted in their intial answer the averment in the first complaint that they lacked insurance coverage, those pleadings were superseded by the third amended complaint and the answer to that complaint, which did not incorporate previous pleadings. City of Little Rock v. Dayong Yang, 2017 Ark. 18, 509 S.W.3d 632 (2017).

It was error for the circuit court to deny Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) summary judgment for statutory immunity beyond its insurance coverage because plaintiff placed in the record two insurance policies as evidence of MEMS's insurance coverage, and the policies established facts that MEMS did not dispute, thus leaving only a matter of statutory interpretation. City of Little Rock v. Dayong Yang, 2017 Ark. 18, 509 S.W.3d 632 (2017).

Circuit court properly denied a police officer and dog handler's motion for summary judgment in his injured neighbor's action for negligence and strict liability for housing an animal known to have dangerous tendencies, where the officer maintained the police dog at his residence and remained on call 24 hours a day as part of his duties; the officer was not entitled to summary judgment because he failed to plead and prove that the city lacked liability coverage. Harris v. Beth, 2017 Ark. App. 186, 518 S.W.3d 126 (2017).

Intentional Torts.

While public officials named under this section are immune from tort liability for negligent acts committed in the performance of their official duties, that immunity does not include intentional torts committed by those officials. Battle v. Harris, 298 Ark. 241, 766 S.W.2d 431 (1989).

The immunity granted in this section does not apply to intentional torts. Almand v. Benton County, 145 B.R. 608 (Bankr. W.D. Ark. 1992).

The tort of outrage is an intentional tort for which a cause of action lies where the conduct is so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society; this section does not provide immunity for the intentional acts of school districts. Deitsch v. Tillery, 309 Ark. 401, 833 S.W.2d 760 (1992).

Intentional actions by board members are not protected by statutory immunity. West Memphis Sch. Dist. No. 4 v. Circuit Court, 316 Ark. 290, 871 S.W.2d 368 (1994).

This section does not shield intentional torts such as battery. Morris v. Crawford County, 173 F. Supp. 2d 870 (W.D. Ark. 2001), aff'd, 299 F.3d 919 (8th Cir. 2002).

Although this section did not apply to give a public school district immunity as to the intentional infliction of emotional distress claim (IIED) asserted by a disabled child's mother, arising from the fact that the child was sexually assaulted by a fellow special needs student at school, because IIED was an intentional tort of outrage and this section did not provide immunity as to intentional torts, the district court was nevertheless granted summary judgment as to the mother's IIED claim because she did not show that a material factual dispute existed as to whether its conduct was so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and to be utterly intolerable in a civilized society. Finch v. Texarkana Sch. Dist. No. 7, 557 F. Supp. 2d 976 (W.D. Ark. 2008).

Trial court erred in failing to dismiss a property owner's claim against a city for reimbursement for construction of a retaining wall on his property in order to maintain a ditch on an adjacent city right-of-way because recovery on a negligence or trespass claim would be statutorily barred. City of Alexander v. Doss, 102 Ark. App. 232, 284 S.W.3d 74 (2008).

Battery claim against a police officer survived a motion for summary judgment because this section provided city employees with immunity from civil liability for negligent acts but not for intentional acts. Martin v. Hallum, 2010 Ark. App. 193, 374 S.W.3d 152 (2010).

In an action against a school district and a bus driver arising from a student's rape, although the student was a victim of intentional torts when she was pulled into a bathroom and raped, there was no facts indicating that the school district or the bus driver committed those acts or any other intentional torts. Therefore, immunity was provided under this section. Young v. Blytheville Sch. Dist., 2013 Ark. App. 50, 425 S.W.3d 865 (2013).

It is a deliberate, knowing trespass that bars application of the doctrine of qualified immunity; appellant's proof failed to show that appellees trespassed on her property deliberately and with knowledge that they were doing so, and summary judgment for appellees was proper. Williams v. Pate, 2015 Ark. App. 327, 463 S.W.3d 734 (2015).

Circuit court erred by denying summary judgment to a police officer based on immunity, where the officer did not commit the intentional torts of false arrest or false imprisonment; the officer had arrested appellee based on an outstanding warrant that had in fact been issued against a different person. Trammell v. Wright, 2016 Ark. 147, 489 S.W.3d 636 (2016).

Jurisdiction.

Where a landowner's action could be taken as a suit for damages for trespass, the chancery court had no jurisdiction since equity will not take jurisdiction of an action to recover unliquidated damages for tort and since the county is immune from suit for damages in a tort action. Chamberlain v. Newton County, 266 Ark. 516, 587 S.W.2d 4 (1979).

This section establishes an immunity defense; that does not mean that the circuit court is without jurisdiction to hear a motion to dismiss on statutory immunity grounds. West Memphis Sch. Dist. No. 4 v. Circuit Court, 316 Ark. 290, 871 S.W.2d 368 (1994).

Malicious Prosecution.

A city police officer acting in his official capacity when he presented evidence to the prosecutor which resulted in plaintiff's arrest was immune from an action for malicious prosecution. Autry v. Lawrence, 286 Ark. 501, 696 S.W.2d 315 (1985).

City collector was entitled to qualified immunity in a malicious prosecution action by a receiver who was prosecuted for payment of taxes owed by a corporation with a worthless check. Culpepper v. Biggers, 742 F. Supp. 528 (E.D. Ark. 1990).

Negligence.

A suit against county for damages for death which resulted when vehicle left county public road on an allegedly unmarked curve was barred on the basis of the county's immunity from tort liability. Sullivan v. Pulaski County, 247 Ark. 259, 445 S.W.2d 94 (1969).

A suit against county for negligence which resulted in injuries to appellant from an automobile accident allegedly caused by the county's negligence in failing to erect certain warning signs and speed limit signs was barred on the basis of the county's immunity from tort liability. Chandler v. Pulaski County, 247 Ark. 262, 445 S.W.2d 96 (1969).

Municipal officers and employees are immune from tort liability for negligent acts they may commit in the performance of their official duties; accordingly, a city fire chief, a city director of planning, and a city manager were immune from an action brought against them in their official capacities alleging that, due to the officers' negligence, the plaintiffs' residence burned because of the city fire department's refusal to respond to a call for assistance. Matthews v. Martin, 280 Ark. 345, 658 S.W.2d 374 (1983).

City and its public utility commission were immune from suit to recover for personal injuries suffered by plaintiff when she was struck by a falling limb that had been cut by an employee of the city or of the commission while engaged in cutting tree limbs along a public street. Augustine v. City of W. Memphis, 281 Ark. 162, 662 S.W.2d 813 (1984).

Where school district built house as vocational education project, action for fire loss was one in tort for negligence and was barred by this section. Bankston v. Pulaski County School Dist., 281 Ark. 476, 665 S.W.2d 859 (1984).

Where employees were performing their official duties for the school district that employed them at the time of their alleged acts of negligence, they and the school district are immune from tort liability under this section. Cousins v. Dennis, 298 Ark. 310, 767 S.W.2d 296 (1989).

In order that persons injured by a political subdivisions' vehicles may have redress for negligence, § 21-9-303 requires political subdivisions to carry liability insurance on their motor vehicles. King v. Little Rock Sch. Dist., 301 Ark. 148, 782 S.W.2d 574 (1990).

A school choir director was immune from a cause of action for negligence, and a school district was immune from a cause of action for negligence in hiring and supervising, instructing, and training personnel. Wallace ex rel. Wallace v. Bryant Sch. Dist., 46 F. Supp. 2d 863 (E.D. Ark. 1999), aff'd without op., 208 F.3d 219 (8th Cir. 2000).

Judge sued for damages following an automobile accident was not entitled to immunity where the evidence did not establish that he was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the accident; in addition, because the judge failed to make a motion for a directed verdict on the issue of immunity, the issue was waived for appellate review. Carlew v. Wright, 356 Ark. 208, 148 S.W.3d 237 (2004).

According to this section, city employees have immunity from civil liabiltiy for negligent acts, but not for intentional acts. City of Farmington v. Smith, 366 Ark. 473, 237 S.W.3d 1 (2006).

In a case arising from the removal of gravel from the owners' property, a negligence claim against the county failed because it was precluded and foreclosed by this section. Finch v. Carroll County, 2014 Ark. App. 564, 445 S.W.3d 535 (2014).

Two affidavits sufficiently established that the city did not possess general-liability insurance at the time of the accident to cover plaintiff's negligence claims; moreover, plaintiff did not meet proof with proof to demonstrate the existence of a genuine issue of material fact on this issue, and thus the city was entitled to municipal immunity. Yang v. City of Little Rock, 2019 Ark. 169, 575 S.W.3d 394 (2019).

Political Subdivision.

Corporation which expressly stated in its articles of incorporation that its purpose was to aid educational institutions inside the city, but whose activities far exceeded its declared purpose, operated outside of the statutory boundaries of a utility commission as permitted by the code and thus, corporation was not entitled to immunity as a political subdivision under this section. Masterson v. Stambuck, 321 Ark. 391, 902 S.W.2d 803 (1995).

Counties are expressly included within the class of “political subdivisions” protected by this section. Davis v. Fulton County, 884 F. Supp. 1245 (E.D. Ark. 1995).

The Quorum Court is a “political subdivision” which benefits from any immunity afforded by this section. Davis v. Fulton County, 884 F. Supp. 1245 (E.D. Ark. 1995).

Cited: Williams v. Jefferson Hospital Ass'n, 246 Ark. 1231, 442 S.W.2d 243 (1969); Reeme v. Natural Gas Imp. Dist., 247 Ark. 983, 448 S.W.2d 647 (1970); Wawak v. Stewart, 247 Ark. 1093, 449 S.W.2d 922 (1970); Lassiter v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 371 F. Supp. 1221 (E.D. Ark. 1974); Collier v. City of Springdale, 733 F.2d 1311 (8th Cir. 1984); Delta Special Sch. Dist. No. 5 v. State Bd. of Educ., 745 F.2d 532 (8th Cir. 1984); Helms v. Southern Farm Bureau Cas. Ins. Co., 281 Ark. 450, 664 S.W.2d 870 (1984); Harrison v. Springdale Water & Sewer Comm'n, 780 F.2d 1422 (8th Cir. 1986); Little Rock Port Auth. v. McCain, 296 Ark. 130, 752 S.W.2d 44 (1988); Conway Corp. v. Construction Engineers, Inc., 300 Ark. 225, 782 S.W.2d 36 (1989); Dumond v. Conlee, 710 F. Supp. 1270 (E.D. Ark. 1988); Buttolph Trust v. Jarnagan, 302 Ark. 393, 789 S.W.2d 466 (1990); Almand v. Benton County, 145 B.R. 608 (Bankr. W.D. Ark. 1992); Waire v. Joseph, 308 Ark. 528, 825 S.W.2d 594 (1992); 65th Ctr., Inc. v. Copeland, 308 Ark. 456, 825 S.W.2d 574 (1992); Vinson Elec. Supply v. Poteete, 321 Ark. 516, 905 S.W.2d 831 (1995); Brown v. Fountain Hill Sch. Dist., 67 Ark. App. 358, 1 S.W.3d 27 (1999); Rudd v. Pulaski County Special Sch. Dist., 341 Ark. 794, 20 S.W.3d 310 (2000); Southern Farm Bureau Cas. Ins. Co. v. Spears, 360 Ark. 200, 200 S.W.3d 436 (2004); Passmore v. Hinchey, 2010 Ark. App. 581, 379 S.W.3d 497 (2010); Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2015 Ark. 81, 455 S.W.3d 294 (2015).

21-9-302. Tort liability — Settlement of claims.

Each county, municipal corporation, school district, special improvement district, or any other political subdivision of the state is authorized to provide for hearing and settling tort claims against it.

History. Acts 1969, No. 165, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2902.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Torts, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 609.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

This section authorizes political subdivisions to hear and settle tort claims if they choose to do so; this authorization serves a legitimate governmental purpose and does not violate the equal protection clause of U.S. Const. Amend. 14. Lacey v. Bekaert Steel Wire Corp., 619 F. Supp. 1234 (W.D. Ark. 1985), aff'd, 799 F.2d 434 (8th Cir. 1986).

Cited: Hardin v. City of DeValls Bluff, 256 Ark. 480, 508 S.W.2d 559 (1974); Bigelow v. Union County, 287 Ark. 486, 701 S.W.2d 125 (1985); Waire v. Joseph, 308 Ark. 528, 825 S.W.2d 594 (1992).

21-9-303. Motor vehicle liability insurance required — Minimum amounts.

  1. All political subdivisions shall carry liability insurance on their motor vehicles or shall become self-insurers, individually or collectively, for their vehicles, or both, in the minimum amounts prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, § 27-19-101 et seq.
  2. The combined maximum liability of local government employees, volunteers, and the local government employer in any action involving the use of a motor vehicle within the scope of their employment shall be the minimum amounts prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, § 27-19-101 et seq., unless the political subdivision has purchased insurance coverage or participates in a self-insurance pool providing for an amount of coverage in excess of the minimum amounts prescribed in the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, § 27-19-101 et seq., in which event the maximum liability of the insurer or pool shall be the limits of the coverage provided for in the policy or agreement.
    1. Any person who suffers injury or damage to person or property caused by a motor vehicle operated by an employee, agent, or volunteer of a local government covered by this section shall have a direct cause of action against the insurer if insured, or the governmental entity if uninsured, or the trustee or chief administrative officer of any self-insured or self-insurance pool.
    2. Any judgment against a trustee or administrator of a self-insurance pool shall be paid from pool assets up to the maximum limit of liability as provided in this section.

History. Acts 1969, No. 165, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2903; Acts 1987, No. 590, § 1; 1987, No. 1064, § 1; 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 47, § 1.

Research References

ALR.

Applicability of Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Statutes to Self-Insurers, 32 A.L.R.7th Art. 3 (2018).

Ark. L. Rev.

City of Caddo Valley v. George: Stop or I'll Sue! Police Chases and the Price Cities May Pay, 55 Ark. L. Rev. 425 (2002).

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Insurance, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 587.

Survey — Torts, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 609.

Case Notes

Purpose.

In order that persons injured by a political subdivisions' vehicles may have redress for negligence, this section requires political subdivisions to carry liability insurance on their motor vehicles. King v. Little Rock Sch. Dist., 301 Ark. 148, 782 S.W.2d 574 (1990).

The legislature did not intend for a school district to insure a bus that was owned by an independent entity, operated by a driver who was not employed or hired by the district, and chartered for a one day field trip. King v. Little Rock Sch. Dist., 301 Ark. 148, 782 S.W.2d 574 (1990).

Failure to Carry Insurance.

Regardless of statutory governmental tort immunity, city which failed to conform to this section was responsible as self-insurer for injuries resulting from negligent operation of its vehicles up to amount equivalent to required policy limits stated in § 27-19-713. Sturdivant v. Farmington, 255 Ark. 415, 500 S.W.2d 769 (1973).

The holding in Sturdivant v. City of Farmington, 255 Ark. 415, 500 S.W.2d 769 (1973), which made school districts self-insurers when they did not carry insurance, is not unconstitutional as a violation of the separation of powers doctrine of Ark. Const., Art. 4, § 2. Thompson v. Sanford, 281 Ark. 365, 663 S.W.2d 932 (1984).

Instructions.

In personal injury action against school district and its employee, employee was not entitled to instruction on district's limited liability, and the trial court was right to wait until the jury had determined liability and damages before applying this section as interpreted by Sturdivant v. City of Farmington, 255 Ark. 415, 500 S.W.2d 769 (1973). Thompson v. Sanford, 281 Ark. 365, 663 S.W.2d 932 (1984).

Liability.

A city is not immune to the extent that it has liability insurance. City of Caddo Valley v. George, 340 Ark. 203, 9 S.W.3d 481 (2000).

Because there were two emergency vehicles involved in the accident and each officer was found five percent at fault, the city, as a joint tortfeasor, would be jointly and severally liable in the amount of $25,000.00 for each of the city's vehicles; therefore, defendant should have recovered $50,000.00 against the city, and the trial court erred in ruling otherwise. City of Caddo Valley v. George, 340 Ark. 203, 9 S.W.3d 481 (2000).

Trial court did not err in reducing a jury's award of $92,500 for bodily injury to a motorcyclist against a city in a negligence action involving a city-owned garbage truck to $25,000, the maximum amount of its liability under the state's tort immunity law and subsection (b) of this section. Fritzinger v. Beene, 80 Ark. App. 416, 97 S.W.3d 440 (2003).

This section requires all municipalities to carry liability insurance on their vehicles or be treated as self-insurers, but the statute does not require a municipality to guarantee the solvency of its insurer; thus, where coverage was in effect when the accident occurred and there was no evidence that the city could have anticipated that its carrier would become insolvent, once the city's insurer did become insolvent, the city should not have been relegated to the status of a self-insurer. Taylor v. City of N. Little Rock, 88 Ark. App. 48, 194 S.W.3d 797 (2004).

Nonregistered Vehicles.

The General Assembly, in requiring political subdivisions to purchase motor vehicle liability insurance, never intended nonregistered vehicles to be covered. Cousins v. Dennis, 298 Ark. 310, 767 S.W.2d 296 (1989).

Self-propelling mowers and other equipment not designed or intended for transportation purposes — being exempt from registration — are not required to comply with the security deposit or liability insurance provisions required under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. Cousins v. Dennis, 298 Ark. 310, 767 S.W.2d 296 (1989).

This section does not require political subdivisions to purchase motor vehicle liability insurance for non-registered vehicles. Clark v. Randolph County, 71 Ark. App. 112, 36 S.W.3d 353 (2000).

Summary judgment was improperly granted in favor of a city and its employee in a negligence action based on governmental immunity where there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the operation of the loader on public roads was frequent and regular or merely incidental and, thus, whether the front-end loader was exempted from the statutory definition of “motor vehicle.” Spears v. City of Fordyce, 351 Ark. 305, 92 S.W.3d 38 (2002).

Political Subdivision.

If a political subdivision fails to carry liability insurance on its motor vehicles it becomes, in effect, a self-insurer and may be held liable for an amount not to exceed the minimum amounts of coverage prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. King v. Little Rock Sch. Dist., 301 Ark. 148, 782 S.W.2d 574 (1990).

In a negligence action stemming from a motor vehicle accident, the trial court erred in declaring the city to be self-insurer because, at the time of the accident, the city had in full force and effect a motor vehicle liability insurance policy and there was no evidence that the city could have anticipated that its carrier would become insolvent. Taylor v. City of N. Little Rock, 88 Ark. App. 48, 194 S.W.3d 797 (2004).

Workers' Compensation.

Where teachers were acting within the scope of their employment at time of school bus accident, injured teachers' exclusive remedy was to file claims under the Workers' Compensation Act and they were not entitled to any part of the school district's insurance policy proceeds. Helms v. Southern Farm Bureau Cas. Ins. Co., 281 Ark. 450, 664 S.W.2d 870 (1984).

Cited: Sullivan v. Pulaski County, 247 Ark. 259, 445 S.W.2d 94 (1969); Hardin v. City of DeValls Bluff, 256 Ark. 480, 508 S.W.2d 559 (1974); Augustine v. City of W. Memphis, 281 Ark. 162, 662 S.W.2d 813 (1984); Lacey v. Bekaert Steel Wire Corp., 619 F. Supp. 1234 (W.D. Ark. 1985); City of Little Rock v. Weber, 298 Ark. 382, 767 S.W.2d 529 (1989).

21-9-304. Indemnification by state for certain actions.

  1. When any city of the first class, city of the second class, incorporated town, county, and its employees are called upon to assist the state and its employees and, as a result, are sued for their actions performed under the supervision of a state official or employee, the Attorney General shall defend the city of the first class, city of the second class, incorporated town, county, and its employees.
  2. Should a judgment be rendered against the city of the first class, city of the second class, incorporated town, county, or its employees, the state shall pay actual, but not punitive, damages adjudged by a state or federal court, or entered by the court as a result of a compromise settlement approved and recommended by the Attorney General, based on an act or omission by the officer or employee while acting without malice and in good faith within the course and scope of his or her employment and in performance of his or her official duties.
    1. When cities of the first class, cities of the second class, incorporated towns, counties, and their employees are covered by any contract of insurance providing for legal defense, the cities of the first class, cities of the second class, incorporated towns, counties, their employees, and their insurers are not entitled to legal defense by the Attorney General.
    2. Any judgment rendered against the cities of the first class, cities of the second class, incorporated towns, counties, their employees, or their insurers shall be paid by the state only to the extent that the judgment amount exceeds the limits of liability established in the contract of insurance.

History. Acts 1983, No. 711, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3407; Acts 1987, No. 820, § 1.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Miscellaneous, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 593.

Chapter 10 Uniform Facsimile Signatures of Public Officials Act

Effective Dates. Acts 1983, No. 564, § 2: Mar. 21, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined that the provisions of recently enacted federal legislation, including the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, have created a serious uncertainty as to the manner in which public securities, including bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness or other obligations for the payment of money, issued by the State of Arkansas or by any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities or by any of its political subdivisions, should be executed and that such uncertainty threatens to delay projects being financed by such securities and to make such financings more expensive, thereby jeopardizing the ability of residents of the State of Arkansas to realize the benefits to be obtained from such projects, and it is further found that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to resolve such uncertainties and to assist citizens of the State of Arkansas in obtaining the benefits from such projects. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of the State of Arkansas, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

21-10-101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Public security” means a bond, note, certificate of indebtedness, or other obligation for the payment of money, issued by this state or by any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities, or by any of its political subdivisions;
  2. “Instrument of payment” means a check, draft, warrant, or order for the payment, delivery, or transfer of funds;
  3. “Authorized officer” means any official of this state or any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities, or any of its political subdivisions whose signature to a public security or instrument of payment is required or permitted;
  4. “Facsimile signature” means the reproduction of the manual signature of an authorized officer by saving electronically or by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2601; Acts 2017, No. 369, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The 2017 amendment of this section was not based on an official revision of the Uniform Facsimile Signatures of Public Officials Act by the Uniform Law Commission.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment, in (d), inserted “of the manual signature of an authorized officer by saving electronically or” and deleted “of the manual signature of an unauthorized officer” following “or other means”.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Carroll, Uniform Laws in Arkansas, 52 Ark. L. Rev. 313.

21-10-102. Use of facsimile signature authorized — Filing required.

Any authorized officer may, after filing with the Secretary of State his or her manual signature certified by him or her under oath, execute or cause to be executed with a facsimile signature in lieu of his or her manual signature:

  1. Any public security; and
  2. Any instrument of payment.

Upon compliance with this chapter by the authorized officer, his or her facsimile signature has the same legal effect as his or her manual signature and shall be deemed to comply with any statute requiring a manual signature.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 2; 1983, No. 564, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2602; Acts 2017, No. 369, § 3.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The 1983 and the 2017 amendments of this section were not based on an official revision of the Uniform Facsimile Signatures of Public Officials Act by the Uniform Law Commission.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment inserted “or her” throughout the section.

21-10-103. Use of facsimile seal.

When the seal of this state or any of its departments, agencies, or other instrumentalities, or of any of its political subdivisions is required in the execution of a public security or instrument of payment, the authorized officer may cause the seal to be printed, engraved, stamped, or otherwise placed in facsimile thereon. The facsimile seal has the same legal effect as the impression of the seal.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2603.

21-10-104. [Reserved.]

Publisher's Notes. The Uniform Facsimile Signatures of Public Officials Act (U.L.A.) § 4, which was repealed in Arkansas by Acts 1975, No. 928, § 4, was a penalty clause.

21-10-105. Construction.

This chapter shall be so construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of states which enact it.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2605.

21-10-106. Title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Facsimile Signature of Public Officials Act.”

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2606.

21-10-107. Severability.

If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2606n.

21-10-108. Inconsistent acts repealed.

All acts and parts of acts are repealed insofar as inconsistent herewith.

History. Acts 1959, No. 69, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2606n.

21-10-109. [Reserved.]

Publisher's Notes. The Uniform Facsimile Signatures of Public Officials Act (U.L.A.) § 9, which was an effective date provision, was not adopted in Arkansas.

Chapter 11 Employee Suggestion System

Effective Dates. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 14: Mar. 28, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1983, No. 31, § 4: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fourth General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1983 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1983 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1991, No. 1219, § 5: Apr. 10, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the 78th General Assembly that the Employee Suggestion System rules and regulations be revised in order to more effectively administer this program. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6346(b): July 1, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the duties of certain state entities; that this act establishes new departments of the state; that these revisions impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the sections of this act other than the two uncodified sections of this act preceding the emergency clause titled ‘Funding and classification of cabinet-level department secretaries’ and ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act transition team’ should become effective at the beginning of the fiscal year to allow for implementation of the new provisions at the beginning of the fiscal year. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and Sections 1 through 6343 of this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2019”.

21-11-101. Definition — Exceptions.

As used in this chapter, “employee” shall mean all full-time state employees of all departments, agencies, boards, commissions, or other agencies of the state supported by appropriation of state or federal funds except the following excluded employees:

  1. The elected constitutional officers of this state, including employees of the office of the Governor;
  2. The General Assembly and its employees, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit;
  3. Members of the Supreme Court, circuit courts, and prosecuting attorneys;
  4. Members of the Governor's cabinet, agency directors, or other persons appointed by the Governor as head of a board or commission;
  5. Employees occupying a teaching or athletic coaching position at a state-supported institution of higher education; and
  6. Those other employees designated as excluded from the provisions of this chapter by the rules established by the State Personnel Administrator.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4001; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2333.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (6).

21-11-102. Penalty.

Any cabinet member or head of a department, agency, board, commission, or other agency of state government who fails to comply with or implement a money-saving suggestions program as outlined in this chapter shall be deemed to be derelict in his or her duties and subject to dismissal.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4012.

21-11-103. Employee Suggestion System established.

There is established a program to be known as the “Employee Suggestion System” to encourage the development of ideas for improving the economy and efficiency of state government, to grant awards for ideas of proper merit, and to implement them in the governmental process.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4002.

21-11-104. Rules — Procedure for submission of suggestions.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, or his or her designee, is directed to develop and adopt rules in accordance with this chapter for the administration of the Employee Suggestion System.
    1. The rules shall provide for the direct submission of all suggestions to the Office of Personnel Management's Employee Suggestion System for determination of eligibility under the rules as authorized in this section.
    2. Eligible suggestions will be forwarded to the secretary, or to the secretary's designated representative, for evaluation of proper merit.
    3. The names of individuals who make suggestions shall be kept confidential unless such person is granted an award under this chapter.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4003; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2334; 2019, No. 910, § 6151.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “and regulations” following “Rules” in the section heading; and deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a) and following the second occurrence of “rules” in (b)(1).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (a).

21-11-105. Suggestion Award Board.

    1. There is created the Suggestion Award Board.
    2. The membership of the board shall consist of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, the State Personnel Administrator, who shall serve as chair, and the cochairs of the Legislative Council.
  1. The decisions of the board regarding suggestions, awards, and appeals shall be final and binding to all parties concerned.
    1. The board will review suggestions after the suggestor has filed a formal appeal.
    2. If, in the opinion of the board, further evaluation is needed, the board may request the agency to reevaluate the suggestion.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4004; Acts 1991, No. 1219, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3498, 6152.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Subdivision (a)(2) was amended by Acts 2019, No. 910, §§ 3498 and 6152. The amendments cannot be reconciled. Under the authority of § 25-43-109, the Arkansas Code Revision Commission determined that § 6152 was the intended amendment and the correct section to codify and not § 3498.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 910, § 3498, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” and “State Personnel Administrator” for “Personnel Director” in (a)(2).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, § 6152, substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” and “State Personnel Administrator” for “Personnel Director” in (a)(2).

21-11-106. Reports by Personnel Director.

  1. The Personnel Director shall prepare and annually transmit a report detailing the operations of the Employee Suggestion System, including an accounting of all awards granted and any other information deemed appropriate by the director and the Governor.
    1. The director shall submit monthly to the Suggestion Award Board a list of all suggestions which have been at agencies for evaluation for a period exceeding thirty (30) days.
    2. The list shall show the suggestion number, the agency doing the evaluation, and the date the suggestion was sent to the agency for evaluation.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4005.

21-11-107. Awards for suggestions.

      1. Any monetary award granted for a suggestion which may improve the economy and efficiency of state government shall be the greater of one hundred dollars ($100) or ten percent (10%) of the amount of savings.
      2. However, the monetary award shall be limited to a maximum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless a larger award is recommended by resolution of the General Assembly.
    1. If an employee's suggestion appears to be one which may improve the economy and efficiency of state government but would require legislative enactment, the suggestor shall receive a monetary award as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section based on the actual net savings after the end of the first year following implementation of the suggestion.
  1. When implementation of a suggestion would not result in cost reduction or avoidance but would visibly improve the operations of a process or program or improve public relations, safety, or effectiveness of operations as indicated in § 21-11-103, recognition of the suggestor will be made by the issuance of a suitable certificate and a monetary award of one hundred dollars ($100).

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, §§ 7, 8, 11; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-4006, 12-4007, 12-4011; Acts 1991, No. 1219, § 2.

21-11-108. Payment of awards.

  1. When it is determined by the Personnel Director that a monetary award is to be made under the rules of the Employee Suggestion System, he or she shall certify the amount to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.
  2. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall cause a transfer to be made of the amount of moneys awarded from the fund from which the benefiting employee is being paid to the State Central Services Fund.
  3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Treasurer of State shall issue warrants to employees for approved suggestions in accordance with this chapter.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 9; 1983, No. 31, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-4008, 12-4010.

21-11-109. Funding.

  1. No agency, board, or commission shall receive additional appropriations or funds to carry out this chapter except the Office of Personnel Management, which shall be allocated funds and appropriations to administer it.
  2. All monetary awards prescribed in § 21-11-107(a) shall be made from the amount of appropriated money saved by the suggestions of employees.
  3. The minimum monetary award prescribed in § 21-11-107(b) shall be made from the agency's existing appropriation for the general maintenance and operation of the agency.

History. Acts 1981, No. 856, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-4009; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6153.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Office of Personnel Management” in (a).

Chapter 12 Termination of Service

Research References

ALR.

Refusal to submit to polygraph examination as ground for discharge or suspension of public employees or officers. 15 A.L.R.4th 1207.

Am. Jur. 63C Am. Jur. 2d, Pub. Off., § 153 et seq.

C.J.S. 67 C.J.S., Officers, § 227 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Cross References. Governor and all state officers, judges of the Supreme and circuit courts, chancellors, and prosecuting attorneys liable to impeachment, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 1.

House of Representatives has sole power of impeachment, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 2.

21-12-101. Limitation of employment for preparers of certain grant applications.

  1. For a period of one (1) year after leaving state employment, a person whose principal function in state employment is to apply for or assist in the preparation of applications for state or federal grants shall not assist, for compensation, another person applying for a grant of state or federal funds.
  2. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).

History. Acts 1983, No. 900, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2380, 12-2380.1; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 142.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment inserted “guilty of a violation and” in (b).

21-12-102. Discharge of employee for falsifying employment application.

Any person who is employed by the State of Arkansas and who falsified the employment application by alleging to have earned a college degree which in fact was not earned shall be terminated from employment with the state.

History. Acts 1985, No. 620, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2381.

21-12-103. Dismissal of employee for prohibited discrimination.

  1. Every state agency shall include in its personnel manual a statement that discrimination by any officer or employee based upon race, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, or gender shall constitute grounds for dismissal.
  2. When it is determined by any court of law that any employee of this state is guilty of discrimination based upon race, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, or gender, such determination shall be grounds for dismissal from employment.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1301, §§ 1, 2; 1995, No. 1318, §§ 1, 2.

Subchapter 2 — Impeachments

Effective Dates. Acts 1874 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 11, § 2: effective on passage.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Official Misconduct under the Arkansas Criminal Code, 30 Ark. L. Rev. 160.

Comments: Removal and Discipline of Judges in Arkansas, Porter, 32 Ark. L. Rev. 545.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey of Arkansas Law, Public Law, 1 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 230.

21-12-201. Definitions.

In this subchapter:

  1. “Articles of impeachment” means the written accusation of the officer, drawn up and approved by the House of Representatives. The articles shall state with reasonable certainty the misdemeanors in office for which the officer is impeached, and, if there is more than one (1), the misdemeanors shall be stated separately and distinctly; and
  2. “Impeachment” means the prosecution, by the House of Representatives before the Senate, of the Governor or other civil officer for misdemeanor in office.

History. Crim. Code, §§ 389-391; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5603-5605; Pope's Dig., §§ 7248-7250; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2201 — 12-2203.

Case Notes

Cited: Rockefeller v. Hogue, 244 Ark. 1029, 429 S.W.2d 85 (1968).

21-12-202. Suspension of impeached officer.

  1. When any officer shall be impeached, he or she is declared to be suspended from exercising his or her office, after he or she shall be notified thereof, until he or she is acquitted.
  2. If the President of the Senate be impeached, notice shall be immediately given by the House of Representatives to the Senate, that another President of the Senate may be appointed.
  3. In all cases of impeachment of any officer of this state, the Governor is authorized to appoint some suitable person to perform the functions of the office from which the officer is suspended until the case of impeachment is disposed of by trial or otherwise, according to law. The person so appointed shall receive the same salary and emoluments as the officer impeached.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, §§ 3, 4; Acts 1874 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 11, § 1, p. 14; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5609-5611; Pope's Dig., §§ 7254-7256; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2206 — 12-2208.

21-12-203. Initiation of proceedings.

  1. When articles of impeachment have been approved by the House of Representatives and impeachment ordered, a committee shall be appointed to prosecute the impeachment, whose chair, within five (5) days, shall bring the same before the Senate.
  2. The Senate shall appoint a day for hearing the impeachment.
    1. The accused shall be summoned by a precept issued by the Secretary of State to appear on that day.
    2. The precept shall be served by delivering a copy of the precept and of the articles of impeachment to the accused in person, if to be found, or by leaving the copies at his or her residence with some member of his or her family over sixteen (16) years of age.
    1. Upon the appearance of the accused, he or she shall have reasonable time to answer the impeachment, and when the answer shall be filed, the committee may reply thereto.
    2. When issue shall be joined on any such impeachment, the Senate shall appoint a time for the trial.
  3. If the accused shall not appear after being notified, or after appearing shall fail to answer, the Senate may proceed ex parte.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, §§ 7, 10; Crim. Code, §§ 392, 393; Acts 1871, No. 49, § 1[393], p. 255; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5606, 5607, 5618, 5619, 5622; Pope's Dig., §§ 7251-7253, 7263, 7264, 7267; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2204, 12-2205, 12-2209, 12-2215.

Cross References. Trial by Senate, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 2.

21-12-204. Attendance of witnesses.

  1. The Senate shall have power of coercing the attendance of witnesses and of compelling them to testify and of coercing the production of books and papers, by fine and imprisonment to such extent as shall be necessary.
    1. The Secretary of the Senate, at the request of the chair of the committee prosecuting the impeachment, or of the accused, shall issue process for summoning witnesses and for producing books and papers.
    2. In case of disobedience of the process, the Senate shall order the clerk to issue process for arresting the witnesses and seizing the books and papers, which process may be executed by the peace officers of the counties or by officers especially appointed for that purpose by the Senate.
  2. Witnesses shall have the same compensation for travel and attendance, and the same exemption in going, remaining, and returning, as witnesses in the circuit courts.
  3. Officers executing the process and orders of the Senate shall have like fees for their services.

History. Crim. Code, §§ 394-396; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5612-5617; Pope's Dig., §§ 7257-7262; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2210 — 12-2212.

Cross References. Summons for witnesses, § 10-2-307.

21-12-205. Depositions of witnesses.

  1. The President of the Senate, on the application of the accused, or any of his or her counsel, or of the chair of the committee prosecuting the impeachment, shall issue commissions to take depositions where the witness is unable to attend from sickness or other infirmity or where the witness is without the limits of the state.
  2. Depositions shall be taken in the same manner, and the same notice shall be given, as where depositions are to be taken in the circuit court.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, §§ 8, 9; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5620, 5621; Pope's Dig., §§ 7265, 7266; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2213, 12-2214.

Cross References. Committee empowered to take depositions, § 10-2-306.

Examination by interrogatories, § 10-2-308.

21-12-206. Trial.

  1. Before the Senate proceeds to try the impeachment, the President of the Senate and every senator present shall take the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully and impartially try the impeachment against A. B., and give my decision according to the law and evidence.”
    1. The members being sworn, the Senate shall proceed to hear, try, and determine the impeachment and may adjourn the trial to any other time.
    2. The Senate shall determine questions of law arising during the trial, upon the admissibility of evidence, the competency of witnesses, and otherwise.
    3. The Senate may punish any person for contempt committed toward the Senate or for obstructing the administration of justice on the trial, in as full a manner as any court of record could do for a like contempt toward the court.
  2. In all impeachment trials, the accused shall have a right to be heard by himself or herself and his or her counsel.
    1. All votes on any question whatever shall be given viva voce and entered on the journals.
    2. No judgment or sentence of conviction shall be given against any person upon any impeachment without the concurrence of two-thirds (2/3) of the senators elected.
    3. The Senate shall determine what amount of absence of a senator during the trial shall exclude the senator from voting in the final decision.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, §§ 12, 13; Crim. Code, §§ 397, 398; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5623-5627; Pope's Dig., §§ 7268-7272; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2216 — 12-2219.

Cross References. Chief Justice to preside unless impeached or disqualified, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 2.

Concurrence of two thirds of members necessary for conviction, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 2.

Judgment goes no further than removal from office and disqualification to hold state office, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 1.

When sitting for purpose of impeachment, senators shall be upon oath or affirmation, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 2.

21-12-207. Transcript of proceedings.

The Secretary of the Senate shall make out a transcript of the proceedings on impeachment and of the judgment of the Senate, whether of conviction or acquittal, which shall be signed by the officer presiding at the trial, attested by the Secretary of the Senate and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, § 15; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5631, 5632; Pope's Dig., §§ 7276, 7277; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2223.

21-12-208. Decision no bar to indictment.

The party convicted or acquitted shall, notwithstanding such acquittal or conviction, be subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment for any indictable offense, according to the law of the land.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 75, § 14; C. & M. Dig., § 5630; Pope's Dig., § 7275; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2222.

Cross References. Impeachment no bar to indictment, Ark. Const., Art. 15, § 1.

21-12-209. Allocation of costs.

    1. If the accused is acquitted, he or she shall be entitled to his or her costs, to be taxed by the Secretary of the Senate and paid by the Treasurer of State.
    2. If convicted, the accused shall pay the costs, to be taxed by the Secretary of the Senate, and recovered upon a motion by the Attorney General in the Pulaski County Circuit Court, at the first term thereof, without notice, or afterward on notice.
    1. If the impeachment is prosecuted on the petition of some citizen of the state, whose name is set at the foot of the articles of impeachment, the petitioner shall be liable for the costs of the accused if he or she is acquitted and also for the costs of prosecuting the impeachment, and, in that case, the state shall not be liable to pay any part of the costs.
      1. If the accused is convicted, the petitioner shall be entitled to recover from the accused the costs of the impeachment, for which the accused is liable.
      2. The costs shall be taxed by the Secretary of the Senate and recovered by suit in a court of competent jurisdiction.

History. Crim. Code, §§ 399, 400; C. & M. Dig., §§ 5628, 5629, 5633; Pope's Dig., §§ 7273, 7274, 7278; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2220, 12-2221.

Subchapter 3 — Removal or Suspension of Local Officers

Effective Dates. Acts 1877, No. 63, § 5: effective on passage.

Acts 1971, No. 46, § 3: Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is in the best interests of the citizens of this State that competent and qualified persons be encouraged to serve as members of the General Assembly, as election officials, and to do jury service, and at the same time, it is also beneficial that such persons be encouraged to serve in various offices and positions of employment in various counties, cities and school districts in this State and while so serving should be protected from loss of their office or position of employment because of such service and that this act is immediately necessary to provide this essential protection. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.”

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Official Misconduct under the Arkansas Criminal Code, 30 Ark. L. Rev. 160.

Case Notes

Acts Done Prior to Present Term.

A public officer is not subject to removal from office because of acts done prior to his present term of office. Jacobs v. Parham, 175 Ark. 86, 298 S.W. 483 (1927); Rice v. State, 204 Ark. 236, 161 S.W.2d 401 (1942).

This subchapter does not provide for the suspension of an officer on being indicted for official misconduct during a prior term of office. Montgomery v. Nowell, 183 Ark. 1116, 40 S.W.2d 418 (1931).

County Officers.

Members of the county board of education and the county superintendent hold their offices for definite terms, have powers and duties coextensive with the county, and are “county officers” under this subchapter. Cade v. State, 185 Ark. 1150, 51 S.W.2d 857 (1932).

21-12-301. Suspension upon charge of shortage of funds.

    1. Whenever any information or indictment shall be filed in any circuit court of this state against any county or township officer on any charge involving a shortage of funds in his or her office when the shortage has been reported by Arkansas Legislative Audit, the circuit court shall immediately order that the officer be suspended from his or her office until the information or indictment is tried.
    2. The suspension shall not extend beyond the next term after the information or indictment is filed in the circuit court, unless the cause is continued on the application of the defendant.
    1. Whenever any such officer is confined in a jail on a charge involving a shortage of funds in his or her office when the shortage has been reported by Arkansas Legislative Audit, he or she shall be suspended from office by the circuit court upon the filing of information of the imprisonment.
    2. The suspension shall last until the officer is discharged from prison by due process of law, on bail, or otherwise.

History. Acts 1877, No. 63, §§ 1, 3, p. 64; C. & M. Dig., §§ 10335, 10337; Pope's Dig., §§ 14335, 14337; Acts 1963, No. 83, §§ 1, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2101, 12-2103.

Cross References. Action to prevent exercise of office by usurper, § 16-118-105.

Circuit court, jurisdiction to remove county or township officers, Ark. Const., Art. 7, § 27.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

This section is constitutional. Sumpter v. State, 81 Ark. 60, 98 S.W. 719 (1906).

Salary During Suspension.

Suspended officer is not entitled to salary during time of suspension from office though acquitted of the charge. Gray v. Independence County, 166 Ark. 502, 266 S.W. 465 (1924).

21-12-302. Removal for conviction of certain offenses.

  1. Upon conviction of any county or township officer for an offense involving incompetency, corruption, gross immorality, criminal conduct amounting to a felony, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, a part of the sentence of the circuit court having jurisdiction shall be to remove such officer from office.
  2. The clerk of the court at the close of the term shall transmit to the Governor a certified transcript of the information or indictment, with the judgment of the court thereon.
  3. The vacancy shall be filled as may be prescribed by law at the time the vacancy occurs.

History. Acts 1877, No. 63, § 2, p. 64; C. & M. Dig., § 10336; Pope's Dig., § 14336; Acts 1963, No. 83, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2102.

Case Notes

Grounds.

Permitting prisoner to escape is within the meaning of malfeasance as used in this section. Houpt v. State, 100 Ark. 409, 140 S.W. 294 (1911).

A constable may be suspended for any “criminal conduct amounting to a felony” whether amounting to official misconduct or not. Jones v. State, 104 Ark. 261, 149 S.W. 56 (1912).

Drunkenness does not constitute gross immorality. McClain v. Sorrels, 152 Ark. 321, 238 S.W. 72 (1922).

Sheriff was properly suspended for failure to arrest persons known by him to be operating gambling devices. Mays v. Robertson, 172 Ark. 279, 288 S.W. 382 (1926).

Conviction of a county judge for attempting to bribe a witness to withhold evidence was sufficient to remove him from office. Kirkpatrick v. State, 177 Ark. 1124, 9 S.W.2d 574 (1928).

Cited: Campbell v. State, 300 Ark. 570, 781 S.W.2d 14 (1989).

21-12-303. Appointment of temporary replacement.

  1. Whenever any county or township officer is suspended from office on account of any information or indictment pending against him or her, the Governor may temporarily appoint an officer in his or her place who shall hold the office until the disability of the officer so suspended is removed, or an election to fill the vacancy occurs, in case there is a judgment of removal.
  2. Should a vacancy occur in the office of sheriff or clerk during the session of any court of record, the court may appoint some competent person to perform, temporarily, the duties of the office until the Governor makes an appointment as required by this section.

History. Acts 1877, No. 63, § 4, p. 64; C. & M. Dig., § 10338; Pope's Dig., § 14338; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2104.

Case Notes

Sheriff as Ex Officio Collector.

Where a sheriff who was ex officio collector was suspended from office until a pending indictment against him could be tried and another was appointed to act as sheriff during the time of his suspension, it was the duty of the sheriff, though suspended, to qualify as collector and, upon his failure to do so, the Governor was authorized to appoint a collector who would hold office until the next general election and until his successor could be elected and qualified. Remley v. Matthews, 84 Ark. 598, 106 S.W. 482 (1907).

21-12-304. Public service not grounds for termination, demotion, etc.

  1. The employment of an employee of any county, city, or school district in the State of Arkansas shall not be terminated by discharge, failure to renew contract, abolition of position, demotion, or transfer upon the grounds of or because of the service of the employee as a member of the General Assembly, as an election official, as a juror, as an elected official of any office which is not otherwise prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution, or in the performance of any duty required under the laws of this state.
    1. If any official of any county, city, or school district in this state violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the official shall be guilty of malfeasance in office and shall forfeit his or her office or position of employment and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
    2. Upon conviction, he or she shall be subject to a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) and imprisonment for not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days.

History. Acts 1971, No. 46, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2105, 12-2106.

Subchapter 4 — Delivery of Records to Successor

Cross References. Delivery of digests, acts, and journals to successor in office, § 25-18-207.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Comments: Removal and Discipline of Judges in Arkansas, Porter, 32 Ark. L. Rev. 545 (1978).

21-12-401. Officer to deliver official records — Penalty for noncompliance.

    1. If any civilian or military officer having any records, books, or papers appertaining to any public office resigns, or his or her office becomes vacant, he or she shall deliver to his or her successor all records, books, and papers.
    2. When any officer dies before delivering the records, books, and papers, his or her executor or administrator shall deliver such records, books, and papers to his or her successor.
  1. If any officer, or the executor or administrator of any officer, shall fail to deliver the records, books, and papers, he or she shall forfeit any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be recovered by civil action, information, or indictment for the use of the county, and he or she shall pay to the person injured by the detention of records, books, and papers all damages which he or she may have sustained in consequence of the detention.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, §§ 1-3; C. & M. Dig., §§ 8332[a]-8334; Pope's Dig., §§ 10928-10930; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2001 — 12-2003.

21-12-402. Private person to deliver official records — Penalty for noncompliance.

If any private person shall have or obtain possession of any books, records, or papers appertaining to any public officer, he or she shall deliver them to the officer entitled to them, and if he or she fails so to do, he or she shall be proceeded against in all respects as is provided in this subchapter in cases of officers.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, § 10; C. & M. Dig., § 8341; Pope's Dig., § 10937; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2010.

21-12-403. Issuance of warrant to seize and deliver records.

If any person whose office has become vacant, or his or her executor or administrator shall fail to deliver any record, book, or paper to the person entitled to them, any judge of the Supreme Court or circuit court, upon the affidavit of any creditable person, setting forth the facts, may issue a warrant directed to some sheriff or coroner, commanding him or her to seize all the records, books, and papers appertaining to the office, and deliver them to the proper officer, who shall be named in the warrant.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, § 4; C. & M. Dig., § 8335; Pope's Dig., § 10931; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2004.

21-12-404. Notice of application for warrant.

If any person shall hold over or refuse to deliver such records, books, or papers, he or she shall first have notice of the time and place of the application for a warrant to show cause, if any, why the warrant under § 21-12-403 should not be issued.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, § 5; C. & M. Dig., § 8336; Pope's Dig., § 10932; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2005.

21-12-405. Power of officer executing warrant.

The officer executing the warrant issued under § 21-12-403 may break open any doors or other places in which any records, books, or papers named in the warrant may be, or in which he or she may suspect them to be, and may arrest any person who shall resist the execution of the warrant and bring him or her before a judge or justice of the peace for obstructing the execution of process.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, § 6; C. & M. Dig., § 8337; Pope's Dig., § 10933; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2006.

21-12-406. Failure to execute warrant — Recovery.

If an officer receives a warrant issued under § 21-12-403 and fails to execute or return the warrant, the officer shall be liable to the county in a civil action for an amount between one hundred dollars ($100) and five hundred dollars ($500).

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, § 7; C. & M. Dig., § 8338; Pope's Dig., § 10934; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2007; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 473.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment rewrote the section.

21-12-407. Remedy of person aggrieved by warrant.

  1. Any person aggrieved by a warrant issued under § 21-12-403 may apply to any judge of the Supreme Court or circuit court, who, upon the affidavit of the applicant that injustice has been done or is about to be done by such warrant, shall issue a citation to all persons interested, commanding them to appear before him or her at a time and place named in the citation, which shall be served by the sheriff or coroner.
  2. The judge issuing the citation shall have power to enforce obedience by attachment. The judge shall proceed in a summary manner, determine according to right and justice, and may issue his or her warrant for the restoration of any books, records, or papers found to have been improperly seized.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 121, §§ 8, 9; C. & M. Dig., §§ 8339, 8340; Pope's Dig., §§ 10935, 10936; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-2008, 12-2009.

Subchapter 5 — Privatization of State Employee Functions

21-12-501. Intent.

It is the intent of this subchapter to require state agencies, institutions, boards, and commissions to provide notice to the Legislative Council and the Office of Personnel Management of impending layoffs of state employees due to privatization.

History. Acts 1999, No. 17, § 1.

21-12-502. State agencies required to report privatization of a function.

    1. Any state agency, institution, board, or commission which privatizes a function previously performed by state employees shall file a report as soon as possible with the Legislative Council and the Office of Personnel Management.
    2. The report shall include the job titles, grades, and position numbers which were eliminated by privatization.
    3. The report shall also explain how the determination was made as to which employees were terminated and give the effective date of termination.
  1. The agency, institution, board, or commission shall not fill the positions of the state employees terminated due to privatization.

History. Acts 1999, No. 17, § 2.

21-12-503. Eliminated positions to be removed from budget.

The Office of Personnel Management and the Bureau of Legislative Research shall ensure that the eliminated positions are removed from the agency, institution, board, or commission budget for the next biennium.

History. Acts 1999, No. 17, § 3.

21-12-504. State agencies required to report impending layoffs of state employees.

  1. Any state agency, board, or commission that announces a layoff of state employees shall file a report as soon as possible with the Legislative Council and the Office of Personnel Management.
  2. The report shall include the job titles and programs involved in the impending layoff.
  3. It is the responsibility of the office and the Bureau of Legislative Research to ensure that the eliminated positions are removed from the agency's, institution's, board's, or commission's budget for the next biennium.
  4. This section does not apply to institutions of higher education.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1212, § 1.

Chapter 13 State and Local Government Volunteers Act

Cross References. Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support, § 25-10-128.

Case Notes

Cited: Sloan v. Voluntary Ambulance Serv., 37 Ark. App. 138, 826 S.W.2d 296 (1992).

21-13-101. Title.

This chapter may be cited as the “State and Local Government Volunteers Act”.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3701.

21-13-102. Legislative intent.

  1. Since the spirit of volunteerism has long animated generations of citizens of this state and throughout the nation to give of their time and abilities to help others, the State of Arkansas would be wise to make use of volunteers in state and local agencies whenever possible.
  2. Effective use of volunteers in state service, however, requires that state and local agencies be provided guidelines for the development of volunteer programs and the utilization of volunteers.
  3. The General Assembly intends by this chapter to assure that the people of Arkansas may derive optimal benefit from volunteers and that the time and talents of volunteers in state and local service may be put to the best use.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3701.

21-13-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Department” means all agencies, departments, institutions, and divisions of state government and agencies under the jurisdiction or supervision of the State of Arkansas or of any political subdivision or school district in this state;
  2. “Material donor” means any person who, without financial gain, provides funds, materials, employment, or opportunities to clients of agencies, instrumentalities, political subdivisions, or school districts of the State of Arkansas;
  3. “Occasional-service volunteer” means any person who provides a one-time or occasional volunteer service;
  4. “Regular-service volunteer” means any person engaged in specific volunteer service activities on an ongoing or continuing basis; and
  5. “Volunteer” means any person who, of his or her own free will, provides goods or services without any financial gain to any agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, or school district of the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3702.

21-13-104. No legal claim created — Exceptions.

Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to provide a lawful claim or right of volunteers for meals, lodging, transportation, or liability insurance coverage, unless each of the respective departments has:

  1. Made provision for such benefits;
  2. Established appropriate safeguards for eligibility for the benefits; and
  3. Determined that sufficient funds are available to the department to defray the cost of the benefits.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3705.

21-13-105. Development of programs — Use of volunteers.

  1. Every department, through its executive head, may develop volunteer programs and accept the services of volunteers, including regular-service volunteers, occasional-service volunteers, or material donors to assist in programs carried out or administered by that department.
  2. Each department that utilizes the services of volunteers may:
    1. Enlist the services of the Department of Human Services to assist in the development of volunteer programs;
    2. Take actions as are necessary and appropriate to develop meaningful opportunities for volunteers involved in those programs and to improve public services;
    3. Develop written rules governing recruitment, training, screening, responsibility, utilization, and supervision of volunteers;
    4. Take action as is necessary to ensure that volunteer and paid staff of each department understand their respective duties and responsibilities, their relationship to each other, and their respective roles in fulfilling the objectives of their department;
    5. Take actions as are necessary and appropriate to assure a receptive climate to attract citizen volunteers; and
    6. Provide for the recognition of volunteers who have offered exceptional service to the state, its political subdivisions, or school districts.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, §§ 3, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3703, 12-3704; Acts 2011, No. 42, § 3; 2017, No. 913, § 3.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment substituted “Community Service and Nonprofit Support of” for “Volunteerism in” in (b)(1).

The 2017 amendment deleted “the Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support of” preceding “the Department” in (b)(1).

Cross References. Division of Volunteerism, § 25-10-128.

21-13-106. Exemption from employment laws.

  1. Volunteers recruited, trained, or accepted by any department shall, to the extent of their volunteer service, be exempted from all provisions of law relative to state employment, hours of work, return or compensation, leave time, and employee benefits.
  2. Volunteers shall, however, at all times comply with applicable work rules.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3703.

21-13-107. Meals, lodging, and transportation.

    1. Every department that utilizes the services of volunteers is authorized to provide volunteers with incidental reimbursements as are consistent with allowances authorized by law for reimbursement for state or local employees.
    2. Such reimbursements include transportation costs, lodging, and subsistence, as the department deems appropriate, to assist volunteers in performing their duties, provided that sufficient funds are available.
      1. Departments may furnish meals without charge to regular-service volunteers, provided that the scheduled work assignments of such volunteers extend over an established meal period.
      2. Meals may be furnished without charge to occasional-service volunteers at the discretion of the department's executive head.
    1. Lodging, if available, may be provided temporarily at no charge to regular-service volunteers, at the discretion of each department.
        1. Transportation reimbursement may be furnished to those volunteers whose presence is determined to be necessary to the department.
        2. Rates or amounts of such reimbursement shall not exceed the allowances provided under applicable state travel rules for state departments or under applicable travel rules with respect to volunteer services rendered departments of political subdivisions and school districts.
      1. Volunteers may utilize department vehicles in the performance of their duties, subject to the rules governing use of state vehicles by paid staff.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, §§ 3, 5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-3703, 12-3705; Acts 2019, No. 315, §§ 2335, 2336.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulation” and “regulations” in (b)(3)(A)(ii); and deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (b)(3)(B).

21-13-108. Liability insurance — Sovereign immunity.

  1. Liability insurance may be provided by the department utilizing volunteer services, both to regular-service and occasional-service volunteers, to the same extent as may be provided by the department to its paid staff.
  2. Volunteers in state service shall enjoy the protection of the state's sovereign immunity to the same extent as paid staff.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3705; Acts 2005, No. 1962, § 103.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment substituted “shall” for “may” in (b).

21-13-109. Employment experience.

  1. Each department that utilizes the services of volunteers may recognize prior volunteer service as partial fulfillment of state employment requirements for training and experience established under applicable personnel rules.
  2. The Department of Finance and Administration and the personnel administrators of the respective departments shall make provision for the listing of volunteer service and experience on all future personnel forms and other records kept in the future, reflecting work history so that appropriate credit may be given in evaluating work history and in making position evaluations.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3704; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2337.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a).

21-13-110. Department reports or records.

Each department shall include in its annual report, or shall maintain in its files, information which may be developed and maintained by volunteers relating to:

  1. The total number, location, and duties of all volunteers, including regular-service volunteers, occasional-service volunteers, and material donors;
  2. The total number of annual hours of service provided to the department by all volunteers, including regular-service volunteers, occasional-service volunteers, and material donors; and
  3. Reimbursements made to volunteers or material donors for expenses, transportation, or other costs incurred in connection with volunteer services, and such other records as may be required, for tax purposes, to authenticate services rendered and expenses incurred by volunteers or material donors for which reimbursement has not been made.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3706.

21-13-111. State income tax deductions — Definition.

  1. In computing net income for the purpose of the Arkansas income tax levied by § 26-51-201, there shall be allowed as deductions, in addition to all other deductions allowed by law:
      1. A deduction for mileage for necessary travel in connection with voluntary service to a department, at the rate provided by law or appropriate travel rule applicable to travel made by paid employees of a department for a volunteer who uses his or her personal motor vehicles for official travel, for which the volunteer has not received reimbursement from public funds; and
      2. A deduction for unreimbursed meals, lodging, and transportation other than mileage as noted above, or other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the volunteer in voluntary service to a department for which he or she has not received reimbursement from public funds, but which would be reimbursable if incurred by paid employees of a department acting within the scope of their employment; and
      1. A deduction for mileage traveled in the use of a personal motor vehicle and for expenses incurred for meals, lodging, and transportation expenses other than mileage, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a volunteer for volunteer work for a charitable organization for which reimbursement has not been received shall be allowed in the same amount and for the same purposes as now allowed under the state income tax laws applicable to business expenses.
      2. As used in subdivision (a)(2) of this section, “charitable organization” shall include, in addition to a department, any private nonprofit corporation, association, or group which is recognized by the laws of this state as performing a nonprofit charitable purpose benefiting citizens of this state.
  2. It is the purpose and intent of this section that deduction for expenses incurred by volunteers in connection with the performance of voluntary services for charitable organizations in this state and for public agencies and departments as authorized in this chapter shall be deductible in computing net income under the Arkansas individual income tax law, for the same purposes and in the same manner as now provided by the state income tax law applicable to business expenses in computing net income for state income tax purposes.

History. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-3707; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2338.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1981, No. 42, § 9, provided that this section should be applicable for the tax year commencing January 1, 1981, or for any tax year commencing in 1981, if the taxpayer reports income for a tax year other than a calendar year, and for each such tax year thereafter.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (a)(1)(A).

Cross References. Income tax deductions, § 26-51-41526-51-430.

Chapter 14 Notaries Public

A.C.R.C. Notes. Due to the addition of Subchapter 2 by Acts 1995, No. 200, the preexisting provisions of this chapter have been designated as Subchapter 1.

Cross References. Fees, § 21-6-309.

Official of bank may act as notary, § 23-48-324.

Research References

Am. Jur. 58 Am. Jur. 2d, Notaries, § 1 et seq.

C.J.S. 66 C.J.S., Notaries, § 1 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Due to the addition of Subchapter 2 of this chapter by Acts 1995, No. 200, the preexisting provisions of this chapter have been designated as Subchapter 1.

Effective Dates. Acts 1874, No. 17, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1891, No. 35, § 3: effective 60 days after passage.

Acts 1905, No. 269, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1983, No. 21, § 3: Feb. 3, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is unclear under present law whether the Secretary of State may transfer the commission of a notary public from one county to another upon the change of residence of notaries public; that such authority should immediately be granted the Secretary of State; and that this Act is immediately necessary to grant such authority. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1989, No. 304, § 6: Mar. 2, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the fees currently prescribed by law to be charged by notaries for their services are outdated and are not sufficient to compensate notaries public for their services; that the current laws relating to notaries public do not require applicants for a notary commission to post a bond to assure that they perform their duties as a notary in accordance with law; that this act is designed to increase fees for notary services and to require notaries to file a bond at the time of making application for a notary commission and should be given effect immediately. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 8: Apr. 4, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the notary public law needs to be updated and reformed immediately. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

Acts 2005, No. 2274, § 5, provided: “This act shall become effective on January 1, 2006.”

21-14-101. Appointment and commission.

    1. The Secretary of State may appoint and commission an individual person as a notary public in this state.
    2. Effective January 1, 2006, a notary public may perform notarial acts in any part of the state for a term of ten (10) years, beginning on the date of commission or the date of renewal of a commission issued by the Secretary of State.
  1. Every applicant for appointment and commission as a notary public shall complete an application to be filed with the Secretary of State stating:
    1. That he or she is:
      1. One (1) of the following:
        1. A bona fide citizen of the United States;
        2. A permanent resident alien who shall file with his or her application a recorded Declaration of Domicile;
        3. A legal resident of Arkansas;
        4. A legal resident of an adjoining state and employed or operating a business in the State of Arkansas; or
          1. A nonresident spouse of a United States military service member employed or operating a business in Arkansas.
          2. One (1) copy of a United States Department of Defense DD Form 1173 or a United States Department of Defense DD Form 1173-1, otherwise known as a “Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card”, shall be included with his or her application under this subsection;
      2. Eighteen (18) years of age or older; and
      3. Able to read and write English;
    2. The address of his or her place of employment, business, or residence in this state;
    3. That during the past ten (10) years, his or her commission as a notary public has not been revoked; and
    4. That he or she has not been convicted of a felony.
  2. The application shall be sent to the Secretary of State with a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the notary public commission.
  3. The Secretary of State may require the applicant to demonstrate that he or she has reviewed the law concerning notaries public and understands the duties of a notary public.
  4. Every notary public shall file in the office of the recorder of deeds for the county where the notary public resides or in the case of a resident of an adjoining state or nonresident spouse of a United States military service member, in the county in Arkansas of his or her place of employment or business, either:
    1. A surety bond executed by a surety insurer authorized to do business in Arkansas to the state for the faithful discharge of the notary public's duties in the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), to be approved by the Secretary of State; or
    2. A surety contract guaranteeing the notary public's faithful discharge of his or her duties executed to the State of Arkansas for not more than an aggregate seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), issued by a general business corporation validly organized and formed under the laws of this state pertaining to domestic corporations and which:
      1. Has previously registered with the Insurance Commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner evidencing the corporation's purpose to issue only surety contracts for notaries public pursuant to the provisions of this section;
      2. Has previously deposited and thereafter maintains with the commissioner securities in the sum of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) executed to the State of Arkansas that are issued by a nonaffiliated corporate entity and are approved by the commissioner; and
      3. Is not otherwise transacting any insurance business in this state that requires compliance with the provisions of the Arkansas Insurance Code.
    1. The obligation of an issuer of a bond required by subsection (e) of this section:
      1. Shall be solely to the State of Arkansas; and
      2. Is solely for the benefit of the State of Arkansas.
    2. Under no circumstances shall the aggregate liability of the issuer exceed the amount of the bond.
    3. An employer shall not cancel a surety bond of a current or former employee even if the employer paid for the surety bond on behalf of the employee.
    1. Every notary public shall sign the following declaration in the presence of the circuit clerk for the county where the notary public resides or if a resident of another state or a nonresident spouse of a United States military service member, the circuit clerk for the county in Arkansas of his or her place of employment or business:
    2. The notary public shall send an executed and signed original of the declaration to the Secretary of State.
  5. Effective January 1, 2006, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission number to each new notary public and to each notary public who renews his or her commission.

“I, (name of notary), solemnly swear or affirm that I have carefully read the notary laws of this state, and I will uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Arkansas and will faithfully perform to the best of my ability all notarial acts in accordance with the law. (Signature of notary)

Subscribed and sworn to before me (name of circuit clerk), Circuit Clerk for the County of (name of county), State of Arkansas, on this ________ day of ______, (year).

(Signature of circuit clerk)”.

History. Acts 1874, No. 17, § 1, p. 61; C. & M. Dig., § 7969; Pope's Dig., § 10362; Acts 1981, No. 672, § 1; 1985, No. 966, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1401; Acts 1989, No. 304, § 2; 2001, No. 1274, § 1; 2005, No. 2274, § 1; 2009, No. 1404, § 1; 2013, No. 492, § 1; 2017, No. 537, § 2; 2019, No. 215, §§ 1-3.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment added (e) and (f); rewrote (a)(2); and substituted “Secretary of State” for “clerk of the circuit court of the county” in (d)(1).

The 2009 amendment inserted present (e) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly.

The 2013 amendment added (b)(4); inserted (d), and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly.

The 2017 amendment added (f)(3).

The 2019 amendment rewrote (b)(1); inserted “place of employment” in (b)(2); in the introductory language of (e), inserted “or nonresident spouse of a United States military service member” and substituted “of his or her place of employment or business” for “where employed”; and, in (g)(1), inserted “or a nonresident spouse of a United States military service member” and substituted “of his or her place of employment or business” for “where employed”.

Case Notes

Liability of Notary.

A party who is damaged because of reliance upon truth of statement sworn to before notary is injured by the act of the party swearing falsely rather than by the negligence of the notary in certifying that the statement has been sworn. Smith v. Maginnis, 75 Ark. 472, 89 S.W. 91 (1905); Coffin v. Bruten, 78 Ark. 162, 95 S.W. 462 (1906).

Issue of fact remained as to whether a notary was liable for witnessing forged signatures pursuant to § 21-14-111, and therefore whether the surety was liable on its bond issued under this section, because, if she recognized the signature, she was permitted to witness it without watching the signer sign the documents. Southern Dev. Corp. v. Freightliner of New Hampshire, Inc., 2009 Ark. App. 286, 307 S.W.3d 597 (2009).

Noncompliance.

Recorded mortgage properly acknowledged was enforceable even though notary who took the acknowledgment had not qualified himself as required by this section. Forrest City Grocer Co. v. Catlin, 193 Ark. 148, 97 S.W.2d 910 (1936).

Qualifications.

Notary's residence in county of his appointment is essential. Lanier v. Norfleet, 156 Ark. 216, 245 S.W. 498 (1922).

Cited: Brown v. Anderson, 210 Ark. 970, 198 S.W.2d 188 (1946).

21-14-102. Change of residence.

    1. Upon receiving notification of a change of residency, the Secretary of State shall transfer a notary public's appointment and commission to the new county of residence in instances in which a person appointed and commissioned a notary public under § 21-14-101 changes residence to a county within this state other than the county where the notary public resided on the date of commission.
    2. Upon receiving notification of a change in place of employment, the Secretary of State shall transfer a notary public's appointment and commission to the new county of employment in the case of a resident of an adjoining state or a nonresident spouse of a United States military service member changing his or her place of employment to a county within this state other than the county where the notary public was employed on the date of commission.
  1. The original bond or certified copy of the original bond from the original county of residence shall also be filed by the notary public in the new county of residence or if the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state or a nonresident spouse of a United States military service member, in the new county of employment in Arkansas.

History. Acts 1983, No. 21, § 1; 1985, No. 966, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1401.1; Acts 2005, No. 2274, § 1; 2013, No. 492, § 2; 2019, No. 215, § 4.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment rewrote (b).

The 2013 amendment inserted “or certified copy of the original bond from the original county of residence” in (b).

The 2019 amendment inserted “or a nonresident spouse of a United States military service member” in (a)(2) and (b).

21-14-103. Change in personal information.

  1. If any notary public has a change in his or her mailing address or status in life that alters the information on record with the Secretary of State and the circuit clerk for the county where the notary public resides or if the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, the circuit clerk for the county in Arkansas where he or she is employed, the notary public shall be responsible for providing that change of information to the Secretary of State and the circuit clerk within thirty (30) calendar days of the change.
  2. If the change in status involves a court order, the notary public shall be responsible for providing the Secretary of State with a certified copy of the court order within thirty (30) calendar days of the filing of the court order with the clerk.
  3. If the notary public marries and the notary public's name changes, a certified copy of the marriage certificate shall be delivered to the office of the Secretary of State and the circuit clerk for the county where the notary public resides or if the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, the circuit clerk for the county in Arkansas where he or she is employed.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 104, § 6; C. & M. Dig., § 7975; Pope's Dig., § 10368; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1410; Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 2; 2005, No. 2274, § 1.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment redesignated former (a)(1)-(3) as present (a)-(c); rewrote present (a) and (c); and deleted former (b).

21-14-104. Power and authority generally.

The power and authority of a notary public shall be coextensive with the state for:

  1. Swearing witnesses;
  2. Taking affidavits;
  3. Taking depositions under Rule 28 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule 28 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and
  4. Taking acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments in writing and authorized by law to be acknowledged.

History. Acts 1901, No. 82, § 1, p. 148; 1905, No. 269, § 1, p. 687; C. & M. Dig., § 7970a; Pope's Dig., § 10363; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1405; Acts 2013, No. 492, § 3.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.

Case Notes

Removal from County.

Notary's removal from county of his appointment renders his acts in taking affidavits null and void. Lanier v. Norfleet, 156 Ark. 216, 245 S.W. 498 (1922).

21-14-105. Administration of oaths.

Each notary public shall have power to administer oaths in all matters incident to or belonging to the exercise of his or her notarial office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 104, § 3; C. & M. Dig., § 7970; Pope's Dig., § 10363; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1403.

21-14-106. Acknowledgments and authentications.

  1. A notary public may:
    1. Take the proof or the acknowledgment of all instruments of writing relating to commerce and navigation;
    2. Receive and authenticate acknowledgments of deeds, letters of attorney, and other instruments of writing;
    3. Make declarations and protests; and
    4. Certify under his or her official seal the truth of all matters and things done by virtue of his or her office.
  2. A notary public may supervise the making of a photocopy of an original document and attest that the document is a copy if the document is not:
    1. A vital record in this state, another state, a territory of the United States, or another country; or
    2. A public record, if a copy can be made by the custodian of the public record.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 104, § 4; C. & M. Dig., § 7973; Pope's Dig., § 10366; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1404; Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 3; 2005, No. 2274, § 2.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment made no changes to this section.

Case Notes

Disqualification.

A notary public is not disqualified to take an acknowledgment to a mortgage by reason of the fact that he acted as agent for the mortgagor in obtaining the loan of money which the mortgage was intended to secure. Penn v. Garvin, 56 Ark. 511, 20 S.W. 410 (1892).

21-14-107. Signature — Seal.

    1. At the time of notarization, the notary public shall sign his or her official signature in blue or black ink on every notary certificate.
    2. The official signature is the signature on file with the Secretary of State at the time of signing.
    3. A notary public may refuse to perform a notarial act for any reason, including when the principal:
      1. Does not appear to understand the nature of the transaction that requires the notarial act;
      2. Does not appear to be acting of his or her own free will;
      3. Lacks the ability to sign a notarial document using letters or characters of a language that is understood by the notary public; or
      4. Is not able to communicate directly with the notary public in a language understood by the principal and the notary public.
      1. A signature by mark on a notarial document is legal for the purposes of executing the notarial document if the mark is:
        1. Made by a person who at the time of signature lacks the ability to write or sign his or her name; and
        2. Witnessed by at least one (1) disinterested person.
      2. The notary public shall write below a signature by mark:
    4. When a principal is physically unable to sign or make a mark on a notarial document, a disinterested third party may sign the name of the principal if:
      1. The principal directs the disinterested third party to sign the name of the principal in the presence of two (2) disinterested witnesses;
      2. The disinterested third party signs the name of the principal in the presence of the notary public, the principal, and the disinterested witnesses;
      3. Each disinterested witness signs his or her own name beside the signature;
      4. The notary public writes below the signature:
      5. The notary public notarizes the required notarial certificate.
    1. Under or near a notary public's official signature on every notary certificate, the notary public shall provide a seal of his or her office in blue or black ink, which shall be either a rubber stamp seal or a seal embosser. The seal shall be clear and legible and capable of photographic reproduction.
    2. The seal shall include:
      1. The notary public's name exactly as he or she writes his or her official signature;
      2. The name of the county where the notary public's bond is filed;
      3. The words “notary public” and “Arkansas”;
      4. The date upon which the notary public's commission expires; and
      5. The notary public's commission number issued by the Secretary of State if the notary public has been issued a commission number.
  1. A notary seal shall not include the Seal of the State of Arkansas or an outline of the state.
  2. The seal and certificate of the notary public commission are the exclusive property of the notary public and must be kept in the exclusive control of the notary public.
  3. The seal and certificate of the notary public commission shall not be surrendered to an employer upon termination of employment, regardless of whether or not the employer paid for the seal or for the commission.
      1. For a notarial act involving a document, a notary public shall complete a notarial certificate that is worded in English.
      2. The notarial certificate shall include:
        1. The official signature of the notary public as described in subdivision (a)(1) of this section;
        2. The official seal of the notary as described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section;
        3. The venue of the notarial act, including the name of the state and county; and
        4. The date of the notarial act.
    1. A notarial certificate is incomplete if:
      1. The information within the notarial certificate is known or believed by the notary public to be false;
      2. A notary public affixes an official signature or seal on a notarial certificate that is incomplete under subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section;
      3. An official signature or seal on a notarial certificate is known to be executed at a time when the principal or signer was not present; or
      4. A signed or sealed notarial certificate is executed with the understanding that the notarial certificate will be completed or attached to a document outside of the presence of the notary public.

“Mark affixed by (Name of signer by mark) in the presence of (name(s) of witnesses)”.

“Signature affixed by (name of third party) at the direction and in the presence of (name of principal unable to sign or make a mark) and also in the presence of (names of two witnesses)”; and

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 104, § 7; C. & M. Dig., § 7976; Pope's Dig., § 10369; Acts 1981, No. 672, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1402; Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 4; 2005, No. 1962, § 104; 2005, No. 2274, § 2; 2013, No. 492, § 4; 2017, No. 537, § 3.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment by No. 2274 substituted “commission” for “notary” in (b)(2)(D); added (b)(2)(E); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2013 amendment inserted “in blue or black ink” in (a)(1) and (b)(1).

The 2017 amendment substituted “is” for “shall be” in (a)(2); added (a)(3) through (a)(5); and added (f).

Cross References. Seals of public officers to contain emblem of state, § 1-4-108.

Case Notes

Noncompliance.

The absence from a notary's seal of the emblems and devices required by this section does not invalidate his certificate of the acknowledgment of a deed. Sonfield v. Thompson, 42 Ark. 46 (1883).

21-14-108. Expiration date of commission.

    1. Every notary public shall attach to any certificate of acknowledgment or jurat to an affidavit that he or she may make a statement of the date on which his or her commission will expire.
    2. No acknowledgment or other act of a notary public shall be held invalid on account of the failure to comply with this section.
  1. No notary public shall perform any official act after the expiration of his or her commission as evidenced by his or her certificate.
  2. Sixty (60) calendar days prior to the expiration of a notary public's commission, he or she shall submit to the Secretary of State a new application along with the fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the renewal of the commission.
  3. Every notary public shall file in the office of the recorder of deeds for the county where the notary public resides or if the notary public is a resident of an adjoining state, in the office of the recorder of deeds for the county in Arkansas where employed, either:
    1. A surety bond executed by a surety insurer authorized to do business in Arkansas for the faithful discharge of the notary public's duties in the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), to be approved by the Secretary of State; or
    2. A surety contract guaranteeing the notary public's faithful discharge of his or her duties executed to the State of Arkansas for not more than an aggregate seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), issued by a general business corporation validly organized and formed under the laws of this state pertaining to domestic corporations and which:
      1. Has previously registered with the Insurance Commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner evidencing the corporation's purpose to issue only surety contracts for notaries public pursuant to the provisions of this section;
      2. Has deposited and maintains with the commissioner securities in the sum of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) executed to the State of Arkansas that are issued by a nonaffiliated corporate entity and are approved by the commissioner; and
      3. Is not otherwise transacting any insurance business in this state that requires compliance with the provisions of the Arkansas Insurance Code.

History. Acts 1891, No. 35, §§ 1, 2, p. 57; C. & M. Dig., §§ 7971, 7972; Pope's Dig., §§ 10364, 10365; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1406, 12-1407; Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 5; 2005, No. 2274, § 2; 2015, No. 570, § 2.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment substituted “Secretary of State” for “clerk of the circuit court of the county” in (d)(1).

The 2015 amendment substituted “Sixty (60)” for “Thirty (30)” in (c).

21-14-109. Performance of duties for corporation.

  1. It shall be lawful for any notary public who is a stockholder, director, officer, or employee of a bank or other corporation to take the acknowledgment of any party to any written instrument executed to or by the corporation, or to administer an oath to any other stockholder, director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or to protest for nonacceptance or nonpayment bills of exchange, drafts, checks, notes, and other negotiable instruments which may be owned or held for collection by the corporation.
  2. It shall be unlawful for any notary public to take the acknowledgment of an instrument executed by or to a bank or other corporation of which he or she is a stockholder, director, officer, or employee where the notary public is a party to the instrument, either individually or as a representative of the corporation, or to protest any negotiable instrument owned or held for collection by the corporation, where the notary public is individually a party to the instrument.

History. Acts 1953, No. 331, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1411.

21-14-110. Admissibility of acknowledged instruments.

All declarations and protests made and acknowledgments taken by a notary public and certified copies of the notary public's records and official papers shall be received as evidence of the facts therein stated in all the courts of this state.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 104, § 8; C. & M. Dig., § 7977; Pope's Dig., § 10370; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-1409.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Documentary Evidence — Arkansas, 15 Ark. L. Rev. 79.

Case Notes

Prima Facie Evidence.

The certificate of the notary that the holder of a note had mailed notice to the endorser is prima facie evidence of the facts stated. Peters v. Hobbs, 25 Ark. 67 (1867); Fletcher v. Arkansas Nat'l Bank, 62 Ark. 265, 35 S.W. 228 (1896).

21-14-111. Unlawful act — Penalty — Definition.

  1. It is unlawful for any notary public to witness any signature on any instrument unless the notary public either:
    1. Witnesses the signing of the instrument and personally knows the signer or is presented proof of the identity of the signer; or
    2. Recognizes the signature of the signer by virtue of familiarity with the signature.
  2. Any notary public violating this section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
  3. For purposes of this section, “personally knows” means having an acquaintance, derived from association with the individual, which establishes the individual's identity with at least a reasonable certainty.

History. Acts 1989, No. 304, § 3; 2001, No. 1274, § 6.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment deleted (b)(2) and made related changes; and added (c).

Case Notes

Forged Signature.

Where bank sought to take advantage of its own wrongful conduct in notarizing and accepting wife's signature as forged by her husband on a promissory note, its conduct was improper and unconscionable and barred by the clean hands doctrine. Merchants & Planters Bank & Trust Co. v. Massey, 302 Ark. 421, 790 S.W.2d 889 (1990).

Issue of fact remained as to whether a notary was liable for witnessing forged signatures pursuant to this section, and therefore whether the surety was liable on its bond issued under § 21-14-101, because, if she recognized the signature, she was permitted to witness it without watching the signer sign the documents. Southern Dev. Corp. v. Freightliner of New Hampshire, Inc., 2009 Ark. App. 286, 307 S.W.3d 597 (2009).

Improper Notarization.

Under this section, § 16-47-205, and former § 28-68-304 (see now § 28-68-105), the decedent's attorney's secretary signed the certificate of acknowledgement for the November 20 power of attorney before the decedent signed the instrument, and this improper notarization of the acknowledgement was fatal to the validity of the November 20 power of attorney. Jones v. Owen, 2009 Ark. 505, 342 S.W.3d 265 (2009).

Cited: Porter v. McCuen, 310 Ark. 674, 839 S.W.2d 521 (1992).

21-14-112. Denial or revocation of notary public commission.

  1. The Secretary of State may deny the application of any person for appointment or reappointment or revoke the commission of any notary public during the notary public's term of appointment if the notary public:
    1. Submits an application for commission and appointment that contains substantial and material misstatement or omission of fact;
    2. Is convicted of official misconduct under the provisions of § 21-14-111;
    3. Knowingly uses false or misleading advertising in which the notary public represents that the notary public has powers, duties, rights, or privileges that the notary public does not possess by law;
    4. Is found by a court of this state to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;
    5. Is found by a court to have improperly notarized documents according to the law;
    6. Is found by a court to have charged fees higher than allowed under § 21-6-309; or
    7. Fails to complete the requirements under § 21-14-101.
  2. The Secretary of State may investigate a possible violation of this section upon a signed complaint from any person.
  3. After a notary public receives notice from the Secretary of State that the notary public's commission has been revoked, unless the revocation has been enjoined the notary public shall immediately send or have delivered to the Secretary of State:
    1. The notary public's journal of notarial acts;
    2. All other papers and copies relating to the notary public's notarial acts; and
    3. The notary public's official seal.
  4. A person whose notary public commission has been revoked pursuant to the provisions of this section may subsequently apply for commission and appointment as a notary public after ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of the revocation.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1187, § 1; 2005, No. 2274, § 3; 2013, No. 492, § 5.

Amendments. The 2005 amendment substituted “five (5) years” for “three (3) years” in (d); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2013 amendment inserted (a)(6) and redesignated former (a)(6) as (a)(7); and substituted “ten (10) years” for “five (5) years” in (d).

21-14-113. Notice of revocation — Appeal.

  1. If the Secretary of State revokes a notary public commission, he or she shall serve the notary public with written notice that explains the reason or reasons for the revocation.
    1. The notary public may appeal the revocation to the Pulaski County Circuit Court within thirty (30) days after service of the notice of revocation is perfected.
    2. The notary public shall appeal by petitioning the court to set aside the revocation and attaching to the petition copies of the Secretary of State's Certificate of Revocation and the written notice of revocation.
  2. The court may summarily order the Secretary of State to reinstate the notary public or take other action the court considers appropriate.
  3. The court's final decision may be appealed as in other civil proceedings.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1187, § 2.

21-14-114. Rules.

The Secretary of State may promulgate rules necessary to administer this chapter.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2274, § 4; 2019, No. 315, § 2339.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “Rules” in the section heading and following “rules” in the section.

Subchapter 2 — Facsimile Signatures and Seals

Effective Dates. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 5: Feb. 9, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “Many commercial documents are required to include a notary certificate to comply with terms imposed by purchase orders, business contracts, construction standards, testing standards and other commercial practices. Where such documents are produced by computer and subscribed by an affiant in facsimile form, substantial time and expense is required for a notary public to manually sign, seal and affix notary certificates as required by present law, which increases operating costs, makes Arkansas business less competitive and costs Arkansas jobs. Arkansas law presently permits authorized officers to sign and seal public securities and instruments of payment by facsimile signature and seal under similar circumstances, following a filing with the secretary of state (Ark. Code Ann. § 21-10-101 et seq.), but has no similar provision for notaries public on commercial documents. Operating costs may be reduced and expensive business equipment may be more fully utilized by allowing notaries public to affix notary certificates bearing facsimile signatures and seals under appropriate circumstances. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 2001, No. 1274, § 8: Apr. 4, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the notary public law needs to be updated and reformed immediately. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on the date of its approval by the Governor. If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, it shall become effective on the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill. If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, it shall become effective on the date the last house overrides the veto.”

21-14-201. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Commercial document” means any instrument, certificate, report, billing, affidavit, or other document which is required to bear a notary certificate by the terms of a purchase order, contract, bid specification, construction standard, testing standard, or other commercial standard, specification, or practice.
    2. The term “commercial document” shall not include any deed or other instrument in writing for the conveyance of any real estate or by which any real estate may be affected in law or equity;
  1. “Facsimile seal” means the reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of the seal of office of a notary public, containing the information described in § 21-14-107(b)(2); and
  2. “Facsimile signature” means the reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of a manual signature of a notary public.

History. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 1.

21-14-202. Use of facsimile signatures and seals authorized — Filing required.

Any notary public may affix a notary certificate bearing the notary public's facsimile signature and facsimile seal in lieu of the notary public's manual signature and rubber or embossed seal in blue or black ink on a commercial document, after filing with the Secretary of State:

  1. The notary public's manual signature certified by the notary public under oath;
  2. A general description of the types of commercial documents to be notarized by facsimile signature and seal;
  3. The name and manual signature of any other person or persons signing the commercial documents by manual or facsimile signature; and
  4. The written consent of any other person or persons signing the commercial documents to the use of the notary public's facsimile signature and facsimile seal on the commercial documents.

History. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 1; 2013, No. 492, § 6.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment inserted “in blue or black ink” in the introductory language.

21-14-203. Expiration and resignation.

  1. Any filing by a notary public with the Secretary of State under the terms of this subchapter shall remain in effect until the earlier of:
    1. The date on which the notary public's commission in effect on the date of filing expires;
    2. The filing is cancelled by the notary public by subsequent written filing with the Secretary of State; or
    3. The filing is cancelled pursuant to § 21-14-113.
    1. A notary public shall send a signed letter of resignation to the Secretary of State and shall return his or her certificate of notary public commission when the notary public:
      1. Wishes to resign his or her commission;
      2. Does not maintain legal residence or employment in this state during the entire term of appointment; or
      3. Is required to resign pursuant to a court order of this state or any other state.
    2. The resigning notary public shall destroy his or her official seal immediately upon resignation.

History. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 1; 2001, No. 1274, § 7.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment added “and resignation” in the section heading; and added (a)(3) and (b) and made related changes.

21-14-204. Duties of notary public.

A notary public shall have the same duties when affixing a notary certificate with the notary public's facsimile signature and facsimile seal on a commercial document as when signing a notary certificate with the notary public's manual signature and rubber or embossed seal, and nothing in this subchapter shall remove any duty or responsibility imposed on a notary public by law, except as specifically provided in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 1.

21-14-205. Force and effect.

Notary certificates which are signed by facsimile signature and sealed by facsimile seal under the provisions of this subchapter shall have the same force and effect as notary certificates signed by manual signature and bearing a rubber or embossed seal for all purposes.

History. Acts 1995, No. 200, § 1.

Subchapter 3 — Arkansas Electronic Notary Public Act

21-14-301. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Electronic Notary Public Act”.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-302. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities;
  2. “Electronic document” means information that is created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means;
    1. “Electronic notarial act” means an official act by a notary public performed with respect to an electronic document and using electronic means authorized by the Secretary of State.
    2. “Electronic notarial act” includes:
      1. Taking an acknowledgment;
      2. Administering an oath or affirmation;
      3. Taking a verification on oath or affirmation;
      4. Witnessing or attesting a signature;
      5. Certifying or attesting a copy; and
      6. Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument;
  3. “Electronic notarial certificate” means the portion of a notarized electronic document that:
    1. Is completed by the notary public;
    2. Bears the following of the notary public:
      1. Signature or official electronic seal;
      2. Official title;
      3. Commission number;
      4. Commission expiration date; and
      5. All required information regarding the date and place of the electronic notarial act; and
    3. States the facts attested to or certified by the notary public in an electronic notarization;
  4. “Electronic notary seal” or “official electronic seal” means information within a notarized document that includes:
    1. The following information about the notary public:
      1. Name;
      2. Jurisdiction of appointment;
      3. Commission number; and
      4. Commission expiration date; and
    2. Information that generally corresponds to dates in notary public seals utilized on paper documents under § 21-14-107;
  5. “Electronic notary public” means a notary public who has registered with the Secretary of State and possesses the capability of performing electronic notarial acts;
  6. “Electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to an electronic document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the electronic document;
  7. “Non-repudiation” means the inability of the signer of an electronic document to deny his or her electronic signature without a factual basis;
  8. “Notary public electronic signature” means the forms of electronic signatures that have been approved by the Secretary of State as an acceptable means for an electronic notary to affix his or her official signature to an electronic record that is being notarized;
  9. “Physical proximity” means the principal and the notary public are physically close enough to see, hear, communicate, and give identification credentials to each other without reliance on an electronic device such as a telephone, computer, video camera, or facsimile machine;
  10. “Registration” or “register” means a separate commission to perform electronic notarial acts under the laws of this state;
  11. “Solution provider” means a business entity that has submitted an application, meets standards, and has been approved by the Secretary of State to offer electronic notarization solutions to duly commissioned electronic notaries public;
  12. “Tamper-evident” means any changes to an electronic document that display evidence of the change;
  13. “Traditional notary public” means a person commissioned by the Secretary of State to perform notarial acts under this chapter; and
  14. “Unique to the electronic notary public” or “under the sole control” means the device or system the notary uses to sign and seal the document that is accessible only by the notary, attributed to the notary, and not any other person or entity.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-303. Appointment and commission.

A notary public who is appointed and commissioned by the Secretary of State as a traditional notary public and who is in good standing with the Secretary of State is eligible to become an electronic notary public.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-304. Registration and application.

      1. The Secretary of State shall require a notary public to register the capability to notarize electronically before performing an electronic notarial act.
      2. The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules to enforce the requirement under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section.
    1. A person who seeks to become an electronic notary public shall submit to the Secretary of State:
      1. An application stating the intent to become an electronic notary public on a form provided by the Secretary of State;
      2. An attestation that he or she has not been convicted of a felony; and
      3. A filing fee of twenty dollars ($20.00).
  1. An applicant shall:
    1. Successfully complete an approved training course provided by the Secretary of State; and
      1. Pass an examination approved by the Secretary of State.
      2. An applicant may attend the examination up to two (2) times in a twelve-month period.
      3. If the applicant does not pass the examination during the time period in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section, he or she shall repeat the application process under this section.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-305. Term and renewal.

  1. The commission date of the electronic notary public shall begin on the date the person passes the examination under § 21-14-304.
  2. The term of the electronic notary public shall not extend past the expiration date of the surety bond for the traditional notary public commission.
  3. An electronic notary public shall every two (2) years of his or her commission:
    1. Complete a refresher training course offered and approved by the Secretary of State; and
    2. Remit to the Secretary of State evidence of successful completion of the course under subdivision (c)(1) of this section on a form provided by the Secretary of State.
  4. The electronic notary public may submit an application for the renewal of his or her electronic notary commission to the Secretary of State no more than thirty (30) calendar days before the expiration of his or her electronic notary commission.
  5. To renew an electronic notary commission, a person shall complete the procedure under § 21-14-304.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-306. Form and manner of performing electronic notarial act.

  1. An electronic notarial act shall be executed through an approved solution provider.
  2. When performing an electronic notarial act, an electronic notary public shall:
    1. Complete an electronic notarial certificate that shall include all information necessary in a paper-based notarization under § 21-14-107; and
      1. Attach his or her electronic signature and seal to the certificate in a tamper-evident manner.
      2. Evidence of tampering may be used as proof by the Secretary of State to determine whether the electronic notarial act is valid or invalid.
  3. The electronic signature of an electronic notary public is reliable if the electronic seal is:
    1. Unique to the electronic notary public;
    2. Capable of independent verification;
    3. Retained under the sole control of the electronic notary public; and
    4. Attached to or associated with the electronic document in a tamper-evident manner.
    1. The electronic signature of an electronic notary public in combination with the electronic notary seal shall be used only for the purpose of performing an electronic notarial act.
    2. The electronic notary public shall not disclose access information used to affix the electronic signature of the electronic notary public except when requested by:
      1. Law enforcement;
      2. The courts; or
      3. An electronic document preparation and transmission vendor.
    3. Control of security aspects remains under the sole control of the commissioned electronic notary public, and include without limitation:
      1. Passwords;
      2. Token devices;
      3. Biometrics;
      4. Personal identification numbers; and
      5. Phrases.
  4. The liability, sanctions, and remedies for the improper performance of electronic notarial acts are the same under the law for the improper performance of a notarial act performed by a traditional notary public under §§ 21-14-111 — 21-14-113.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-307. Physical proximity of signers of electronic documents required.

  1. An electronic notary public shall not perform an electronic notarial act if the document signer does not appear in person before the electronic notary public at the time of the electronic notarial act.
    1. The methods for identifying a document signer for an electronic notarial act shall be the same as the methods required for a paper-based notarization under this chapter.
    2. The electronic notary public shall not under any circumstances base identification merely upon familiarity with the electronic signature of the signer or an electronic verification process that authenticates the electronic signature of the signer when the signer is not in the physical presence of the electronic notary public.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

21-14-308. Fees.

  1. An electronic notary public may charge and collect fees that are:
    1. Reasonably established by the electronic notary public; and
    2. Disclosed and agreed upon by the client and principal before the electronic notarial act occurs.
    1. An electronic notary public who knowingly charges, demands, or receives a fee not authorized by law or who charges, demands, or receives a fee greater than provided under this section is guilty of a violation.
    2. Upon conviction, he or she shall be fined in a sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

History. Acts 2017, No. 306, § 1.

Chapter 15 Criminal Background Checks

Effective Dates. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 13: Oct. 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas children and their parents or guardians should be secure in the knowledge that persons employed by the State who have direct contact with children do not have criminal records and are not a potential threat to the safety of their children; and that an increasing number of incidents are occurring where persons employed by the State are abusing children entrusted into the care of the State; and that in some cases these incidents could have been avoided had the persons been subjected to a criminal records check. It is further found and determined that, in some instances, allegations of employee criminal misconduct involving children are not being investigated. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall become effective on October 1, 1997.”

Acts 2003, No. 1473, § 74: July 1, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act includes technical corrects to Act 923 of 2003 which establishes the classification and compensation levels of state employees covered by the provisions of the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act; that Act 923 of 2003 will become effective on July 1, 2003; and that to avoid confusion this act must also effective on July 1, 2003. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on July 1, 2003.”

Acts 2015, No. 861, § 9: Mar. 31, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that an audit by the Federal Bureau of Investigation found that the Department of Human Services is out of compliance with federal law regarding the confidentiality of criminal background checks; and that this act is immediately necessary because the public health and safety are at risk so long as the department remains out of compliance with federal law because of the threat of easy access to confidential records of criminal background checks. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety shall become effective on: (1) The date of its approval by the Governor; (2) If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or (3) If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.”

21-15-101. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Applicant” means a person applying for employment with a state agency;
  2. “Central registry check” means a review of the databases of the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry, and the Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry maintained by the Office of Long-Term Care pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 483.156 and § 20-10-203;
  3. “Child” means a minor under eighteen (18) years of age;
  4. “Criminal history check” means a criminal history report produced by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police;
  5. “Designated financial or information technology position” means a position designated by a director of a division or office within the Department of Human Services in which the person placed in the position:
    1. Has the authority or capability via computer access or otherwise to receive payments or to issue, initiate, or approve a contract, grant, warrant, payment, or procurement in any form;
    2. Approves security access to information systems;
    3. Authenticates and configures user security access to information systems;
    4. Acts in the capacity of information technology network, application, or system administrator;
    5. Manages or directs information technology network, application, or system administrators; or
    6. Develops, designs, programs, or maintains information technology networks, applications, or systems;
  6. “Designated position” means a position in which a person is employed by or contracting with a contractor of a state agency or a state agency to provide care, supervision, treatment, or any other services to the elderly, to mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons, to persons with mental illnesses, or to children who reside in any state-operated facility or a position in which the applicant, contractor, subcontractor, or employee will have direct contact with a child or a person who is elderly, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled;
  7. “Individual with an intellectual or developmental disability” means a person with a disability that is attributable to:
    1. Impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior, including without limitation cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, epilepsy, or autism;
    2. Dyslexia resulting from a disability associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism; or
    3. Any other condition found to be closely related to intellectual and developmental disabilities as described in subdivision (7)(A) of this section because it results in an impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to those of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities or requires treatment and services similar to those required for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
  8. “Direct contact” means the ability to interview, question, examine, interact with, talk with, or communicate with a child without being in the physical presence of a person other than the child;
  9. “Elderly” means persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older;
    1. “Mentally ill persons” means persons who suffer from a substantial impairment of emotional processes, or of the ability to exercise conscious control of their actions, or of the ability to perceive reality or to reason when the impairment is manifested in instances of extremely abnormal behavior or extremely faulty perceptions.
    2. “Mentally ill persons” does not include persons whose impairment is solely caused by epilepsy, continuous or noncontinuous periods of intoxication caused by substances such as alcohol or drugs, or dependence upon or addiction to any substance such as alcohol or drugs; and
    1. “State agency” means any agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, council, department, office, or officer of the state receiving an appropriation by the General Assembly.
    2. “State agency” does not include municipalities, townships, counties, school districts, and state-supported institutions of higher education.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 1; 1999, No. 1409, § 9; 2001, No. 995, § 1; 2005, No. 1422, § 1; 2007, No. 991, § 1; 2011, No. 68, § 4; 2019, No. 318, § 10; 2019, No. 1035, § 49.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment added (1), (3) and (5) and redesignated former (1), (2), and (3) as present (2), (4), and (6), respectively; and deleted “and” at the end of (4).

The 2001 amendment inserted (2), (5), and (8), and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; in present (4), substituted “mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons” for “individuals with mental or physical disabilities”, and deleted a comma following “facility”; and added subdivision designations in present (9).

The 2005 amendment substituted “and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment” for “Abuse” in (2); and inserted present (4) and (6) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2011 amendment inserted “spina bifida, Down syndrome” in (7)(A).

The 2019 amendment by No. 318, in (6), inserted “or contracting with a contractor of a state agency or” and inserted “contractor, subcontractor”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 1035 rewrote (7).

21-15-102. Positions involving direct contact with children and with mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons.

      1. When a person applies for employment with a state agency in a designated position and if the state agency intends to make an offer of employment to the applicant, the applicant shall complete a criminal history check form and a central registry check form obtained from the state agency and shall submit the form to the state agency as part of the application process.
      2. If the state agency intends to make an offer of employment to the applicant, the state agency within five (5) days of the decision shall:
          1. Use the Online Criminal Background Check System to obtain the criminal history or forward the criminal history check form to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and request the bureau to review the bureau's database of criminal history.
          2. Within three (3) days of the receipt of a request to review the database, the bureau shall notify the state agency if the database contains any criminal history records on the applicant; and
          1. Forward the central registry check form to the Child Maltreatment Central Registry and the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry for a central registry check.
          2. The state agency shall pay any fee associated with the central registry check on behalf of the applicant.
          3. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of a request for a central registry check, the central registry shall notify the state agency if the database contains any information naming the applicant as an offender or perpetrator of child or adult abuse.
    1. If no criminal history or central registry records regarding the applicant are found in the database, then the state agency may make an offer of temporary employment to the applicant while the bureau completes a criminal history check and the state agency determines whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      1. If a criminal history record regarding the applicant is found in the bureau's database, then the applicant is temporarily disqualified from employment until the state agency determines whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that the applicant is not disqualified, then the state agency may continue to temporarily employ the applicant while the bureau completes a criminal history check.
    2. If an applicant has been named as an offender or perpetrator in a true, substantiated, or founded report from the Child Maltreatment Central Registry or the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry, the applicant shall be immediately disqualified.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the bureau shall conduct a state criminal history check and a national criminal history check on an applicant upon receiving a criminal history check request from a state agency.
      1. If the state agency can verify that the applicant has lived continuously in the State of Arkansas for the past five (5) years, the bureau shall conduct only a state criminal history check on the applicant.
      2. If the state agency can verify that the selected applicant currently works for a state agency in a designated position or a designated financial or information technology position and the state agency can provide verification that a criminal history check for that position has been completed in the last five (5) years, the state agency does not need to conduct another criminal history check on the employee until the criminal history check is five (5) years old.
    1. Upon completion of a criminal history check on an applicant, the bureau shall issue a report to the state agency.
      1. The state agency shall determine whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that an applicant is disqualified from employment, then the state agency shall deny employment to the applicant.
  1. When a national criminal history check is required under this section, the criminal history check shall conform to the applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints.
  2. Before making a temporary or permanent offer of employment in a designated position, a state agency shall inform applicants that:
    1. Continued employment is contingent upon the results of a criminal history check and a central registry check; and
    2. The applicant has the right to obtain a copy of his or her:
      1. Criminal history report from the bureau; and
      2. Central registry report from the registries.
  3. Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, no person shall be eligible for employment with a state agency in a designated position if that person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of, any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court unless the conviction was vacated or reversed:
    1. Capital murder, as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
    2. Murder in the first degree and second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-10-102 and 5-10-103;
    3. Manslaughter, as prohibited in § 5-10-104;
    4. Negligent homicide, as prohibited in § 5-10-105;
    5. Kidnapping, as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
    6. False imprisonment in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-11-103;
    7. Permanent detention or restraint, as prohibited in § 5-11-106;
    8. Robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-102;
    9. Aggravated robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-103;
    10. Battery in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-13-201;
    11. Aggravated assault, as prohibited in § 5-13-204;
    12. Introduction of controlled substance into body of another person, as prohibited in § 5-13-210;
    13. Terroristic threatening in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-13-301;
    14. Rape, as prohibited in § 5-14-103;
    15. Sexual indecency with a child, as prohibited in § 5-14-110;
    16. Sexual assault in the first degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 — 5-14-127;
    17. Incest, as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
    18. Offenses against the family, as prohibited in §§ 5-26-303 — 5-26-306;
    19. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-201;
    20. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-205;
    21. Permitting abuse of a minor, as prohibited in § 5-27-221;
    22. Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, pandering, or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or the use of a child or consent to the use of a child in a sexual performance by producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-303 — 5-27-305, 5-27-402, and 5-27-403;
    23. Adult abuse that constitutes a felony, as prohibited in § 5-28-103;
    24. Theft of property, as prohibited in § 5-36-103;
    25. Theft by receiving, as prohibited in § 5-36-106;
    26. Arson, as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
    27. Burglary, as prohibited in § 5-39-201;
    28. Felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, §§ 5-64-101 — 5-64-508, as prohibited in the former § 5-64-401 and §§ 5-64-419 — 5-64-442;
    29. Promotion of prostitution in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-70-104;
    30. Stalking, as prohibited in § 5-71-229;
    31. Computer child pornography, as prohibited in § 5-27-603;
    32. Computer exploitation of a child in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-605;
    33. Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection;
    34. Theft of public benefits, as prohibited in § 5-36-202;
    35. Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; or
    36. Sexual extortion, § 5-14-113.
    1. For purposes of this section, an expunged record of a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense listed in subsection (f) of this section shall not be considered a conviction or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offense unless the offense is also listed in subdivision (g)(2) of this section.
    2. Because of the serious nature of the following offenses and the close relationship between the following offenses and the type of work that is to be performed by the applicant, a conviction of one (1) or more of the following offenses by an applicant shall result in permanent disqualification from employment in a designated position:
      1. Capital murder, as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
      2. Murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-10-102 and 5-10-103;
      3. Kidnapping, as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
      4. Rape, as prohibited in § 5-14-103;
      5. Sexual assault in the first degree and second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 and 5-14-125;
      6. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-205 and 5-27-206;
      7. Incest, as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
      8. Arson, as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
      9. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-201;
      10. Adult abuse that constitutes a felony, as prohibited in § 5-28-103;
      11. Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; or
      12. Sexual extortion, § 5-14-113.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 2; 1999, No. 1409, § 10; 2001, No. 995, § 2; 2001, No. 1553, § 34; 2003, No. 1087, § 22; 2003, No. 1380, § 1; 2003, No. 1473, § 48; 2005, No. 1422, § 1; 2007, No. 991, § 2; 2011, No. 570, § 126; 2013, No. 993, §§ 1, 2; 2017, No. 367, §§ 27, 28; 2017, No. 664, §§ 21, 22.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2011, No. 570, § 1, provided:

“Legislative intent. The intent of this act is to implement comprehensive measures designed to reduce recidivism, hold offenders accountable, and contain correction costs.”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment, in (a), designated in former introductory paragraph as (a)(1); redesignated former (a)(1) and (a)(2) as present (a)(2) and (a)(3), respectively; in (a)(1), substituted “designated position” for “position that includes, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child” in the first sentence and substituted “in designated positions” for “having direct contact with a child” at the end of the second sentence.

The 2001 amendment by No. 995 rewrote this section.

The 2001 amendment by No. 1553 inserted “The state agency … of the applicant” in (a)(1), and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2003 amendment by No. 1087 added (f)(32) and (33).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1380 rewrote (f)(14); inserted present (f)(15) and (16); deleted former (f)(15)-(17) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and made stylistic changes.

The 2003 amendment by No. 1473 inserted “check” in (e)(1); and rewrote (e)(2).

The 2005 amendment deleted “checks on state agency employees in designated positions” from the end of (a)(1)(B)(i) (a) ; substituted “and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment” for “Abuse” in (a)(1)(B)(ii) (a) and (a)(4); inserted “in a designated position” in (e); in (f), inserted “Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section” and “unless the conviction was vacated or reversed”; and added (g).

The 2011 amendment, in (f)(28), inserted “the former” and “and §§ 5-64-4195-64-442”.

The 2013 amendment substituted “seven (7) days” for “three (3) days” in (a)(1)(B)(ii) (c) ; and added (f)(34).

The 2017 amendment by No. 367 added (f)(35) and (g)(2)(K).

The 2017 amendment by No. 664 added (f)(36) and (g)(2)(L).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Background Checks, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 471, 472, 475.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Criminal Law, Computer Crimes, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 361.

21-15-103. Deadline — Scope of check — Report — Notice — Discharge for persons in designated positions.

    1. A state agency shall ensure that any incumbent employee in a designated position has a subsequent criminal background check completed within five (5) years of the incumbent employee’s initial criminal background check and every five (5) years thereafter.
    2. A state agency shall ensure that any incumbent employee in a designated position has a subsequent central registry check completed within five (5) years of the incumbent employee’s initial central registry check and every five (5) years thereafter.
    3. In accordance with subdivisions (a)(1) and (2) of this section, each employee of a state agency in a designated position shall complete a criminal history check form and a central registry check form obtained from the state agency and shall submit the form to the state agency. The state agency shall:
        1. Use the Online Criminal Background Check System to obtain a criminal history check or forward the criminal history check form to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police.
        2. The state agency shall pay any fee associated with the criminal history check on behalf of the employee; and
        1. Forward the central registry check to the Child Maltreatment Central Registry and the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry for a review of the registry databases.
        2. The state agency shall pay any fee associated with the central registry checks.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the bureau shall conduct a state criminal history check and a national criminal history check on an applicant upon receiving a criminal history check request from a state agency.
    2. If the state agency can verify that the applicant has been employed by a state agency in a designated position within sixty (60) days before the application or has lived continuously in the State of Arkansas for the past five (5) years, the bureau shall conduct only a state criminal history check on the applicant.
    1. Upon completion of a criminal history check on an employee, the bureau shall issue a report to the state agency.
      1. The state agency shall determine whether the employee is disqualified from employment under subsection (g) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that an employee is disqualified from employment, then the state agency shall discharge the employee.
  1. When a national criminal history check is required under this section, the criminal history check shall conform to the applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints.
  2. If a waiver applicant has been named as an offender or perpetrator in a true, substantiated, or founded report from the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry, or the Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry, the state agency shall discharge the employee.
  3. A state agency shall inform all employees in designated positions that:
    1. Continued employment is contingent upon the results of a criminal history check and a central registry check; and
    2. The employee has the right to obtain a copy of his or her:
      1. Criminal history report from the bureau; and
      2. Central registry report from the registries.
  4. Except as provided in subdivision (h)(1) of this section, a state agency shall discharge from employment in a designated position any person who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of, any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court unless the conviction was vacated or reversed:
    1. Capital murder, as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
    2. Murder in the first degree and second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-10-102 and 5-10-103;
    3. Manslaughter, as prohibited in § 5-10-104;
    4. Negligent homicide, as prohibited in § 5-10-105;
    5. Kidnapping, as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
    6. False imprisonment in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-11-103;
    7. Permanent detention or restraint, as prohibited in § 5-11-106;
    8. Robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-102;
    9. Aggravated robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-103;
    10. Battery in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-13-201;
    11. Aggravated assault, as prohibited in § 5-13-204;
    12. Introduction of controlled substance into body of another person, as prohibited in § 5-13-210;
    13. Terroristic threatening in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-13-301;
    14. Rape, as prohibited in § 5-14-103;
    15. Sexual indecency with a child, as prohibited in § 5-14-110;
    16. Sexual assault in the first degree, second degree, third degree, or fourth degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 — 5-14-127;
    17. Incest, as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
    18. Offenses against the family, as prohibited in §§ 5-26-303 — 5-26-306;
    19. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-201;
    20. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-205;
    21. Permitting abuse of a minor, as prohibited in § 5-27-221 ;
    22. Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, pandering, or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or the use of a child or consent to the use of a child in a sexual performance by producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-303 — 5-27-305, 5-27-402, and 5-27-403;
    23. Adult abuse constituting a felony, as prohibited in § 5-28-103;
    24. Theft of property, as prohibited in § 5-36-103;
    25. Theft by receiving, as prohibited in § 5-36-106;
    26. Arson, as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
    27. Burglary, as prohibited in § 5-39-201;
    28. Felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, §§ 5-64-101 — 5-64-508, as prohibited in the former § 5-64-401 and §§ 5-64-419 — 5-64-442;
    29. Promotion of prostitution in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-70-104;
    30. Stalking, as prohibited in § 5-71-229;
    31. Computer child pornography, as prohibited in § 5-27-603;
    32. Computer exploitation of a child in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-605;
    33. Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection;
    34. Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; or
    35. Sexual extortion, § 5-14-113.
    1. For purposes of this section, an expunged record of a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense listed in subsection (g) of this section shall not be considered a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offense unless the offense is also listed in subdivision (h)(2) of this section.
    2. Because of the serious nature of the offenses and the close relationship to the type of work that is to be performed, the following offenses shall result in permanent disqualification:
      1. Capital murder, as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
      2. Murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-10-102 and 5-10-103;
      3. Kidnapping, as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
      4. Rape, as prohibited in § 5-14-103;
      5. Sexual assault in the first degree and second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 and 5-14-125;
      6. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, as prohibited in §§ 5-27-205 and 5-27-206;
      7. Incest, as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
      8. Arson, as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
      9. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-27-201;
      10. Adult abuse that constitutes a felony, as prohibited in § 5-28-103;
      11. Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; and
      12. Sexual extortion, § 5-14-113.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 3; 1999, No. 1409, §§ 11-13; 2001, No. 995, § 3; 2003, No. 482, § 1; 2003, No. 1087, § 23; 2003, No. 1379, § 1; 2003, No. 1473, § 49; 2005, No. 1422, § 1; 2005, No. 1923, § 8; 2007, No. 827, § 180; 2007, No. 991, § 3; 2011, No. 570, § 127; 2017, No. 367, §§ 29, 30; 2017, No. 664, §§ 23, 24.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2011, No. 570, § 1, provided:

“Legislative intent.

The intent of this act is to implement comprehensive measures designed to reduce recidivism, hold offenders accountable, and contain correction costs.”

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “designated positions will” for “positions that include, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child” in (a)(1); substituted “designated position” for “position that includes, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child” in (a)(2) and (b)(2); in the introductory paragraph of (f), substituted “designated position” for “position that includes, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child or children” and inserted “federal”; and made stylistic changes.

The 2001 amendment inserted (a)(2), and redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(3); added the subdivision designations in present (a)(3); in the introductory language of (a)(3), substituted “subdivisions (a)(1) and (2)” for “subdivision (a)(1)” and inserted “and a central registry check form”; added (a)(3)(B); added the subdivision designations in (c); in (c)(2)(A), substituted “(g)” for “(f)” and deleted “and” from the end; inserted (e) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; added the subdivision designations in present (f); deleted comma following “child” in introductory language of (f); deleted “that” from beginning of (f)(2); added “and” to (f)(2)(A); added (f)(2)(B); substituted “abuse of a child” for “child abuse” in (g)(22); and substituted “medium” for “media” in (g)(23).

The 2003 amendment by No. 482 substituted “in designated positions that” for “in positions that include, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child that” in the introductory language in (f).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1087 added (g)(32) and (33).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1379 rewrote (g)(14); inserted present (g)(15) and (16); deleted former (g)(15)-(17) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and made stylistic changes throughout (g).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1473 inserted “and a central registry check” in (f)(1); and rewrote (f)(2).

The 2005 amendment by No. 1422 rewrote (a)(1)(B) and the last sentence in (a)(2); substituted “and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment” for “Abuse” in (a)(3)(B)(i) and (e); substituted “If a waiver” for “If an” in (e); in (g), inserted “Except as provided in subdivision (h)(1) of this section” and substituted “unless the conviction was vacated or reversed” for “but only after an opportunity for a hearing conducted in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.”; and added (a)(2)(B) and (h).

The 2005 amendment by No. 1923 inserted “Except as provided in subdivision (h)(1) of this section” in (g); and added (h).

The 2011 amendment, in (g)(28), inserted “the former” and “and §§ 5-64-4195-64-442”.

The 2017 amendment by No. 367 added (g)(34) and (h)(2)(K).

The 2017 amendment by No. 664 added (g)(35) and (h)(2)(L).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Discharge of Convicted Employee, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 473.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Background Checks, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 471, 472, 475.

21-15-104. Waiver of exclusion or discharge requirement for persons in designated positions.

    1. The provisions of § 21-15-102(a)(4) and §§ 21-15-102(f), 21-15-103(e), 21-15-103(g), and 21-15-110(b) may be waived by the director of a state agency upon the request of:
      1. A supervisor or other managerial employee in the state agency;
      2. An affected applicant; or
      3. An incumbent employee in a designated position who is subject to discharge.
    2. A request for a waiver must be made within five (5) days of receipt of the criminal background check or central registry check.
    3. If the crime is a misdemeanor and more than five (5) years have elapsed since the conviction, the state agency is not required to discharge an incumbent employee if a request for a waiver is timely made and if the waiver is ultimately granted.
    4. If the waiver is not granted and the request was for an incumbent employee who was not immediately discharged, the state agency shall immediately discharge the incumbent employee.
    5. If the waiver is not granted and the request was for an applicant, the state agency is prohibited from hiring the applicant.
    6. If an incumbent employee was immediately discharged but was subsequently granted a waiver, the incumbent employee shall be immediately reinstated but is not entitled to retroactive relief, including back pay.
    1. A waiver may be granted upon a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant or employee is rehabilitated such that the public interest is not threatened by the applicant's or employee's employment.
    2. Evidence of rehabilitation may include:
      1. The age at which the crime or act was committed;
      2. The circumstances surrounding the crime or act;
      3. The length of time since the crime or act;
      4. Subsequent work history;
      5. Employment references;
      6. Character references; and
      7. Other evidence demonstrating that the applicant or employee does not pose a threat to the health or safety of children or other clients of the state agency.
  1. Because of the serious nature of the offenses and the close relationship to the type of work that is to be performed, the following offenses may not be waived by the director of a state agency:
    1. Capital murder, § 5-10-101;
    2. Murder in the first degree, § 5-10-102;
    3. Murder in the second degree, § 5-10-103;
    4. Kidnapping, § 5-11-102;
    5. Rape, § 5-14-103;
    6. Sexual assault in the first degree, § 5-14-124;
    7. Sexual assault in the second degree, § 5-14-125;
    8. Sexual indecency with a child, § 5-14-110;
    9. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree, § 5-27-201;
    10. Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, § 5-27-205;
    11. Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, § 5-27-303;
    12. Pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, § 5-27-304;
    13. Transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, § 5-27-305;
    14. Employing or consenting to the use of a child in a sexual performance, § 5-27-402;
    15. Producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child, § 5-27-403;
    16. Adult abuse that constitutes a felony, § 5-28-103;
    17. Arson, § 5-38-301;
    18. Computer child pornography, § 5-27-603;
    19. Computer exploitation of a child in the first degree, § 5-27-605;
    20. Aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer or an employee of a correctional facility, § 5-13-211, if a Class Y felony; and
    21. Sexual extortion, § 5-14-113.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 4; 1999, No. 1409, § 14; 2001, No. 995, § 4; 2003, No. 1087, § 24; 2003, No. 1377, § 1; 2005, No. 1422, § 1; 2007, No. 827, §§ 181, 182; 2007, No. 991, § 4; 2017, No. 367, § 31; 2017, No. 664, § 25.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment added “or other clients of the state agency” at the end of (b)(7); added (c); and made stylistic changes.

The 2001 amendment substituted “21-15-102(a)(4), 21-15-103(f), 21-15-103(e), 21-15-103(g), and 21-15-110(b)” for “21-15-102(f) and 21-15-103(f)” in the introductory language of (a); and inserted “or act” in (b)(1), (2), and (3) in (b).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1087 added (c)(12) and (13).

The 2003 amendment by No. 1377 rewrote (c)(4) and (5); substituted “indecency with a child” for “solicitation of a child” in (c)(6); and made stylistic changes.

The 2005 amendment redesignated former (a) and (a)(1)-(3) as present (a)(1) and (a)(1)(A)-(C); added present (a)(2)-(6) and (b)(1); redesignated former (b) and (b)(1)-(7) as present (b)(2) and (b)(2)(A)-(G); and rewrote present (b)(2).

The 2017 amendment by No. 367 added (c)(20).

The 2017 amendment by No. 664 added (c)(21).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Background Checks, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 471, 472, 475.

21-15-105. Confidentiality.

  1. Any information received by a state agency from the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police or from a central registry check under this subchapter shall not be available for examination, and no record, file, or document shall be removed from the custody of the Department of Arkansas State Police.
  2. Any information made available to the affected applicant for employment or the person who is subject to discharge shall be information pertaining to that applicant only.
  3. Rights of privilege and confidentiality established in this section shall not extend to any document created for purposes other than a background check.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 5; 2001, No. 995, § 5; 2015, No. 861, § 8.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment, in (a), inserted “or from a central registry check”, and inserted “or her.”

The 2015 amendment, in (a), substituted “under” for “pursuant to” and deleted “except by the affected applicant for employment or his or her authorized representative” following “available for examination”.

21-15-106. Rules — Records.

  1. All state agencies with a designated position or a designated financial or information technology position shall adopt the necessary rules to fully implement the provisions of this subchapter.
  2. Each state agency shall maintain on file, subject to inspection by the Arkansas Crime Information Center, the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police, the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, and the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry evidence that criminal history and central registry checks required by this subchapter have been initiated on all applicants and employees.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 6; 1999, No. 1409, § 15; 2001, No. 995, § 6; 2005, No. 1422, § 2; 2007, No. 991, § 5; 2019, No. 315, § 2340.

Amendments. The 1999 amendment substituted “designated position” for “position that includes, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child” in (a).

The 2001 amendment, in (b), inserted the comma following “Center,” deleted “or” following “Center,” and inserted “or the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, the Adult Abuse Central Registry, or the Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry” and “central registry.”

The 2005 amendment inserted “or a designated financial or information technology position” in (a); and, in (b), substituted “and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment” for “Abuse” and inserted “and” following “criminal history.”

The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a).

21-15-107. Identification Bureau and registries — Duties.

    1. After receipt of a request for a criminal history check, the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall make reasonable efforts to respond to requests for state criminal history checks within twenty (20) calendar days and to respond to requests for national criminal history checks within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of a national criminal history check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
    2. After receipt of a request for a central registry check, a registry shall make reasonable efforts to respond to requests within twenty (20) calendar days.
    1. Upon completion of a criminal history check, the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall forward all information obtained concerning the applicant or employee to the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
    2. Upon completion of a central registry check, the registry shall forward all information obtained concerning the applicant or employee to the requesting state agency.
  1. The Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall maintain a database of the results of criminal history checks on each applicant for employment with and each employee of a state agency in a designated position.
    1. The Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall develop a form to be used for criminal history checks conducted under this subchapter. The form shall require the notarized signature of the person who is the subject of the check.
    2. The Child Maltreatment Central Registry and the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Central Registry shall work together to develop a form to be used for central registry checks conducted under this subchapter. The form shall require the notarized signature of the person who is the subject of the check.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 7; 2001, No. 995, § 7; 2003, No. 482, § 2; 2005, No. 1422, § 2; 2007, No. 991, § 6.

Amendments. The 2001 amendment substituted “Identification Bureau of the Department Arkansas State Police the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, the Adult Abuse Central Registry, and the Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry” for “bureau” in the section heading; and added (a)(2), (b)(2) and (d)(2).

The 2003 amendment substituted “in a designated position” for “in a position that includes, as part of the job description, direct contact with a child or children” in (c).

The 2005 amendment substituted “and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment” for “Abuse” in (d)(2).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Officers and Employees, Background Checks, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 471, 472, 475.

21-15-108. Exempted employees.

Any person who submits evidence of having maintained employment in the State of Arkansas for the past twelve (12) months and of successfully completing a criminal history check within the last twelve (12) months or in accordance with that person's professional license shall not be required to apply for a criminal history check under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 8.

21-15-109. Immunity.

Individuals and state agencies are immune from suit or liability for damages for acts or omissions, other than malicious acts or omissions, occurring in the performance of duties imposed by this subchapter.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1019, § 9.

21-15-110. Notice to employer.

  1. If a state employee is determined to be an offender or perpetrator in a true, substantiated, or founded report of child maltreatment or adult abuse and the state employee is employed in a designated position, the investigating agency shall immediately notify the employer of that state employee.
  2. The employer shall immediately discharge the employee.

History. Acts 2001, No. 995, § 8.

21-15-111. Hiring new employees into designated financial or information technology positions.

      1. When a person applies for employment with a state agency in a designated financial or information technology position and if the state agency intends to make an offer of employment to the applicant, the applicant shall complete a criminal history check form and shall submit the form to the state agency as part of the application process.
      2. Within five (5) days of the state agency's decision to make an offer of employment to the applicant, the state agency shall use the Online Criminal Background Check System to obtain the criminal history or forward the criminal history check form to the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police and request the bureau to review the database of criminal history.
      3. Within three (3) days of the receipt of a request to review the database, the bureau shall notify the state agency if the database contains any criminal history record on the applicant.
    1. If no criminal history record regarding the applicant is found in the database, then the state agency may make an offer of temporary employment to the applicant while the bureau completes a criminal history check and the state agency determines whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      1. If a criminal history record regarding the applicant is found in the database, then the applicant is temporarily disqualified from employment until the state agency determines whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that the applicant is not disqualified, then the state agency may continue to temporarily employ the applicant while the bureau completes a criminal history check.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the bureau shall conduct a state criminal history check and a national criminal history check on an applicant upon receiving a criminal history check request from a state agency.
      1. If the state agency can verify that the applicant has been employed by a state agency in a designated financial or information technology position within sixty (60) days before the application or has lived continuously in the State of Arkansas for the past five (5) years, the bureau shall conduct only a state criminal history check on the applicant.
      2. If the state agency can verify that the selected applicant currently works for a state agency in a designated position or a designated financial or information technology position and the state agency can provide verification that a criminal history check for that position has been completed in the last five (5) years, the state agency does not need to conduct another criminal history check on the employee until the criminal history check is five (5) years old.
    1. Upon completion of a criminal history check on an applicant, the bureau shall issue a report to the state agency.
      1. The state agency shall determine whether the applicant is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that an applicant is disqualified from employment, then the state agency shall deny employment to the applicant.
  1. If a national criminal history check is required under this section, the criminal history check shall conform to the applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints.
  2. Before making a temporary or permanent offer of employment, a state agency shall inform an applicant that:
    1. Continued employment is contingent upon the results of a criminal history check; and
    2. The applicant has the right to obtain a copy of his or her criminal history report from the bureau.
  3. An expunged record of a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense listed in this subsection shall not be considered a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offense. No person shall be eligible for employment with a state agency in a designated financial or information technology position if that person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of, any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court unless the conviction was vacated, or reversed:
    1. Robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-102;
    2. Aggravated robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-103;
    3. Soliciting money or property from incompetents, as prohibited in § 5-27-229;
    4. Theft of property, as prohibited in § 5-36-103;
    5. Theft by receiving, as prohibited in § 5-36-106;
    6. Theft of property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake, as prohibited in § 5-36-105;
    7. Theft of leased, rented, or entrusted personal property, as prohibited in § 5-36-115;
    8. Shoplifting, as prohibited in § 5-36-116;
    9. Embezzlement by officer or employee of certain institutions, as prohibited in § 5-36-118 [repealed];
    10. Theft of public benefits, as prohibited in § 5-36-202;
    11. Theft of wireless service, as prohibited in § 5-36-303;
    12. Facilitating theft of wireless service by manufacture, distribution, or possession of devices for theft of wireless services, as prohibited in § 5-36-304;
    13. Any offense involving theft detection devices, as prohibited in §§ 5-36-401 — 5-36-405;
    14. Forgery, as prohibited in § 5-37-201;
    15. Falsifying business records, as prohibited in § 5-37-202;
    16. Defrauding secured creditors, as prohibited in § 5-37-203;
    17. Fraud in insolvency, as prohibited in § 5-37-204;
    18. Issuing a false financial statement, as prohibited in § 5-37-205;
    19. Receiving deposits in a failing financial institution, as prohibited in § 5-37-206;
    20. Fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card, as prohibited in § 5-37-207;
    21. Criminal impersonation, as prohibited in § 5-37-208;
    22. Criminal possession of a forgery device, as prohibited in § 5-37-209;
    23. Obtaining signature by deception, as prohibited in § 5-37-210;
    24. Defrauding judgment creditors, as prohibited in § 5-37-211;
    25. Unlawfully using slugs, as prohibited in § 5-37-212;
    26. Criminal simulation, as prohibited in § 5-37-213;
    27. Use of false transcript, diploma, or grade report from postsecondary educational institution, as prohibited in § 5-37-225;
    28. Financial identity fraud, as prohibited in § 5-37-227;
    29. Any offense as prohibited in the Arkansas Hot Check Law, § 5-37-301 et seq.;
    30. Theft of communication services, as prohibited in § 5-37-402;
    31. Criminal mischief in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-38-203;
    32. Residential or commercial burglary, as prohibited in § 5-39-201;
    33. Breaking or entering, as prohibited in § 5-39-202;
    34. Computer fraud, as prohibited in § 5-41-103;
    35. Computer trespass, as prohibited in § 5-41-104;
    36. Any offense involving computer crime, as prohibited in §§ 5-41-201 — 5-41-206;
    37. Criminal use of property or laundering criminal proceeds, as prohibited in § 5-42-204;
    38. Any offense involving corruption in public office, as prohibited in §§ 5-52-101 — 5-52-108;
    39. Tampering with a public record, as prohibited in § 5-54-121;
    40. Criminal acts constituting Medicaid fraud, as prohibited in § 5-55-111;
    41. Any offense involving illegal food coupons, as prohibited in §§ 5-55-201 — 5-55-205;
    42. Engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise, as prohibited in § 5-74-104; or
    43. Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1422, § 3; 2007, No. 991, § 7; 2015, No. 1151, § 3.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment, in (f)(29), substituted “as prohibited in” for “violating” and substituted “§ 5-37-301 et seq.” for “as prohibited in §§ 5-37-3015-37-307”.

21-15-112. Incumbent employees in designated financial or information technology positions.

    1. State agencies shall ensure that all employees in designated financial or information technology positions apply for criminal history checks by December 1, 2005.
    2. An incumbent employee in a designated financial or information technology position shall have a subsequent criminal background check within five (5) years of the initial criminal background check and every five (5) years thereafter.
      1. In accordance with subdivisions (a)(1) and (2) of this section, each employee of a state agency in a designated financial or information technology position shall complete a criminal history check form and shall submit the form to the state agency.
      2. The state agency shall:
        1. Use the Online Criminal Background Check System to obtain the criminal history or forward the criminal history check form to the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police; and
        2. Pay any fee associated with the criminal history check on behalf of the employee.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the bureau shall conduct a state criminal history check and a national criminal history check on an employee upon receiving a criminal history check request from a state agency.
    2. If the state agency can verify that the employee has been employed by a state agency in a designated financial or information technology position within sixty (60) days before applying for the criminal background check or has lived continuously in the State of Arkansas for the previous five (5) years, the bureau shall conduct only a state criminal history check on the applicant.
    1. Upon completion of a criminal history check on an employee, the bureau shall issue a report to the state agency.
      1. The state agency shall determine whether the employee is disqualified from employment under subsection (f) of this section.
      2. If the state agency determines that an employee is disqualified from employment, then the state agency shall discharge the employee.
  1. If a national criminal history check is required under this section, the criminal history check shall conform to the applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints.
  2. A state agency shall inform all employees in designated financial or information technology positions that:
    1. Continued employment is contingent upon the results of a criminal history check; and
    2. The employee has the right to obtain a copy of his or her criminal history report from the bureau.
  3. An expunged record of a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense listed in this subsection shall not be considered a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the offense. A state agency shall discharge from employment an employee in a designated financial or information technology position who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of, any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court unless the conviction was vacated or reversed:
    1. Robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-102;
    2. Aggravated robbery, as prohibited in § 5-12-103;
    3. Soliciting money or property from incompetents, as prohibited in § 5-27-229;
    4. Theft of property, as prohibited in § 5-36-103;
    5. Theft by receiving, as prohibited in § 5-36-106;
    6. Theft of property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake, as prohibited in § 5-36-105;
    7. Theft of leased, rented, or entrusted personal property, as prohibited in § 5-36-115;
    8. Shoplifting, as prohibited in § 5-36-116;
    9. Embezzlement by officer or employee of certain institutions, as prohibited in § 5-36-118 [repealed];
    10. Theft of public benefits, as prohibited in § 5-36-202;
    11. Theft of wireless service, as prohibited in § 5-36-303;
    12. Facilitating theft of wireless service by manufacture, distribution, or possession of devices for theft of wireless services, as prohibited in § 5-36-304;
    13. Any offense involving theft detection devices, as prohibited in §§ 5-36-401 — 5-36-405;
    14. Forgery, as prohibited in § 5-37-201;
    15. Falsifying business records, as prohibited in § 5-37-202;
    16. Defrauding secured creditors, as prohibited in § 5-37-203;
    17. Fraud in insolvency, as prohibited in § 5-37-204;
    18. Issuing a false financial statement, as prohibited in § 5-37-205;
    19. Receiving deposits in a failing financial institution, as prohibited in § 5-37-206;
    20. Fraudulent use of a credit card or debit card, as prohibited in § 5-37-207;
    21. Criminal impersonation, as prohibited in § 5-37-208;
    22. Criminal possession of a forgery device, as prohibited in § 5-37-209;
    23. Obtaining signature by deception, as prohibited in § 5-37-210;
    24. Defrauding judgment creditors, as prohibited in § 5-37-211;
    25. Unlawfully using slugs, as prohibited in § 5-37-212;
    26. Criminal simulation, as prohibited in § 5-37-213;
    27. Use of false transcript, diploma, or grade report from postsecondary educational institution, as prohibited in § 5-37-225;
    28. Financial identity fraud, as prohibited in § 5-37-227;
    29. Any offense violating the Arkansas Hot Check Law, as prohibited in § 5-37-301 et seq.;
    30. Theft of communication services, as prohibited in § 5-37-402;
    31. Criminal mischief in the first degree, as prohibited in § 5-38-203;
    32. Residential or commercial burglary, as prohibited in § 5-39-201;
    33. Breaking or entering, as prohibited in § 5-39-202;
    34. Computer fraud, as prohibited in § 5-41-103;
    35. Computer trespass, as prohibited in § 5-41-104;
    36. Any offense involving computer crime, as prohibited in §§ 5-41-201 — 5-41-206;
    37. Criminal use of property or laundering criminal proceeds, as prohibited in § 5-42-204;
    38. Any offense involving corruption in public office, as prohibited in §§ 5-52-101 — 5-52-108;
    39. Tampering with a public record, as prohibited in § 5-54-121;
    40. Criminal acts constituting Medicaid fraud, as prohibited in § 5-55-111;
    41. Any offense involving illegal food coupons, as prohibited in §§ 5-55-201 — 5-55-205;
    42. Engaging in a continuing criminal gang, organization, or enterprise, as prohibited in § 5-74-104; or
    43. Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy, as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1422, § 3; 2007, No. 991, § 8; 2009, No. 252, § 5.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “criminal history check form to the” in (a)(3)(B)(i).

21-15-113. Waiver of exclusion or discharge requirement for persons in designated financial or information technology positions.

    1. The provisions of §§ 21-15-111 and 21-15-112 prohibiting the hiring of a person or requiring the discharge of a person in a designated financial or information technology position may be waived by the director of a state agency upon the request of:
      1. A supervisor or other managerial employee in the state agency;
      2. An affected applicant; or
      3. An incumbent employee in the designated financial or information technology position who is subject to discharge.
    2. A request for a waiver must be made within five (5) days of the receipt of the criminal background check.
    3. If the crime is a misdemeanor and more than five (5) years have lapsed since the conviction, the state agency is not required to discharge an incumbent employee if a request for a waiver is timely made and if the waiver is ultimately granted.
    4. If the waiver is not granted and the waiver request was for an incumbent employee who was not immediately discharged, the state agency shall immediately discharge the incumbent employee.
    5. If the waiver is not granted and the waiver request was for an applicant, the state agency is prohibited from hiring the applicant in a designated financial or information technology position.
    6. If an incumbent employee was immediately discharged but was subsequently granted a waiver, the incumbent employee shall be immediately reinstated but is not entitled to retroactive relief, including back pay.
    1. A waiver may be granted upon a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant or employee is rehabilitated such that the public interest is not threatened by the applicant's or employee's employment.
    2. Evidence of rehabilitation may include:
      1. The age at which the crime or act was committed;
      2. The circumstances surrounding the crime or act;
      3. The length of time since the crime or act;
      4. Subsequent work history;
      5. Employment references;
      6. Character references; and
      7. Other evidence demonstrating the rehabilitation of the applicant or employee.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1422, § 3; 2007, No. 827, § 183.