A.C.R.C. Notes. As to Commission for Arkansas' Future, see Acts 1989, No. 810, as amended by Acts 1993, No. 488.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1999, No. 1140, §§ 1-4, authorizes the Arkansas Code Revision Commission to make certain name changes affecting the Department of Education, the State Baord of Education, the Department of Workforce Education, the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities, and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and for other purposes.

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1140, § 9: Apr. 6, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that the name changes contemplated by this act should be made and published at the earliest possible date in order to avoid confusion in the law among the members of the bar and the citizens of Arkansas. 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.”

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Cross References. Immunity from tort liability, § 16-120-101 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1222, § 21: Apr. 8, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly, that it is essential to the effective and efficient administration of the Child Care Licensing program that the responsibility for reviewing appeals be placed in the Child Care Appeal Review Panel under the Department of Human Services, as soon as possible and that this act is designed to accomplish this purpose and should be given effect 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 of 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.”

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Due to the enactment of subchapters 2 and 3 by Acts 1999, Nos. 1276 and 1414, the existing provisions of this chapter have been designated as subchapter 1.

Cross References. Immunity from tort liability, § 16-120-101 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1961, No. 487, § 4: Jan. 1, 1962.

Acts 1987, No. 895, § 3: Apr. 13, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that such access is needed by State agencies to properly and efficiently perform their duties and to access and limit the potential liability of the State of Arkansas. 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 (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 1997, No. 181, § 5: February 17, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law requiring annual mission statements and activity statements by state boards and commissions does not specify the timeframe within which such reports must be filed; this act so provides; and that until this act becomes effective, confusion will exist as to when those filings are required. 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. 1428, § 33: 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 2001, No. 221, § 7: Feb. 13, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-third General Assembly that the current incremental line-item system of budgeting is ineffective in evaluating agency performance; that to implement a replacement system in a reasonable time is a difficult task and that to delay the implementation could cause the inability to meet critical deadlines. 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. 1786, § 5: Apr. 19, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the Eighty-third General Assembly that immediate clarification is needed with regard to the authority to administer funds provided to the State of Arkansas under the federal Victims of Crime Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act; and that this act, in order to comply with federal law, removes state legislative restrictions on the administration of such funds where the federal government has previously enacted legislation or regulations governing the authority to administer these funds. 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 2009, No. 1405, § 57: Apr. 9, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of the State of Arkansas overwhelmingly approved the establishment of lotteries at the 2008 General Election; that the Eighty-seventh General Assembly adopted Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 that implemented lotteries and made corresponding revisions to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that this bill amends provisions of Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 pertaining to lotteries and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; and that the failure to immediately implement this act will cause a reduction in lottery proceeds that will harm the educational and economic success of potential students eligible to receive scholarships under 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 2015, No. 218, § 34: Feb. 26, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the stability of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is critical to the success of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that changes to the operational structure of the lottery are needed to improve the creditability and function of the lottery; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure that the transition of lottery administration is as undisruptive 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”.

25-1-101. Emergency relocation of seat of government.

    1. Whenever due to an emergency resulting from the effects of enemy attack or the anticipated effects of a threatened enemy attack, it becomes imprudent, inexpedient, or impossible to conduct the affairs of state government at the normal location of the seat thereof in the City of Little Rock, the Governor, as often as the exigencies of the situation require, shall by proclamation declare an emergency temporary location for the seat of government at a place within or without this state which he or she may deem advisable under the circumstances. The Governor shall take any action and issue any orders which may be necessary for an orderly transition of the affairs of state government to the emergency temporary location.
    2. The emergency temporary location shall remain as the seat of government until the General Assembly shall by law establish a new location or until the emergency is declared to be ended by the Governor and the seat of government is returned to its normal location.
  1. During such time as the seat of government remains at the emergency temporary location, all official acts required by law to be performed at the seat of government by any officer, agency, department, or authority of this state, including the convening and meeting of the General Assembly in regular, extraordinary, or emergency session, shall be as valid and binding when performed at the emergency temporary location as if performed at the normal location of the seat of government.
  2. The provisions of this section shall control and be supreme in the event it shall be employed, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary or in conflict herewith.

History. Acts 1961, No. 487, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-112 — 5-114.

Cross References. Emergency seat of local government, § 14-14-308.

25-1-102. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning state agency smoking policies, was repealed by Acts 2013, No. 1276, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1987, No. 462, §§ 1, 2.

25-1-103. Records related to third-party liability for services provided by state.

Records prepared by or in the possession of entities having potential liability for payment for services provided by or paid for in whole or part by an agency of the State of Arkansas shall be made available for inspection, review, audit, and other purposes of representatives of the State of Arkansas and its designee. This section applies to, but is not limited to, records of private health insurance carriers.

History. Acts 1987, No. 895, § 1.

25-1-104. Access of Department of Finance and Administration to agency records.

The Revenue Division, the Division of Workforce Services, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and any other state agency, board, commission, department, institution, college, university, or authority shall make data, information, statistics, or other records of information available to the Department of Finance and Administration. Provided, however, that such information and records shall not identify persons, people, conglomerates, corporations, monopolies, or others that would from any published data or data within the possession of the office of the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration reveal the identity or any information or data of that particular identity that would be in conflict with federal laws.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 247, § 20; 1997, No. 540, § 47; 2019, No. 910, § 3563.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former § 25-1-104, concerning access of Department of Finance and Administration to agency records, is deemed to be superseded by this section. The former section was derived from Acts 1987, No. 1051, § 22.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Workforce Services” for “Department of Workforce Services” near the beginning of the first sentence and substituted “Secretary” for “Director” in the last sentence.

25-1-105. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning annual reports, was repealed in its entirety by Acts 2001, No. 221, § 6. The section was derived from Acts 1995, No. 1123, § 1; 1997, No. 181, § 1; 1999, No. 1164, § 182; 1999, No. 1222, § 16; 1999, No. 1323, §§ 50-52; 2001, No. 1800, § 18.

This section's repeal by Acts 2001, No. 221, § 6, was deemed by the Arkansas Code Revision Commission to supersede the amendments of this section by Acts 2001, No. 537, § 3; 2001, No. 783, § 6; 2001, No. 1185, § 4; and 2001, No. 1800, § 18. See §§ 1-2-207 and 1-2-303.

25-1-106. Evaluation of necessity of various commissions and boards.

  1. Any part-time state board or commission that has not convened a meeting or has convened without a quorum for two (2) consecutive, regularly scheduled meeting dates within a two-year period shall vote to elect a new chair and vice chair.
    1. If a part-time state board or commission has not convened a regularly scheduled meeting or has convened without a quorum for four (4) consecutive, regularly scheduled meeting dates within a two-year period, the Joint Performance Review Committee shall reevaluate the purpose, need, and effectiveness of the board or commission.
    2. The Joint Performance Review Committee shall report its findings and any recommendations concerning the existence of the board or commission to the Legislative Council no later than December 1 of each even-numbered year and shall draft legislation to implement the recommendations.
  2. No later than August 1 of each even-numbered year, each part-time board and commission shall provide the Joint Performance Review Committee with a list of the regularly scheduled meeting dates for the board or commission for the previous two (2) fiscal years, including the attendance record of each member and the number of meetings that were convened.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1205, § 1; 1999, No. 1308, § 1; 2003, No. 1335, § 1.

25-1-107. Guidelines for advisory bodies.

  1. Where advisory bodies are specified by state or federal legislation or guidelines to act in conjunction with the entity or organization designated to administer funds of the Victims of Crime Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 10601 — 10605, the STOP Violence Against Women Act, 42 U.S.C. § 13701, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, 42 U.S.C. § 10401 et seq., the duties and protocol of those advisory bodies, as well as responsibilities of the state administrative agency, shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
    1. After providing the opportunity for review and advice by the advisory bodies, the state administrative agency shall:
      1. Establish a proposal activity calendar one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the start of the upcoming funding cycle;
        1. Establish procedures and dates for review of subgrant funding applications for each funding cycle.
        2. The state administrative agency shall provide copies of subgrant applications submitted for review to the chairperson of each relevant advisory body;
      2. Establish, consistent with federal law, subgrant application forms;
      3. Establish deadlines for receiving subgrant applications;
      4. Establish dates of subgrant application technical assistance training sessions;
      5. Establish subgrant applicant appeal process procedures; and
      6. Develop a statewide victim service needs assessment and strategic plan for Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds pursuant to applicable federal program guidelines; and
    2. The state administrative agency shall meet with the relevant advisory bodies no later than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of mailing of application forms for the purpose of providing an opportunity for review of the content of the application forms. The state administrative agency shall provide drafts of all necessary subgrant application forms to the chairperson of the relevant advisory boards prior to such a meeting.
  2. The state administrative agency shall make available to members of the advisory bodies, upon request, copies of current federal and state law and guidelines concerning the relevant Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act programs, including any formal interpretations of such law and guidelines by the state administrative agency.
  3. Any copies of forms, laws, guidelines, or interpretations required to be furnished by the state administrative agency must be made available on computer diskette or other requested electronic media if the requested item is feasibly able to be produced in the requested manner.
  4. The state administrative agency shall provide quarterly reports concerning subgrantee and administrative financial activity to the Governor and to the chairperson of each advisory body within ten (10) working days of the completion of the reports.
  5. Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the start of a subgrant funding cycle, the state administrative agency shall meet with focus groups made up of those programs that or individuals who applied for funds through the Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, or Family Violence Prevention and Services Act grant programs in the most recent funding cycle. These meetings are for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and responsiveness of the application, application review, and funding recommendation process in order to maintain the integrity of those processes. The state administrative agency shall provide reports of these meetings to the Governor and to the chairperson of each advisory body within ten (10) working days of the completion of the meetings.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1428, § 27; 2001, No. 1786, § 4.

25-1-108. Report.

  1. For purposes of this section, “state agency” means every department, division, office, board, commission, and institution of this state, excluding state-supported institutions of higher education.
  2. Every state agency that receives grants in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) from any source shall report to the Legislative Council within forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt of a grant.
  3. The report shall include:
    1. The amount of the grant;
    2. The purpose of the grant;
    3. The source of the grant;
    4. Conditions of the grant; and
    5. Any other information requested by the Legislative Council.
  4. All state-supported institutions of higher education shall continue to report grants to the Department of Finance and Administration quarterly on forms prescribed by the department, and the department shall upon receipt thereof file the reports with the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 2001, No. 319, § 1.

25-1-109. Televised public service announcements.

All state agencies that make televised public service announcements shall ensure that those announcements are either closed-captioned or open-captioned.

History. Acts 2001, No. 813, § 1.

25-1-110. Cost-effectiveness of state-owned vehicles.

  1. Each agency shall ensure that the purchase and continued ownership of state-owned vehicles is cost effective for the agency.
    1. Each agency shall determine if the purchase or continued ownership of a vehicle is cost effective based upon a comparison between state vehicle ownership and private car mileage reimbursement break-even points, as established pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration.
    2. The comparison shall be based upon the previous year's use of the state-owned vehicle.
  2. On June 1 of every year, each agency shall provide the department a report including:
    1. The number of agency vehicles;
    2. The mileage used on the agency vehicles;
    3. Any private car mileage reimbursements; and
    4. Justification for retention of all vehicles identified as under-utilized.
  3. By September 1 of each year, the department shall provide each agency and the Legislative Council with recommendations concerning the continued ownership of state-owned vehicles by each agency.
  4. The provisions of this section do not apply to institutions of higher education and vocational technical institutes.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1711, § 1; 2009, No. 1405, § 49; 2015, No. 218, § 26; 2019, No. 315, § 2905.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “the Arkansas Lottery Commission” in (e) and made a related change.

The 2015 amendment deleted “the Arkansas Lottery Commission” in (e).

The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (b)(1).

25-1-111. Designation — Grant Advisory Board — Definition.

  1. The Governor shall have the authority to designate the state agency responsible for the administration and disbursement of funds received by the State of Arkansas under the Victims of Crime Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 10601 — 10605, the STOP Violence Against Women Act, 42 U.S.C. § 13701, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, 42 U.S.C. § 10401 et seq., in the manner authorized by federal law.
  2. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall not disburse Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, or Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds without providing an opportunity for subgrantee qualification selection assistance and programmatic support by the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission and the Grant Advisory Board.
    1. The Grant Advisory Board is established under this section to assist potential beneficiaries of Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, or Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds by:
        1. Providing review and advice concerning grant processes and grant funding.
        2. If a member of the Grant Advisory Board has a financial interest in an organization seeking grant funding under subdivision (c)(1)(A)(i) of this section, the member may participate in discussion regarding the award of the grant, but the member shall not vote on the matter;
      1. Hearing grievances from the beneficiaries of those funds; and
      2. After Grant Advisory Board review, requiring the state agency to provide timely notification to the Grant Advisory Board of any revisions to existing rules and any proposed rules to be promulgated, within federal guidelines, by the state agency designated by the Governor under this section, concerning Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, or Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds, and any applicable policies and procedures.
    2. The Grant Advisory Board shall consist of:
      1. Two (2) representatives selected by the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault;
      2. Two (2) representatives selected by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence;
      3. Two (2) representatives selected by the Arkansas State CASA Association;
      4. Two (2) representatives selected by the Prosecution Coordination Commission;
      5. One (1) representative selected by the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board for Law Enforcement Management Training and Education; and
      6. One (1) representative each from any other advisory body determined to be necessary by the state administrative agency, including without limitation, the elderly, non-English-speaking residents, disabled persons, members of racial or ethnic minorities, and residents of rural or remote areas.
  3. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall not disburse Victims of Crime Act funds without providing an opportunity for review of and advice concerning grant processes and grant funding by the Grant Advisory Board.
    1. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall not disburse funds under the law enforcement, prosecution, and judiciary percentages of the STOP Violence Against Women Act, without providing an opportunity for review of and advice concerning grant processes and grant funding by the Grant Advisory Board.
    2. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall not disburse funds under the victims services and discretionary percentages of the STOP Violence Against Women Act without providing an opportunity for review of and advice concerning grant processes and grant funding by the Grant Advisory Board.
  4. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall not disburse Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds without providing an opportunity for review of and advice concerning grant processes and grant funding by the Grant Advisory Board.
  5. The state agency designated by the Governor under this section shall, after the review and recommendations of the Grant Advisory Board, promulgate rules consistent with federal law setting forth the policies and procedures for the administration and disbursement of Victims of Crime Act, STOP Violence Against Women Act, and Family Violence Prevention and Services Act funds, including policies and procedures for the participation and assistance of advisory bodies established to assist potential beneficiaries of those funds.
    1. As used in this section, “review” means an analysis, evaluation, assessment, appraisal, inquiry, inspection, or a study.
    2. “Review” does not mean the authority utilized by the General Assembly in its analysis of proposed rules or appropriations.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1786, § 1; 2017, No. 777, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “the Grant Advisory Board” for “and other advisory bodies established to assist potential beneficiaries of those funds” at the end of (b); inserted (c) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; rewrote (d) through (f); in (g), inserted “after the review and recommendations of the Grant Advisory Board” and deleted “and regulations” following “rules”; and added (h).

U.S. Code. 42 U.S.C. §§ 10601—10605, referred to in subsection (a) of this section, are now codified as 34 U.S.C. § 20101 et seq.

The STOP Violence Against Women Act, referred to in this section, may refer to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, which was passed as title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-322, and is codified in various sections of the U.S. Code. Concerning grants related to violent crimes against women, see 34 U.S.C. § 10441 et seq., 34 U.S.C. § 12291 et seq.

25-1-112. Sexual offenses screened in criminal background checks.

Whenever a criminal background check is performed on a person under the provisions of any criminal background check requirement contained in this Code for employment, licensure, or any other purpose, the person may be disqualified for employment, licensure, or any other purpose for which the background check was conducted if it is determined that the person committed a violation of any sexual offense formerly proscribed under §§ 5-14-1015-14-103, 5-14-1045-14-109 [repealed], 5-14-1105-14-112, 5-14-1135-14-119 [reserved], 5-14-1205-14-121 [repealed], and 5-14-1225-14-127, that is substantially equivalent to any sexual offense presently listed in §§ 5-14-1015-14-103, 5-14-1045-14-109 [repealed], 5-14-1105-14-112, 5-14-1135-14-119 [reserved], 5-14-1205-14-121 [repealed], and 5-14-1225-14-127, and is an offense screened for in a criminal background check.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1393, § 1.

25-1-113. Processing of requests for payments submitted to state agencies.

  1. As used in this section, “state agency” means any department, agency, board, commission, office, or other authority of the state.
  2. A state agency that receives a properly prepared request for payment from a city or county owed payment for services or goods purchased by the state agency has twenty (20) working days to process the payment request, excluding time required for transmittal from one (1) person to another, if:
    1. The request for payment conforms with the provisions of the contract award and the laws of the State of Arkansas; and
    2. Funds are available.
  3. If a state agency contests the payment, then within the time specified for processing payment it shall notify the city or county that submitted the request:
    1. That the payment has been contested; and
    2. The reasons for the request's being contested.
  4. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall establish procedures for monitoring payments to cities and counties by state agencies.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1710, § 1.

25-1-114. Incorporation of machine-readable privacy policies into websites.

  1. Each unit of state and local government and each state agency that operates or maintains a website shall incorporate a machine-readable privacy policy into each of its websites no later than July 1, 2004.
  2. The privacy policy statement shall be published on the state's website, local government's website, or state agency's website and for each statement shall include:
    1. A description of the data the unit of government or agency collects on its website and how the data will be used by the unit of government or agency;
    2. The type of data and the purposes for which data are shared with other entities;
    3. Whether the unit of government's or agency's data collecting and sharing practices are mandatory or allow a browser to opt in or opt out of those practices;
    4. An explanation that certain information collected by the governmental unit or agency is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.;
    5. A link to or instructions for locating the website's policy reference file, which shall identify the uniform resource locator for the website's policy statements and shall indicate those portions of the website and the website's “cookies” that are covered by each statement; and
    6. A link to the website's human-readable privacy policy.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1713, § 1.

25-1-115. Contact information on state agency documents.

  1. The purpose of this section is to require each state agency to include a telephone number for inquiries or comments and, to the extent practicable, the name of a contact person on any communication, form, notice, announcement, publication, or other similar document from the state agency.
  2. This section shall not apply to communications, forms, notices, announcements, publications, or other similar documents in existence on August 12, 2005, but shall apply to such documents as they are created, revised, and reordered after August 12, 2005.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2263, § 1.

25-1-116. State agency personal computer policy.

  1. As used in this section, “state agency” means any department, agency, board, commission, office, or other authority of the state.
  2. The chief administrative officer of each state agency shall promulgate a policy that prohibits the integration of hardware, software, or peripherals owned by an authorized user with a state agency's network or workstation without the approval of the state agency's chief administrative officer or his or her designee.

History. Acts 2007, No. 339, § 1.

25-1-117. Demographic data report.

  1. A state agency, board, or commission that licenses or otherwise regulates a health profession shall procure demographic data regarding the health care workforce in this state, including without limitation:
    1. The Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine;
    2. The Arkansas Psychology Board;
    3. The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board;
    4. The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners;
    5. The Arkansas State Medical Board;
    6. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy;
    7. The Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; and
    8. The State Board of Optometry.
  2. Each state agency, board, or commission required to procure data under this section shall procure accurate and efficient collection of data, demographic, and other information by defining the following categories on licensure applications, including without limitation:
    1. Age;
    2. City and county of residence;
    3. Educational institution of professional education and training;
    4. Ethnicity;
    5. Gender;
    6. Place of birth; and
    7. Race.
  3. Each state agency, board, or commission required to procure data under this section shall report the data on or before August 31 each year to:
    1. The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement;
    2. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission; and
    3. The Department of Health.
  4. If collected via licensure applications or through other means, each state agency, board, or commission listed in subsection (a) of this section shall report the following information in accordance with subsection (c) of this section:
    1. Licensee name;
    2. Licensure number;
    3. Licensure status;
    4. Original date of full licensure in Arkansas;
    5. National Provider Identifier;
    6. Location of practice, including zip code, city, and county of practice; and
    7. Any specialty designation and board certifications.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1489, § 1; 2017, No. 970, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (d).

25-1-118. Electronic filing of reports.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Entity of the state” means:
      1. A state agency;
      2. The Governor;
      3. The Lieutenant Governor;
      4. The Attorney General;
      5. The Secretary of State;
      6. The Auditor of State;
      7. The Treasurer of State;
      8. The Commissioner of State Lands;
      9. The General Assembly; and
      10. A committee or subcommittee of the General Assembly, including without limitation the Legislative Council; and
    2. “State agency” means every department, division, office, board, commission, and institution of this state, including state-supported institutions of higher education.
  2. A state agency required by Arkansas law to file a report, including without limitation a written report, with an entity of the state shall:
    1. File the report in electronic form; and
      1. Post the report on its Internet website, if applicable.
      2. This subdivision shall not apply if information within the report is protected from public disclosure by state or federal law.

History. Acts 2011, No. 742, § 1.

25-1-119. Services and studies concerning mortality disparities — Definition.

    1. As used in this section, “Arkansas red counties” means those counties in which Arkansans who were born and are living have a life expectancy rate six (6) to ten (10) times less than the life expectancy of Arkansans who were born and are living in the county with the highest life expectancy.
    2. “Arkansas red counties” includes on July 27, 2011:
      1. Arkansas;
      2. Chicot;
      3. Crittenden;
      4. Cross;
      5. Dallas;
      6. Desha;
      7. Fulton;
      8. Jackson;
      9. Jefferson;
      10. Mississippi;
      11. Monroe;
      12. Ouachita;
      13. Perry;
      14. Phillips;
      15. Poinsett;
      16. St. Francis;
      17. Sevier;
      18. Union; and
      19. Woodruff.
  1. The General Assembly finds:
    1. It is unacceptable for Arkansans born and living in one part of the state to have a life expectancy rate six to ten (6-10) years less than Arkansans born and living in another part of the state;
    2. Complex factors operating at the levels of individuals, interpersonal networks, organizations, or communities influence disparities in health and healthcare; and
    3. Health and healthcare disparities not only are unacceptable, but also have human, economic, social, and developmental costs that affect all residents of the nation and the State of Arkansas.
    1. Each state agency, board, and commission that receives state dollars or tobacco settlement funds intended to improve the quality of health in Arkansas is encouraged to provide its programs, services, and research in Arkansas red counties.
    2. Identified agencies, boards, and commissions whose scope of services encompasses the Arkansas red counties include without limitation, the:
      1. Arkansas Center for Health Improvement;
      2. Division of Environmental Quality;
      3. Department of Health;
      4. Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
      5. Area Agencies on Aging;
      6. Arkansas Biosciences Institute of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
      7. Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and
      8. Partners for Inclusive Communities of the University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
      1. The entities listed in subdivision (c)(2) of this section shall submit an annual report to the chair of the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, and the Governor to be delivered on or before October 1 of each year.
      2. The annual report required under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section shall include without limitation a section that:
        1. Describes services, programs, research, or any combination of services, programs, and research provided in the Arkansas red counties during the previous fiscal years;
        2. Accounts for expenditures, services, programs, research, or any combination of services, programs, and research provided in the Arkansas red counties during the previous fiscal year; and
        3. Provides recommendations toward improving health and healthcare in Arkansas red counties.
  2. The following entities shall work together to identify the red counties most in need of help with mortality disparities and shall make that data available to the public:
    1. The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement;
    2. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission;
    3. The Division of Environmental Quality;
    4. The Department of Health; and
    5. Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

History. Acts 2011, No. 790, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3245, 3246.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Environmental Quality” for “Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality” in (c)(2)(B) and (d)(3).

25-1-120. Comprehensive cross-sector collaboration — Definition.

    1. As used in this section, “Arkansas red counties” means those counties in which Arkansans were born and are living have a life expectancy rate six to ten (6-10) years less than the life expectancy of Arkansans who were born and are living in the county with the highest life expectancy.
    2. “Arkansas red counties” includes on July 27, 2011:
      1. Arkansas;
      2. Chicot;
      3. Crittenden;
      4. Cross;
      5. Dallas;
      6. Desha;
      7. Fulton;
      8. Jackson;
      9. Jefferson;
      10. Mississippi;
      11. Monroe;
      12. Ouachita;
      13. Perry;
      14. Phillips;
      15. Poinsett;
      16. St. Francis;
      17. Sevier;
      18. Union; and
      19. Woodruff.
  1. The General Assembly finds that:
    1. Health is affected by a wide variety of social factors, including without limitation:
      1. The circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work, and age;
      2. Systems for dealing with illness and access to those systems; and
      3. Other factors, such as poverty, substance abuse, working conditions, unemployment, social support, nutritious foods, transportation, and housing;
    2. Complex factors affecting health operate at the levels of individuals, interpersonal networks, organizations, or communities that influence disparities in health and healthcare; and
    3. Collaboration between agencies and organizations is cost effective, increases awareness, and ensures programs and services provided are comprehensive.
    1. Each state agency, board, and commission whose scope of services encompasses the Arkansas red counties to date are encouraged to work collaboratively in the Arkansas red counties to implement strategies that may include without limitation health screenings, education, awareness, outreach efforts, resource and service navigation, as well as other health and health care access-related initiatives toward achieving systems change.
    2. The following entities without limitation are encouraged to work together to plan, operate, and coordinate a comprehensive initiative to address the health and healthcare needs of the Arkansas red counties:
      1. The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement;
      2. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission;
      3. The Division of Environmental Quality;
      4. The Department of Health;
      5. Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
      6. Workforce Development Commission [repealed];
      7. Division of Higher Education;
      8. Arkansas Department of Transportation;
      9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Partners for Inclusive Communities;
      10. Arkansas Children's Hospital;
      11. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Area Health Education Centers;
      12. Public safety organizations;
      13. Arkansas Optometric Association, Inc.; and
      14. Area Agencies on Aging.
    1. The Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities is designated to:
      1. Organize, notify, and coordinate planning meetings of the entities encouraged under this section to work together to plan, operate, and coordinate a comprehensive initiative to address the health and healthcare needs of the Arkansas red counties;
      2. Coordinate agreed-upon initiatives in selected counties annually;
      3. Assist in development of a standardized annual report format that will be used to report on the cross-sector comprehensive collaborative initiatives and the outcomes of those initiatives; and
      4. Compile an annual report of comprehensive collaborative initiatives using the standardized format created under this subsection and submit the report to the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor no later than October 1 of each year.
    2. The first planning meeting under this subsection shall be held no later than October 1, 2011.
    3. The first report under this subsection shall be submitted by October 1, 2012.

History. Acts 2011, No. 798, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 285; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3247, 3248.

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

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Environmental Quality” for “Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality” in (c)(2)(C); and substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (c)(2)(G).

25-1-121. Naming of public buildings, structures, airports, or facilities — Definition.

  1. As used in this section, “public funds” means any funds, moneys, receivables, grants, investments, instruments, real or personal property, or other assets, liabilities, equities, revenues, receipts, or disbursements belonging to, held by, or passed through an entity of the state or a political subdivision of the state.
  2. A building, structure, or facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds shall not be named for an individual living at the time of completion of the building, structure, or facility who, in the ten (10) years preceding the construction of the public building, structure, or facility:
    1. Was elected by qualified electors to a federal, state, county, or municipal office or held a federal, state, county, or municipal office; and
    2. Received a salary for his or her service in the federal, state, county, or municipal office.
  3. A municipal airport paid for in whole or in part with public funds shall not be named for an individual living at the time the municipal airport is named, if the individual:
    1. Was elected by qualified electors to a federal, state, county, or municipal office or held a federal, state, county, or municipal office; and
    2. Received a salary for his or her service in the federal, state, county, or municipal office.
  4. This section shall not apply to:
    1. A building, structure, airport, or facility that concerns an individual living at the time of completion of the building, structure, or facility and has historical significance, including without limitation that individual's birthplace;
    2. The naming of a building, structure, airport, or facility after an individual:
      1. Who is or has been a prisoner of war; or
      2. Who is:
        1. At least seventy-five (75) years of age; and
        2. Retired; or
    3. A building, structure, airport, or facility for which at least fifty percent (50%) of the funds used to pay for the building, structure, airport, or facility are private funds.
  5. This section shall not be construed to prevent an entity receiving public funds from placing an individual's name upon a commemorative object, including without limitation a brick, used in a building, structure, airport, or facility, in exchange for a donation to the entity.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1225, § 2; 2017, No. 983, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 1225, § 1, provided: “Legislative intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds:

“(1) The integrity of elections in this state is of the utmost importance; and

“(2) The General Assembly should pursue legislative measures that prevent incumbent candidates from having special or unfair advantages in subsequent political contests.

“(b) The intent of this section is to regulate the naming of public buildings, structures, or facilities after certain individuals to prevent unfair advantages for incumbent candidates in future political contests.”

Amendments. The 2017 amendment inserted “airports” in the section heading; inserted (c) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; and inserted “airport” throughout (d) and (e).

25-1-122. Alternative or secondary address for state communications through the mail — Law enforcement officers.

  1. A person who is employed primarily as a law enforcement officer may elect to use an alternative or secondary address, such as a post office box, to receive all of his or her communications sent by a state agency through the mail.
  2. The secondary or alternative address must be in the same county and, where practicable, same voting precinct as the law enforcement officer's primary place of residence.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1514, § 1.

25-1-123. Criminal background checks for public employees controlling public funds — Definition.

  1. As used in this section, “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 the 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.
    1. A public employer shall obtain a state criminal background check to be conducted by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police before finalizing the hiring of an applicant for an employment position with supervisory fiduciary responsibility over all fiscal matters.
    2. The applicant shall sign a release of information to the public employer.
    3. The public employer may:
      1. Choose to be responsible for the payment of any fee associated with the state criminal background check; or
      2. Provide that the applicant is responsible for the payment of any fee associated with the criminal background check.
    4. Upon completion of the criminal background check, the bureau shall forward to the public employer all releasable information obtained concerning the applicant.

History. Acts 2015, No. 1103, § 5.

25-1-124. Reporting by public employee — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Public employee” means a person who performs a full or part-time service for wages, salary, or other remuneration for a public employer; and
    2. “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 the 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.
    1. A public employee with supervisory fiduciary responsibility over all fiscal matters of a public employer shall report to Arkansas Legislative Audit a loss of public funds that amounts to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in one (1) calendar year, including without limitation:
      1. Apparent unauthorized disbursements of public funds; or
      2. The apparent theft or misappropriation of public funds or property.
    2. A report under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be made within five (5) business days of the date the public employee learns of the loss of public funds.
  2. A public employee with supervisory fiduciary responsibility over all fiscal matters who purposely fails to comply with subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

History. Acts 2015, No. 1103, § 5; 2017, No. 498, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “to Arkansas Legislative Audit a loss of public funds that amounts to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in one (1) calendar year” for “a loss of public funds to Arkansas Legislative Audit” in (b)(1).

Subchapter 2 — Paper Reduction

Effective Dates. Acts 2009, No. 1405, § 57: Apr. 9, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of the State of Arkansas overwhelmingly approved the establishment of lotteries at the 2008 General Election; that the Eighty-seventh General Assembly adopted Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 that implemented lotteries and made corresponding revisions to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that this bill amends provisions of Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 pertaining to lotteries and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; and that the failure to immediately implement this act will cause a reduction in lottery proceeds that will harm the educational and economic success of potential students eligible to receive scholarships under 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”.

25-1-201. Legislative intent.

  1. It is the intent of the General Assembly to:
    1. Prohibit the excessive reproduction of state agency reports that are being written, printed, and distributed at significant public expense; and
    2. Provide for Internet publication as the primary means of publishing state agency reports.
  2. It is not the intent of the General Assembly to reduce the free flow of information between state government and the public. Rather, the intent is to reduce the use of state government publications for other than required informational purposes and to effect a reduction in the escalating public expense of writing, printing, and distributing state agency reports.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 1; 2013, No. 501, § 4.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote (a); and deleted “unsolicited” preceding “state agency reports” in (b).

25-1-202. Distribution of reports to the General Assembly.

  1. Reports by state agencies that are required to be submitted to the General Assembly shall be submitted only to:
    1. The Speaker of the House of Representatives;
    2. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
    3. The member of the General Assembly who was the lead sponsor of the legislation authorizing the preparation of the report; and
    4. The Director of the Bureau of Legislative Research.
  2. A report required to be submitted to the General Assembly shall be filed in electronic form.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 2; 2013, No. 501, § 5.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added the (a) designation and made stylistic changes; and added (b).

25-1-203. Distribution of other publications.

  1. A state agency shall not distribute a state publication except as provided in this section.
    1. A state agency shall place a state publication on its website.
    2. The Division of Information Systems shall assist those state agencies requesting assistance in placing publications on the state agency's website.
  2. Upon request, a state agency shall provide an unbound, black-and-white copy of a state publication to a person.
    1. A state agency shall compile a mailing list of persons requesting publications distributed by the state agency.
      1. Before distributing a state publication, the state agency shall send by mail a card to each person on the mailing list requesting the person to return the card to the state agency if the person wishes to receive an unbound, black-and-white copy of the publication.
      2. The card shall include the address of the website on which the publication is located.
      3. Upon return receipt of a card, the state agency shall then send a copy of the publication to the person.
  3. This section does not apply to the following publications:
    1. Public information pamphlets;
    2. Promotional brochures;
    3. Copies of legislative bills;
    4. Copies of statutes, laws, and rules;
    5. Information disseminated to the press or requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.;
    6. Publications that are applications, instructions, or guidelines for complying with state or federal law, regulation, or policy;
    7. Publications of the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas;
    8. Information, forms, and notices necessary to comply with state tax laws, driver's licensing laws, and motor vehicle registration and titling laws;
    9. Financial reports required by a:
      1. Governing board if the rules, procedures, or bylaws of the governing board as of January 1, 2013, required a printed financial report;
      2. Bond rating agency;
      3. Bond trustee; or
      4. Financial institution; and
    10. The Arkansas Highways magazine published by the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
  4. A state agency may distribute upon request an abstract that contains a description of reports submitted to the General Assembly and of any other information that is available.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (g)(3) of this section, on or before October 1 of each even-numbered year a state agency shall submit an electronic report to the Department of Finance and Administration containing the:
      1. Number of unbound, black-and-white publications the state agency distributed under this section in the past two (2) years; and
      2. The cost of producing the unbound, black-and-white publications distributed under this section in the past two (2) years.
      1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall provide a report containing the information reported by state agencies under subdivision (g)(1) of this section by November 1 of each even-numbered year.
      2. The report shall identify the number of publications distributed and the cost of producing the publications for each individual state agency reporting under subdivision (g)(1) of this section.
    2. Subdivision (g)(1) of this section does not apply to the General Assembly or the divisions, commissions, and bureaus operating under the authority of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 3; 2013, No. 501, § 6; 2017, No. 707, § 286; 2019, No. 315, § 2906; 2019, No. 910, § 6254.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (e)(10).

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (e)(4).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (b)(2).

25-1-204. Publications to be included in agency budget.

Each state agency shall include in its budget request a list of state publications that are required by statutory law and shall state in writing the reasons for the continued publication or distribution of its publications.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 4; 2013, No. 501, § 7.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Each” for “Beginning with the 1999-2000 fiscal year, each.”

25-1-205. Copies to be filed with Legislative Council.

  1. A state agency which publishes or distributes a state publication shall file an electronic copy of a publication with the Legislative Council if the state agency has published or distributed more than one thousand (1,000) copies of the publication in the preceding calendar year.
  2. This section shall not apply to:
    1. Copies of legislative bills;
    2. Copies of statutes, laws, and rules;
    3. Information disseminated solely to the press;
    4. Publications that are applications, instructions, or guidelines for complying with any state or federal law, rule, regulation, or policy;
    5. Promotional brochures and educational materials published by the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
    6. Publications of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service; and
    7. Marketing and promotional information published by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 5; 2013, No. 501, § 8; 2019, No. 315, §§ 2907, 2908; 2019, No. 910, § 5701.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added the (a) designation; in (a), substituted “A” for “Any”, substituted “an electronic copy of a publication” for “a copy of the publication”; inserted the (b) designation; and substituted “Economic Development Commission” for “Department of Economic Development” in (b)(7).

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (b)(2); and inserted “rule” in (b)(4).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism” for “Department of Parks and Tourism” in (b)(5).

25-1-206. Definition of “state agency”.

As used in this subchapter, “state agency” means an agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, council, department, office, or officer of the state receiving an appropriation by the General Assembly, including without limitation a state-supported institution of higher education.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1276, § 6; 2009, No. 1405, § 50; 2013, No. 501, § 9.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2013 amendment rewrote the section.

Subchapter 3 — Members of Executive Branch Boards and Commissions

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1414, § 6: Apr. 13, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that the Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled that service by members of the General Assembly on executive branch boards and commissions which exercise the sovereign powers of this state is unconstitutional; that this act will avoid further litigation and cure uncertainty as to whether service on the several boards and commissions constitutes unconstitutional service; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to settle the issue without further litigation. 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. 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 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 153: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Building Authority, the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Department of Rural Services, and the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department are inefficiently structured; that this inefficient structuring causes an excessive and unnecessary cost to the taxpayers of the this state; and that this act is essential to alleviating that financial burden. 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.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 129: May 23, 2016. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the membership and duties of certain agencies, task forces, committees, and commissions and repeals other governmental entities; that these revisions and repeals of governmental entities impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the provisions of this act should become effective as soon as possible to allow for implementation of the new provisions in advance of the upcoming 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 2017, No. 776, § 2: Jan. 1, 2018.

25-1-301. Legislative intent.

In recognition of the Supreme Court's decision in State Bd. of Workforce Educ. and Career Opportunities v. King, 336 Ark. 409, 985 S.W.2d 731 (1999), it is the intent of this subchapter to replace all legislator members of executive branch boards and commissions with appointees who are not members of the Senate or House of Representatives.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1414, § 1.

25-1-302. Members of specified executive branch boards and commissions not to be members of the General Assembly.

  1. As soon as possible after April 13, 1999, the appointing authorities shall replace members of the General Assembly serving on executive branch boards and commissions identified below with persons who are not members of the General Assembly:
    1. Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council, § 20-64-1002;
    2. Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, § 16-7-102;
    3. Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission, § 22-3-502;
    4. Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission, § 20-82-201;
    5. Supervisory Board for the Arkansas Crime Information Center, § 12-12-202;
    6. Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, § 20-78-501;
    7. State Interagency Council, § 20-14-508;
    8. [Repealed.]
    9. Trauma Advisory Council, § 20-13-807;
    10. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, § 25-24-101;
    11. Mansion Advisory Council, § 22-3-806;
    12. Arkansas Minority Health Commission, § 20-2-102;
    13. Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, § 15-12-101;
    14. Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, § 15-20-304;
    15. Arkansas Pygmalion Commission on Nontraditional Education, uncodified Act 1288 of 1993, as amended [abolished];
    16. Arkansas Rural Development Commission, § 15-6-104;
    17. Public School Motor Vehicle Insurance Program Advisory Committee, § 6-21-711 [repealed];
    18. Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, § 15-3-105;
    19. Arkansas Sentencing Commission, § 16-90-802;
    20. [Repealed.]
    21. State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board, § 21-5-402;
    22. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Oversight Board, § 20-76-105 [repealed];
    23. Arkansas Public Transportation Coordination Council, § 27-3-103;
    24. [Repealed.]
    25. Workers' Compensation Commission, § 11-9-201; and
    26. Career Education and Workforce Development Board, § 25-30-101.
  2. Hereafter, and not withstanding any law to the contrary, no member of the General Assembly shall be appointed to any executive branch board or commission identified in subsection (a) of this section. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall make a determination concerning any other board or commission having legislative members. If the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives determine that legislative service on the board or commission would violate the Supreme Court's decision in State Bd. of Workforce Educ. and Career Opportunities v. King, 336 Ark. 409, 985 S.W.2d 731 (1999), they shall notify the appointing authority, who shall appoint a person who is not a member of the General Assembly as a replacement for the legislative member.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1414, § 2; 2001, No. 783, §§ 4, 5; 2003, No. 1473, § 63; 2007, No. 827, § 193; 2009, No. 1484, § 9; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 7, §§ 59, 114; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 8, §§ 59, 114; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 2, § 83; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 83; 2017, No. 776, § 4; 2017, No. 1006, § 3; 2019, No. 392, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 1, provided:

“Transfer of the Arkansas Building Authority to the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Building Authority is transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the Department of Finance and Administration shall be considered a principal department established by Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, are transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration, except as specified by this act.

“(c) All powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(d) The members of the Arkansas Building Authority Council, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the council except as specified in this act.

“(e) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement this act.”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 62, provided:

“Transfer of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority is transferred to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the commission is the principal department under Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) The statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, of the authority are transferred to the commission, except as specified in this act.

“(c) The prescribed powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing; promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards; and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudication of the authority are transferred to the executive director of the commission, except as specified in this act.

“(d) The members of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the board except as specified in this act.”

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.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted (a)(24) and redesignated the subsequent subdivisions accordingly.

The 2015 amendment by Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8 rewrote (a)(18); and deleted “Arkansas” preceding “Building Authority Council” in (a)(20).

The 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 2 and 3 repealed (a)(20).

The 2017 amendment by No. 776 repealed (a)(8).

The 2017 amendment by No. 1006 repealed (a)(24).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Attorney General” for “Attorney General's office” in the second sentence of (b).

Effective Dates. Acts 2017, No. 776, § 2: Jan. 1, 2018.

Subchapter 4 — Arkansas Financial Transparency Act

Effective Dates. Acts 2015, No. 218, § 34: Feb. 26, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the stability of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is critical to the success of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that changes to the operational structure of the lottery are needed to improve the creditability and function of the lottery; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure that the transition of lottery administration is as undisruptive 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.”

25-1-401. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Financial Transparency Act”.

History. Acts 2011, No. 303, § 1.

25-1-402. Legislative intent.

The General Assembly finds that:

  1. Information technology has evolved to allow unprecedented levels of accessibility to financial information;
  2. Information technology allowing access to expenditure information via the Internet now exists and is available to state government; and
  3. Access to expenditures on an ongoing and regular basis will:
    1. Assist citizens and members of the General Assembly in overseeing the operation of state government in Arkansas; and
    2. Allow for a higher degree of accountability and efficiency in the workings of all branches of state government.

History. Acts 2011, No. 303, § 1.

25-1-403. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Expenditure data” means information provided by a state agency regarding the spending of public funds that adequately identifies the purpose, amount, payor, and vendor, if such disclosure is permissible under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., and federal laws or regulations.
    2. “Expenditure data” does not include expenses of pending litigation.
    3. “Expenditure data” includes copies of contingency fee contracts under § 25-16-715;
    1. “State agency” means any agency, department, authority, board, commission, bureau, council, or other agency of the state excluding institutions of higher education.
    2. “State agency” includes without limitation.
      1. The offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Commissioner of State Lands;
      2. Legislative commissions, bureaus, and offices;
      3. Judicial offices;
      4. Constitutional offices, commissions and departments that receive a state appropriation for the expenditure of state funds, special revenues, or federal funds; and
      5. The Office of the Arkansas Lottery;
  1. “Vendor” means an entity that:
    1. Provides goods and services within its normal business operations;
    2. May provide similar goods and services to many different purchasers; and
    3. Operates in a competitive environment; and
  2. “Website” means a site on the internet:
    1. Identifiable by a specific uniform resource locator;
    2. Accessible to the public at no cost; and
    3. Requiring no information of the user.

History. Acts 2011, No. 303, § 1; 2015, No. 218, § 27; 2015, No. 851, § 3.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 851, § 1, provided: “Title. This act shall be known as the ‘Transparency in Private Attorney Contracts Act’.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment by No. 218 substituted “Office of the Arkansas Lottery” for “Arkansas Lottery Commission” in (2)(B)(v).

The 2015 amendment by No. 851 added (1)(C).

25-1-404. Duties of Department of Finance and Administration.

  1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall:
    1. Establish standards and criteria for each state agency to report financial expenditures;
    2. Develop and maintain a database of financial information as set forth in this subchapter; and
    3. Develop a website presenting expenditure data for each state agency that shall:
      1. Report expenditure data in a common format;
      2. Include expenditures of state government, whether held in the State Treasury or commercial bank accounts;
      3. Allow searches of financial data in common format; and
        1. Be updated on a regular basis to present expenditure data for the current fiscal year and prior year's annual expenditures, starting with the 2013 fiscal year.
        2. The website shall retain expenditure data for each state fiscal year, starting with the 2013 fiscal year, until ten (10) such years are available, after which the website shall retain at least ten (10) years of expenditure data.
  2. Revenue shall be reported at the state agency level by:
    1. The source of funding, including without limitation donations and gifts;
    2. General ledger codes as defined by rule of the department; and
    3. Year to date.
  3. A state agency shall report information on expenditures by:
    1. Budget classification;
    2. General ledger code as defined by rule of the department;
    3. Year to date; and
    4. Vendor.
  4. A state agency shall report information on compensation of state employees by:
    1. Agency;
    2. Employee name;
    3. Title;
    4. Position number; and
    5. Annual salary.
  5. A state agency shall report information on bonded indebtedness by the:
    1. Original obligation amount or principal;
    2. Original interest rate;
    3. Statutory authority for the debt;
    4. Issuance date and description, including without limitation whether the current issuance is an original issue or a reissue of indebtedness;
    5. Term of the obligation;
    6. Source of funding for repayment; and
    7. Remaining principal.
  6. Information regarding payments to city and county governments shall be provided in a manner prescribed by rule of the department.
  7. A state agency shall report information on contracts by the:
    1. Date of contract;
    2. Vendor;
    3. Estimated total contract value; and
    4. Type of contract, whether professional services, commodities, capital outlay, or other type of contract.
  8. The department may promulgate rules to implement this section, including without limitation rules concerning the reporting of additional information under this section.

History. Acts 2011, No. 303, § 1.

25-1-405. Cooperation by state agencies with Department of Finance and Administration — Report.

  1. Each state agency shall:
    1. Cooperate with the Department of Finance and Administration in meeting the requirements of this subchapter; and
    2. Take actions necessary to provide information under this subchapter.
    1. The department shall report annually to the Legislative Council the name of each state agency failing to provide information under this subchapter.
    2. A copy of the report under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be posted on the website required by this subchapter immediately after presentation to the Legislative Council.
  2. The Office of the Arkansas Lottery shall pay the costs of providing expenditure information for the office in the common format determined by the department.

History. Acts 2011, No. 303, § 1; 2015, No. 218, § 28.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment, in (c), substituted “Office of the Arkansas Lottery” for “Arkansas Lottery Commission” and “office” for “commission.”

Subchapter 5 — Prohibited Contracts and Investments

25-1-501. Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds that:

  1. Boycotts and related tactics have become tools of economic warfare that threaten the sovereignty and security of key allies and trade partners of the United States;
  2. The State of Israel is the most prominent target of such boycott activity, which began with but has not been limited to the Arab League boycott adopted in 1945, even before Israel's declaration of independence as the reestablished national state of the Jewish people;
  3. Companies that refuse to deal with United States trade partners such as Israel, or entities that do business with or in such countries, make discriminatory decisions on the basis of national origin that impair those companies' commercial soundness;
  4. It is the public policy of the United States, as enshrined in several federal acts, to oppose boycotts against Israel, and the United States Congress has concluded as a matter of national trade policy that cooperation with Israel materially benefits United States companies and improves American competitiveness;
  5. Israel in particular is known for its dynamic and innovative approach in many business sectors, and therefore a company's decision to discriminate against Israel, Israeli entities, or entities that do business with or in Israel, is an unsound business practice, making the company an unduly risky contracting partner or vehicle for investment; and
  6. Arkansas seeks to act to implement the United States Congress's announced policy of “examining a company's promotion or compliance with unsanctioned boycotts, divestment from, or sanctions against Israel as part of its consideration in awarding grants and contracts and supports the divestment of state assets from companies that support or promote actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel”.

History. Acts 2017, No. 710, § 1.

25-1-502. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

      1. “Boycott Israel” and “boycott of Israel” means engaging in refusals to deal, terminating business activities, or other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories, in a discriminatory manner.
      2. “Boycott” does not include those boycotts to which 50 U.S.C. § 4607(c) applies.
    1. A company's statement that it is participating in boycotts of Israel, or that it has taken the boycott action at the request, in compliance with, or in furtherance of calls for a boycott of Israel, can be considered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority as a type of evidence, among others, that a company is participating in a boycott of Israel;
  1. “Company” means a sole proprietorship, organization, association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or other entity or business association, including all wholly owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries, parent companies, or affiliates of those entities or business associations;
  2. “Direct holdings” in reference to a company means all publicly traded securities of that company that are held directly by the public entity in an actively managed account or fund in which the public entity owns all shares or interests;
  3. “Indirect holdings” in reference to a company means all securities of that company that are held in an account or fund, such as a mutual fund, managed by one (1) or more persons not employed by the public entity, in which the public entity owns shares or interests together with other investors not subject to the provisions of this subchapter or that are held in an index fund;
  4. “Public entity” means the State of Arkansas, or a political subdivision of the state, including all boards, commissions, agencies, institutions, authorities, and bodies politic and corporate of the state, created by or in accordance with state law or rules, and does include colleges, universities, a statewide public employee retirement system, and institutions in Arkansas as well as units of local and municipal government;
  5. “Restricted companies” means companies that boycott Israel; and
  6. “Retirement system” means a public retirement system in Arkansas.

History. Acts 2017, No. 710, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2909.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (5).

25-1-503. Prohibition on contracting with entities that boycott Israel.

  1. Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a public entity shall not:
    1. Enter into a contract with a company to acquire or dispose of services, supplies, information technology, or construction unless the contract includes a written certification that the person or company is not currently engaged in, and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in, a boycott of Israel; or
    2. Engage in boycotts of Israel.
  2. This section does not apply to:
    1. A company that fails to meet the requirements under subdivision (a)(1) of this section but offers to provide the goods or services for at least twenty percent (20%) less than the lowest certifying business; or
    2. Contracts with a total potential value of less than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

History. Acts 2017, No. 710, § 1.

25-1-504. Prohibition on direct investments in companies that boycott Israel.

    1. A public entity through its asset managers shall identify all companies that boycott Israel and assemble those identified companies into a list of restricted companies to be distributed to each retirement system.
    2. For each company newly identified and added to the list of restricted companies, the public entity through its asset managers shall send a written notice informing the company of its status and that it may become subject to divestment by the public entity.
    3. If, following the engagement by the public entity through its asset managers with a restricted company, that company ceases activity that designates it as a restricted company and submits a written certification to the public entity that it shall not reengage in such activity for the duration of any investment by the public entity, the company shall be removed from the restricted companies list.
    4. The public entity shall keep and maintain the list of restricted companies and all written certifications from restricted and previously restricted companies.
    1. The public entity shall adhere to the following procedures for companies on the list of restricted companies:
      1. Each public entity shall identify the companies on the list of restricted companies of which the public entity owns direct holdings and indirect holdings;
      2. The public entity shall instruct its investment advisors to sell, redeem, divest, or withdraw all direct holdings of restricted companies from the public entity's assets under management in an orderly and fiduciarily responsible manner within three (3) months after the appearance of the company on the list of restricted companies; and
      3. Upon request from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, each public entity shall provide the Arkansas Development Finance Authority with information regarding investments sold, redeemed, divested, or withdrawn in compliance under this section.
    2. The public entity shall not acquire securities of restricted companies as part of direct holdings.
    1. Subsection (b) of this section does not apply to the public entity's indirect holdings or private market funds.
    2. The public entity shall submit letters to the managers of those investment funds identifying restricted companies and requesting that those investment funds consider removing the investments in the restricted companies from the funds.
  1. The costs associated with the divestment activities of the public entity shall be borne by the respective public entity.
  2. With respect to actions taken in compliance with this section, including all good-faith determinations regarding companies as required under this section, any statewide retirement system and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority are exempt from any conflicting statutory or common law obligations, including any fiduciary duties and any obligations with respect to choice of asset managers, investment funds, or investments for the statewide retirement systems' portfolios.

History. Acts 2017, No. 710, § 1.

Chapter 2 Administrative Departments Generally

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 1202, §§ 1-3, provided: “SECTION 1. Legislative intent.

“(a) The General Assembly declares that this act is necessary to:

“(1) Enhance the delivery of services to the people of Arkansas in an effective and efficient manner;

“(2) Provide for administrative cost savings in the delivery of these services by combining overlapping functions and eliminating duplications of functions of state government; and

“(3) Achieve the grouping of state agencies into provisional principal departments primarily according to function in order to facilitate an increase in efficiency and reduction of administrative costs.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for a study of an orderly transfer of powers, authorities, duties, and functions of the various state agencies to the provisional principal departments with a minimum of disruption of governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.

“(c) As used in this act, ‘principal department’ means the:

“(1) Department of Agriculture;

“(2) Department of Commerce;

“(3) Department of Interior;

“(4) Department of Health and Human Services;

“(5) Department of Corrections [Department of Correction];

“(6) Department of Education;

“(7) Department of Finance and Administration;

“(8) Department of Labor, Employment, and Workforce;

“(9) Department of Natural Resources;

“(10) Department of Homeland Security; and

“(11) Additional departments as the Governor deems necessary in order to facilitate an increase in efficiency and reduction of administrative costs.”

“SECTION 2. “(a)(1) The Governor may appoint provisional department secretaries to assist with the study.

“(2) The provisional principal department secretaries or the office of the Governor may undertake and implement an efficiency study designed to achieve the maximum possible financial savings in current budgeted administrative costs.

“(3) Each entity designated to be studied for transfer under this act shall identify and report to the provisional principal department secretaries, the office of the Governor, the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, the total administrative costs for the entity in real dollar amounts.

“(4) The provisional principal department secretaries or the office of the Governor may:

“(A) Utilize the results of the analysis from the efficiency study to develop a detailed plan to further reorganize their respective departments and eliminate duplication of effort and unnecessary duplication of equipment and facilities; and

“(B) If provisional principal department secretaries are appointed, complete their analyses of the reorganization of state government and prepare a final report for delivery to the Governor.

“(5) The provisional principal department secretaries' or office of the Governor's plan for reorganization may include without limitation:

“(A) Estimated costs of reorganization;

“(B) Projected savings from reorganization in real dollar amounts;

“(C) Projected improvements in service;

“(D) Anticipated effects on cost-sharing and management of federal grants;

“(E) Provisions for efficient citizen input to department decisions;

“(F) Planned mechanisms for appeals of department actions;

“(G) Methods of assuring accountability for results;

“(H) Proposed timetables for implementation;

“(I) Proposed legislation required to implement reorganization;

“(J) Required changes to the Arkansas Administrative Statewide Information System, estimated costs, and a timeline for the required changes to be accomplished;

“(K) Recommendations as to whether reorganization into the ten (10) provisional departments as proposed by this act is the most efficient structure for organization; and

“(L) Recommendations as to which powers and duties should be retained by the agencies transferred under the provisional departments.

“(6) The provisional principal department secretaries may provide progress reports outlining the status of the study to:

“(A) The Governor; and

“(B) The House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.

“(b) The Governor, in conjunction with the provisional principal department secretaries, if any, may provide the plans for reorganization to the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.”

“SECTION 3. The agencies to be studied for reorganization or transfer may include without limitation the following:

“(1) The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission under § 2-33-101 et seq., § 2-33-201 et seq., § 2-33-301 et seq., and § 2-33-401 et seq.;

“(2) The Department of Rural Services under § 15-6-105;

“(3) The Arkansas Rural Development Commission under § 15-6-104;

“(4) The State Plant Board under § 2-16-206;

“(5) The Division of Agriculture Development of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority under § 15-5-802;

“(6) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission under §§ 15-4-20515-4-210;

“(7) The Arkansas Economic Development Council under § 15-4-201;

“(8) The Arkansas Waterways Commission under § 15-23-201;

“(9) The State Insurance Department under § 23-61-101;

“(10) The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority under § 15-3-103;

“(11) The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority under § 15-3-104;

“(12) The State Bank Department under § 23-46-201 et seq.;

“(13) The State Banking Board under § 23-46-301;

“(14) The State Securities Department under § 23-42-201;

“(15) The Arkansas Public Service Commission under § 23-2-101;

“(16) The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics under § 27-115-101;

“(17) The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality under § 25-14-101;

“(18) The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission under § 8-4-104;

“(19) The Department of Correction under § 12-27-101;

“(20) The Department of Community Correction under § 12-27-125;

“(21) The Criminal Detention Facilities Review Coordinator under § 12-26-103;

“(22) The Parole Board under § 16-93-201;

“(23) The Board of Correction [Board of Corrections] under § 12-27-104;

“(24) The Department of Education under § 25-6-102;

“(25) The State Board of Education under § 6-11-101;

“(26) The Advisory Council for Education of Children with Disabilities under § 6-41-211;

“(27) The Advisory Council for Education of Gifted and Talented Children under § 6-42-104;

“(28) The Arkansas School for the Blind under § 6-43-201;

“(29) The Arkansas School for the Deaf under § 6-43-301;

“(30) The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf under § 6-43-101;

“(31) The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts under § 6-42-201;

“(32) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education under § 20-78-205;

“(33) The Department of Higher Education under § 25-7-101;

“(34) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board under § 6-53-203;

“(35) The State Board of Career Education under § 25-30-101;

“(36) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services under § 25-30-106;

“(37) Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus, Arkansas Northeastern College, Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute, Northwest Technical Institute, Riverside Vocational and Technical School, and National Park Community College;

“(39) The local boards of directors of Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus, Arkansas Northeastern College, Crowley's Ridge Technical Institute, Northwest Technical Institute, Riverside Vocational and Technical School, and National Park Community College;

“(40) The Arkansas Educational Television Commission under § 6-3-101;

“(41) The Department of Finance and Administration under § 25-8-101;

“(42) The Tax Division of the Arkansas Public Service Commission under § 26-24-101(1)(A);

“(43) The State Insurance Department responsibilities of the insurance premium tax levied under §§ 26-57-603, 26-57-604, and 26-57-605 and the legal insurance premium tax levied under § 23-91-226;

“(44) The Assessment Coordination Department under § 25-28-101;

“(45) The Arkansas Building Authority under § 22-2-104;

“(46) The Arkansas Building Authority Council under § 22-2-106;

“(47) The State Technology Council under § 25-33-101;

“(48) The Department of Information Systems under § 25-4-104;

“(49) The Arkansas Racing Commission under § 23-110-201;

“(50) The Federal Surplus Property Program under § 19-11-601;

“(51) The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the Department of Finance and Administration under § 3-2-201;

“(52) The On-Site Sewage Disposal Program under § 14-236-101 and the Marine Sanitation Program under § 19-6-490;

“(53) The State Board of Health under § 20-7-102;

“(54) The Arkansas Minority Health Commission under § 20-2-102;

“(55) The Department of Human Services under § 25-10-101;

“(56) The State Department for Social Security Administration Disability Determination under § 20-76-301;

“(57) The Department of Veterans Affairs under § 20-81-102;

“(58) The Arkansas Veterans' Commission under § 20-81-104;

“(59) The Arkansas Veterans' Child Welfare Service Office under § 20-81-101;

“(60) The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services under § 25-10-104;

“(61) The Child Welfare Agency Review Board under § 9-28-403;

“(62) The Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board under § 25-10-402;

“(63) The Arkansas Drug Director of the Office of the Governor under § 20-64-1001;

“(64) The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board under § 26-57-255;

“(65) The Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division under § 3-2-203;

“(66) The Department of Arkansas State Police under § 12-8-101;

“(67) The Arkansas State Police Commission under § 12-8-102;

“(68) The Arkansas State Crime Information Center under § 12-12-201;

“(69) The Supervisory Board of the Arkansas Crime Information Center under § 12-12-202;

“(70) The State Crime Laboratory under § 12-12-301;

“(71) The State Crime Laboratory Board under § 12-12-302;

“(72) The Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training under § 12-9-103;

“(73) The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management under § 12-75-109;

“(74) The State Military Department under Acts 1929, No. 85;

“(75) The Victim of Crime Justice Assistance Grants Division, the Law Enforcement Block Grants Division, the Violent Offender Incarceration Grants Division, and the Drug Law Enforcement Grants Division of the Department of Finance and Administration;

“(76) The Department of Parks and Tourism under § 25-13-101;

“(77) The Department of Arkansas Heritage under § 25-3-102;

“(78) The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission under § 15-11-201;

“(79) The Plantation Agriculture Museum Advisory Commission;

“(80) The Prairie Grove Battlefield Commission under § 13-7-401;

“(81) The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources Advisory Committee under § 13-5-404;

“(82) The Historic Arkansas Museum Commission under § 13-7-302;

“(83) The Delta Cultural Center Policy Advisory Board under § 13-5-704;

“(84) The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission under § 15-20-304;

“(85) The Mosaic Templars of America Center for African-American Culture and Business Enterprise under § 13-5-902;

“(86) The Old State House Commission under § 13-7-201;

“(87) The Mississippi River Parkway Commission under § 27-69-201;

“(88) The Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Board under § 13-9-101;

“(89) The Arkansas History Commission under § 13-3-101;

“(90) The Arkansas State Library under § 13-2-203;

“(91) The State Library Board under § 13-2-205;

“(92) The State Historic Preservation Officer under § 13-7-107;

“(93) The State Review Committee for Historic Preservation under § 13-7-108;

“(94) The Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council under § 13-8-103;

“(95) The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission under § 15-11-601;

“(96) The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council under § 15-12-201;

“(97) The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission under § 25-24-101;

“(98) The Arkansas Museum Review Panel under § 13-5-207;

“(99) The Arkansas Scenic Resources Preservation Coordinating Committee under § 15-20-707;

“(100) The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee under § 25-3-104;

“(101) The Arkansas Workforce Investment Board under § 15-4-2204;

“(102) The Arkansas Workforce Investment Board Executive Committee under § 15-4-2205;

“(103) The Department of Workforce Services under § 11-10-301;

“(104) The Board of Review under § 11-10-523;

“(105) The State Employment Security Advisory Council under § 11-10-305;

“(106) The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Oversight Board under § 20-76-105(g);

“(107) The Department of Labor under § 11-2-106;

“(108) The Boiler Advisory Board under § 20-23-201;

“(109) The Board of Electrical Examiners under § 17-28-201;

“(110) The Elevator Safety Board under § 20-24-105;

“(111) The Workers' Compensation Commission under § 11-9-201;

“(112) The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Career Education under § 6-52-101;

“(113) The Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities under § 20-14-202;

“(114) The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission under § 20-8-202;

“(115) The Division of State Services for the Blind of the Department of Human Services under § 25-10-102;

“(116) The Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind under § 25-10-205;

“(117) The Oil and Gas Commission under § 15-71-101;

“(118) The Director of Production and Conservation and the staff of the Oil and Gas Commission under § 15-71-105;

“(119) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission under § 15-20-201;

“(120) The Commission on Water Well Commission under § 17-50-201;

“(121) The Arkansas Forestry Commission under § 15-31-101;

“(122) The Arkansas Geological Survey under § 15-55-201;

“(123) The Division of Engineering, the HVACR Program of the Department of Health, and the Marine Sanitation Program, under § 25-9-101;

“(124) The Federal Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant program of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;

“(125) The Department of Human Services, under § 25-10-101 et seq.;

“(126) The Department of Health, under § 25-9-101 et seq.; and

“(127) The Department of Information Systems, under § 25-4-101 et seq.”

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1971, No. 38, which is primarily codified in chapters 2-14 of this title, reorganized the structure of state government by creating or continuing certain principal administrative departments into which various agencies and programs were transferred. However, many principal departments, referred to by Acts 1971, No. 38, are originally created, or their duties defined, by statutes which are integrally related to, and codified in, other titles of the Arkansas Code. It should also be noted that Acts 1971, No. 38, as amended, is not completely comprehensive and does not refer to a number of departments which are created elsewhere in the Arkansas Code. Please consult the notes throughout chapters 2-14 for references to relevant provisions in other titles.

Acts 1971, No. 38, also created several principal departments which were later abolished. Section 4 of the act, as amended by Acts 1975, No. 278, § 1, created the Department of Local Services which was abolished by Acts 1983, No. 690. Sections 14 and 16 of the act, respectively, created the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Commerce which were abolished by Acts 1981, No. 45, and Acts 1983, No. 691, respectively.

Cross References. Damages adjudged against state officers and employees, payment by state, § 21-9-201 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: reorganizations under act to be completed on or before July 1, 1971. Act effective Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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 1985, No. 348, § 16: July 1, 1985.

25-2-101. Legislative findings and purpose — Construction.

  1. The General Assembly declares that this act is necessary:
    1. To create a structure of state government which will be responsive to the needs of the people of this state and sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions;
    2. To establish executive authority over those areas where executive responsibility presently lies;
    3. To provide a reasonable opportunity to create budgetary and administrative efficiencies within an orderly organizational structure of state government;
    4. To strengthen the role of the General Assembly in state government;
    5. To encourage greater participation of the public in state government;
    6. To effect the grouping of state agencies into a limited number of departments primarily according to function; and
    7. To eliminate overlapping and duplication of effort.
  2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an orderly transfer of powers, duties, and functions of the various state agencies to the principal departments with a minimum of disruption of governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.
  3. To the ends stated in this section, this act shall be liberally construed.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-901.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 1, provided, in part, that employees who were members of any retirement system at the time of the 1971 governmental reorganization would not lose any accrued retirement benefits as a result of the transfer of any department, commission, or agency. The employees were allowed six (6) months from the date of the transfer to elect whether to continue in the same retirement system or join the system for which the transfer made them eligible.

Meaning of “this act”. Acts 1971, No. 38, codified as §§ 6-11-101, 6-11-102, 25-2-10125-2-109, , 25-6-102, 25-7-101, 25-8-101, 25-8-105, , , 25-10-102, 25-10-106, 25-11-101, 25-11-102, , 25-13-101, .

25-2-102. Certain professional boards excepted.

Nothing in this act shall apply to state boards that license the professions of the healing arts under the following statutes:

  1. Chiropractics, § 17-81-101 et seq.;
  2. Dentistry, § 17-82-101 et seq.;
  3. Medicine and surgery, § 17-95-201 et seq.;
  4. Nursing, § 17-87-101 et seq.;
  5. Optometry, § 17-90-101 et seq.;
  6. Pharmacy, § 17-92-101 et seq.;
  7. Physical therapy, § 17-93-101 et seq.;
  8. Podiatry, § 17-96-101 et seq.;
  9. Psychology, § 17-97-201 et seq.;
  10. Massage therapy, § 17-86-101 et seq.; or
  11. Veterinary medicine, § 17-101-101 et seq.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 17; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-917.

Publisher's Notes. The references to the code sections in Title 17 have been updated to reflect the 1995 realphabetization of the chapters in that title.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-103. Effect of act on preexisting rules, regulations, etc.

This act shall not affect the orders, rules, regulations, and standards made or promulgated before February 4, 1971, by any department, institution, division, bureau, board, commission, council, or other agency, the functions, powers, and duties of which have been herein assigned or transferred to a principal department established by this act. The orders, rules, regulations, and standards shall continue with full force and effect until amended or repealed pursuant to law.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 17 [17A]; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-918.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-104. Type 1 transfers.

    1. When any department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, is transferred to a principal department under a type 1 transfer, that department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, shall be administered under the direction and supervision of that principal department but shall retain exactly the same prescribed statutory powers, authorities, duties, and functions as it had prior to the transfer, including:
      1. Rulemaking, regulation, licensing, and registration;
      2. The promulgation of rules, rates, and standards; and
      3. The rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications.
    2. It shall exercise those powers, authorities, duties, and functions independently of the head of the principal department.
  1. Following a type 1 transfer, the members of any statutory board or commission so transferred, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the board or commission as such statutes may from time to time be amended.
  2. Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, under a type 1 transfer, all budgeting, purchasing, and related management functions of any transferred department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the head of the principal department.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 2; 1985, No. 348, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-902; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2910.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 3, provided that any then-existing board, commission, advisory board, or other entity not enumerated in the reorganization act, but established by law within, or advisory to, a department, institution, or other agency would continue to exercise all its powers, duties, and functions under the principal department in accordance with the type of transfer under which the preexisting department, institution, or other agency was transferred.

Acts 1971, No. 38, § 18, provided that the act would not affect any civil or criminal actions or proceedings which were pending on February 4, 1971, and which involved any agency transferred to a principal department. It further provided that any order, recommendation, or other proceeding by such an agency would not be affected by the reorganization.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulations” following “rates” in (a)(1)(B).

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-105. Type 2 transfers.

  1. Under this act, a type 2 transfer means the transferring of all or part of an existing department, institution, or other agency to a principal department established by this act. When all or part of any department, institution, or other agency is transferred to a principal department under a type 2 transfer, its statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, are transferred to the principal department.
  2. When any department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, is transferred by a type 2 transfer to a principal department under the provisions of this act, its prescribed powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing; promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards; and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the head of the principal department into which the department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, has been transferred.
  3. Following a type 2 transfer, the members of any statutory board or commission so transferred, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to that board or commission as such statutes may from time to time be amended.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 2; 1985, No. 348, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-902.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

Case Notes

Cited: State Office of Child Support Enforcement v. Harnage, 322 Ark. 461, 910 S.W.2d 207 (1995).

25-2-106. Type 3 transfers.

  1. Under this act, a type 3 transfer means the abolishing of an existing department, institution, or other agency and the transferring of all or part of its powers, duties, and functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds to a principal department as specified under this act.
  2. When any department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, is transferred by a type 3 transfer to a principal department under the provisions of this act, its prescribed powers, duties, and functions including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing; promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards; and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the head of the principal department into which the department, institution, or other agency, or part thereof, has been transferred.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-902.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-107. Type 4 transfers.

  1. Under this act, a type 4 transfer means the transferring of all or part of an existing department, institution, or other agency to a principal department established by this act in the following circumstances:
    1. When all or part of any department, institution, or other agency is transferred to a principal department under a type 4 transfer, the board, commission, or other governing body of the transferred department, institution, or other agency is retained and shall continue to exercise its statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions;
    2. The director of the department, institution, or other agency shall be nominated by the board or commission or governing body of the transferred department, institution, or other agency subject to confirmation by the Governor. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor; and
    3. All records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds, including the functions of budgeting and purchasing, are transferred to the principal department.
  2. Following a type 4 transfer, the members of any statutory board or commission so transferred and their successors shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the board or commission as such statutes may from time to time be amended.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 2; 1985, No. 348, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-902; Acts 2011, No. 603, § 1.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment deleted “except that any rules, regulations, and standards issued by the board, commission, or other governing body shall be subject to written approval by the Governor” at the end of (a)(1).

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-108. Reports, certifications, etc., to transferred agency.

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this act or by any operative law, whenever, pursuant to existing law, reports, certifications, applications, or requests are required or permitted to be made to a department, institution, division, bureau, board, commission, council, or other agency whose powers and duties are herein assigned or transferred by a type 2, 3, or 4 transfer, then those reports and certifications shall thereafter be filed with, and the applications or requests shall thereafter be made to, the principal department or agency to which assignment or transfer has been made.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 19; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-920.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

25-2-109. Senatorial confirmation of certain appointments.

  1. Irrespective of other provisions of this act to the contrary, if the laws in effect on the date of the passage of this act required senatorial confirmation of the appointment of any board or commission member, or of the head of any agency or department of government, or of any head of a division of an agency or department of government, and that board, commission, agency, or department is consolidated or merged with a principal department under this act, then the appointments requiring confirmation shall be made as provided in this act with respect to all agencies merged or consolidated into a principal department by a type 1, 2, 3, or 4 transfer.
  2. It is the intent of this act, with respect to all affairs of government which are under the administrative control or responsibility of any official of government whose appointment was subject to senatorial confirmation prior to the passage of this act, that the head of the successor department or the head of the division within the successor department into which the agency or program was merged shall be subject to confirmation of the Senate.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 21; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-922.

Publisher's Notes. With reference to the phrase “date of the passage of this act,” Acts 1971, No. 38, § 21, was approved by the Governor and became effective on February 4, 1971.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-2-101.

Chapter 3 Division of Arkansas Heritage

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2016, No. 253, § 27, provided: “NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL. The Director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage shall be the disbursing officer for the Natural and Cultural Resources Council appropriation and the Main Street Program appropriation provided by this Act. Further, if grants are made to state agencies from the Natural and Cultural Resources Council appropriation, and the Main Street Program appropriation provided herein, the corresponding amount of appropriation and funding of such grant may be transferred to such state agency for use in classifications of expenditures as determined by conditions of the grant and the state agency.

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

Acts 2017, No. 921, § 1, provided: “TEMPORARY LANGUAGE.

“(a) The Department of Arkansas Heritage shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing the Arkansas Civil War museum.

“(b) The feasibility study shall include an assessment of:

“(1) Market, including without limitation:

“(A) A study of the demand and interest in Civil War tourism in Arkansas;

“(B) The target markets for a Civil War Museum in Arkansas, considering demographic and geographic characteristics; and

“(C) Proposed locations for a Civil War Museum;

“(2) Organization and technological requirements, including without limitation:

“(A) A study of qualifications needed to manage and operate a Civil War museum;

“(B) Staffing requirements; and

“(C) Special technology, equipment, and collection needs for startup and maintenance; and

“(3) Financial analysis, including without limitation:

“(A) An assessment of startup costs and operating costs;

“(B) Potential revenue projections; and

“(C) Possible funding sources.

“(c)(1) The feasibility study shall be completed no later than July 1, 2018.

“(2) After completion of the feasibility study, the department shall furnish a feasibility report to the Legislative Council that includes its recommendation concerning the establishment of the Arkansas Civil War Museum.”

Cross References. Historic preservation, statewide program of, § 13-7-101 et seq.

Preambles. Acts 1975, No. 1001 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, Arkansas is a State rich in cultural resources; and

“Whereas, there now exists numerous culturally oriented agencies and programs in the various departments of this government;

“Now, therefore, the Legislature of the State of Arkansas recognizes the need for a statewide program devoted to the development of the natural and cultural heritage of the State of Arkansas, and enacts this measure for the achievement of that purpose….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1975, No. 1001, §§ 9, 10: Apr. 11, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is a need for a State-wide program devoted to the development of the cultural heritage of the State of Arkansas, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary in order that the reorganization contemplated by this Act may be accomplished on or before 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 its passage and approval.”

Acts 1985, No. 346, § 45: July 1, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fifth 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, 1985 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, 1985 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, 1985.”

Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 9, § 60: 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 1995, No. 531, § 70: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “ It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth 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, 1995 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, 1995 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, 1995.”

Acts 1999, No. 1508, § 19: Apr. 15, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that this act makes various technical corrections in the Arkansas Code; that this act further clarifies the law to provide that the Arkansas Code Revision Commission may correct errors resulting from enactments of prior sessions; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to be applicable during the codification process of the enactments of this regular session. 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.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 128: July 1, 2016.

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”.

25-3-101. Legislative intent — Construction.

  1. The General Assembly declares that this act is necessary:
    1. To create a structure of state government which will be responsive to the cultural needs of the people of this state and sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions;
    2. To provide for greater budgetary and administrative efficiencies within an orderly organizational structure of government;
    3. To encourage greater participation of the public in the cultural affairs of the state;
    4. To effect the grouping of culturally oriented state agencies and programs into one (1) department; and
    5. To eliminate overlapping and duplication of effort.
  2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an orderly transfer of powers, duties, and functions of the various state programs or agencies to the Division of Arkansas Heritage with a minimum of disruption of governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.
  3. To the ends stated in this section, this act shall be liberally construed.

History. Acts 1975, No. 1001, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-923n, 5-926; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5702.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment inserted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” in (b).

Meaning of “this act”. Acts 1975, No. 1001, codified as §§ 25-3-10125-3-104.

25-3-102. Creation — Director — Organization — Personnel.

  1. There is created a Division of Arkansas Heritage.
    1. The executive head of the division shall be the Director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage.
    2. The director shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
  2. The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor and the secretary, shall appoint the heads of each of the programs and agencies of the division. All other personnel of the division shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the director. However, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right which an employee of the division shall have under any civil service or merit system.
  3. Each agency or program of the division shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the division. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to the head of any agency or program of the division as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the division.

History. Acts 1975, No. 1001, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-923; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5703.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1975, No. 1001, § 4, which enacted this section, created a Department of Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage. Acts 1985, No. 346, § 42, renamed the department as the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “division” for “department” throughout the section; substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in (a); added the (b)(1) and (b)(2) designations; added (b)(3); substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in (b)(1); and inserted “and the secretary” in the first sentence of (c).

25-3-103. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. 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.”

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning transfers into the Department of Arkansas Heritage, was repealed by identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 125. The section was derived from Acts 1975, No. 1001, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-924.

25-3-104. Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.

  1. There is established an Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee whose members shall consist of:
    1. The Director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage;
    2. The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
    3. The Director of State Highways and Transportation;
    4. The Secretary of the Department of Health;
    5. The Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
    6. The Director of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;
    7. A person appointed by the Governor;
    8. A person appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
    9. A person appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, persons appointed to the committee by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall serve terms of three (3) years.
    2. At the first meeting of the committee after the effective date of this act, members appointed to the committee by the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, or President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall draw lots to stagger terms so that:
      1. One (1) member shall serve a term of one (1) year;
      2. One (1) member shall serve a term of two (2) years; and
      3. One (1) member shall serve a term of three (3) years.
  2. The committee shall elect from its membership a chair and vice-chair.
  3. A vacancy on the committee in the positions appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be filled by the appointing authority for the unexpired portion of the term in which it occurs.
  4. A majority of the total membership of the committee constitutes a quorum.
  5. Members of the committee appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives may receive expense reimbursement and stipends under § 25-16-901 et seq. as allowed by law.

History. Acts 1975, No. 1001, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-925; Acts 2011, No. 896, § 3; 2017, No. 707, § 287; 2019, No. 910, § 5704.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2017 amendment substituted “The Director of State Highways and Transportation” for “The Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation department” in (a)(3).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in (a)(1); deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” in (a)(2); substituted “Secretary of the Department of Health” for “Director of the Department of Health” in (a)(4); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism” for “Director of the Department of Parks and Tourism” in (a)(5).

25-3-105. Fees for publications, seminars, etc.

  1. The Division of Arkansas Heritage through the Central Administration Division or any successor division is authorized to establish and impose reasonable fees to recover costs incurred in the preparation and distribution of educational published materials and in holding workshops and seminars and costs of other services rendered.
  2. Funds derived from the fees shall be deposited in a bank account to be used to defray the initial costs of publishing additional educational publications and holding workshops and seminars.

History. Acts 1985, No. 346, § 39; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-923.2; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5705.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage through the Central Administration Division” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage through its Central Administration Division” in (a).

25-3-106. Publication Development and Resale Revolving Fund.

  1. There is established a fund to be known as the “Publication Development and Resale Revolving Fund” for the Division of Arkansas Heritage. This fund shall be located in the Central Administration Division of the Division of Arkansas Heritage and shall be managed by the Central Administration Division for the benefit of the various agencies located within the Division of Arkansas Heritage. This fund shall be a revolving fund.
  2. Income derived from the sale of publications shall be deposited in the fund to be used to develop and purchase additional publications for resale.
  3. Any funds remaining in the account from which the fund derives its support at the end of each fiscal year shall carry forward and be made available for the use prescribed in this section during the succeeding fiscal year.

History. Acts 1985, No. 346, § 41; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-923.4; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5706.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (a), substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in the first sentence, and, in the second sentence, substituted the first occurrence of “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage”, substituted the second occurrence of “Central Administration Division” for “division”, and substituted the second occurrence of “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “department”.

Cross References. Publication Development and Resale Revolving Fund, § 19-5-1001.

25-3-107. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning restriction on printing expenditures, was repealed by Acts 2013, No. 1276, § 2 The section was derived from Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 9, § 52.

25-3-108. Heritage foundation.

  1. In addition to any other rights, powers, functions, and duties granted by law to the Division of Arkansas Heritage, the division is hereby authorized to promote and cooperate in the establishment of a heritage foundation under the Arkansas nonprofit corporation law, to share resources and facilities with the foundation, and to accept support and assistance in the form of money, property, or otherwise from the foundation to be used to preserve and promote the heritage of the state.
  2. If a heritage foundation is established and the division shares resources or facilities with the foundation or accepts support and assistance from the foundation, the foundation shall annually file a report with the Governor, the Legislative Council, and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee showing the amount and source of all gifts, grants, and donations of money or property received by the foundation and all expenditures or other dispositions of money or property by the foundation during the preceding year.
  3. On or before July 1 of each fiscal year, the Director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage shall submit a plan to the Legislative Council reflecting the proposed uses of private funds for the ensuing fiscal year for its review and comment. No person over whom the division has day-to-day managerial control shall receive compensation or remuneration from funds not in the State Treasury.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.) No. 9, §§ 49-51; 2019, No. 910, § 5707.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former § 25-3-108, concerning the establishment and operation of a heritage foundation, is deemed to be superseded by this section. The former section was derived from Acts 1987, No. 547, §§ 45-47.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in (a) and (c); and substituted “division” for “department” throughout the section.

Cross References. Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act, § 4-28-201 et seq.

Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993, § 4-33-101 et seq.

25-3-109. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning compensation for extra help, was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1508, § 13. The section was derived from Acts 1995, No. 531, § 61.

Chapter 4 Division of Information Systems

Effective Dates. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 26: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-First General Assembly that the establishment of a Department of Computer Services within the Executive Department of Government is necessary to ensure the most efficient use of data processing and telecommunications systems within State government. 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. 796, § 9: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-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, 1979 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, 1979, would work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1979.”

Acts 1979, No. 820, § 4: Apr. 10, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found by the General Assembly that coordination of acquisitions of data processing equipment or services by public colleges or universities is important to the effective expenditure of public funds. 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 effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1979, No. 951, § 1: Apr. 17, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that clarification of the purposes for which the Reserve for Equipment may be used and establishment of the Computer Services Reserve Fund are necessary for efficient use and administration of such accumulated funds. 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. 463, § 4: Mar. 21, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found by the General Assembly that coordination of acquisitions of data processing equipment or services by public colleges or universities and post-secondary vocational-technical schools is important to the effective expenditure of public funds. 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 effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 914, § 35: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the Eighty-First General Assembly that continuing advances in the field of communications and information technology make it necessary to establish a Department of Information Systems within the Executive Department of Government to better coordinate and utilize such technology; 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 2001, No. 1722, § 19: Apr. 17, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that this Act 1042 of 2001 was enacted with an emergency clause; that this act makes changes to current law that are necessitated by Act 1042 of 2001; and that this law should become effective as soon as possible in order to complement and implement Act 1042 of 2001. 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. 1627, § 15: July 1, 2003. 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 two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2003 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, 2003 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, 2003.”

Acts 2007, No. 751, § 38: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act dissolves and transfers the duties of the Executive Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Office of Information Technology; and that dissolving the offices at the beginning of the state's fiscal year will result in a more efficient transfer of responsibilities and funds. 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. 1405, § 57: Apr. 9, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the people of the State of Arkansas overwhelmingly approved the establishment of lotteries at the 2008 General Election; that the Eighty-seventh General Assembly adopted Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 that implemented lotteries and made corresponding revisions to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that this bill amends provisions of Acts 605 and 606 of 2009 pertaining to lotteries and the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; and that the failure to immediately implement this act will cause a reduction in lottery proceeds that will harm the educational and economic success of potential students eligible to receive scholarships under 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 2015, No. 218, § 34: Feb. 26, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the stability of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is critical to the success of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; that changes to the operational structure of the lottery are needed to improve the creditability and function of the lottery; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure that the transition of lottery administration is as undisruptive 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”.

25-4-101. Title.

This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Arkansas Information Systems Act of 1997”.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1401; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 1.

25-4-102. Legislative findings and declaration of intent.

  1. The General Assembly finds and declares information and information resources to be strategic assets of the State of Arkansas and that procedures must be established to ensure that:
    1. Information resources are used in an efficient manner;
    2. Resources of the Division of Information Systems are used unless an exception is authorized;
    3. Information is administered and shared, consistent with requirements for security, privacy, and confidentiality;
    4. Information technology acquisitions meet state needs and are consistent with coordinated efforts to maximize standardization and cost effectiveness;
    5. State officials have timely access to information in useful forms; and
    6. The division complies with applicable state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions.
  2. The General Assembly further declares its intent to create a state agency division to:
    1. Provide design and management services for the state's core information technology infrastructures;
    2. Provide information technology services;
    3. Implement appropriate technologies to exchange and share information; and
    4. Develop technical standards and specifications and provide technical leadership and guidance to support the state's enterprise architecture.
  3. It is also the intent of the General Assembly that the division achieve certain objectives that will better support information technology utilization by other state agencies. These objectives are to:
    1. Implement increased capabilities for communication and exchange of information; and
    2. Develop and publish mechanisms for more timely acquisition of information technology.
    1. The General Assembly further finds and determines that:
      1. Information technology services are readily available in the private sector;
      2. The public interest would be well served by competition for the provision of such services to the state;
      3. Public-private partnerships or joint ventures for the provision of such services may be appropriate in certain instances; and
      4. Emphasis will be given to encouraging and enabling competition among:
        1. Suppliers of such services whenever possible in the administration of this chapter; and
        2. Women-owned and minority-owned suppliers of such services whenever possible in the administration of this chapter.
    2. The division shall consider in the development of the division plan and the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall emphasize in its recommendations and policies the availability in the private sector of information technology resources upon a competitive bid basis with a view to assuring the state of the highest reasonable quality of resources at the lowest reasonable cost.
    1. In exercising its authority under § 25-4-105, the division shall competitively procure information technology except as provided in this subsection.
    2. The division is not authorized by § 25-4-105 to provide information technology services, including telecommunications and broadband services, to the general public, other than nongovernmental first responder entities, in competition with private sector telecommunications and cable communications providers.
    3. Customers of the division are not authorized to use information technology facilities and services provided by the division to provide telecommunications and broadband services to the general public in competition with private sector telecommunications and cable communications providers.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 24; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1417; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 2; 2001, No. 1722, § 1; 2005, No. 1999, § 1; 2007, No. 751, § 10; 2009, No. 648, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6255-6260.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted “subject to the written approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State” following “architecture” in (b)(4).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Resources of the Division of Information Systems” for “Departmental resources” in (a)(2); substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(6); inserted “division” in the introductory language of (b); and substituted “division” for “department” in the introductory language of (c), twice in (d)(2), and throughout (e).

25-4-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Application” means a separately identifiable and interrelated set of information technology resources that allows information processing to support specifically defined objectives;
  2. “Chief Technology Officer” means the Director of the Division of Information Systems;
  3. “Core information technology infrastructure” means the state data, state network and application interfaces, state security, and disaster recovery;
  4. “Customer” means a state agency, other governmental entity, or nongovernmental first responder entity that purchases or uses services under this chapter;
  5. “Equipment” means the machines, devices, and transmission facilities used in information processing, including computers, word processors, terminals, telephones, cables, software, and related services;
  6. “Information processing” means the electronic capture, collection, storage, manipulation, transmission, retrieval, and presentation of information in the form of data, text, voice, or image and includes telecommunications and office automation functions;
  7. “Information technology” means any component related to information processing and wired and wireless telecommunications, including data processing and telecommunications hardware, software, services, planning, personnel, facilities, and training;
  8. “Information technology resources” means the procedures, equipment, and software that are designed, built, operated, and maintained to collect, record, process, store, retrieve, display, and transmit information, and the associated personnel, including consultants and contractors;
  9. “Network infrastructure” means the shared portions of the state's telecommunications transmission facilities, including all transmission lines and all associated equipment and software components necessary for the management and control of the state network;
  10. “Nongovernmental first responder entity” means state and law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, and emergency medical personnel who will be deployed to bioterrorism attacks, terrorist attacks, catastrophic or natural disasters, and other emergencies;
  11. “Other governmental entities” means state-elected constitutional officers and their staffs, the Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts, the General Assembly or its committees or staffs, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, the federal government, cities, counties, municipalities, public school districts, and other publicly funded governmental entities;
  12. “Project” means a program to apply information technology resources to functions within or among elements of a state agency that ideally is characterized by well-defined parameters, specific objectives, common benefits, planned activities, a scheduled completion date, and an established budget with a specified source of funding;
  13. “Project management” means principles, practices, and techniques applied to lead projects and teams and the control of project schedules, costs, and performance risks with the goal of satisfying customers' requirements;
  14. “Public instrumentality” means any statutorily created entity charged with the responsibility of providing information or services through the use of information technology;
  15. “State agencies” means all state departments, boards, and commissions but shall not include the Office of the Arkansas Lottery, the elected constitutional officers and their staffs, the General Assembly and its committees and staffs, or the Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts, and public institutions of higher education with respect to academic, research, health care, and existing information technology applications and underlying support therefor;
  16. “State enterprise architecture” means a description of the elements of business processes and supporting technologies, policies, standards, procedures, solutions, and infrastructures that:
    1. Makes up an enterprise; and
    2. Documents how the components described in this subdivision (16) relate to one another, and the principles that govern their design and evolution over time;
  17. “Telecommunications” means all forms of communications devices and transport media for the conveyance by electronic or electrical means of voice, words, data, signals, or images; and
  18. “Working group” means a group of subject matter experts convened for the purpose of collaborating and devising strategies.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1402; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 3; 2001, No. 1722, § 2; 2005, No. 1999, § 2; 2007, No. 751, § 11; 2009, No. 648, § 2; 2009, No. 1405, § 51; 2015, No. 218, § 29; 2017, No. 707, § 288; 2019, No. 910, § 6261.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 648 deleted (5), and redesignated the subsequent subdivisions accordingly; inserted “and other publicly funded governmental entities” in (12); rewrote (16); and made related changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 1405 inserted “the Arkansas Lottery Commission” in (15).

The 2015 amendment substituted “Office of the Arkansas Lottery” for “Arkansas Lottery Commission” in (15).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (11).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Director of the Division of Information Systems” for “Director of the Department of Information Systems” in (2).

25-4-104. Division of Information Systems.

  1. There is established within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services the Division of Information Systems.
    1. The Division of Information Systems shall be headed by a director to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner provided by law, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    2. The Director of the Division of Information Systems shall be a person who, by education and training, has technical knowledge and management experience in information technology-related equipment, systems, and services.
    3. The Director of the Division of Information Systems shall qualify by filing the oath of office required in the Arkansas Constitution with the Secretary of State.
  2. The Director of the Division of Information Systems, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, may establish divisions and the organizational structure deemed necessary and appropriate for the efficient performance of the duties imposed under the provisions of this chapter, provided the organizational structure of the division shall conform to the positions authorized and limitations provided therefor in the biennial appropriation of the division.
  3. The Director of the Division of Information Systems, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, shall appoint the deputy and division directors and the professional, technical, and clerical assistants and employees as necessary to perform the duties imposed by this chapter. All employees of the division shall be employed by the department and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
  4. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services any matters relating to abuses of this chapter.
  5. The Director of the Division of Information Systems shall recommend statutory changes to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1403; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 4; 2001, No. 1722, § 3; 2007, No. 751, § 12; 2019, No. 910, § 6262.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in the section heading; rewrote (a); substituted “division” for “department” in (b)(1); substituted “Director of the Division of Information Systems” for “director” in (b)(2); in (c), inserted “in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” and substituted “division” for “department” twice; in (d), inserted “in consultation with the secretary” in the first sentence and, in the second sentence, substituted the first instance of “division” for “department”, inserted “the department”, and substituted “secretary” for “director”; and substituted “secretary” for “Governor” in (e) and (f).

25-4-105. Division of Information Systems — General powers and duties.

    1. The Division of Information Systems shall be vested with all the powers and duties necessary to administer the division and to enable it to carry out fully and effectively the rules and laws relating to the division.
    2. The division's powers and duties relate to information technology and include without limitation:
      1. Conceptualizing, designing, developing, building, and maintaining common information technology infrastructure elements used by state agencies and governmental entities;
      2. Providing information technology services to state agencies, other governmental entities, nongovernmental first responder entities, and other quasi-governmental entities;
      3. Entering into contracts with state agencies, other governmental entities, and nongovernmental first responder entities for the purpose of providing information technology services;
        1. Establishing fair and reasonable schedules of rates or fees to be paid by customers that are provided service to enable the division to recover all allowable costs of providing the services as provided in this chapter.
        2. The same rate or fee structure will apply to all customers receiving services;
        1. Establishing estimated billing rates to be developed for a period to coincide with the budgeting process.
        2. The division shall have the authority to adjust billing as necessary to effect compliance with applicable state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions.
        3. Billing adjustments shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and review by the Legislative Council;
      4. Acquiring information technology on behalf of state agencies, the cost of which shall be recovered through customer billings or through direct funding;
      5. Promulgating rules that are necessary for efficient administration and enforcement of the powers, functions, and duties of the division as provided in this chapter;
      6. Developing a division plan to support the goals and objectives set forth for it in the state information technology plans and strategies;
      7. Implementing systems to ensure the security of state data and state data processing assets, to provide for disaster recovery and continuity of operations to the state agencies served, and to recover its costs from the customers benefited;
      8. Performing any additional powers, functions, and duties that are necessary and appropriate for the proper administration of the provisions of this chapter;
      9. Providing a State Cyber Security Office to monitor information resource security issues, coordinating all security measures that could be used to protect resources by more than one (1) governmental entity, and acting as an information technology resource to other state agencies;
      10. Assisting in the development of an information technology security policy for state agencies;
      11. Developing the information technology security policy for state agencies;
      12. Advising agencies in acquiring information technology service;
      13. Developing the information technology policies, standards, and specifications for state agencies and ensuring agencies' compliance with those policies, procedures, and standards;
      14. Participating in the development of information technology state contracts, including without limitation the identification of requirements, contract negotiation, and vendor evaluation;
      15. With respect to their technology functions and applications, all state departments, boards, commissions, and public institutions of higher education, consulting and cooperating with the division in the formation and implementation of security policies for the state core information technology infrastructure;
      16. Developing a state information technology plan that shall establish a state-level mission, goals, and objectives for the use of information technology;
      17. Identifying and establishing information technology solutions that can support more than one (1) agency in providing governmental services;
      18. Advising agencies regarding information technology contracts and agreements;
      19. Developing policies to promote and facilitate electronic access to government information and interoperability of information systems; and
      20. Reviewing and approving agencies' information technology plans and requests.
  1. This chapter shall not be construed to deprive, transfer, limit, or in any way alter or change any of the powers vested in the board of trustees of any institution of higher education under existing constitutional and statutory provisions.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1405; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 5; 2001, No. 1722, § 4; 2005, No. 1999, § 3; 2007, No. 751, § 13; 2009, No. 648, § 3; 2019, No. 315, § 2911; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6263-6267.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 1201, § 11, provided: “GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS. The Director may accept on behalf of the Department of Information Systems, from any source, the donation of gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment for the establishment, maintenance, operations, or improvement of broadband services, enhancements and grants.”

Acts 2013, No. 1443, § 75, provided: “INNOVATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND TRANSFERS. The Department of Information Systems is a cost recovery agency subject to the requirements of the United States Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Government (A-87) and Cost Principles for Developing Cost Allocation Plans and Indirect Cost Rates for Agreements with the Federal Government Implementation Guide for the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 (ASMBC-10). To comply with these federal rules, it is necessary to establish an Innovation and Project Development appropriation and general revenue fund account within the Department of Finance and Administration Disbursing Officer for the Department of Information Systems. This fund shall be used for state enterprise innovation projects that would enhance the technology operations of the State that cannot be cost allocated to federal programs. The Department of Information Systems will maintain documentation for projects billed for these purposes. Fund transfers may be made from the General Revenue Fund Account, upon the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and prior review of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, to reimburse the Department of Information Systems for the amounts billed.”

Acts 2014, No. 217, § 11, provided: “GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS. The Director may accept on behalf of the Department of Information Systems, from any source, the donation of gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment for the establishment, maintenance, operations, or improvement of broadband services, enhancements and grants.”

Acts 2014, No. 285, § 78, provided: “INNOVATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND TRANSFERS. The Department of Information Systems is a cost recovery agency subject to the requirements of the United States Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Government (A-87) and Cost Principles for Developing Cost Allocation Plans and Indirect Cost Rates for Agreements with the Federal Government Implementation Guide for the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 (ASMBC-10). To comply with these federal rules, it is necessary to establish an Innovation and Project Development appropriation and general revenue fund account within the Department of Finance and Administration Disbursing Officer for the Department of Information Systems. This fund shall be used for state enterprise innovation projects that would enhance the technology operations of the State that cannot be cost allocated to federal programs. The Department of Information Systems will maintain documentation for projects billed for these purposes. Fund transfers may be made from the General Revenue Fund Account, upon the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and prior review of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, to reimburse the Department of Information Systems for the amounts billed.”

Acts 2015, No. 715, § 10, provided: “COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

“1. In order to effect compliance with the requirements of state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions, the Director shall adjust billing rates or issue billing adjustments to be federally compliant, notwithstanding the provisions of ACA § 25-4-105 and § 25-4-119 or funds sufficient to effect compliance shall be provided the Department from General Revenues, Special Revenues or such other fund sources as may become available. These actions shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council.

“2. The Director shall have authority to transfer funds between the Information Technology Reserve Fund established by ACA § 25-4-123 and the Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund established by ACA § 25-4-121 for cash management purposes.

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Information Systems may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Information Systems authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2015, No. 715, § 11, provided: “GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS.

The Director may accept on behalf of the Department of Information Systems, from any source, funds including but not limited to special or general revenue, gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2015, No. 1070, § 76, provided:

“INNOVATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND TRANSFERS. The Department of Information Systems is a cost recovery agency subject to the requirements of the United States Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Government (A-87) and Cost Principles for Developing Cost Allocation Plans and Indirect Cost Rates for Agreements with the Federal Government Implementation Guide for the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 (ASMBC-10). To comply with these federal rules, it is necessary to establish an Innovation and Project Development appropriation and general revenue fund account within the Department of Finance and Administration Disbursing Officer for the Department of Information Systems. This fund shall be used for state enterprise innovation projects that would enhance the technology operations of the State that cannot be cost allocated to federal programs. The Department of Information Systems will maintain documentation for projects billed for these purposes. Fund transfers may be made from the General Revenue Fund Account, upon the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and prior review of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, to reimburse the Department of Information Systems for the amounts billed.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 247, § 10, provided: “COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

“1. In order to effect compliance with the requirements of state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions, the Director shall adjust billing rates or issue billing adjustments to be federally compliant, notwithstanding the provisions of ACA § 25-4-105 and § 25-4-119 or funds sufficient to effect compliance shall be provided the Department from General Revenues, Special Revenues or such other fund sources as may become available. These actions shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council.

“2. The Director shall have authority to transfer funds between the Information Technology Reserve Fund established by ACA § 25-4-123 and the Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund established by ACA § 25-4-121 for cash management purposes.

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Information Systems may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Information Systems authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

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

Acts 2016, No. 247, § 11, provided: “GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS. The Director may accept on behalf of the Department of Information Systems, from any source, funds including but not limited to special or general revenue, gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment.

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

Acts 2016, No. 251, § 76, provided: “INNOVATION AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND TRANSFERS. The Department of Information Systems is a cost recovery agency subject to the requirements of the United States Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Government (A-87) and Cost Principles for Developing Cost Allocation Plans and Indirect Cost Rates for Agreements with the Federal Government Implementation Guide for the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 (ASMBC-10). To comply with these federal rules, it is necessary to establish an Innovation and Project Development appropriation and general revenue fund account within the Department of Finance and Administration Disbursing Officer for the Department of Information Systems. This fund shall be used for state enterprise innovation projects that would enhance the technology operations of the State that cannot be cost allocated to federal programs. The Department of Information Systems will maintain documentation for projects billed for these purposes. Fund transfers may be made from the General Revenue Fund Account, upon the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and prior review of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, to reimburse the Department of Information Systems for the amounts billed.

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

Acts 2017, No. 900, § 9, provided: “COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

“1. In order to effect compliance with the requirements of state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions, the Director shall adjust billing rates or issue billing adjustments to be federally compliant, notwithstanding the provisions of ACA § 25-4-105 and § 25-4-119 or funds sufficient to effect compliance shall be provided the Department from General Revenues, Special Revenues or such other fund sources as may become available. These actions shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

“2. The Director shall have authority to transfer funds between the Information Technology Reserve Fund established by ACA § 25-4-123 and the Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund established by ACA § 25-4-121 for cash management purposes.

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Information Systems may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Information Systems authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Acts 2017, No. 900, § 10, provided: “GIFTS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS. (i) The Director may accept on behalf of the Department of Information Systems, from any source, funds including but not limited to special or general revenue, gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment. (ii) The Department shall quarterly file with the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee a report summarizing all funds, gifts, grants, cash, bequeaths, devices, donations, real or personal property and equipment received. (iii) The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment subdivided the introductory language of (a); inserted “and other quasi-governmental entities” in (a)(2)(B); deleted “two-year” preceding “period” in (a)(2)(B)(i); deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (a)(2)(G); substituted “Providing a State Cyber Security Office to monitor” for “Monitoring” in (a)(2)(K); rewrote (a)(2)(O); deleted “as requested by a state agency” following “contracts” in (a)(2)(P); substituted “Developing” for “Assisting in the development of” in (a)(2)(R); inserted (a)(2)(S) through (a)(2)(V); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (a)(1).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (a)(1), substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” and “division” for “department” twice; substituted “division’s” for “department’s” in the introductory language in (a)(2); substituted “division” for “department” in (a)(2)(E)(ii) and (a)(2)(G); substituted “division plan” for “departmental plan” in (a)(2)(H); and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(2)(Q).

25-4-106. Reporting requirements.

    1. The Director of the Division of Information Systems will report periodically to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology regarding the status of the Division of Information Systems' information technology responsibilities in state government.
    2. The director may report any factors that are outside the scope of the division but are deemed to inhibit or to promote the division's responsibilities.
    1. By October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31 of each fiscal year, the director shall compile and submit a report to the:
      1. Legislative Council, if submitted between regular sessions of the General Assembly;
      2. Joint Budget Committee, if submitted during a session of the General Assembly; and
      3. Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.
    2. The report shall:
      1. Detail all requests from state agencies, boards, and commissions for advice regarding information technology planning, implementation, installation, rates or fees, utilization of products, services, and integrations or upgrades to be added to all existing technology plans; and
      2. Provide a full report of all corresponding recommendations made by the division to the requesting state agencies, boards, and commissions.
    3. The report shall include:
      1. The name of the state agency, board, or commission requesting the advice;
      2. The name and scope of the project for which advice is being sought;
      3. The type of advice sought, for example, technical, product or service utilization, planning, implementation, installation, integration, or upgrades;
      4. A detailed explanation of all recommendations provided by the department;
      5. How the recommendation fits into the information technology plan of the agency, board, or commission;
      6. How the recommendation fits into the state's information technology plan and state enterprise architecture; and
      7. Other information as may be useful for policy making decisions by the Legislative Council or the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1406; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 6; 2001, No. 1722, § 5; 2003, No. 1627, § 12; 2007, No. 751, § 14; 2009, No. 648, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6268, 6269.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 8, provided:

“The current Department of Information Systems Steering Committee and the Department of Information Systems Advisory Board are hereby abolished.”

Acts 2014, No. 217, § 9, provided: “REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

“(a)(1) The Director of the Department of Information Systems will report periodically to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology and the Executive Chief Information Officer regarding the status of the Department of Information Systems' information technology responsibilities in state government.

“(2) The director will forward to the joint committee any statutory changes that the department may recommend sufficiently in advance of the convening of the session of the General Assembly.

“(3) The director may report any factors that are outside the scope of the department but are deemed to inhibit or to promote the department's responsibilities.

“(b)(1) By October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31 of each fiscal year, the Director of the Department Information Systems shall compile and submit a report to:

“(A) The Arkansas Legislative Council, if submitted between regular sessions of the General Assembly;

“(B) The Joint Budget Committee, if submitted during a session of the General Assembly; and

“(C) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“(2) The report shall:

“(A) Detail all requests from state agencies, boards, and commissions for advice regarding information technology planning, implementation, installation, rates or fees, utilization of products, services, and integrations or upgrades to be added to all existing technology plans; and

“(B) Provide a full report of all corresponding recommendations made by the Department of Information Systems to the requesting state agencies, boards, and commissions.

“(3) The report shall include:

“(A) The name of the state agency, board, or commission requesting the advice;

“(B) The name and scope of the project for which advice is being sought;

“(C) The type of advice sought, for example: technical, product or service utilization, planning, implementation, installation, integration, or upgrades;

“(D) A detailed explanation of all recommendations provided by the Department of Information Systems;

“(E) How the recommendation fits into the information technology plan of the agency, board, or commission;

“(F) How the recommendation fits into the state's information technology plan and shared technical architecture; and

“(G) Other information as may be useful for policy making decisions by the Legislative Council or Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.”

Acts 2015, No. 715, § 9, provided: “REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

“(a)(1) The Director of the Department of Information Systems will report periodically to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology and the Executive Chief Information Officer regarding the status of the Department of Information Systems' information technology responsibilities in state government.

“(2) The director will forward to the joint committee any statutory changes that the department may recommend sufficiently in advance of the convening of the session of the General Assembly.

“(3) The director may report any factors that are outside the scope of the department but are deemed to inhibit or to promote the department's responsibilities.

“(b)(1) By October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31 of each fiscal year, the Director of the Department Information Systems shall compile and submit a report to:

“(A) The Arkansas Legislative Council, if submitted between regular sessions of the General Assembly;

“(B) The Joint Budget Committee, if submitted during a session of the General Assembly; and

“(C) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“(2) The report shall:

“(A) Detail all requests from state agencies, boards, and commissions for advice regarding information technology planning, implementation, installation, rates or fees, utilization of products, services, and integrations or upgrades to be added to all existing technology plans; and

“(B) Provide a full report of all corresponding recommendations made by the Department of Information Systems to the requesting state agencies, boards, and commissions.

“(3) The report shall include:

“(A) The name of the state agency, board, or commission requesting the advice;

“(B) The name and scope of the project for which advice is being sought;

“(C) The type of advice sought, for example: technical, product or service utilization, planning, implementation, installation, integration, or upgrades;

“(D) A detailed explanation of all recommendations provided by the Department of Information Systems;

“(E) How the recommendation fits into the information technology plan of the agency, board, or commission;

“(F) How the recommendation fits into the state's information technology plan and shared technical architecture; and

“(G) Other information as may be useful for policy making decisions by the Legislative Council or Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 247, § 9, provided: “REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

“(a)(1) The Director of the Department of Information Systems will report periodically to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology and the Executive Chief Information Officer regarding the status of the Department of Information Systems' information technology responsibilities in state government.

“(2) The director will forward to the joint committee any statutory changes that the department may recommend sufficiently in advance of the convening of the session of the General Assembly.

“(3) The director may report any factors that are outside the scope of the department but are deemed to inhibit or to promote the department's responsibilities.

“(b)(1) By October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31 of each fiscal year, the Director of the Department Information Systems shall compile and submit a report to:

“(A) The Arkansas Legislative Council, if submitted between regular sessions of the General Assembly;

“(B) The Joint Budget Committee, if submitted during a session of the General Assembly; and

“(C) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“(2) The report shall:

“(A) Detail all requests from state agencies, boards, and commissions for advice regarding information technology planning, implementation, installation, rates or fees, utilization of products, services, and integrations or upgrades to be added to all existing technology plans; and

“(B) Provide a full report of all corresponding recommendations made by the Department of Information Systems to the requesting state agencies, boards, and commissions.

“(3) The report shall include:

“(A) The name of the state agency, board, or commission requesting the advice;

“(B) The name and scope of the project for which advice is being sought;

“(C) The type of advice sought, for example: technical, product or service utilization, planning, implementation, installation, integration, or upgrades;

“(D) A detailed explanation of all recommendations provided by the Department of Information Systems;

“(E) How the recommendation fits into the information technology plan of the agency, board, or commission;

“(F) How the recommendation fits into the state's information technology plan and shared technical architecture; and

“(G) Other information as may be useful for policy making decisions by the Legislative Council or Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

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

Acts 2017, No. 900, § 8, provided: “REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

“(a)(1) The Director of the Department of Information Systems will report periodically to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology and the Executive Chief Information Officer regarding the status of the Department of Information Systems' information technology responsibilities in state government.

“(2) The director will forward to the joint committee any statutory changes that the department may recommend sufficiently in advance of the convening of the session of the General Assembly.

“(3) The director may report any factors that are outside the scope of the department but are deemed to inhibit or to promote the department's responsibilities.

“(b)(1) By October 31, January 31, April 30, and July 31 of each fiscal year, the Director of the Department Information Systems shall compile and submit a report to:

“(A) The Arkansas Legislative Council, if submitted between regular sessions of the General Assembly;

“(B) The Joint Budget Committee, if submitted during a session of the General Assembly; and

“(C) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“(2) The report shall:

“(A) Detail all requests from state agencies, boards, and commissions for advice regarding information technology planning, implementation, installation, rates or fees, utilization of products, services, and integrations or upgrades to be added to all existing technology plans; and

“(B) Provide a full report of all corresponding recommendations made by the Department of Information Systems to the requesting state agencies, boards, and commissions.

“(3) The report shall include:

“(A) The name of the state agency, board, or commission requesting the advice;

“(B) The name and scope of the project for which advice is being sought;

“(C) The type of advice sought, for example: technical, product or service utilization, planning, implementation, installation, integration, or upgrades;

“(D) A detailed explanation of all recommendations provided by the Department of Information Systems;

“(E) How the recommendation fits into the information technology plan of the agency, board, or commission;

“(F) How the recommendation fits into the state's information technology plan and shared technical architecture; and

“(G) Other information as may be useful for policy making decisions by the Legislative Council or Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted (a)(2) and redesignated the subsequent subdivision accordingly; and substituted “state enterprise” for “shared technical” in (b)(3)(F).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” twice in (a)(1); in (a)(2), substituted “division” for “department” and substituted “division’s responsibilities” for “department’s responsibilities”; and substituted “division” for “department” in (b)(2)(B).

25-4-107. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning Department of Finance and Administration general powers and duties, was repealed by Acts 2009, No. 648, § 5. The section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 884, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1408; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 7; 2005, No. 1999, § 4; 2007, No. 751, § 15.

25-4-108. Division of Information Systems — Working groups.

  1. The Director of the Division of Information Systems may appoint working groups as necessary for specific purposes related to information technology coordination.
  2. Working group membership shall be determined by the director.
  3. Each working group shall establish a timeline for completion of its charge to accomplish performance-driven results.
  4. Working groups shall meet at least quarterly to achieve their assigned charges.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 8; 1979, No. 820, § 2; 1985, No. 463, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1408; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 8; 2005, No. 1999, § 4; 2007, No. 751, § 16; 2019, No. 910, § 6270.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a).

25-4-109. Information technology centers.

  1. The Division of Information Systems is authorized to establish, maintain, and operate information technology centers and, in connection therewith, to rent, purchase, install, operate, and maintain information technology for state agencies as authorized in this chapter.
  2. The division is authorized to enter into contracts or agreements with state agencies for the purpose of providing information technology.
  3. State agencies are authorized to enter into any contracts with the division or its successor that may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the purposes and policies of this chapter or for maximum utilization of facilities and services that are the subject of this chapter.
  4. Agencies shall use the core information technology infrastructure.
  5. The division is authorized to enter into agreements and contracts with public utilities for telecommunications service.
  6. The information technology centers operated by the division shall be made available to all state agencies that fall within economical and feasible boundaries.
  7. Agencies shall use project management for designated activities defined as a project.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 8; 1979, No. 820, § 2; 1985, No. 463, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1408; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 9; 2001, No. 1722, § 6; 2005, No. 1999, § 5; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6271, 6272.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a); and substituted “division” for “department” in (b), (e), and (f).

25-4-110. Information technology — Planning.

  1. The Division of Information Systems shall submit status reports annually or when requested to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.
    1. Each state agency shall develop a biennial information technology plan that establishes state agency goals, objectives, and policies regarding the development and use of information technology.
      1. Each state agency shall specifically include a policy regarding the use of the internet.
      2. A statement of the agency's policy regarding the use of the internet shall include:
        1. The penalties for violations of the agency's internet policy;
        2. The number of employees and computers that have access to the internet and the percentage of those employees and computers to the total number of employees and computers;
        3. The needs of the agency and how those needs relate to the use of the internet; and
        4. The responsibilities of the agency's employees as those responsibilities relate to the efficient and responsible use of the internet.
    2. Plans may be updated by agencies in a timely manner to remain current and must accommodate changes in the evolving state information technology plan and standards.
  2. The division shall distribute criteria, elements, form, and format for agency plans. Plans may include, but not be limited to, the following:
    1. A statement of the agency's mission, goals, and objectives for information technology;
    2. Goals and objectives for achieving electronic access to agency records, information, and services;
    3. Consideration of a variety of information technologies, including those that help transcend geographic locations, standard business hours, economic conditions of users, and disabilities;
    4. Compliance with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.;
    5. An explanation of how the state agency's mission, goals, and objectives for information technology support and conform to the state information technology plan developed by the division;
    6. An implementation strategy to include:
      1. Annual implementation objectives of the plan;
      2. Methods to educate both state employees and the public in the effective use of access technologies; and
      3. Agency activities to increase electronic access to public records and information to be implemented within available resources and existing state agency planning processes;
    7. Projects and resources required to meet the objectives of the plan;
    8. Estimated schedules and funding required to implement identified projects;
    9. An evaluation of the agency's performance relating to information technology;
    10. An assessment of progress made toward implementing the agency information technology plan;
    11. A discussion of progress toward electronic access to public information and enabling citizens to have two-way interaction for obtaining information and services from state agencies; and
    12. An inventory of state agency information technology.
    1. Plans developed or updated shall be submitted to the division.
    2. The division may reject, require modification to, or approve plans as deemed appropriate.
    3. Plans shall be modified by the state agency as necessary.
    1. Plans developed or updated by public instrumentalities shall be submitted for review to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.
    2. The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology may seek the assistance of the division in conducting this review.
    3. Plans shall be modified by the public instrumentality as necessary.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1409; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 10; 2001, No. 1287, § 1; 2001, No. 1722, § 7; 2007, No. 751, § 17; 2009, No. 648, § 6; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6273-6275.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted (a)(1) and (b), subdivided (d) and (e), and redesignated accordingly; substituted “status reports annually or when requested” for “monthly status reports” in (a); substituted “Information Systems” for “Finance and Administration” in the introductory language of (c) and in (d)(1) and (e)(2); and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a), the introductory language of (c), and (d)(1); and substituted “division” for “department” in (d)(2).

25-4-111. Information technology — Prerequisites.

  1. Unless the agency first receives approval for a plan or an updated plan as provided for under § 25-4-110, a state agency shall not:
    1. Acquire by purchase or lease any new or additional information technology; or
    2. Enter into any contract for information technology.
  2. If an agency desires to acquire information technology not part of an information technology plan approved under § 25-4-110, the requesting agency shall submit a waiver request to the Director of the Division of Information Systems that includes:
    1. Identification of necessary additional services or improvements in information technology;
    2. Relationship of the information technology improvements or additions to the overall goals of the agency;
    3. Resources needed to provide the additional services or improvements; and
    4. Measurement and evaluation criteria.
    1. Upon evaluation of the waiver request, the director shall notify the agency in writing of his or her approval or rejection of the request and his or her reasons.
    2. The director shall make his or her evaluation in a timely manner. If the director requires more than thirty (30) days to complete the evaluation, he or she shall report in writing to the Governor and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services his or her reasons for the delay in completion.
    3. If the director rejects a request for a waiver, a state agency shall not make any expenditure of public funds for the acquisition or expansion of information technology equipment or services.
    4. If the director determines that the agency needs additional information technology resources, he or she may:
      1. Authorize the agency to acquire the requested information technology in accordance with the state enterprise architecture;
      2. Authorize acquisition of a modified information technology configuration;
      3. Notify the agency of the availability of Division of Information Systems facilities to provide the requested information technology; or
      4. Recommend that the information technology be provided through the facilities of some other designated state agency.
  3. All state agencies shall comply with the provisions of the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., and applicable provisions of the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq., in the acquisition, purchase, contracting for the purchase of, and leasing of information technology.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1410; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 11; 2001, No. 1722, § 8; 2007, No. 751, § 18; 2009, No. 648, § 7; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6276, 6277.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “Information Systems” for “Finance and Administration” throughout the section; inserted “in accordance with the state enterprise architecture” in (c)(4)(A); and made minor stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in the introductory language of (b) and in (c)(4)(C); substituted “director” for “Director of the Department of Information Systems” throughout (c)(1)-(4); and inserted “and the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” in (c)(2).

25-4-112. Application to educational institutions.

    1. In the case of state-supported institutions of higher education and state-supported postsecondary vocational-technical schools, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to business and administrative applications of information technology but do not apply to academic and research applications.
    2. On-campus telecommunications systems shall also be exempt from the provisions of this chapter except when they are connected to the state telecommunications network infrastructure.
    3. On-campus telecommunications systems shall be defined as those bounded by the outer perimeter of contiguous campus property.
    1. A state-supported institution of higher education, a post-secondary vocational-technical school, an area vocational school, or a public school district may request technical assistance regarding information technology from the Division of Information Systems.
      1. Assistance shall be provided by the division free of charge within a reasonable period.
      2. However, the requesting institution shall reimburse the division for any actual expenses incurred while providing requested technical assistance.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 16; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1416; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 12; 2005, No. 1999, § 6; 2019, No. 910, § 6278.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (b)(1); and substituted “division” for “department” in (b)(2)(A) and (B).

25-4-113. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning acquisition of information technology by constitutional officers, General Assembly, Supreme Court, or Administrative Office of the Courts, was repealed by Acts 2001, No. 1722, § 9. The section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 884, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1414; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 13.

25-4-114. Contracts and agreements for information technology.

  1. Contracts and agreements for state agencies for information technology shall adhere to the state enterprise architecture.
  2. A state agency shall submit to the Director of the Division of Information Systems for review and approval a request for the state agency to enter into a technology contract or agreement that is not in compliance with the state enterprise architecture.
  3. Contracts for the provision of information technology are interagency agreements and are exempt from the provisions of the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., and the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq., nor are they required to be submitted to the Legislative Council for advice.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1415; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 14; 2001, No. 1722, § 10; 2007, No. 751, § 19; 2009, No. 648, § 8; 2019, No. 910, § 6279.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote (a); inserted (b); and redesignated the subsequent subsection accordingly.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Director of the Division of Information Systems” for “Director of the Department of Information Systems” in (b).

25-4-115. Professional services contracts between division and outside vendors.

    1. In the event that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Division of Information Systems cannot provide sufficient information technology support to state agencies, the Director of the Division of Information Systems is authorized to enter into professional services contracts for the necessary information technology support.
    2. The division may also consolidate information technology needs to satisfy agency requests.
    1. The division may utilize moneys appropriated for maintenance, operation, and payment of regular salaries of the division for the purchase of professional services upon approval thereof by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.
      1. Provided, however, that before approving the use of moneys appropriated for payment of regular salaries of the division for obtaining professional services, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall determine that resignations, vacancies in positions, or the inability to employ persons with technical skills to provide the services has necessitated that action.
      2. In addition, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall obtain the advice of the Legislative Council before approving any transfer of regular salary appropriations to the maintenance and operation appropriation of the agency to be used for payment of professional services.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1411; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 15; 2001, No. 1722, § 11; 2019, No. 910, § 6280.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “division” for “department” in the section heading and throughout (a)(2), (b)(1), and (b)(2)(A); and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” twice in (a)(1).

25-4-116. Payment for information technology.

  1. Before a state agency may enter into an agreement with the Division of Information Systems for purchase of information technology, the agency shall certify that adequate appropriations and funds are available for purchasing information technology from the division.
    1. If the state agency's line item appropriation for purchase of information technology is inadequate and if there are contemplated savings in the funds appropriated for the requesting agency which could be utilized for purchase of information technology without jeopardizing other essential programs and services of the state agency, then the savings which may be required for the purchase of services may be transferred, upon written approval of the amount thereof by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, from any appropriation of the agency to the agency appropriation for the purchase of information technology on the books of the Auditor of State and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.
    2. Provided, however, before approving any transfers of moneys appropriated for a state agency to the line-item appropriation for purchase of information technology of that state agency, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall obtain the advice of the Legislative Council with respect thereto.
    3. The transfers authorized in this chapter shall be made from time to time within the amounts authorized in the procedures set forth in this chapter, upon payment for information technology purchased from the division.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 12; 1979, No. 796, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1412; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 16; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6281, 6282.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a); and substituted “division” for “department” in (a) and (b)(3).

25-4-117. Delinquent accounts.

  1. For accounts that are thirty (30) days overdue and have no charges contested by the user, the Division of Information Systems may request the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer all or part of the overdue amount from the user's account to the division's revolving account. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall transfer the amount within ten (10) working days.
  2. For accounts that are sixty (60) days overdue and have charges being contested by the user, the division may request the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer all or part of the overdue amount from the user's account to the division's revolving account. If the resolution of contested charges favors the user, the user may request the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer all or part of the overdue amount from the division's revolving account to the user's account.
  3. The division is authorized to discontinue information technology service to users who do not make a timely remittance of payment for services rendered and is specifically prohibited from providing services to state agencies lacking funds or sufficient appropriations to pay for the services.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1407; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 17; 2001, No. 1722, § 12; 2019, No. 910, § 6283.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “division” and “division’s” for “department” and “department’s” throughout the section; and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a).

Cross References. Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund,§ 19-5-1055.

25-4-118. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning appeals, was repealed by Acts 2001, No. 1722, § 13. The section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 884, § 13; 1979, No. 951, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1413; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 18.

25-4-119. Budget procedures.

    1. Prior to the commencement of budget hearings conducted by the Legislative Council, the Director of the Division of Information Systems shall prepare an operating budget indicating the amount of money that will be required to operate the Division of Information Systems each year of the succeeding biennium.
    2. The director shall also provide cost information to users of information technology centers, and those who require new or expanded information technology shall be provided cost estimates for inclusion in their budget requests.
    1. When the General Assembly has completed the appropriation process, the director shall oversee budgetary planning for the division for each fiscal year of the biennium.
    2. The proposed annual operating budget shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services for his or her approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.
      1. During the course of the biennium, the director shall make certain that the expenditures of the division do not exceed the income to be received by the division for the current fiscal year.
      2. Subject to the written approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State upon the written application of the division and review by the Legislative Council, in order to effect compliance with state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions:
        1. The director shall adjust rates for services or issue billing adjustments as necessary; or
        2. Funds sufficient to effect compliance shall be provided to the division.
      1. If rates charged to a customer are increased to ensure compliance with state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions under subdivision (b)(3) of this section, then the director shall promptly notify the Governor, the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, and all state agencies and other customers before any changes shall be effected.
      2. Rates shall be reviewed by the division on no less than an annual basis in order to ensure compliance with state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions.
  1. The quarterly allotment procedures applicable to state agencies, as defined by the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq., shall be applicable to all appropriations funded directly through general revenue.

History. Acts 1979, No. 951, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1413.1; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 19; 2001, No. 1722, § 14; 2005, No. 1999, § 7; 2019, No. 910, § 6284.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “division” for “department” throughout the section; substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” twice in (a)(1); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Governor” in (b)(2).

25-4-120. Revisions to budget, purchasing, and personnel process.

    1. Prior to June 30 of each even-numbered year, the Legislative Council shall conduct a review of the state budget, purchasing, and personnel process used by state agencies regarding information technology.
    2. The Legislative Council shall prepare recommendations for changes in the information technology budget process for utilization in the development of state agency budgets for the next biennial budget cycle.
  1. All agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate fully with the Legislative Council to accomplish the purposes of this section.
  2. The Division of Information Systems shall make recommendations regarding revisions to the state budget, purchasing, and personnel process related to information technology to the Legislative Council by March 1 of each even-numbered year.

History. Acts 1977, No. 884, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-1413; Acts 1997, No. 914, § 20; 2019, No. 910, § 6285.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (c).

25-4-121. Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund.

  1. There is created and established on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Department of Finance and Administration the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund.
  2. The Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund shall consist of nonrevenue receipts derived from services provided to various agencies of the federal, state, city, and county governments, and any other moneys which may be provided by law for credit to the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund.
  3. All revenues received by the Division of Information Systems for providing information technology services shall be deposited into the State Treasury as nonrevenue receipts, there to be used for the maintenance, operation, and improvement of the division.
  4. All revenues received from agencies or other governmental entities for information technology services provided by contracts between the division and outside vendors may be deposited into the State Treasury as refund to expenditures.
  5. Subject to the written approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State upon written application of the division and review by the Legislative Council, the Director of the Division of Information Systems shall have the authority to transfer funds between the Information Technology Reserve Fund established by §§ 19-5-1056 and 25-4-123 and the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund established under this section for cash management purposes.

History. Acts 1997, No. 914, § 21; 2001, No. 1722, § 15; 2005, No. 1999, § 8; 2019, No. 910, § 6286.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in the section heading, (a), (c), and twice in (e); substituted “division” for “department” at the end of (c); and substituted “division” for “Department of Information Systems” in (d) and (e).

25-4-122. Reserve for equipment acquisition — Loans.

    1. The Division of Information Systems is authorized to accumulate a reserve for equipment acquisition in an amount not to exceed the division's depreciation expense per fiscal year.
      1. In addition, the division is authorized to obtain from the State Board of Finance loans from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to supplement the reserve if the reserve is insufficient to handle the total cost of required equipment acquisitions.
      2. These loans and the reserve for equipment acquisition shall be used exclusively for major equipment acquisitions or improvements of information technology required in order to fulfill the requirements for one (1) or more user agencies.
      3. The loans from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to the Information Technology Reserve Fund shall be repaid within five (5) years from revenues derived from charges to users, and the annual loan repayment amount shall be computed as a part of the total yearly expenses of the division and shall be charged proportionately to users.
      1. However, before the board approves any requests for loans by the division authorized in subdivision (a)(2) of this section, the requests shall be submitted to the Governor for his or her approval after the Governor has first obtained the advice of the Legislative Council in regard thereto.
      2. After having obtained advice, the Governor may in writing approve or reject the request.
      3. However, if the Legislative Council fails to give its written advice or opinion to the Governor within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of the request for loans, the Governor may proceed to act on the matter without the advice of the Legislative Council.
    1. The board shall make no loans if the approval of the Governor has not been obtained therefor.
    2. After obtaining the Governor's approval in writing, the board shall also review and may approve the loans and establish terms of repayment and a rate of interest to be paid by the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund to the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund. The rate shall be approximately equivalent to the rate of interest the board is receiving on other investments at the time of approving the loan request.

History. Acts 1997, No. 914, § 21; 2005, No. 1999, § 9; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6287-6289.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(1); substituted “division’s” and “division” for “department’s” and “department” in (a)(1), (a)(2)(A), (a)(2)(C), and (b)(1)(A); and substituted “Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund” for “Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund” in (b)(3).

25-4-123. Information Technology Reserve Fund.

  1. There is established on the books of the Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a fund to be known as the “Information Technology Reserve Fund”.
  2. This fund shall consist of those funds transferred from the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund in an amount up to the authorized reserve for equipment acquisition as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State within thirty (30) days following the closing of each fiscal year, any loans which may be received from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, and any other moneys which may be provided by law, there to be used exclusively for major equipment acquisitions or improvements as set out in § 25-4-122.

History. Acts 1997, No. 914, § 21; 2019, No. 910, § 6290.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund” for “Department of Information Systems Revolving Fund” in (b).

25-4-124. Yearly computation of expenses — Disposition of surplus funds.

  1. Within sixty (60) days following the final closing entries for the consolidated annual financial report for each fiscal year, the Director of the Division of Information Systems shall obtain from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State the written approval of a plan that shall include a proposed methodology to make all appropriate adjustments to effect compliance with state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions for the fiscal year.
    1. If the plan under subsection (a) of this section requires appropriate credits or debits to customer accounts to effect compliance with state and federal statutory and regulatory provisions, the Division of Information Systems shall make any adjustments within sixty (60) days after approval of the plan.
    2. In the event that a customer no longer uses the services of the division, a fund transfer in the amount of that customer's credits under the plan described in subsection (a) of this section shall be made from the Division of Information Systems Revolving Fund to the customer's treasury fund, upon certification of the amount by the director to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Treasurer of State. In the event the customer does not have a treasury fund, a warrant shall be issued by the division in payment of the customer's credit.
  2. In the event that the customer has an unpaid account balance due the division, the customer's credit shall be withheld until the account balance is satisfied.

History. Acts 1997, No. 914, § 21; 2005, No. 1999, § 10; 2019, No. 910, § 6291.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a) and (b)(1)-(2); and substituted “division” for “department” twice in (b)(2) and in (c).

25-4-125. State Broadband Manager.

  1. The Governor shall designate the State Broadband Manager.
  2. The State Broadband Manager shall coordinate the state's efforts to expand and improve broadband capacity and availability by:
    1. Serving as a single point of contact for:
      1. State agencies, boards, commissions, and constitutional officers, including without limitation the Governor, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Higher Education, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation;
      2. Private businesses, enterprises, and broadband providers;
      3. Nonprofit organizations;
      4. Governmental entities and organizations organized under federal law or the law of another state; and
      5. Individuals and entities that seek to assist the state's efforts to improve economic development, elementary education, and secondary education through the use of broadband technology;
    2. Gathering, compiling, and maintaining information obtained independently or from an individual or entity described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section;
    3. Formulating, updating, and maintaining a state broadband plan; and
    4. On or before January 1 and July 1 of each year, filing a written report of the activities and operations of the State Broadband Manager for the preceding six (6) months with the:
      1. Governor;
      2. Legislative Council; and
      3. Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1168, § 1; 2017, No. 707, § 289; 2019, No. 792, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2380, 6292, 6293.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Department of Transportation” for “State Highway and Transportation Department” in (b)(1)(A).

The 2019 amendment by No. 792 substituted “The Governor shall designate” for “The Director of the Department of Information Systems is designated” in (a).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, § 2380 deleted “Department of Higher Education” following “Department of Education” in (b)(1)(A).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, §§ 6292 and 6293 substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a); and substituted “the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Higher Education, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation” for “Department of Education, Department of Higher Education, and Arkansas Department of Transportation” in (b)(1)(A).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Justin C. Mankin, Comment: A Call for Competitive Broadband Reform in Arkansas, 68 Ark. L. Rev. 829 (2015).

25-4-126. Chief Data Officer and Chief Privacy Officer.

    1. The Director of the Division of Information Systems shall select an individual to serve as the Chief Data Officer of the Division of Information Systems and the Chief Privacy Officer of the Division of Information Systems.
    2. The Chief Data Officer of the Division of Information Systems and the Chief Privacy Officer of the Division of Information Systems shall not be the same person.
  1. The Chief Data Officer of the Division of Information Systems shall:
      1. Provide master data management by facilitating standardization, deduplication, sharing, and integration of critical data between systems and state agencies.
      2. Master data management may include without limitation a shared master citizen record;
    1. Establish and promote data architecture management by developing an integrated set of specifications and documents that define the blueprint for managing data resources;
    2. Provide data quality management by:
      1. Applying data quality management concepts and practices that include without limitation:
        1. Policies;
        2. Measurement;
        3. Process improvement; and
        4. Education; and
      2. Leveraging data warehouse, business intelligence, and master data management solutions;
    3. Provide data governance by:
      1. Exercising authority, control, and decision-making over the management of data assets; and
      2. Introducing accountability for data asset management through formalized data stewardship;
    4. Support open data exchanges based on standardized and published application programming interfaces that:
      1. Facilitate standardized access to data within, between, or outside systems or state agencies; and
      2. Establish a data catalog of data housed, maintained, and utilized by each state agency;
    5. Utilize business intelligence that includes without limitation embedded business intelligence and advanced analytics that maximize the value of data in this state in order to facilitate access to and the analysis of data; and
    6. Direct and oversee the Data and Transparency Panel.
  2. The Chief Privacy Officer of the Division of Information Systems shall:
    1. Oversee, develop, and implement methods to ensure that all state agencies comply with federal and state laws governing the privacy of and access to protected data;
    2. Assure that the use of technology sustains, and does not erode, privacy protections relating to the use, collection, and disclosure of personal information;
    3. Assure that personal information contained in privacy act systems of records complies with the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a);
    4. Review regulatory proposals and procedures involving the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by the federal government, state government, and local government; and
      1. Prepare and submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology concerning activities that affect privacy.
      2. Activities that affect privacy may include without limitation complaints of privacy violations, implementation of the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a), and internal controls.

History. Acts 2017, No. 912, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6294-6296.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” throughout (a) and in the introductory language of (b) and (c).

25-4-127. Data and Transparency Panel — Creation — Duties.

  1. The Data and Transparency Panel is created within the Division of Information Systems.
  2. The panel shall consist of the following members:
      1. Three (3) appointees from the private sector who shall be appointed as follows:
        1. One (1) appointee shall be appointed by the Governor;
        2. One (1) appointee shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
        3. One (1) appointee shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
      2. Each appointee shall serve at the pleasure of his or her appointer.
      3. The appointer of an appointee who vacates his or her position on the panel shall fill the vacancy as required under this section;
    1. The Attorney General or his or her designee;
    2. The secretaries, directors, or their designees, of the following entities:
      1. The Arkansas Crime Information Center;
      2. The Division of Arkansas State Police;
      3. The Division of Career and Technical Education;
      4. The Division of Community Correction;
      5. The Division of Correction;
      6. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
      7. The Department of Finance and Administration;
      8. The Department of Health;
      9. The Division of Higher Education;
      10. The Department of Human Services;
      11. The Division of Information Systems;
      12. The Department of Labor and Licensing;
      13. The Division of Workforce Services; and
      14. The Office of Skills Development;
      1. The Chief Data Officer of the Division of Information Systems.
      2. The Chief Data Officer of the Division of Information Systems shall be the Chair of the Data and Transparency Panel.
      3. The members of the panel shall select a vice chair annually;
    3. The Chief Privacy Officer of the Division of Information Systems; and
    4. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or his or her designee.
  3. The panel shall:
    1. Perform a feasibility and cost study on the development of a statewide data warehouse program;
    2. Evaluate and identify data to be included in the statewide data warehouse program;
    3. Determine and recommend procedures necessary for the implementation of a statewide data warehouse program;
    4. Oversee a statewide data warehouse program implemented in this state;
    5. Evaluate and identify data that may be provided to the public in accordance with data standards and specifications developed by the Division of Information Systems;
    6. Provide annual reports to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology; and
    7. Develop a unified longitudinal system that links existing siloed agency information for education and workforce outcomes to continuously conduct a business systems assessment to:
      1. Help the leaders of this state and service providers develop an improved understanding of individual outcomes resulting from education and workforce pipelines in Arkansas;
      2. Identify opportunities for improvement by using real-time information; and
      3. Continuously align programs and resources to the evolving economy of this state.
    1. The panel shall meet at least quarterly 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.
  4. Nine (9) members of the panel shall constitute a quorum to transact the business of the panel.

History. Acts 2017, No. 912, § 1; 2019, No. 147, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6297-6299; 2019, No. 936, §§ 1, 2.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 147 added (b)(6).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a), (b)(3)(K), (b)(4)(A) and (B), (b)(5), and (c)(5); in the introductory language of (b)(3), inserted “secretaries” and substituted “entities” for “departments”; substituted “Division” for “Department” in (b)(3)(B), (D), (E), and (I); substituted “Division of Career and Technical Education” for “Department of Career Education” in (b)(3)(C); substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” in (b)(3)(F), and substituted “Department of Labor and Licensing” for “Department of Labor” in (b)(3)(L).

The 2019 amendment by No. 936 added “and offices” in the introductory language of (b)(3); added (b)(3)(M) and (b)(3)(N); and added (c)(7).

25-4-128. Data and Transparency Panel — Records — Confidentiality.

  1. All records, reports, and other information obtained by the Data and Transparency Panel shall be confidential unless approved for publication in accordance with data standards and specifications developed by the Division of Information Systems.
  2. A person, agency, or entity that furnishes confidential information in good faith under this chapter is immune from criminal or civil liability arising out of the release of the confidential information.

History. Acts 2017, No. 912, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6300.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a).

Chapter 5 Department of Correction

Cross References. Board of Corrections, duties, § 12-27-105.

25-5-101. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the continuation and organization of the Department of Correction, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1021, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1971, No. 38, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-913.

Chapter 6 Department of Education

Cross References. School Law, § 6-10-101 et seq.

Preambles. Acts 1987, No. 771, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, State laws relating to vocational and technical education changed significantly during the past six years;

“Whereas, a careful study of statutes affecting vocational and technical education reveals several conflicts among various sections, instances of legislation by inference rather than by specific provision, and inconsistency in terminology;

“Whereas, the Arkansas Statute Revision Commission is presenting to the 1987 General Assembly recommendations for recodifying the statutes; and

“Whereas, although the Commission members recognize the problems in vocational education, they believe that only the General Assembly has legal authority to resolve them;

“Now therefore….”

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 970, § 25, provided: “ESTABLISHMENT OF A ‘POSITION POOL’.

“(a) To address needs emerging from statewide education issues and the necessity of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, the Arkansas Department of Education or its successor agency is authorized for the 2015-2016 fiscal year a pool of no more than five (5) Professional/Executive positions at a salary not to exceed the maximum salary for a grade N912. These positions are to be used by the Department of Education in the event that the personal services needs of the Department during the 2015-2016 fiscal year require additional positions, either by title or in number, that are not authorized by the General Assembly in Section 1 of this Act. These positions may also be used to properly classify positions when the Department does not have a vacant position available with the appropriate title and salary level.

“(b) To address needs emerging from statewide education issues and the necessity of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, the Arkansas Department of Education or its successor agency is authorized for the 2015-2016 fiscal year a pool of ten (10) classified positions at up to a grade C130. These positions are to be used by the Department of Education in the event that the personal services needs of the Department during the 2015-2016 fiscal year require additional positions, either by classification or in number, that are not authorized by the General Assembly in Section 1 of this Act. These positions may also be used to properly classify positions when the Department does not have a vacant position available with the appropriate title and grade level.

“(c) Any salary determinations or adjustments administered under the provisions of Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section shall be made by comparing the qualifications and salary levels of similar employees in school districts or in other state education agencies.

“(d) The Department of Education is authorized to access the pool positions authorized in this Section at any time when it is determined by the Commissioner that the need exists. The Commissioner shall provide a monthly report of the justification for the need to allocate titles from this growth pool to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and to the Arkansas Legislative Council for review. The report shall also include an accounting of the names, titles, and salaries of personnel whose salaries have been adjusted under provisions of Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section.

“(e) If the Department of Education requests continuation of any ‘Position Pool’ position(s) as established herein during the next fiscal year, the position(s) must be requested as a new position(s) in the agency's budget request.

“(f) Determining the number of personnel to be employed by a state agency is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximum number of personnel by identifying job titles and the maximum grade or salary attached to those titles. The General Assembly has determined that the Arkansas Department of Education could be operated more efficiently if some flexibility is given to that agency. That flexibility is being accomplished by providing a position pool in Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section and since the General Assembly has granted the agency broad powers under the growth pool concept, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight of the utilization of the position pool by requiring review of the Legislative Council in the utilization of the position pool. Therefore, the requirement of review by the Legislative Council is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of review by the Legislative Council is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 230, § 23, provided: “ESTABLISHMENT OF A ‘POSITION POOL’.

“(a) To address needs emerging from statewide education issues and the necessity of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, the Arkansas Department of Education or its successor agency is authorized for the 2016-2017 fiscal year a pool of no more than five (5) Professional/Executive positions at a salary not to exceed the maximum salary for a grade N912. These positions are to be used by the Department of Education in the event that the personal services needs of the Department during the 2016-2017 fiscal year require additional positions, either by title or in number, that are not authorized by the General Assembly in Section 1 of this Act. These positions may also be used to properly classify positions when the Department does not have a vacant position available with the appropriate title and salary level.

“(b) To address needs emerging from statewide education issues and the necessity of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, the Arkansas Department of Education or its successor agency is authorized for the 2016-2017 fiscal year a pool of ten (10) classified positions at up to a grade C130. These positions are to be used by the Department of Education in the event that the personal services needs of the Department during the 2016-2017 fiscal year require additional positions, either by classification or in number, that are not authorized by the General Assembly in Section 1 of this Act. These positions may also be used to properly classify positions when the Department does not have a vacant position available with the appropriate title and grade level.

“(c) Any salary determinations or adjustments administered under the provisions of Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section shall be made by comparing the qualifications and salary levels of similar employees in school districts or in other state education agencies.

“(d) The Department of Education is authorized to access the pool positions authorized in this Section at any time when it is determined by the Commissioner that the need exists. The Commissioner shall provide a monthly report of the justification for the need to allocate titles from this growth pool to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and to the Arkansas Legislative Council for review. The report shall also include an accounting of the names, titles, and salaries of personnel whose salaries have been adjusted under provisions of Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section.

“(e) If the Department of Education requests continuation of any ‘Position Pool’ position(s) as established herein during the next fiscal year, the position(s) must be requested as a new position(s) in the agency's budget request.

“(f) Determining the number of personnel to be employed by a state agency is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximum number of personnel by identifying job titles and the maximum grade or salary attached to those titles. The General Assembly has determined that the Arkansas Department of Education could be operated more efficiently if some flexibility is given to that agency. That flexibility is being accomplished by providing a position pool in Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section and since the General Assembly has granted the agency broad powers under the growth pool concept, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight of the utilization of the position pool by requiring review of the Legislative Council in the utilization of the position pool. Therefore, the requirement of review by the Legislative Council is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of review by the Legislative Council is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

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

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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. 64, § 6: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that under present laws, the responsibility for administering the various programs for vocational and technical education is vested in several different agencies; that the consolidation of such responsibility in a single agency would promote coordination of vocational and technical education programs and would be beneficial to the overall program for vocational and technical education in the state; that this Act is designed to accomplish this purpose and that it is essential to an orderly transition and consolidation of such programs and the administration thereof, that this Act become effective on July 1, 1981; that unless an emergency is declared, an extension of the 1981 regular session of the General Assembly could delay the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1981. 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 1983, No. 929, § 37: 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 1987, No. 771, § 17: Apr. 7, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is an urgent need to clarify the laws related to vocational and technical education. 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. 773, § 14: Mar. 26, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly that the reconstructing of the delivery system of adult education and vocational education in this state is necessary to provide quality educational programs which are accessible by all segments of the population in this state; that recent studies have shown that in the year 2000, workers must have a minimum of fourteen (14) years education to function in the work force; that the state is in desperate need of training, retraining and upgrading the work force; that this act will provide a means to establish more institutions working closely with business, industry, labor and agriculture to provide every citizen with an opportunity to participate in vocational-technical training and associate degree programs within a reasonable driving distance of their homes; that it is necessary for this act to become effective immediately so needed changes can be implemented and comprehensive planning can begin. 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 1991, No. 1244, § 43: Apr. 17, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly that the restructuring of the delivery system of adult education and vocational education in this state is necessary to provide higher quality educational programs which are accessible by all segments of the population in this state; that recent studies have shown that in the year 2000, workers must have a minimum of fourteen (14) years education to function in the work force; that the state is in desperate need of training, retraining and upgrading the work force; that this act will provide a means to establish more institutions working closely with business and industry to provide every citizen with an opportunity to participate in vocational-technical training or college transfer programs within a reasonable driving distance of their homes; that it is necessary for this act to become effective immediately so needed changes can be made prior to the date the institutions contained herein are transferred to the new system. 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 1991, No. 1246, § 17: Apr. 17, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth 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, 1991 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, 1991 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 the date of its passage and approval.”

Acts 1995, No. 297, § 9: Feb. 13, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the immediate effectiveness of this act is essential to the operation of the Department of 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 its passage and approval.”

Acts 2009, No. 1469, § 32: Apr. 10, 2009. 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 schools and school districts; and that this act is immediately necessary so that the affected public schools and school districts will receive the amount of funding 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.”

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”.

25-6-101. Purpose.

It is intended that all authority and responsibility of the State Board of Education be administered through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education under the direction and supervision of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

History. Acts 1981, No. 64, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910.1; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 1; 1991, No. 773, § 6; 1991, No. 1244, § 5; 1995, No. 297, § 4; 1999, No. 1323, § 53; 2009, No. 1469, § 30; 2019, No. 910, § 2381.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “Commissioner” for “Director of the Department.”

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” and substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education”.

25-6-102. Organization — Commissioner.

  1. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall consist of:
    1. The State Board of Education;
    2. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education under the direction and supervision of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
    3. Any divisions or subdivisions as presently exist within the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education or as may be created by the State Board of Education or as created by law and placed under the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  2. The State Board of Education shall continue to perform its powers and duties as prescribed by law.
    1. The commissioner shall be a member of the Governor's cabinet.
    2. The commissioner shall perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to general education as may be granted by law.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 10; 1981, No. 64, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 2; Acts 1991, No. 773, § 7; 1995, No. 297, § 5; 1999, No. 1323, § 54; 2009, No. 1469, § 31; 2019, No. 910, § 2382.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted, the 1991 amendment in (d) began “as soon after passage of this act as possible.” Acts 1991, No. 773 was signed by the Governor on March 26, 1991.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “Commissioner” for “Director” in the section heading; and substituted “Commissioner” for “Director of the Department” throughout the section.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” throughout (a); and substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education” in (a)(2).

25-6-103 — 25-6-106. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. Pursuant to § 1-2-207, the amendment to § 25-6-103 by Acts 1999, No. 1318, was superseded by the repeal of this section by Acts 1999, No. 1323.

Publisher's Notes. Former §§ 25-6-10325-6-106, concerning the powers and duties of department and State Board of Education, the authority of the Director of Vocational and Technical Education to enter into contracts, the transfer of powers to the Economic Development Commission and Department of Economic Development, and adult education funds, were repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 55. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-6-103. Acts 1981, No. 64, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910.3; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 3; 1999, No. 1318, § 7.

25-6-104. Acts 1983, No. 929, § 24; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910.2; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 15.

25-6-105. Acts 1991, No. 1244, § 30; 1997, No. 540, § 48.

25-6-106. Acts 1991, No. 1246, § 3.

25-6-107. Local education agency numbers.

    1. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is the sole and official issuer of local education agency numbers to educational entities in the state.
    2. These numbers shall be issued, activated, deactivated, or changed according to the annual schedule and in a format established by the division.
  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an educational entity shall not be recognized as a public school district or entitled to the rights and privileges of a school district solely because the educational entity has been assigned a local education agency number.
  2. The State Board of Education shall adopt the necessary rules to fully implement this section.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2151, § 20; 2019, No. 910, § 2383.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” in (a)(1).

Subchapter 2 — Division of Rehabilitation Services

25-6-201 — 25-6-205. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 56. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-6-201. Acts 1993, No. 574, §§ 1, 2.

25-6-202. Acts 1993, No. 574, §§ 3, 6.

25-6-203. Acts 1993, No. 574, § 5.

25-6-204. Acts 1993, No. 574, § 7.

25-6-205. Acts 1993, No. 574, § 9.

For present law, see § 25-30-201 et seq.

Subchapter 3 — Workforce Education

25-6-301 — 25-6-308. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 57. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-6-301. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 1.

25-6-302. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 2.

25-6-303. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 3.

25-6-304. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 4.

25-6-305. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 5.

25-6-306. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 6.

25-6-307. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 7.

25-6-308. Acts 1997, No. 803, § 8.

For present law, see § 25-30-101 et seq.

Chapter 7 Division of Higher Education

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 104, § 43, provided:

“ADMINISTRATIVE FEES. The Department of Higher Education is authorized to recover non-refundable administrative fees related to the institutional certification and exemption process for out-of-state, non-public, and for-profit colleges and universities. These fees include a notification fee, an application processing fee, and travel expenses for the certification review teams.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 978, § 41, provided:

“ADMINISTRATIVE FEES. The Department of Higher Education is authorized to recover non-refundable administrative fees related to the institutional certification and exemption process for out-of-state, non-public, and for-profit colleges and universities. These fees include a notification fee, an application processing fee, and travel expenses for the certification review teams.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 236, § 40, provided: “ADMINISTRATIVE FEES. The Department of Higher Education is authorized to recover non-refundable administrative fees related to the institutional certification and exemption process for out-of-state, non-public, and for-profit colleges and universities. These fees include a notification fee, an application processing fee, and travel expenses for the certification review teams.

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

Preambles. Identical Acts 1995, Nos. 198 and 355 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the Governor of the State of Arkansas, pursuant to the applicable provision of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1992, has designated the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to be the State Postsecondary Review Entity for Arkansas for the purpose of participating in the program established by the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1992; and

“Whereas, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, created by Act 38 of 1971, consists of the State Board of Higher Education and any other divisions which may be created by law and placed under the Department of Higher Education; and

“Whereas, the purpose of this Act is to establish the State Board of Higher Education as the body having final administrative authority, pursuant to Act 38 of 1971, over the State Postsecondary Review Program in Arkansas, and to confirm this designation and confer additional authority and powers upon the State Board of Higher Education as may be necessary.

“Now therefore, be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Arkansas:”

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 52, § 10: Mar. 17, 1992. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly, meeting in Extraordinary Session, that in order to attract high technology industry to this state that a highly trained workforce is essential; and that the provisions of this act will provide necessary resources for such workforce. 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.”

Identical Acts 1995, Nos. 198 and 355, § 6: Feb. 9, 1995, and Feb. 20, 1995, respectively. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that in order to provide for the continuing eligibility for federal student financial aid of existing postsecondary institutions located in the state and for any postsecondary institution hereafter established, this Act should be given immediate effect. 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. 1114, § 18: May 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act abolishes the State Board of Higher Education and replaces the board with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and that to provide for an efficient transition and to allow the Governor a sufficient time to make appointments, this act shall become effective May 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 May 1, 1997.”

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”.

25-7-101. Creation — Director — Organization — Personnel.

  1. There is created a Division of Higher Education.
    1. The executive head of the Division of Higher Education shall be the Director of the Division of Higher Education.
    2. The director shall be appointed, in consultation with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Education.
  2. The Division of Higher Education shall consist of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and any other divisions which may be created by law and placed under the Division of Higher Education.
  3. The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, and the Secretary of the Department of Education, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions. All of the personnel of the Division of Higher Education shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the director. Provided, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right which an employee shall have under any civil service or merit system.
  4. Each division of the Division of Higher Education shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions of the Division of Higher Education as he or she shall deem desirable or necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Division of Higher Education.
  5. The several institutions of higher education in this state shall be requested to cooperate with the Division of Higher Education in an effort to coordinate their programs.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-909; Acts 1997, No. 1114, § 14; 2017, No. 866, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 2384.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2017, No. 565, § 1, provided: “Transfer of the State Board of Private Career Education to the Department of Higher Education.

“(a)(1) The State Board of Private Career Education is transferred to the Department of Higher Education by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the Department of Higher Education shall be considered a principal department established by Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing of the State Board of Private Career Education are transferred to the Department of Higher Education, except as specified by this act.

“(c) All powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications of the State Board of Private Career Education are transferred to the Director of the Department of Higher Education.

“(d) The employee and designees of the State Board of Private Career Education shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the State Plant Board except as specified in this act.

“(e) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement this act.”

Amendments. The 2017 amendment redesignated (b) as (b)(1) and (b)2); and substituted “in consultation with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board” for “by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board through a search and selection process that includes substantial input, review, and recommendation from the Presidents Council, subject to confirmation” in (b)(2).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Higher Education” in (a); substituted “Director of the Division of Higher Education” for “Director of the Department of Higher Education” in (b)(1); substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “department” elsewhere throughout the section; added (b)(3); and inserted “and the Secretary of the Department of Education” in the first sentence in (d).

25-7-102. Center for Workforce Excellence.

  1. For the purpose of this section, “center” means the Center for Workforce Excellence.
    1. There is created the Center for Workforce Excellence which shall conduct a pilot project to assist industrial development through the coordination of training programs and services.
    2. The pilot project shall be a cooperative effort among Ouachita Technical College, Malvern High School, the Grande Nutrino Project Consortium, private industry, and other appropriate groups.
    3. Local industrial groups, local governmental units, and private enterprise should provide much of the financial support needed for the pilot project. Such support should include financial support for items such as office space, expenses, and utilities.
    4. The Ouachita Technical College Board shall establish guidelines governing the operation of the center.
    1. The goals of the center shall be to:
      1. Facilitate the development of students and workers, members of the “learning force” within Arkansas communities and companies, with a focus on workers' skills and workplace tools of the future, particularly high-level technical training and education; and
      2. Foster skills, knowledge, and understanding relevant to real-world jobs, careers, and lifestyles through the economic competitiveness of students, workers, communities, companies, and associated groups in a global political community.
    2. The center shall develop a strategic management plan to include initial industry services training, with a survey of existing facilities, opportunities for training within the potential project area, and development of a campaign plan to overcome training deficiencies in the areas through reliance on existing resources through the cooperation and development of new training capability through innovative low cost means.
    3. The center shall assist private industry in determining what training services and programs are available, the steps necessary to provide the training services and programs needed by the industry, and how long it would take to develop the needed training services and programs.
    1. The Ouachita Technical College Board shall establish a local advisory committee to provide guidance to the center in implementing the pilot project. The local advisory committee shall include representatives of Ouachita Technical College, Malvern High School, the Grande Nutrino Project Consortium, and private industry. The board may include representatives of other appropriate groups and organizations.
    2. The purpose of the local advisory committee shall be to assist the center in determining the proper focus for industrial development.
    3. The local advisory committee shall make recommendations concerning:
      1. “Soft skills”, interpersonal relationships such as discipline, self-reliance, and an ability to communicate properly;
      2. “Hard skills”, such as skills required of workers by technical training;
      3. Apprenticeship and internship programs for students and potential workers; and
      4. Other issues concerning the training and development of students and workers.

History. Acts 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 52, §§ 1-6; 1993, No. 665, § 1.

Cross References. Industrial development of business and industry generally, § 15-4-101 et seq.

25-7-103. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning a postsecondary review entity, was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 478, § 10. The section was derived from Acts 1995, No. 198, §§ 1, 2; 1995, No. 355, §§ 1, 2.

Chapter 8 Department of Finance and Administration

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 275, § 20, provided: “ENTERPRISE FRAUD PILOT PROJECT STUDY.

“(a) The Office of Accounting of the Department of Finance and Administration shall conduct an interagency study to determine the most economical and efficient means of implementing an enterprise fraud pilot program that:

“(1) Detects and prevents fraud, waste, abuse, improper payments, and employer noncompliance within:

“(A) The Unemployment Insurance program of the Department of Workforce Services;

“(B) The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program; and

“(C) The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) of the Department of Human Services; and

“(2) Utilizes state-of-the-art enterprise fraud detection technology that further supports detection and prevention across state agencies, programs, and functions.

“(b) The office shall compare and contrast both agency-hosted and vender-hosted solutions.

“(c)(1) No later than October 24, 2014, the office shall report its findings and recommendations to:

“(A) The Legislative Council;

“(B) The Chair of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; and

“(C) The Chair of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.

“(2) The report shall include without limitation funding requirements and possible substantive law changes that would be necessary to implement agency-hosted and vender-hosted solutions.”

Acts 2015, No. 1069, § 20, provided: “ENTERPRISE FRAUD PILOT PROJECT.

“(a) So that savings to Arkansas businesses and taxpayers and recoveries may be realized as soon as possible, at the direction of the Governor, the Office of Accounting in the Department of Finance and Administration shall initiate the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project focused on fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments, and employer compliance within the Department of Workforce Services' Unemployment Insurance program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that will implement state-of-the-art enterprise fraud detection technology that can further support detection and prevention across state agencies, programs and functions.

“(b) Unless precluded under federal law or regulation or under state law, the Department of Workforce Services' Unemployment Insurance program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program may support and participate in the efforts of the Department to develop the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project.

“(c) Unless precluded under federal law or regulation or state law, each state agency shall share any and all data under its control or administration that might have value in detecting or preventing fraud and abuse.

“(d) Upon initiation by the Governor, the request for a bid shall be sent to the Health Reform Legislative Task Force for review, and their recommendation shall be submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

“(e) At the direction of the Governor, the department shall enter into a vendor license agreement for the operation of a vendor hosted fraud, waste, abuse and improper payments detection and prevention system. Vendor technology for the project shall include without limitation the following capabilities:

“(1) Automated detection and alerting;

“(2) Continuous monitoring of program transactions and activity, with the ability to identify, fraud, non-compliance and improper payments both prospectively and retrospectively;

“(3) The ability to detect non-traditional fraud such as program eligibility issues and identify theft;

“(4) Use of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including without limitation;

“(A) Predictive modeling;

“(B) Complex pattern analysis;

“(C) Link analysis;

“(D) Text mining; and

“(E) Geospatial analysis;

“(5) Feedback and self-learning capability to adapt to changing schemes and trends;

“(6) Advanced entity resolution capabilities to create a holistic view of entities across state agencies, programs and databases; and

“(7) The ability to extend and adapt to all areas of state government; and

“(8) Demonstrate experience hosting sensitive and regulated state data.

“(f) The office shall enter into a vendor license agreement for the project in an amount not to exceed the potential cost savings as estimated by the office in cooperation with impacted state agencies under the project.

“(1) Payments shall be structured to coincide with expected savings.

“(g) Unless extended, the project shall expire 24 months after implementation;

“(h) After implementation, the Office of Accounting in the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide annual reports to the co-chairs of the Joint Performance Review Committee and the House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and the Health Reform Legislative Task Force;

“(i) A report under this section shall include without limitation:

“(1) Comprehensive data regarding the establishment and operations of the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project; and

“(2) The resources and processes of each participating state agency to investigate the leads provided by the vendor; and

“(3) Incidents, types and amounts of fraud identified by state agency; and

“(4) The amount actually recovered as a result of fraud identifications by state agency; and

“(5) Expected cost avoidance through benefits not issued or denied, pre-payment intervention, and future behavior change through intervention; and

“(6) Procedural changes resulting from fraud identification and the timeline for implementation each by state agency.”

Acts 2016, No. 248, § 23, provided: “ENTERPRISE FRAUD PILOT PROJECT.

“(a) So that savings to Arkansas businesses and taxpayers and recoveries may be realized as soon as possible, at the direction of the Governor, the Office of Accounting in the Department of Finance and Administration shall initiate the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project focused on fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments, and employer compliance within the Department of Workforce Services' Unemployment Insurance program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that will implement state-of-the-art enterprise fraud detection technology that can further support detection and prevention across state agencies, programs and functions.

“(b) Unless precluded under federal law or regulation or under state law, the Department of Workforce Services' Unemployment Insurance program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program may support and participate in the efforts of the Department to develop the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project.

“(c) Unless precluded under federal law or regulation or state law, each state agency shall share any and all data under its control or administration that might have value in detecting or preventing fraud and abuse.

“(d) Upon initiation by the Governor, the request for a bid shall be sent to the Health Reform Legislative Task Force for review, and their recommendation shall be submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

“(e) At the direction of the Governor, the department shall enter into a vendor license agreement for the operation of a vendor hosted fraud, waste, abuse and improper payments detection and prevention system. Vendor technology for the project shall include without limitation the following capabilities:

“(1) Automated detection and alerting;

“(2) Continuous monitoring of program transactions and activity, with the ability to identify, fraud, non-compliance and improper payments both prospectively and retrospectively;

“(3) The ability to detect non-traditional fraud such as program eligibility issues and identify theft;

“(4) Use of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including without limitation;

“(A) Predictive modeling;

“(B) Complex pattern analysis;

“(C) Link analysis;

“(D) Text mining; and

“(E) Geospatial analysis;

“(5) Feedback and self-learning capability to adapt to changing schemes and trends;

“(6) Advanced entity resolution capabilities to create a holistic view of entities across state agencies, programs and databases; and

“(7) The ability to extend and adapt to all areas of state government; and

“(8) Demonstrate experience hosting sensitive and regulated state data.

“(f) The office shall enter into a vendor license agreement for the project in an amount not to exceed the potential cost savings as estimated by the office in cooperation with impacted state agencies under the project.

“(1) Payments shall be structured to coincide with expected savings.

“(g) Unless extended, the project shall expire 24 months after implementation;

“(h) After implementation, the Office of Accounting in the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide annual reports to the co-chairs of the Joint Performance Review Committee and the House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and the Health Reform Legislative Task Force;

“(i) A report under this section shall include without limitation:

“(1) Comprehensive data regarding the establishment and operations of the Enterprise Fraud Pilot Project; and

“(2) The resources and processes of each participating state agency to investigate the leads provided by the vendor; and

“(3) Incidents, types and amounts of fraud identified by state agency; and

“(4) The amount actually recovered as a result of fraud identifications by state agency; and

“(5) Expected cost avoidance through benefits not issued or denied, pre-payment intervention, and future behavior change through intervention; and

“(6) Procedural changes resulting from fraud identification and the timeline for implementation each by state agency.

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

Cross References. Fiscal duties of Department of Finance and Administration, § 19-1-201 et seq.

Penalty for “hot checks” paid to Department of Finance and Administration, § 19-2-203.

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 466, § 6: Mar. 31, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is hereby declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that planning must be made for the Personnel Division created herein and for the continuation of the studies authorized herein and 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 1967, No. 468, § 12: Mar. 31, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is hereby declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that several months preparation will be required for the transitions which are authorized herein on July 1, 1967, and in order to make these preparations this Act should take effect and be in force from the date of its approval. 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 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 44, § 10: Feb. 21, 1968. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and determined by the First Extraordinary Session of the Sixty-Sixth General Assembly that efficiency and economy are desirable traits in state government; that improved marketing and redistribution of property would provide better utilization of the state's assets; and that if certain economies and efficiency are going to be undertaken in state government, then the immediate passage of this act is necessary. Now, 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 its passage and approval.”

Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: reorganizations under act to be completed on or before July 1, 1971. Act effective Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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 1972 (Ex. Sess.), No. 50, § 4: Feb. 18, 1972. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and determined by the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly meeting in Extraordinary Session that Act 44 of 1968 should include such language that would enable the county, municipal, or other local government units to utilize the services of the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Department of Finance and Administration. 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. 806, § 8: July 1, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Sixty-Ninth General Assembly that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits the appropriation of funds for more than a two-year period; that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 1973 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, 1973 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1973.”

Acts 1973, No. 876, § 35: July 1, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It being determined by the General Assembly that the proper and effective management and control of State finances requires that the provisions of 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 July 1, 1973.”

Acts 1977, No. 436, § 2: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It being determined by the General Assembly that the proper and effective management and control of State finances requires that the provisions of this Act be implemented at the commencement of the next biennium and this Act is necessary for the proper management of the financial affairs of the State, 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 1993, No. 931, § 34 and No. 957, § 14: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth 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, 1993 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, 1993 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, 1993.”

Acts 1995, No. 226, § 33: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth 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, 1995 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, 1995 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, 1995.”

Acts 1999, No. 1428, § 33: 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 2007, No. 751, § 38: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act dissolves and transfers the duties of the Executive Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Office of Information Technology; and that dissolving the offices at the beginning of the state's fiscal year will result in a more efficient transfer of responsibilities and funds. 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. 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”.

25-8-101. Secretary — Organization — Personnel — Definition.

    1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall consist of the divisions which existed as of July 1, 1971, within the State Administration Department and the Department of Revenues and any other divisions which may be created by law and placed under the Department of Finance and Administration, subject to the transfer of a division or department of the Department of Finance and Administration as a state entity under this act.
    2. There is created a Racing Division and an Alcoholic Beverage Control Division within the Department of Finance and Administration.
  1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, with the advice and consent of the Governor, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions. The secretary may appoint an Administrative Assistant for Revenue to serve as the secretary's agent. All other personnel of the Department of Finance and Administration shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the secretary, provided that nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right which an employee of the Department of Finance and Administration shall have under any civil service or merit system.
  2. Each division of the Department of Finance and Administration shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to the various divisions of the Department of Finance and Administration as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Department of Finance and Administration.
  3. For the purposes of the tax, driver's license, and motor vehicle registration and licensing laws, the term “secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, the Administrative Assistant for Revenue, or his or her authorized agent. The Administrative Assistant for Revenue shall act as the secretary's agent and take any and all actions necessary to administer the laws.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-905; Acts 1993, No. 332, §§ 1, 2; 2019, No. 910, § 3564.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1967, No. 468, abolished the Office of State Comptroller and transferred its powers and duties to the State Administration Department. It also transferred the State Purchasing Department into the State Administration Department.

Acts 1969, No. 286 transferred the powers, functions, and duties of the Division of Local Affairs and Audits of the State Administration Department to the Division of Local Affairs and Audits of the Division of Legislative Audit.

Acts 1971, No. 38, § 5, in part, transferred the State Administration Department and the Department of Revenue, by type 2 transfers, to the Department of Finance and Administration. The section also transferred the Surplus Property Program (§ 19-11-601 et seq.) to the Department by a type 2 transfer and located it in the Purchasing Division of the Office of State Purchasing. The section transferred the Arkansas Racing Commission (§ 23-110-201 et seq.), by a type 1 transfer, to the Division of Racing of the Department of Finance and Administration and transferred the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, by a type 1 transfer, to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of that department.

Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 5 and 14, as amended by Acts 1973, No. 710, §§ 2 and 3, transferred the Enforcement Division of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to the Department of Public Safety by a type 2 transfer. The Department of Public Safety was abolished by Acts 1981, No. 45, and § 9 of that act transferred the Enforcement Division to the Department of Finance and Administration where it operates as a separate division known as the Enforcement Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Acts 1977, No. 884, § 4, abolished the Administrative Services Division of the Department of Finance and Administration and transferred all of its powers, duties, equipment, etc. respecting electronic data processing services and a central telephone system for state agencies to the Department of Information Systems (§ 25-4-101 et seq.). All duties of the Administrative Services Division not transferred to the Department of Computer Services were to be reassigned to other divisions by the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

Acts 1981, No. 764, § 4, transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration the powers and duties of the Department of Local Services (abolished) with respect to the Intergovernmental Personnel Act program, the HUD 701 program, and the revenue-sharing assistance program, and with respect to various state grant programs including, but not limited to, planning and development grants, state community grants, and the Ozark Regional Commission — State Contribution.

Acts 1987, No. 68, § 1, provided that the Surplus Property Program, § 19-11-601 et seq., which was transferred by a Type 2 transfer to the Department of Finance and Administration, was transferred by a Type 2 transfer to the Vocational and Technical Education Division of the State Department of Education.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary” for “Creation — Director” in the section heading; substituted “secretary” or “secretary’s” for “director” or “director’s” throughout the section; deleted former (a) and (b) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; added “subject to the transfer of a division or department of the Department of Finance and Administration as a state entity under this act” at the end of (a)(1); substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (b) and (d); and, in (c), substituted “secretary” for “director of the department” at the end of the first sentence and “Department of Finance and Administration” for “department” at the end of the last sentence.

Meaning of “this act”. The reference is to the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019, Acts 2019, No. 910, which is codified throughout the Arkansas Code.

Cross References. Arkansas Information Systems Act, § 25-4-101 et seq.

25-8-102. Authority of secretary generally.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, with the approval of the Governor, may adopt reasonable rules and procedures, not inconsistent with the law, which he or she deems desirable for the effective administration of the Department of Finance and Administration and any of its divisions.
  2. The secretary shall have authority to install any recordkeeping and other procedures in his or her office and in other offices and departments of the state which he or she shall deem necessary or advisable to carry out his or her functions and duties. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to grant the secretary any authority to establish recordkeeping or other procedures, or rules with respect to the elected constitutional officers of the state, the General Assembly and its committees, or other agencies who are exempt from all or a part of the procedures set forth in the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., and the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq.
  3. The secretary may from time to time establish within the department any sections or other administrative units which he or she may deem desirable for the effective operation of the department and any division thereof, provided that the duties and functions of the sections or administrative units are within the purpose authorized by law.
  4. The secretary may appoint a designee to appear on behalf of the secretary at meetings of any board or commission of which the secretary is a member in his or her capacity as Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration or Chief Fiscal Officer of the State. The designee may vote on behalf of the secretary.

History. Acts 1967, No. 468, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-808; Acts 2001, No. 243, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2912; 2019, No. 910, § 3565.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 300, § 14, provided: “AUTHORITY TO EMPLOY CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. The Director of the Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to employ not more than one (1) certified law enforcement officer as certified under § 12-9-101 et seq. The certified law enforcement officer employed under this section shall be responsible for maintaining order and providing for the security, protection, and safety of Department buildings, grounds, property, employees and customers. The certified law enforcement officer shall have the powers, duties, privileges, and immunities of a certified law enforcement officer.”

Acts 2015, No. 924, § 14, provided:

“AUTHORITY TO EMPLOY CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. The Director of the Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to employ not more than one (1) certified law enforcement officer as certified under § 12-9-101 et seq. The certified law enforcement officer employed under this section shall be responsible for maintaining order and providing for the security, protection, and safety of Department buildings, grounds, property, employees and customers. The certified law enforcement officer shall have the powers, duties, privileges, and immunities of a certified law enforcement officer.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 117, § 14, provided:

“AUTHORITY TO EMPLOY CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. The Director of the Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to employ not more than one (1) certified law enforcement officer as certified under § 12-9-101 et seq. The certified law enforcement officer employed under this section shall be responsible for maintaining order and providing for the security, protection, and safety of Department buildings, grounds, property, employees and customers. The certified law enforcement officer shall have the powers, duties, privileges, and immunities of a certified law enforcement officer.

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

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

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “secretary” for “director” in the section heading and (b), (c), and (d); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (a) and (d).

25-8-103. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the Office of Personnel Management and the State Personnel Administrator, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6301, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1967, No. 466, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-810; Acts 2017, No. 365, § 28; 2019, No. 392, § 2.

For current law, see § 25-43-1504.

25-8-104. Director of Division of Budgets and Accounting.

The Director of the Division of Budgets and Accounting shall be the Deputy Director of the Department of Finance and Administration. He or she shall have all functions, powers, and duties granted under § 19-1-203 and all other laws pertaining to his or her office and any other functions, powers, and duties which are assigned and delegated to him or her by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.

History. Acts 1967, No. 468, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-804; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3566.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration”.

25-8-105. Federal aid programs.

  1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall have and establish the functions, duties, powers, and responsibilities for the coordination of all federal aid programs within the state and shall provide assistance to any department seeking federal aid.
  2. All applications for federal grants submitted by state agencies shall be processed through the department. However, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall have the discretion to authorize state agencies to file copies of grant applications with the department as a substitute for the processing requirement.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 5; 1973, No. 710, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-905; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3567.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (b).

25-8-106. Marketing and redistribution of state personal property.

    1. This section applies only with respect to personal property.
    2. This section does not apply to or affect the:
      1. Disposition of surplus real property of the state; or
      2. Sale of plants, animals, or commodities of plants or animals by a public institution of higher education if the proceeds from the sale are used solely for agricultural research, extension, or teaching programs, including without limitation 4-H programs and Future Farmers of America programs.
    1. There is created within the Office of State Procurement a Marketing and Redistribution Section for the purpose of promoting and ensuring effective utilization of surplus state property.
      1. All state agencies, boards, commissions, departments, and colleges and universities are required and county, municipal, or other tax-supported institutions are authorized to utilize the services of the Marketing and Redistribution Section, unless specifically exempted in writing by the State Procurement Director.
        1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to make it mandatory that county, municipal, or other local government units utilize the services of the Marketing and Redistribution Section.
        2. Nothing in this section shall be construed to make it mandatory that any agency, department, division, office, board, commission, or institution of this state, including state-supported institutions of higher education, utilize the services of the Marketing and Redistribution Section in the sale of surplus computer equipment and electronics to state agency employees for a price not less than ten percent (10%) above depreciated value.
    2. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall maintain adequate and accurate records of the costs for operating the Marketing and Redistribution Section and is authorized to establish fair and reasonable charges for the services of the section. The charges for services shall be deposited in the State Treasury as nonrevenue receipts, there to be credited to the Property Sales Holding Fund for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Marketing and Redistribution Section.
  1. The office may maintain an inventory of furniture, equipment, and other items which shall be made available to state agencies on rental agreements based upon fair and reasonable rental values.
  2. The department is authorized to establish a fair and reasonable fee schedule for redistributing property between state agencies upon their request.
  3. Proceeds from the sale, transfer, or rental of property by the director shall be accounted for as follows:
    1. The purchasers, transferees, and lessees of property available for such purposes as are authorized by this section shall transmit to the office the agreed sale price, service charge, or rental fee;
    2. The office shall deposit the full amount of proceeds received, as set out above, in the State Treasury in the manner as provided by law; and
      1. Proceeds from the sale or transfer of property deposited in the State Treasury shall be classified as nonrevenue receipts and credited to the Property Sales Holding Fund herein created on the books of the Treasurer of State as a trust fund.
      2. Funds deposited in the Property Sales Holding Fund may be expended only by the selling or transferring agency under procedures established by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and appropriations provided by the General Assembly.
      3. However, funds deposited in the Property Sales Holding Fund from the sale of property purchased from agency cash funds may be refunded to the agency cash fund from which the original expenditure was made by the issuance of a warrant under procedures established by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Auditor of State to be payable from appropriations provided by the General Assembly for disposition of the proceeds.
  4. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services is authorized to promulgate reasonable rules, not inconsistent with law, for compliance with the provisions of this section, the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq., and the sale of surplus commodities to not-for-profit organizations under § 22-1-101.

History. Acts 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 44, §§ 1-7; 1972 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 50, § 1; 1973, No. 806, §§ 4, 5; 1973, No. 876, § 30; 1977, No. 436, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-812 — 5-818; Acts 2001, No. 589, § 1; 2001, No. 1410, § 13; 2013, No. 1020, § 3; 2015, No. 686, § 1; 2017, No. 307, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 3568-3570.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added “the sale of surplus commodities to not-for-profit organizations under § 22-1-101” to the end of (f).

The 2015 amendment redesignated and rewrote former (a) as (a)(1); and added (a)(2).

The 2017 amendment redesignated former (a)(1) as (a)(1), the introductory language of (a)(2), and (a)(2)(A); redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(2)(B); and substituted “4-H Foundation programs” for “Arkansas 4-H Foundation” in (a)(2)(B).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Office of State Procurement” in (b)(1) and at the end of (b)(2)(A); substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in (b)(3); deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” preceding “shall” in the introductory language of (e); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (f).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Agencies, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 601.

Case Notes

Cited: Beverly Enterprises-Arkansas, Inc. v. Ark. Health Servs. Comm'n, 308 Ark. 221, 824 S.W.2d 363 (1992).

25-8-107. Office of Child Support Enforcement.

  1. The Child Support Enforcement Unit of the Division of Economic and Medical Services of the Department of Human Services is hereby transferred by a type 2 transfer pursuant to § 25-2-105 to the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration and shall be known as the “Office of Child Support Enforcement”.
  2. All powers, duties, functions, records, property, and funds administered or provided by other support divisions within the Department of Human Services shall be transferred to the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration on July 1, 1993.
  3. The Department of Human Services and the Division of Information Systems shall grant access to and provide information determined by the Office of Child Support Enforcement to be necessary to successfully accomplish its mission.

History. Acts 1993, No. 957, §§ 4, 7, 8; 2019, No. 910, § 6302.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1993, No. 795, §§ 1-9, provided:

“SECTION 1. Effective July 1, 1993, the Child Support Enforcement Unit of the Department of Human Services shall be transferred by a Type 2 transfer to the Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Services Division.

“SECTION 2. All powers, duties, functions, records, property, and funds administered or provided by other support divisions within the Department of Human Services shall be transferred to the Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Services Division upon the effective date of the transfer.

“SECTION 3. The Department of Human Services and the Department of Computer Services shall grant access to and provide information as determined by the Office of Child Support Enforcement necessary to successfully accomplish their mission.

“SECTION 4. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS. Disbursement of funds authorized by this Act shall be limited to the appropriation for such agency and funds made available by law for the support of such appropriations; and the restrictions of the State Purchasing Law, the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, the Revenue Stabilization Law, the Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act, or their successors, and other fiscal control laws of this State, where applicable, and regulations promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration, as authorized by law, shall be strictly complied with in disbursement of said funds.

“SECTION 5. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the General Assembly that any funds disbursed under the authority of the appropriations contained in this Act shall be in compliance with the stated reasons for which this Act was adopted, as evidenced by the Agency Requests, Executive Recommendations and Legislative Recommendations contained in the budget manuals prepared by the Department of Finance and Administration, letters, or summarized oral testimony in the official minutes of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee which relate to its passage and adoption.

“SECTION 6. CODE. 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 7. 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 applications 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 8. GENERAL REPEALER. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

“SECTION 9. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth General Assembly meeting in Regular Session, that the provisions of this Act are of critical importance to preserve the efficient operation of programs that deliver services to the citizens 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.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (c).

25-8-108. Contract labor.

The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration may authorize use of contract labor in the Revenue Division from January until July of a given year without regard to any limitation of duration or hours.

History. Acts 1993, No. 931, § 28; 1995, No. 226, § 26; 2019, No. 910, § 3571.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration”.

25-8-109. Loans to marketing and redistribution.

In the event the moneys available in the Property Sales Holding Fund are not adequate during any month of each year of the fiscal biennium to meet the payroll commitments of the Marketing and Redistribution Section for the regular salaries and personal services matching appropriation, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State is hereby authorized to make loans, from time to time as needed, from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to the Property Sales Holding Fund to provide the moneys required to meet the payroll and personal services matching appropriation requirements for any such month. Provided that, if at the end of each fiscal year the Property Sales Holding Fund did not receive sufficient income to repay the entire amount of any such moneys borrowed from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund for the purposes as authorized herein, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State is hereby authorized to transfer from the State Central Services Fund such amount as is necessary to reimburse the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund in behalf of loans made to the Property Sales Holding Fund to reimburse the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund for the amount of any such loan remaining unpaid at the end of each fiscal year.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1428, § 24; 2019, No. 910, § 3572.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Office of State Procurement” in the first sentence.

25-8-110. Duties of Department of Transformation and Shared Services and Department of Finance and Administration.

  1. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall:
    1. Develop retention schedules for control, preservation, protection, and disposition of the electronic records of state agencies under § 25-18-601 et seq.;
    2. Direct the development of policies and procedures that state agencies shall follow in developing information technology plans and technology-related budgets and technology project justification;
    3. Review procurements to ensure conformity with information policies and standards and state-level plans and implementation strategies;
    4. Advise state agencies on information technology contracts and agreements; and
    5. Develop and promulgate rules and guidelines governing the retention and management of public records commonly found in most state agencies under § 25-18-601 et seq.
    1. With assistance from the Division of Workforce Services, the Department of Finance and Administration shall establish and maintain a web page to:
      1. Provide a menu of links to employer-related state web applications for required reporting, tax payments, and other data submissions;
      2. Allow an employer to select a link based upon a desired type of function or application and be redirected to the appropriate agency web application; and
      3. Provide information about tax submissions, employment reports, and child support submissions on the respective agency sites, including without limitation due dates, payment options, and agency contact information.
    2. The initial scope of the web page shall include links to:
      1. Online taxpayer services administered by the Department of Finance and Administration through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point web page;
      2. Unemployment and new hire submissions administered by the division; and
      3. Information concerning employer reporting and payment functions provided by the Office of Child Support Enforcement.
    3. The web page shall be designed with sufficient flexibility to allow additional links to other state agencies to be added as appropriate.

History. Acts 2007, No. 751, § 22; 2013, No. 1458, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 3573.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 1458, § 1, provided: “Purpose and intent. The purpose of this act is to:

“(1) Create a public web page to:

“(A) Provide a menu of links to employer-related state web applications for required reporting, tax payments, and other data submissions; and

“(B) Allow an employer to select a link based upon a desired type of function or application and be redirected to the appropriate agency web application; and

“(2) Provide information about tax submissions, employment reports, and child support submissions on the respective agency sites, including without limitation due dates, payment options, and agency contact information.”

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added (6).

The 2019 amendment rewrote the section heading; designated the introductory language as (a) and designated former (6) as present (b), redesignating its subdivisions accordingly; substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Service” for “Department of Finance and Administration” in the introductory language of (a); substituted “Division of Workforce Services, the Department of Finance and Administration shall establish” for “Department of Workforce Services, establish” in the introductory language of (b)(1); and substituted “Division of Workforce Services” for “Department of Workforce Services” in (b)(2)(B).

Chapter 9 Department of Health

25-9-101 — 25-9-107. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter, concerning the Department of Health, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5116, effective July 1, 2019. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-9-101. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-9-11; 2001, No. 785, § 1; 2005, No. 1954, § 7; 2007, No. 384, § 7; 2013, No. 435, § 2.

25-9-103. Acts 1997, No. 768, § 32; 1999, No. 1426, § 31.

25-9-104. Acts 1997, No. 768, § 34.

25-9-105. Acts 1997, No. 768, § 41.

25-9-106. Acts 1999, No. 1219, § 1; 1999, No. 1426, § 50; 2013, No. 1107, § 44; 2015, No. 299, § 33; 2017, No. 707, § 290; 2017, No. 913, § 120.

25-9-107. Acts 1999, No. 1219, § 5; 2013, No. 1107, § 45; 2017, No. 707, § 291; 2017, No. 913, § 121.

Former § 25-9-102, concerning the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 827, § 194. The section was derived from Acts 1993, No. 890, §§ 1, 2.

For current law, see § 25-43-801 et seq.

Chapter 10 Department of Human Services

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1995, No. 1162, § 3 provided:

“All powers vested in the State Hospital Board and Arkansas Youth Services Board are hereby transferred by type one transfer to the DHS State Institutional System Board, and any reference to the State Hospital Board or the Arkansas Youth Services Board contained in the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, shall be deemed to refer to the DHS State Institutional System Board.”

Acts 2014, No. 282, § 17, provided:

“TRANSFER AUTHORITY. The Director of the Department of Human Services shall have transfer authority provided by the following:

“(a) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES RENOVATION FUND. The Director of the Department of Human Services is authorized to request fund transfers according to the provisions established by Arkansas Code Ann. 19-5-1020, Department of Human Services Renovation Fund, as amended herein; and

“(b) MATCH TRANSFER. The Director of the Department of Human Services, with the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, is authorized to effect inter-agency and inter-divisional fund transfers for the purpose of providing the State's matching share for payments made to that Division or Office or its service providers for services eligible for federal reimbursement under programs administered by the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services shall report to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee on a quarterly basis all fund transfers made in accordance with the authority granted by this section; and

“(c) YOUTH SERVICES — HOUSING AND SEPARATION APPROPRIATION PROVISIONS. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is authorized to fulfill its responsibility to house offenders between the ages of 18 and 21 and to separate juvenile offenders by age and seriousness of offense by either employing additional state employees and providing the corresponding operating expenses or entering into professional services contracts. If the Division of Youth Services determines that the Division needs to employ state employees to fulfill the housing and separation requirements, they may transfer up to the total amount appropriated for the DYS — Residential Services Program appropriation to the appropriate DYS appropriation and line items, upon approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and prior review by the Legislative Council; and

“(d) REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES:

“(1) The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides hundreds of different services to over 1 million Arkansans. The specific mix of service needs and the funding and staffing required to provide them can vary significantly based on many factors, including natural disasters, changing federal mandates and funding sources, demographic shifts, fluctuating court-ordered services, social trends, and job market variations such as nursing shortages. The impact of these factors through the course of any fiscal year make it very difficult for the Department to accurately predict the exact needs for funding, appropriation and positions in each of its over 100 different appropriations. To ensure that it can respond quickly to changing client needs and make the most effective use of the resources allocated to it, the Department of Human Services shall be authorized to utilize the reallocation of resource authority to make the proper adjustments to the budgets within the Department. Therefore, upon determination by the Director of the Department of Human Services that a reallocation of resources within the department is necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the department, the director, with approval of the Governor, shall have the authority to request, from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a transfer of positions, appropriations, line item appropriations, and funds within or between existing and newly created divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department. Provided, however, that no transfer of funds or appropriation that provides direct support or matching support for the Arkansas Medicaid Program shall be made to any other fund account or appropriation that does not directly support the Arkansas Medicaid Program. Further, no positions, funds, or appropriation authorized during the budget process for the Division of Children and Family Services compliance with initiatives established under the Angela R. consent decree shall be transferred to any other division. Nothing in this provision is intended to prevent the one-time transfers of savings in any other program to the Arkansas Medicaid Program, with the exception of the provisions previously cited for the Division of Children and Family Services — Angela R. consent decree. The Division of Developmental Disabilities — Grants to Community Providers line item of the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation may not be decreased. The appropriation, funding, and positions provided for the five Human Development Centers shall remain at a level sufficient to ensure quality care for the Centers' residents. The exemptions provided in this subsection whereby certain DHS Programs and Divisions are protected from appropriation, fund, or position transfers are applicable only to the reallocation or transfer authority granted herein, and not by any reductions which are applicable to all state programs.

“The Director of the Department of Human Services shall submit any requests for transfers to and must receive approval of the requests for transfers from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the Governor, and the Arkansas Legislative Council prior to the effective date of the transfers. Provided, however, that the Department of Human Services shall be limited to submitting no more than two reallocation of resources transfer requests during any fiscal year. In each Departmental request no single division will request reallocation for more than one purpose as listed in this section. Transfer authority for unforeseen purposes shall further be limited to no more than 5% of the total appropriation, funding, and positions authorized for the Department. Reallocation of resources transfers may include multiple items but shall be limited to the following purposes:

“i). Medicaid Program

“ii). Facilities and institutions costs, including operational expenses and construction/renovation/equipping expenses

“iii). Departmental grants and contracts

“iv). Court ordered settlements and payments

“v). Payment of administrative expenses, including but not limited to, overtime and other costs of personnel for critical services or functions necessary to carry out the mission of the agency

“vi). Restructuring efforts as deemed necessary to comply with new and/or unanticipated federal or state mandates

“vii). Redirecting internal resources, both direct and/or indirect, to meet client needs and services

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under the Reallocation of Resources provisions herein. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(2) If it is determined that the requested reallocation of resources transfers should be made, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall then initiate the necessary transfer documents to reflect the transfers upon the fiscal records of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and the Department of Human Services. In addition, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, together with the Co-Chairpersons of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, may approve, on an emergency basis, requests for utilization of this Section without prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, with any such actions reported at the next meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2014, No. 282, § 18, provided:

“NURSING/DIRECT CARE EDUCATION STIPEND PROGRAM. Special provision for a Nursing/Direct Care Education Stipend Program for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal Funds appropriated in each division Act. This program is for eligible nursing students who are attending accredited nursing institutions to become Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses, as well as Certified Nursing Assistants, Residential Care Assistants, Residential Care Technicians, Residential Care Supervisors and Behavioral Health Aides.

“The stipend is $5,000 per person per year. Any student who is awarded and accepts a stipend is under employment commitment to the respective DHS Division and is required to work for that division, in a full-time employee status effective immediately upon graduation. The student employment commitment is equal to the number of years the stipend was awarded and accepted. In the event of Employee/Student default of the employment commitment, the Employee/Student will be considered in breach of contract and repayment of the stipend will be required as specified in the Stipend Contract.

“Each division participating in the Education Stipend Program shall determine on an annual basis, the number of student stipends available.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2014, No. 282, § 19, provided:

“NURSING/DIRECT CARE RECRUITMENT/RETENTION BONUSES. Special provision to provide Nursing/Direct Care Recruitment and Retention Bonuses for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal funds appropriated for each respective division. Nursing/direct care service recruitment/retention bonuses are in addition to the maximum annual amounts provided in the Regular Salaries Section of the respective Division Act for Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide. New hire nurses must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The total recruitment/retention bonus payment commitment for eligible nurses shall not exceed $4,000 per Registered Nurse and $2,000 per Licensed Practical Nurse and $1,000 per Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide.

“The lump sum bonus payments and employment commitment to the State will be made in partial payments as follows:

“Registered Nurse Classifications

“$1,000 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$1,500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,500 after completing 2nd year employment

“Licensed Practical Nurse Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,000 after completing 2nd year employment

“Certified Nursing Assistant/Residential Care Assistant/Residential Care

“Technician/Residential Care Supervisor/Behavioral Health Aide

“Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 month probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“Any qualified person hired and offered bonus payment described herein will forfeit the balance of the payments if he/she voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause from employment from the Department of Human Services prior to completing the required employment commitment time periods outlined above.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 928, § 17, provided:

“TRANSFER AUTHORITY. The Director of the Department of Human Services shall have transfer authority provided by the following:

“(a) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES RENOVATION FUND. The Director of the Department of Human Services is authorized to request fund transfers according to the provisions established by Arkansas Code Ann. 19-5-1020, Department of Human Services Renovation Fund, as amended herein; and

“(b) MATCH TRANSFER. The Director of the Department of Human Services, with the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, is authorized to effect inter-agency and inter-divisional fund transfers for the purpose of providing the State's matching share for payments made to that Division or Office or its service providers for services eligible for federal reimbursement under programs administered by the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services shall report to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee on a quarterly basis all fund transfers made in accordance with the authority granted by this section; and

“(c) YOUTH SERVICES — HOUSING AND SEPARATION APPROPRIATION PROVISIONS. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is authorized to fulfill its responsibility to house offenders between the ages of 18 and 21 and to separate juvenile offenders by age and seriousness of offense by either employing additional state employees and providing the corresponding operating expenses or entering into professional services contracts. If the Division of Youth Services determines that the Division needs to employ state employees to fulfill the housing and separation requirements, they may transfer up to the total amount appropriated for the DYS — Residential Services Program appropriation to the appropriate DYS appropriation and line items, upon approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and prior review by the Legislative Council; and

“(d) REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES: (1) The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides hundreds of different services to over 1 million Arkansans. The specific mix of service needs and the funding and staffing required to provide them can vary significantly based on many factors, including natural disasters, changing federal mandates and funding sources, demographic shifts, fluctuating court-ordered services, social trends, and job market variations such as nursing shortages. The impact of these factors through the course of any fiscal year make it very difficult for the Department to accurately predict the exact needs for funding, appropriation and positions in each of its over 100 different appropriations. To ensure that it can respond quickly to changing client needs and make the most effective use of the resources allocated to it, the Department of Human Services shall be authorized to utilize the reallocation of resource authority to make the proper adjustments to the budgets within the Department. Therefore, upon determination by the Director of the Department of Human Services that a reallocation of resources within the department is necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the department, the director, with approval of the Governor, shall have the authority to request, from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a transfer of positions, appropriations, line item appropriations, and funds within or between existing and newly created divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department. Provided, however, that no transfer of funds or appropriation that provides direct support or matching support for the Arkansas Medicaid Program shall be made to any other fund account or appropriation that does not directly support the Arkansas Medicaid Program. Further, no positions, funds, or appropriation authorized during the budget process for the Division of Children and Family Services compliance with initiatives established under the Angela R. consent decree shall be transferred to any other division. Nothing in this provision is intended to prevent the one-time transfers of savings in any other program to the Arkansas Medicaid Program, with the exception of the provisions previously cited for the Division of Children and Family Services — Angela R. consent decree. The Division of Developmental Disabilities — Grants to Community Providers line item of the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation may not be decreased. The appropriation, funding, and positions provided for the five Human Development Centers shall remain at a level sufficient to ensure quality care for the Centers' residents. The exemptions provided in this subsection whereby certain DHS Programs and Divisions are protected from appropriation, fund, or position transfers are applicable only to the reallocation or transfer authority granted herein, and not by any reductions which are applicable to all state programs.

“The Director of the Department of Human Services shall submit any requests for transfers to and must receive approval of the requests for transfers from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the Governor, and the Arkansas Legislative Council prior to the effective date of the transfers. Provided, however, that the Department of Human Services shall be limited to submitting no more than two reallocation of resources transfer requests during any fiscal year. In each Departmental request no single division will request reallocation for more than one purpose as listed in this section. Transfer authority for unforeseen purposes shall further be limited to no more than 5% of the total appropriation, funding, and positions authorized for the Department. Reallocation of resources transfers may include multiple items but shall be limited to the following purposes:

“i). Medicaid Program

“ii). Facilities and institutions costs, including operational expenses and construction/renovation/equipping expenses

“iii). Departmental grants and contracts

“iv). Court ordered settlements and payments

“v). Payment of administrative expenses, including but not limited to, overtime and other costs of personnel for critical services or functions necessary to carry out the mission of the agency

“vi). Restructuring efforts as deemed necessary to comply with new and/or unanticipated federal or state mandates

“vii). Redirecting internal resources, both direct and/or indirect, to meet client needs and services

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under the Reallocation of Resources provisions herein. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(2) If it is determined that the requested reallocation of resources transfers should be made, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall then initiate the necessary transfer documents to reflect the transfers upon the fiscal records of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and the Department of Human Services. In addition, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, together with the Co-Chairpersons of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, may approve, on an emergency basis, requests for utilization of this Section without prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, with any such actions reported at the next meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2015, No. 928, § 18, provided:

“NURSING/DIRECT CARE EDUCATION STIPEND PROGRAM. Special provision for a Nursing/Direct Care Education Stipend Program for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal Funds appropriated in each division Act. This program is for eligible nursing students who are attending accredited nursing institutions to become Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses, as well as Certified Nursing Assistants, Residential Care Assistants, Residential Care Technicians, Residential Care Supervisors and Behavioral Health Aides.

“The stipend is $5,000 per person per year. Any student who is awarded and accepts a stipend is under employment commitment to the respective DHS Division and is required to work for that division, in a full-time employee status effective immediately upon graduation. The student employment commitment is equal to the number of years the stipend was awarded and accepted. In the event of Employee/Student default of the employment commitment, the Employee/Student will be considered in breach of contract and repayment of the stipend will be required as specified in the Stipend Contract.

“Each division participating in the Education Stipend Program shall determine on an annual basis, the number of student stipends available.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2015, No. 928, § 19, provided:

“NURSING/DIRECT CARE RECRUITMENT/RETENTION BONUSES. Special provision to provide Nursing/Direct Care Recruitment and Retention Bonuses for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal funds appropriated for each respective division. Nursing/direct care service recruitment/retention bonuses are in addition to the maximum annual amounts provided in the Regular Salaries Section of the respective Division Act for Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide. New hire nurses must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The total recruitment/retention bonus payment commitment for eligible nurses shall not exceed $4,000 per Registered Nurse and $2,000 per Licensed Practical Nurse and $1,000 per Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide.

“The lump sum bonus payments and employment commitment to the State will be made in partial payments as follows:

“Registered Nurse Classifications

“$1,000 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$1,500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,500 after completing 2nd year employment

“Licensed Practical Nurse Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,000 after completing 2nd year employment

“Certified Nursing Assistant/Residential Care Assistant/Residential Care Technician/Residential Care Supervisor/Behavioral Health Aide Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 month probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“Any qualified person hired and offered bonus payment described herein will forfeit the balance of the payments if he/she voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause from employment from the Department of Human Services prior to completing the required employment commitment time periods outlined above.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 246, § 21, provided: “NURSING/DIRECT CARE EDUCATION STIPEND PROGRAM. Special provision for a Nursing/Direct Care Education Stipend Program for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is hereby authorized to pay from funds appropriated in this Act. This program is for eligible nursing students who are attending accredited nursing institutions to become Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses.

“The stipend is five thousand dollars ($5,000) per person per year. Any student who is awarded and accepts a stipend is under an employment commitment to the ADH and is required to work in a full-time employee status effective immediately upon graduation. The student employment commitment is equal to the number of years the stipend was awarded and accepted. In the event of Employee/Student default of the employment commitment, the Employee/Student will be considered in breach of contract and repayment of the stipend will be required as specified in the Stipend Contract.

“The ADH shall determine, on an annual basis, the number of student stipends available due to the availability of funds and the need for direct care services.

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

Acts 2016, No. 268, § 17, provided: “TRANSFER AUTHORITY.

The Director of the Department of Human Services shall have transfer authority provided by the following:

“(a) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES RENOVATION FUND. The Director of the Department of Human Services is authorized to request fund transfers according to the provisions established by Arkansas Code Ann. 19-5-1020, Department of Human Services Renovation Fund, as amended herein; and

“(b) MATCH TRANSFER. The Director of the Department of Human Services, with the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, is authorized to effect inter-agency and inter-divisional fund transfers for the purpose of providing the State's matching share for payments made to that Division or Office or its service providers for services eligible for federal reimbursement under programs administered by the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human Services shall report to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee on a quarterly basis all fund transfers made in accordance with the authority granted by this section; and

“(c) YOUTH SERVICES — HOUSING AND SEPARATION APPROPRIATION PROVISIONS. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is authorized to fulfill its responsibility to house offenders between the ages of 18 and 21 and to separate juvenile offenders by age and seriousness of offense by either employing additional state employees and providing the corresponding operating expenses or entering into professional services contracts. If the Division of Youth Services determines that the Division needs to employ state employees to fulfill the housing and separation requirements, they may transfer up to the total amount appropriated for the DYS — Residential Services Program appropriation to the appropriate DYS appropriation and line items, upon approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and prior review by the Legislative Council; and

“(d) REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES:

“(1) The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides hundreds of different services to over 1 million Arkansans. The specific mix of service needs and the funding and staffing required to provide them can vary significantly based on many factors, including natural disasters, changing federal mandates and funding sources, demographic shifts, fluctuating court-ordered services, social trends, and job market variations such as nursing shortages. The impact of these factors through the course of any fiscal year make it very difficult for the Department to accurately predict the exact needs for funding, appropriation and positions in each of its over 100 different appropriations. To ensure that it can respond quickly to changing client needs and make the most effective use of the resources allocated to it, the Department of Human Services shall be authorized to utilize the reallocation of resource authority to make the proper adjustments to the budgets within the Department. Therefore, upon determination by the Director of the Department of Human Services that a reallocation of resources within the department is necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the department, the director, with approval of the Governor, shall have the authority to request, from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a transfer of positions, appropriations, line item appropriations, and funds within or between existing and newly created divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department. Provided, however, that no transfer of funds or appropriation that provides direct support or matching support for the Arkansas Medicaid Program shall be made to any other fund account or appropriation that does not directly support the Arkansas Medicaid Program. Further, no positions, funds, or appropriation authorized during the budget process for the Division of Children and Family Services compliance with initiatives established under the Angela R. consent decree shall be transferred to any other division. Nothing in this provision is intended to prevent the one-time transfers of savings in any other program to the Arkansas Medicaid Program, with the exception of the provisions previously cited for the Division of Children and Family Services — Angela R. consent decree. The Division of Developmental Disabilities — Grants to Community Providers line item of the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation may not be decreased. The appropriation, funding, and positions provided for the five Human Development Centers shall remain at a level sufficient to ensure quality care for the Centers' residents. The exemptions provided in this subsection whereby certain DHS Programs and Divisions are protected from appropriation, fund, or position transfers are applicable only to the reallocation or transfer authority granted herein, and not by any reductions which are applicable to all state programs.

“The Director of the Department of Human Services shall submit any requests for transfers to and must receive approval of the requests for transfers from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the Governor, and the Arkansas Legislative Council prior to the effective date of the transfers. Provided, however, that the Department of Human Services shall be limited to submitting no more than two reallocation of resources transfer requests during any fiscal year. In each Departmental request no single division will request reallocation for more than one purpose as listed in this section. Transfer authority for unforeseen purposes shall further be limited to no more than 5% of the total appropriation, funding, and positions authorized for the Department. Reallocation of resources transfers may include multiple items but shall be limited to the following purposes:

“i). Medicaid Program

“ii). Facilities and institutions costs, including operational expenses and construction/renovation/equipping expenses

“iii). Departmental grants and contracts

“iv). Court ordered settlements and payments

“v). Payment of administrative expenses, including but not limited to, overtime and other costs of personnel for critical services or functions necessary to carry out the mission of the agency

“vi). Restructuring efforts as deemed necessary to comply with new and/or unanticipated federal or state mandates

“vii). Redirecting internal resources, both direct and/or indirect, to meet client needs and services

“Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under the Reallocation of Resources provisions herein. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(2) If it is determined that the requested reallocation of resources transfers should be made, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall then initiate the necessary transfer documents to reflect the transfers upon the fiscal records of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and the Department of Human Services. In addition, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, together with the Co-Chairpersons of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, may approve, on an emergency basis, requests for utilization of this Section without prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, with any such actions reported at the next meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council.

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

Acts 2016, No. 268, § 18, provided: “NURSING/DIRECT CARE EDUCATION STIPEND PROGRAM. Special provision for a Nursing/Direct Care Education Stipend Program for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal Funds appropriated in each division Act. This program is for eligible nursing students who are attending accredited nursing institutions to become Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses, as well as Certified Nursing Assistants, Residential Care Assistants, Residential Care Technicians, Residential Care Supervisors and Behavioral Health Aides.

“The stipend is $5,000 per person per year. Any student who is awarded and accepts a stipend is under employment commitment to the respective DHS Division and is required to work for that division, in a full-time employee status effective immediately upon graduation. The student employment commitment is equal to the number of years the stipend was awarded and accepted. In the event of Employee/Student default of the employment commitment, the Employee/Student will be considered in breach of contract and repayment of the stipend will be required as specified in the Stipend Contract.

“Each division participating in the Education Stipend Program shall determine on an annual basis, the number of student stipends available.

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

Acts 2016, No. 268, § 19, provided: “NURSING/DIRECT CARE RECRUITMENT/RETENTION BONUSES. Special provision to provide Nursing/Direct Care Recruitment and Retention Bonuses for the Department of Human Services is hereby authorized to pay from State and Federal funds appropriated for each respective division. Nursing/direct care service recruitment/retention bonuses are in addition to the maximum annual amounts provided in the Regular Salaries Section of the respective Division Act for Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide. New hire nurses must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The total recruitment/retention bonus payment commitment for eligible nurses shall not exceed $4,000 per Registered Nurse and $2,000 per Licensed Practical Nurse and $1,000 per Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Residential Care Technician, Residential Care Supervisor and Behavioral Health Aide.

“The lump sum bonus payments and employment commitment to the State will be made in partial payments as follows:

“Registered Nurse Classifications

“$1,000 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$1,500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,500 after completing 2nd year employment

“Licensed Practical Nurse Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 months probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“$1,000 after completing 2nd year employment

“Certified Nursing Assistant/Residential Care Assistant/Residential Care Technician/Residential Care Supervisor/Behavioral Health Aide Classifications

“$ 500 after completing 6 month probationary employment

“$ 500 after completing 1st year employment

“Any qualified person hired and offered bonus payment described herein will forfeit the balance of the payments if he/she voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause from employment from the Department of Human Services prior to completing the required employment commitment time periods outlined above.

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

Acts 2017, No. 854, § 17, provided: “NURSING/DIRECT CARE EDUCATION STIPEND PROGRAM.

Special provision for a Nursing/Direct Care Education Stipend Program for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is hereby authorized to pay from funds appropriated in this Act. This program is for eligible nursing students who are attending accredited nursing institutions to become Advanced Practice Nurses.

“The stipend is seven thousand five hundred ($7,500) per person per year. Any student who is awarded and accepts a stipend is under an employment commitment to the ADH and is required to work in a full-time employee status effective immediately upon graduation. The student employment commitment is equal to the number of years the stipend was awarded and accepted. In the event of Employee/Student default of the employment commitment, the Employee/Student will be considered in breach of contract and repayment of the stipend will be required as specified in the Stipend Contract.

“The ADH shall determine, on an annual basis, the number of student stipends available due to the availability of funds and the need for direct care services.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Cross References. Abuse of adults, § 5-28-101 et seq.

Human development, § 20-48-101 et seq.

Title XX Social Security funds, § 19-7-701 et seq.

Youth services, § 9-28-201 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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. 340, § 5: July 1, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventieth General Assembly that the provisions of this Act are essential to the operation of the institutions named herein. 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. 787, § 16: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-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 the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1977 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, 1977 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1977.”

Acts 1981, No. 764, § 13: July 1, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Third General Assembly that various programs now administered by the Department of Local Services could more appropriately be administered by other existing agencies which administer similar and related programs; that this Act is designed to accomplish this purpose and in order to assure an orderly transition and consolidation of such programs it is essential that this Act become effective on July 1, 1981; 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, 1981, 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, 1981, could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1981.”

Acts 1983, No. 307, § 11: 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 1985, No. 348, § 16: July 1, 1985.

Acts 1985, No. 772, § 19: July 1, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Fifth 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, 1985 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, 1985 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, 1985.”

Acts 1987, No. 961, § 25: July 1, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Sixth 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, 1987 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, 1987 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, 1987.”

Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 44, § 18: 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 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 68, § 33: 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 1991, No. 1082, § 28: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth 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, 1991 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, 1991 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, 1991.”

Acts 1991, No. 1085, § 35: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth 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, 1991 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, 1991 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, 1991.”

Acts 1993, No. 1239, § 125: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth 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, 1993 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, 1993 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, Section 119 shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of passage and approval and the remainder of the Act shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1993.”

Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 110: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth 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, 1995 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, 1995 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; Section 99 shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of passage and approval and the remainder of the Act shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

Acts 1997, No. 324, § 9: Mar. 3, 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 State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and in its place established the House Interim Committee and Senate Interim Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; that various sections of the Arkansas Code refer to the Joint Interim Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and should be corrected to refer to the House and Senate Interim Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; 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. 1360, § 132: 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 the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1997 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, 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, Section 115 shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of passage and approval and the remainder of the Act shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1997.”

Acts 2003, No. 1717, § 3: 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 of critical importance to preserve the efficient operation of programs that deliver services for the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in Arkansas. 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. 384, § 11: Mar. 19, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that many services delivered by the various divisions, offices, and units the Department of Health and Human Services are essential to the public health, safety, and welfare; that the state fiscal year begins July 1; that beginning the process of decoupling the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services from the Department of Health and Human Services during a fiscal year will cause disruptions of services and unnecessary time, effort, and expense in reallocating appropriations, budgets, personnel, equipment, and capital expenditures during a fiscal year; and that this act is immediately necessary because a delay beyond the beginning of the fiscal year will disrupt essential programs 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: (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 2007, No. 862, § 5: provided: “This act shall take effect upon the occurrence of the following: (1) The Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services of the Department of Health and Human Services determines that adequate appropriation, funding, and positions are available to carry out a public guardianship program for adults; and (2) The director appoints an employee of the Division of Aging and Adult Services to serve as Public Guardian for Adults.”

Acts 2009, No. 778, § 4: Apr. 3, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the transportation of children is an integral part of child care services and subjects the children to a risk of injury which can be minimalized and insured against; and that this act is immediately necessary to provide protection to children served by various child care centers. 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 2013, No. 528, § 6: Mar. 28, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the home visiting networks provide important services to Arkansas's most vulnerable citizens, our infants and toddlers; that the agencies administering home visiting programs need to ensure the accountability of these programs; and that these changes need to be made immediately so that planning and coordination among the agencies comply in a timely manner with the reporting requirements. 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 2013, No. 1499, § 5: July 1, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the oversight and audit of the state's Medicaid program is essential to its continued operation; that the creation of the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General will ensure that fraud, waste, and abuse are found in a timely manner; and that this act is necessary to ensure that state and federal monies are not misspent. 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 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”.

25-10-101. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning creation of the department and appointment of the director, was repealed by 2019, No. 910, § 5241, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1971, No. 38, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912; Acts 2005, No. 1954, § 8; Acts 2007, No. 384, § 8.

25-10-102. Organization generally.

  1. The Department of Human Services is a cabinet-level department and shall consist of and be operated under an integrated service system consisting of the following programmatic divisions with responsibilities and programs assigned to them as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and those state entities transferred to the Department of Human Services pursuant to a cabinet-level department transfer under § 25-43-902:
    1. The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services;
    2. The Division of Medical Services;
    3. The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services;
    4. The Division of County Operations;
    5. The Division of Youth Services;
    6. The Division of Children and Family Services;
    7. The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education; and
    8. The Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance.
  2. The Secretary's Office of the Department of Human Services shall consist of:
    1. The Secretary of the Department of Human Services and his or her personal staff; and
    2. Shared business services operating across the divisions, offices, sections, and units of the department, including without limitation business operations and administrative functions determined necessary by the secretary.
      1. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
      2. From time to time, the secretary may transfer or assign existing duties or new programs or duties of the department to offices, sections, or units as he or she deems necessary for the efficient and necessary operation of the department.
      3. Before implementation of any reorganization, the secretary shall obtain the advice of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.
      1. However, the state institutions and the operation of state institutional programs under the jurisdiction of the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board shall be under the control of their respective boards, as provided by law.
      2. The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board shall perform their respective functions and duties under the general guidelines and standards promulgated by the secretary.
    1. “Rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications as established by law for the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, except as otherwise specified in this act.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 12; 1985, No. 348, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-912, 5-912b; Acts 1989, No. 60, § 1; 1995, No. 164, § 1; 1997, No. 324, § 3; 2001, No. 1213, § 1; 2001, No. 1553, § 56; 2003, No. 1717, § 1; 2005, No. 1954, § 9; 2007, No. 384, § 9; 2007, No. 862, § 2; 2009, No. 549, § 1; 2011, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 980, § 18; 2013, No. 1107, § 46; 2015, No. 1203, § 1; 2017, No. 913, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 5242.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 1, provided, in part, that all divisions, offices, sections, bureaus, and units, all boards, other than the State Hospital Board, the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, the Arkansas Youth Services Board, the Division of State Services for the Blind, the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind, and all other boards and programs specifically continued under the act which existed within the Department of Human Services on July 1, 1985, were abolished and their powers and duties transferred to the nine (9) divisions established by the act as determined by the Director of the Department of Human Services with the advice of the Joint Interim Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs.

The section further provided that the Division of State Services for the Blind and the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind, § 25-10-201 et seq., would continue to function within the Department of Human Services with the same powers prescribed in § 25-10-201 et seq. but that, for organizational purposes, they should be assigned to divisions or offices of the department as determined by the director. The Office on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Authority would continue to function within the department as outlined in § 20-64-601 et seq. The Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Board, § 20-10-301, the Office of Long-Term Care, § 20-10-101 et seq., and the Child Care Facility Review Board, § 20-78-201 et seq., and their powers and duties, would continue and would be assigned to other divisions or offices of the department as determined by the director. The Advisory Committee on Child Placement was continued and the powers and duties of the Commissioner of the Division of Social Services under § 9-28-401 et seq. were to be performed by the other divisions or offices of the department as determined by the director.

Acts 1985, No. 348, § 12, provided, in part, that if, as a result of the reorganization of the Department of Human Services, any of the facilities or any space in any of the facilities belonging to or assigned to the State Hospital Board, the Youth Services Board, the Developmental Disabilities Services Board, or any of the institutions under the management and control of those boards was no longer required to provide services of the institution, the Governor could transfer the facility or space within any facility to the Department of Human Services to be used in performing its functions and duties. Before transferring facilities or space, the Governor must confer with the board having charge over the facility and give the Director of the Department of Human Services an opportunity to outline the department's needs for space and the purpose for which the space would be used if made available to the department.

Acts 1985, No. 772, § 14, provided that in order to accomplish the reorganization, any laws or parts of laws in effect at the time of the passage of the reorganization law which referred to specific divisions or entities in the Department of Human Services would be construed to refer to the successor entity designated by the Director of the Department of Human Services in accordance with the reorganization. It further provided that nothing in the reorganization would affect the orders, rules, regulations, and standards previously promulgated by any department, division, bureau, board, commission, council, or other section of the Department of Human Services, whose functions, powers, and duties were assigned or transferred to a successor entity designated by the director in implementing the reorganization of the department. Those orders, rules, regulations, and standards would continue with full force and effect until amended or repealed pursuant to law.

Acts 1987, No. 921, § 14, provided that:

“It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Sixth General Assembly that regional offices tend to create inefficiency in the operation of the programs and services provided by the Department of Human Services. Therefore, no office of the Department of Human Services shall be called a “Regional Office”, nor shall any function of any office, other than the Department of Human Services Central Office, include supervision of any district Department of Human Services Office.”

Acts 1989, No. 60 created the Division on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention within the Department of Human Services and provided that references to the Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention shall be applicable to the Division on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention.

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 1, provided:

“Effective July 1, 1993, the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Human Services is transferred to the Division of Vocational and Technical Education of the Department of Education, and shall be known as the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. The State Board of Vocational Education shall have the same authority and responsibility with respect to the administration and operation of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as it has with respect to the Division of Vocational and Technical Education.”

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 2, provided:

“The policy and scope of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be to provide increased employment of individuals with disabilities through the provision of individualized training, independent living services, educational and support services, and meaningful opportunities for employment in integrated work settings to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society.

“Pursuant to such policy, rehabilitation services shall be provided to citizens throughout the state and the rehabilitation plan adopted pursuant to this act shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of the state.”

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 3, provided:

“All authorities and responsibilities defined in Act 43 of 1955 as amended shall be administered by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, under the direction of the State Board of Vocational Education except those transferred to the Division of State Services for the Blind by Act 481 of 1983.”

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 5, provided:

“The State Board of Vocational Education, through the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, shall provide the rehabilitation services authorized by this act to eligible physically or mentally disabled individuals and those who can benefit from independent living services, determined by the agency to be eligible therefor, and, in carrying out the purposes of this act, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized, among other things:

“(a) to be the sole state agency to supervise and administer the rehabilitation services authorized by this act except such part or parts as may be administered by a local agency in a political subdivision of the state, in which case the service shall be the sole agency to supervise such local agency in the administration of such part or parts; and

“(b) to conduct research and compile statistics relative to the provision of services or the need of services of disabled individuals.”

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 6, provided:

“Any and all statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, authorized positions, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations or other funds, transferred from the Division of Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Human Services by Act 348 of 1985 are hereby transferred to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Division of Vocational and Technical Education of the Department of Education.”

Acts 1993, No. 574, § 8, provided:

“The Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Human Services as now constituted shall continue in existence for all purposes, intact, until July 1, 1993, at which time said Division shall be transferred to the Division of Vocational and Technical Education of the Department of Education. The transfer shall include all employees, powers, duties, licenses, privileges, equipment, vehicles, furniture, fixtures, supplies, books, records, stock, goods, funds, unexpended appropriations and facilities relating to rehabilitation services and training. The Department of Human Services will transfer appropriate positions, as identified by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, necessary to meet Arkansas Rehabilitation Services administration and program support needs in numbers not to exceed those transferred from the Division of Rehabilitation Services to the Department of Human Services by Acts 348 and 752 of 1985.”

Acts 2005, No. 1954, § 1, provided:

“Legislative purpose.

“(a) The General Assembly declares that this act is necessary to:

“(1) Improve the health of the citizens of Arkansas in an effective and efficient manner; and

“(2) Provide for administrative cost savings in the delivery of health-related programs by combining overlapping functions and eliminating duplications of functions of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an orderly transfer of powers, authorities, duties, and functions of the Department of Health to the Department of Human Services with a minimum of disruption of governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.”

Acts 2005, No. 1954, § 3, provided:

“Transfer of the Department of Health into the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(a)(1)(A) Effective at 12:01 AM on July 1, 2005, the Department of Health is transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(B) Effective at 12:01 AM on July 1, 2005, the Department of Health shall be named and shall be known as the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(2) All authority, powers, duties, and functions as established by law for the Department of Health, including all purchasing, budgeting, fiscal, accounting, human resources, payroll, legal, information systems, maintenance, program support, administrative support, and other management functions are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(3)(A) All records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services for use by the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(B)(i) All powers, duties, and functions, including, but not limited to, rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders and adjudications as established by law for the Department of Health are transferred to the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, except as specified in this act.

“(ii) All powers, duties, and functions, including, but not limited to, rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, standards, all budgetary responsibilities, and the rendering of findings, orders and adjudications as established by law for the Breast Cancer Control Program or other transferred entities within the Department of Health shall be retained exactly as they were prior to the implementation of this act.

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed to increase the authority or powers of the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services beyond those already conferred upon the Director of the Department of Health or the Department of Health, except as specifically defined in this act.

“(c) The Director of the Department of Health and Human Services shall appoint and employ the Director of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(d) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace “Department of Health” in the Arkansas Code with “Department of Health and Human Services.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 1, provides:

“Creation of the Department of Health.

“(a) “There is created the Department of Health, that is to be established if the Governor orders the separation of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services from the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(b) “If the Governor establishes the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section, the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace all references in the Arkansas Code to the:

“(1) “Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services” or “Division of Health” with “Department of Health”; and “(2) “Department of Health and Human Services” with “Department of Human Services”.

“(c) “Sections 2 through 12 of this act become effective only if the Governor establishes the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 2, provides:

“Transfer of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services out of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(a) “Effective sixty (60) days after the Governor establishes the Department of Health under this act, and as provided in the orders of the Governor, the following may be transferred to the Department of Health:

(1) “Authority, powers, duties, and functions as established by law for the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, including purchasing, budgeting, fiscal, accounting, human resources, payroll, legal, information systems, maintenance, program support, administrative support, and other management functions;

(2) “Records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services;

“(b) “Powers, duties, and functions, including without limitation, rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, budgetary responsibilities, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications as established by law for the Breast Cancer Control Program or other transferred entities within the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services shall be retained as they existed on June 30, 2005.

“(c) “The Governor may appoint a Surgeon General in accordance with § 20-7-103.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 3, provides:

“Transfer of the State Board of Health to the Department of Health.

“(a) “Effective sixty (60) days after the Department of Health is established, the State Board of Health shall be transferred to the Department of Health.

“(b) “The State Board of Health shall receive administrative support from the Department of Health and shall retain the same powers, authorities, duties, and functions prescribed by law as it had before the transfer and shall have all rule-making authority prescribed by law to the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services before the transfer, except as provided for in this act, including, without limitation:

“(1) “Rule making, licensing, and registration;

“(2) “The promulgation of rules, rates, and standards;

“(3) “Examining, investigating, inspecting, and reviewing; and

“(4) “The rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications.”

Acts 2007, No. 862, § 1, provided:

“Legislative findings.

“The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) Many adults lack the capacity to provide informed consent to necessary health care, have not executed an advance health care directive or a durable power of attorney, and have no friend or family member qualified and willing to consent on their behalf; and

“(2) It is therefore necessary for the preservation of the public health and safety to provide for a public guardian who can make informed consent to needed medical and long-term care on behalf of incapacitated adults who are unable to consent for themselves and for whom there is no other person qualified and willing to consent.”

Acts 2007, No. 862, § 5, provided:

“Contingent effectiveness.

“This act shall take effect upon the occurrence of the following:

“(1) The Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services of the Department of Health and Human Services determines that adequate appropriation, funding, and positions are available to carry out a public guardianship program for adults; and

“(2) The director appoints an employee of the Division of Aging and Adult Services to serve as Public Guardian for Adults.”

Acts 2013, No. 980, § 25, provided: “The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement the name change under Section 18 of this act.”

Acts 2013, No. 1107, § 48, provided: “The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement the name change under Section 46 of this act.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment deleted (a) and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly; inserted “Services” in (a)(3), and deleted (a)(12); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2011 amendment substituted “Community Service and Nonprofit Support” for “Volunteerism” in (a)(8).

The 2013 amendments by Nos. 980 and 1107, in (a)(3), added “Services” after “Behavioral Health” and deleted “and the Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention” after “state hospitals.”

The 2015 amendment redesignated former (a)(1)(A) as (a)(1); and deleted former (a)(1)(B).

The 2017 amendment inserted “programmatic” in the introductory language of (a); substituted “Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Aging and Adult Services” in (a)(1); deleted former (a)(3), (a)(6), and (a)(8), and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; deleted “which shall include both community programs and human development centers” at the end of (a)(3); deleted “which shall include serious offender and community-based programs and the youth service centers” at the end of (a)(5); added (a)(9); inserted (b); and redesignated former (b) as (c).

The 2019 amendment, in the introductory language of (a), inserted “is a cabinet-level department and”, substituted “Secretary” for “Director”, and added “and those state entities transferred to the Department of Human Services pursuant to a cabinet-level department transfer under § 25-43-902”; added “of the Department of Human Services” at the end of (a)(1); deleted former (6) and redesignated former (7)-(9) as (6)-(8); substituted “Secretary’s Office of the Department of Human Services” for “Director’s Office of the Department of Human Services” in the introductory language of (b); substituted “Secretary” and “secretary” for “Director” and “director” in (b)(1), (b)(2), and in (c)(1)(A)-(C); substituted “Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board” for “boards” in (c)(2)(B); and deleted (c)(3).

Cross References. Division of Youth Services, § 9-28-201 et seq.

25-10-103. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning mental health services under the direction of the State Hospital Board, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1261, § 18. The section was derived from Acts 1985, No. 348, §§ 2, 8; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-902, 5-912c; Acts 1993, No. 410, § 3.

25-10-104. Developmental disabilities services — Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.

  1. The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and the institutional and supportive facilities of the human development centers located at Alexander, Conway, Arkadelphia, Jonesboro, Booneville, and the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center at Warren, and all improvements and additions to those institutional units made subsequent to February 4, 1971, shall be operated under the control of the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services.
  2. The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall name the administrative head or director of each of the respective institutions under the board's jurisdiction with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.
  3. Under a type 1 transfer of the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, and the institutions under its management and control, to the department, the board shall have control of all budgeting, purchasing, and related management functions in accordance with the limitations and restrictions thereon provided in this act and by other laws applicable thereto.
    1. It is the intent of this section that the administration of the human development centers located at Arkadelphia, Booneville, Conway, Jonesboro, and the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center at Warren, and the various facilities and services thereof, shall be under the control of the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, as provided and intended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, but the board shall exercise its control in accordance with the general guidelines, policies, and rules of the department governing divisions, offices, sections, or units within the department with respect to budgets, personnel and personnel policies, records, purchasing, bookkeeping, and other administrative procedures prescribed by the secretary.
    2. It is the intent of this act that the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall devote its time and resources to the operation and management of the state-owned and controlled institutional programs of the various state human development centers and that the establishment and operation of community programs, workshops, and other services for individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with intellectual disabilities in this state and other regional and community services benefiting individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with intellectual disabilities shall be administered by the department through the divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department as determined by the secretary.
    1. Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent community providers from making determinations consistent with guidelines and criteria established by the state with respect to the appropriate placement of eligible individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with intellectual disabilities in the least restrictive setting and the development of individual program plans for instructional and case management functions for individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with intellectual disabilities, in keeping with the requirements of regulations promulgated pursuant to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Pub. L. No. 94-142, and § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. No. 93-112.
    2. The state reserves the authority to make final determination of eligibility for services funded, in whole or in part, by state and federal funds.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, §§ 3, 8; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-902, 5-912d; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2913; 2019, No. 910, § 5243.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 3, provided, in part, that all functions vested in the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services with respect to community programs, workshops, and other services for individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals with intellectual disabilities and all other duties, programs, or services under the board's jurisdiction, except those specified in subsection (a) of this section, were transferred to the Department of Human Services to be performed by the divisions, offices, etc., designated by the director of the department. The section specifically transferred to the department the powers and duties granted the board under §§ 20-48-20720-48-209, 20-48-211, and 20-48-30120-48-305.

As to transfer of Board of Developmental Disabilities Services to Department of Human Services, see Publisher's Notes to § 25-10-101.

Acts 1971, No. 38, § 12, transferred the Arkansas Board of Mental Retardation (now the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services) and the Arkansas Children's Colonies (now human development centers) to the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services (now Department of Human Services) by a type 1 transfer.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (d)(1).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” in (b); in (d)(1), deleted “Alexander” preceding “Arkadelphia” and substituted “secretary” for “director”; and substituted “secretary” for “director of the department” at the end of (d)(2).

Meaning of “this act”. Acts 1985, No. 348, referred to in this section, is codified as §§ 20-46-202 [repealed], 20-46-301, 25-2-104, 25-2-105, 25-2-107, 25-10-102, 25-10-103 [repealed], 25-10-104, 25-10-105 [repealed], 25-10-106, 25-10-108, 25-10-109, 25-10-111, 25-10-113, 25-10-115, and 25-10-116.

25-10-105. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the Arkansas Youth Services Board, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1261, § 18. The section was derived from Acts 1985, No. 348, §§ 4, 8; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-902, 5-912e.

25-10-106. Division heads and other personnel.

    1. The Secretary of the Department of Human Services, with the advice and consent of the Governor, shall employ the heads of the various divisions of the Department of Human Services.
    2. The heads of the respective offices, sections, or units of the department and all other personnel of the department shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the secretary.
    1. However, the directors of the various institutions and programs under the jurisdiction and control of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services shall be named by the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, with the concurrence of the secretary.
    2. All personnel employed in the institutions under the management and control of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall be named by the directors thereof, under the departmental rules related to personnel, and all personnel records of the institutions of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall be in conformance with the general personnel policies promulgated by the secretary for other employees of the department.
  1. Nothing in this act shall be construed to reduce any rights which an employee of the department or the various divisions, offices, sections, or units thereof shall have under any civil service or merit system.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 5, 12; 1985, No. 348, §§ 5, 12; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-912, 5-912i; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2914; 2019, No. 910, § 5244.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (b)(2).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” in (a)(1) and (2); substituted “shall employ” for “shall appoint” in (a)(1); substituted “Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “respective boards” in (b)(1); and, in (b)(2), substituted “the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “those boards”, substituted “institutions of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “boards of those institutions”, and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services”.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-10-104.

Case Notes

Cited: Drake v. Scott, 812 F.2d 395, 1987 U.S. App. LEXIS 2354 (8th Cir. 1987); Drake v. Scott, 823 F.2d 239 (8th Cir. 1987).

25-10-107. Reports by divisions.

  1. All other divisions within the Department of Human Services shall provide the Secretary's Office of the Department of Human Services with all policies regarding personnel administration, procurement of commodities and services, accounting and budget control, licensure of facilities, program planning and evaluation, contractual agreements with consultants and providers of services, data processing systems management, federal grant management, and any other information which may be requested by the office.
    1. The other divisions shall report quarterly to the office concerning the areas of coordination and cooperation where the divisions have worked with other departmental divisions and concerning the plans for coordination and cooperation in the next quarter.
    2. A copy of the report shall be sent to the Legislative Council upon request of the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 1983, No. 307, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912.4; Acts 1995, No. 164, § 2; 2017, No. 913, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 5245.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “Director's Office” for “Division of Administrative Services” throughout the section; and redesignated (b) as (b)(1) and (2).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary’s Office of the Department of Human Services” for “Director’s Office of the Department of Human Services” in (a).

25-10-108. Coordination of programs, procedures, etc., of department and institutional boards.

In addition to the functions and duties provided by law to be performed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, the secretary shall direct those divisions, offices, sections, or units of the Department of Human Services which he or she may designate to:

  1. Serve in a liaison capacity for the Department of Human Services and the secretary thereof with the boards and the directors of the various institutional facilities of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services in efforts to coordinate services provided citizens of this state through those institutions with programs of the department for the benefit of neglected, dependent, and delinquent juveniles, individuals with mental illness, and individuals with intellectual disabilities or individuals with developmental disabilities of this state;
  2. Cooperate with the administrators of the various institutions under the direction and control of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services in the administration of fiscal and budgetary policies applicable to all divisions and programs of the department as promulgated by the secretary thereof and as directed by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State;
  3. Offer assistance to the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services in developing biennial budgets and annual, quarterly, and monthly fiscal plans for the operation of those institutions and assist the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services in complying with the budget and fiscal policies promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services for the control and management of the funds made available to the department and its various offices, divisions, programs, and institutions. In connection therewith, the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall be furnished records of all accounts, expenditures, funds, and fund balances available to each institution for its operation and support;
    1. Coordinate, with each institution and its administrator under the control and direction of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services, the purchasing policies and procedures of the department as promulgated by the secretary thereof to assure that all those institutions comply with the uniform purchasing practices and policies of the department and with the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., and the rules promulgated thereunder by the State Procurement Director.
    2. However, each of the various institutions under the control of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services is authorized to have institutional purchasing officials who shall be authorized to make purchases in behalf of those institutions which are not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Procurement Director, but all such purchases shall be made in compliance with the uniform purchasing practices and policies promulgated by the secretary to be applicable to all divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department and shall be in conformance with the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., and rules promulgated by the State Procurement Director; and
    1. Coordinate the policies promulgated by the secretary for the administration of personnel and personnel records within the various divisions, offices, sections, or units of the department with the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board, the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services, and the administrators of each of those institutions to assure that all employee records and personnel records conform to the personnel policies and records promulgated by the secretary and to the personnel policies and practices laws of the State of Arkansas.
    2. Nothing in this act shall prohibit or restrict the right of each of the institutional boards to employ, promote, discipline, or discharge any employee of any of those institutions so long as those actions are within the overall policies and procedures promulgated by the secretary governing employee practices or actions.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912f; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2915; 2019, No. 910, § 5246.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (4)(A); and substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (4)(B).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary” or “secretary” for “Director” or “director” throughout the section; and, in (3), substituted “the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “those boards” and substituted “the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “the boards”.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-10-104.

25-10-109. Institutional services generally — Development of admission policies, etc.

In addition to the functions and duties provided by law and this act to be performed by the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board, it is the intent of this act that the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, the divisions, offices, sections, or units of the Department of Human Services created by this act, and the programs funded by and operated by the department by developing admission policies, criteria, and services which will assure appropriate access to institutional services to meet the residential service needs of the citizens of this state.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912g; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5247.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “those boards” and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services”.

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-10-104.

25-10-110. Institutional services generally — Charges.

  1. It is found and determined by the General Assembly that under existing law most institutions in the Department of Human Services engaged in providing services to members of the general public seek recovery of the costs of providing those services on the basis of the average per capita cost. It is further found and determined that these methods of charging costs result in significant revenue losses to the state and do not allow the recovery of the actual costs of providing the services.
  2. The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services are permitted to charge for institutional services provided to members of the public on an actual cost basis rather than on a per capita or other basis.

History. Acts 1975, No. 340, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-912.2, 5-912.2n; Acts 2017, No. 913, § 122.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Rehabilitation Services, referred to in this section, is no longer a division of the Department of Human Services. See §§ 25-30-106 and 25-30-201 et seq.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment, in (b), substituted “Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” and inserted “of the Department of Human Services” following “Division of Youth Services”.

25-10-111. Budgeting generally.

    1. The Secretary of the Department of Human Services shall obtain from each division, office, section, or unit of the Department of Human Services, including the institutions and institutional boards thereunder, all requests for biennial appropriations and all requests for special supplemental or construction appropriations.
    2. The secretary shall review the requests and submit to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the Governor, and the Legislative Council a coordinated budget for all divisions, offices, programs, institutions, and services of the department in whatever detail may be required by the state budgetary laws and by the budget forms and procedures promulgated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and by the Legislative Council.
  1. It shall be the responsibility of the secretary to operate all of its divisions, offices, and programs and to require that each of the institutional boards under the department administer their programs within those fiscal limitations and restraints which the secretary deems necessary to assure that each program, service, and institution within the department receives an allocation of funds in accordance with the needs of the respective programs, services, and institutions and within the limitation of the moneys allocated and appropriated to the department for the operation of those programs, services, and institutions.
    1. Although it is the intent of this act that the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services shall each operate their institutional programs and services within the department with autonomy and independence as intended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, the General Assembly recognizes that reasonable fiscal policies are necessary to assure that the various services of government are operated on a sound financial basis and that deficit spending is not implemented.
    2. In furtherance of that policy, the General Assembly determines that:
      1. The secretary, with respect to the allocation of funds and the exercise of fiscal restraint over all divisions, offices, sections, units, programs, services, and institutions within the department, shall have the ultimate authority to allocate and limit the amount of funds to be expended in the operation of each division, office, program, service, and institution within the department as he or she deems necessary to comply with the fiscal laws of this state; and
      2. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the ultimate authority of the secretary to develop and operate the various programs in the state institutional system.
    3. However, all real property, including capital improvements thereon, constituting the Department of Human Services State Institutional System shall be under the control of the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board, and the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services may convey by sale or lease any real property within the state institutional system.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912h; Acts 1997, No. 1333, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 5248.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary” or “secretary” for “Director” or “director” throughout the section; and substituted “the Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services” for “that board” in (c)(3).

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-10-104.

25-10-112. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning reallocation of resources, was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1537, § 83. The section was derived from Acts 1983, No. 307, § 5; 1985, No. 772, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912.5; Acts 1987, No. 961, § 17; 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 68, § 16; 1997, No. 1360, § 81.

25-10-113. Disposition of direct services funds.

  1. It is the intent and purpose of this act that no appropriation of funds provided by the General Assembly to the Department of Human Services for direct-care assistance to individuals or for the purchase of direct services for individuals shall be used in defraying state administrative or state case management costs of the department.
  2. It is the specific intent of this act to prevent the diversion of community grant-in-aid line funds for any purpose that would not provide direct services to clients with intellectual or other developmental disabilities in community programs.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912j; Acts 2019, No. 1035, § 54.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “clients with intellectual or other developmental disabilities” for “developmentally disabled clients” in (b).

Meaning of “this act”. See note to § 25-10-104.

25-10-114. Developmental disabilities — Special authorization — Cash funds.

  1. All funds received by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services of the Department of Human Services shall be placed in the State Treasury and expended via appropriation.
  2. Those funds held in trust by the agency for the residents of the human development centers, including gifts and bequests, shall be considered agency funds to be expended from bank accounts without legislative appropriation.
  3. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall have the final authority to determine those funds which may be exempted from being placed in the State Treasury unless otherwise provided by law. However, no agency funds deposited in bank accounts shall be expended for purposes other than those allowed for the expenditures of State Treasury funds under the provisions of the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101 et seq.

History. Acts 1977, No. 787, § 10; 1995, No. 1198, § 70.

25-10-115. County offices of human services.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Human Services shall establish a county office of human services in each county of this state. The county offices shall provide the citizens of each county access to the various services and programs provided by the Department of Human Services as well as follow-up contact and services.
  2. In establishing a county office of human services, it is necessary that each county office be staffed to provide complete access to services and programs of the department.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912j; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5249.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” in (a).

25-10-116. Advisory committees generally.

  1. From time to time, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services or the Governor may establish various advisory committees to assist the secretary and the various divisions, offices, sections, or units within Department of Human Services in reviewing and offering advice on any of the programs, services, and duties of the department which the secretary or the Governor may deem appropriate for the proper and efficient operation of the department and its respective programs, services, and duties.
  2. The advisory committees shall exist for the duration determined by the secretary or the Governor.
  3. The members of the advisory committees shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary meals, lodging, and mileage for travel in accordance with the procedures and standards provided by law or rule for official travel by state employees in the performance of their duties. Payment shall be made from funds appropriated to the department.

History. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-912b; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2916; 2019, No. 910, § 5250.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The operation of subsection (c) may be affected by the enactment of Acts 1995, No. 1211, codified as § 25-16-901 et seq.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (c).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary” or “secretary” for “Director” or “director” in (a) and (b).

25-10-117. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the Community Services Advisory Council, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 764, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1981, No. 764, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-904.2.

25-10-118. Child support enforcement program — Reports.

The Office of Child Support Enforcement of the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration shall file a semiannual report with the Legislative Council concerning performance and progress made in administering the Child Support Enforcement Program approved under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 44, § 12; 1995, No. 1184, § 35.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former § 25-10-118, and identical § 9-14-203 which had been renumbered as § 25-10-118, concerning reporting requirements, are deemed to be superseded by this section. The former section was derived from Acts 1983, No. 926, § 40; 1985, No. 649, § 32; 1987, No. 921, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 34-2457.

25-10-119. Certification of vouchers.

  1. The designated disbursing officers for the Department of Human Services are hereby authorized to complete and sign one (1) certification for each state voucher or other designated document that authorizes the Auditor of State or other official to draw a state warrant or check on a bond administered by the department.
  2. The voucher or other authorizing document can consist of one (1) or more pages, and in the event that more than one (1) page is used, then the designated disbursing officer is to manually sign the last page only, and any certification is to be so worded that it will apply to all pages of the document.

History. Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 68, § 19.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Former § 25-10-119 concerning the certification of vouchers, is deemed to be superseded by this section. The former section was derived from Acts 1987, No. 961, § 21.

25-10-120. Research and Training Institute.

  1. The Research and Training Institute is authorized to seek, accept, and administer public or private funds, consisting of donations, federal and state grants, aids, contracts, reimbursements, cash donations, or state general revenue to accomplish its purposes. The institute is intended to:
    1. Promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified professionals at programs operated or certified by the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services, community mental health center programs, and other public sector mental health programs in Arkansas;
    2. Improve clinical care by exploring new, innovative, and scientifically based treatment models for adults with serious mental illness and children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance;
    3. Provide expanded clinical research and clinical-based research training opportunities for existing staff in institutional and community-based programs operated, certified, or supported by the division; and
    4. Promote the understanding of the various interdisciplinary treatments and the challenges facing institutional and community-based mental health professionals in Arkansas.
  2. To accomplish these purposes, the institute may enter into joint operating agreements with state universities or other institutions of higher education to:
    1. Accomplish the placement and training of students and faculty in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, and other relevant professions;
    2. Design, support, and implement clinical research projects to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental health services and operations;
    3. Enter into agreements with community mental health centers and other public mental health providers to accomplish the exchange of professional staff between state-operated programs and community mental health centers; and
    4. Establish a student loan program in accordance with procedures established by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, when the Director of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services has determined a shortage of such professionals exists.
  3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the institute may enter into agreements with the division which may involve changes in staffing necessary to implement improved patient care programs contemplated by this section, and may enter into agreements with the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to jointly operate or to support specific undertakings that are congruent with the institute's stated purposes.

History. Acts 1991, No. 1082, § 21; 2013, No. 980, §§ 19, 20; 2017, No. 913, §§ 123, 124.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Behavioral” for “Mental” in (a)(1) and (b)(4).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in (a)(1); and substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in (b)(4).

25-10-121. Proceeds from the sale of land — Deposit in special trust fund.

  1. Pursuant to the process delineated in § 22-6-601, in lieu of depositing the proceeds of the sale of lands in the fund from which the division or state agency is operated, a board of a state agency or a division within the Department of Human Services holding lands in its name may request, as a condition for sale of the lands, that the proceeds be deposited in a special trust fund to be created in the name of the board, state agency, or division on the books of the Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.
  2. Proceeds placed in the special trust fund shall be used solely for the maintenance and operation of the programs of the division, state agency, or board under whose name the lands were held.
  3. If the division, state agency, or board requests the proceeds to be deposited in a special trust fund, the creation of the trust fund and the transfer of the proceeds to the trust fund shall be subject to approval by the Governor as a condition for approval of the sale.

History. Acts 1991, No. 1085, § 24.

25-10-122. Office of Minority Mental Health — Creation.

  1. There is created an Office of Minority Mental Health within the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services.
  2. The head of the Office of Minority Mental Health shall be employed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.

History. Acts 1991, No. 1210, § 1; 2013, No. 980, § 21; 2017, No. 913, § 125; 2019, No. 910, § 5251.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Behavioral” for “Mental” in (a).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in (a).

The 2019 amendment substituted “employed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “appointed by the Director of the Department of Human Services” in (b).

25-10-123. Programs and policies — Development.

The Office of Minority Mental Health shall develop programs and policies concerning the following:

  1. Providing culturally relevant mental health services to minority individuals with mental illness;
  2. Improving the availability and accessibility of mental health services to minority individuals with long-term mental illnesses;
  3. Educating minority individuals with mental illness about their illness;
  4. Providing minority families with education on mental illness; and
  5. Providing accessible educational training within the mental health setting and the minority community.

History. Acts 1991, No. 1210, § 2; 2013, No. 980, § 22; 2017, No. 913, § 126.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Behavioral” for “Mental” in the introductory language.

The 2017 amendment substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in the introductory language.

25-10-124. Administration of state or federal funds.

  1. The Office of Minority Mental Health is the authorized state agency to accept, receive, retain, and administer any state or federal funds relating to minority mental health.
  2. The office shall develop, comment on, and revise any designations of areas of minority mental health as underserved.

History. Acts 1991, No. 1210, § 3; 2013, No. 980, § 23; 2017, No. 913, § 127.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Behavioral” for “Mental” in (a).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in (a).

25-10-125. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning reimbursement of providers of targeted and independent case management services, and training and certification, was repealed by Acts 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 1, § 6. The section was derived from Acts 1991, No. 922, § 18.

25-10-126. Grants-in-aid — Conditions for receiving funds.

Any private nonprofit community-based agency that receives grants-in-aid through the Department of Human Services for the provision of services, as a condition of receiving such funds, shall:

  1. Meet minimum standards of performance in the delivery of services as defined by the department's division or office from which the grant-in-aid is awarded;
  2. Supply statistical data to the department; and
  3. Establish and maintain a sound financial management system in accordance with guidelines as set forth by the department.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1239, § 71.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 295, § 14, provided:

“GRANTS IN AID — CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING FUNDS. Private non-profit community-based programs licensed by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, are eligible to receive funds appropriated for Grants to Community Providers in the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation of this Act, and as a condition of receiving such funds they shall:

“1. Meet minimum standards of performance in the delivery of services to people with disabilities as defined by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“2. Supply statistical and financial data to the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“3. Establish and maintain a sound financial management system in accordance with guidelines as set forth by the Department of Human Services.

“4. Establish and maintain community support programs designed to provide coordinated care and treatment to ensure ongoing involvement and individualized services for persons with disabilities. Every community support program shall provide services for persons with disabilities who reside within the respective area of the program.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 979, § 13, provided:

“GRANTS IN AID — CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING FUNDS. Private non-profit community-based programs licensed by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, are eligible to receive funds appropriated for Grants to Community Providers in the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation of this Act, and as a condition of receiving such funds they shall:

“1. Meet minimum standards of performance in the delivery of services to people with disabilities as defined by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“2. Supply statistical and financial data to the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“3. Establish and maintain a sound financial management system in accordance with guidelines as set forth by the Department of Human Services.

“4. Establish and maintain community support programs designed to provide coordinated care and treatment to ensure ongoing involvement and individualized services for persons with disabilities. Every community support program shall provide services for persons with disabilities who reside within the respective area of the program.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 91, § 13, provided:

“GRANTS IN AID — CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING FUNDS. Private non-profit community-based programs licensed by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, are eligible to receive funds appropriated for Grants to Community Providers in the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation of this Act, and as a condition of receiving such funds they shall:

“1. Meet minimum standards of performance in the delivery of services to people with disabilities as defined by the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“2. Supply statistical and financial data to the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services.

“3. Establish and maintain a sound financial management system in accordance with guidelines as set forth by the Department of Human Services.

“4. Establish and maintain community support programs designed to provide coordinated care and treatment to ensure ongoing involvement and individualized services for persons with disabilities. Every community support program shall provide services for persons with disabilities who reside within the respective area of the program.

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

Acts 2017, No. 835, § 13, provided: “GRANTS IN AID — CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING FUNDS.

Private non-profit community-based programs licensed by the Department of Human Services — Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, are eligible to receive funds appropriated for Grants to Community Providers in the Developmental Disabilities Services — Grants-in-Aid appropriation of this Act, and as a condition of receiving such funds they shall:

“1. Meet minimum standards of performance in the delivery of services to people with disabilities as defined by the Department of Human Services — Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.

“2. Supply statistical and financial data to the Department of Human Services — Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.

“3. Establish and maintain a sound financial management system in accordance with guidelines as set forth by the Department of Human Services.

“4. Establish and maintain community support programs designed to provide coordinated care and treatment to ensure ongoing involvement and individualized services for persons with disabilities. Every community support program shall provide services for persons with disabilities who reside within the respective area of the program.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

25-10-127. Advance disbursements.

Advance disbursements of funds to providers made under payment methodologies are authorized when approved in advance by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1239, § 72.

25-10-128. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 913, § 6. The section was derived from Acts 1993, No. 403, § 19; 1997, No. 1259, § 1; 2011, No. 42, § 1; 2015, No. 111, § 1.

25-10-129. Department of Human Services authorized to issue rules to assure compliance with federal statutes, rules, and regulations.

    1. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the State of Arkansas utilize federal funding to the fullest extent possible to provide care to persons eligible for assistance or benefits under programs wholly or partially federally funded or fundable.
    2. The General Assembly recognizes that the Department of Human Services is presently charged with, among other things, all welfare activity in the state, including:
      1. Services to children and to the aged, blind, and individuals with disabilities;
      2. Public assistance; and
      3. Medical assistance.
    3. The General Assembly further recognizes that federal laws and regulations affecting such programs are the supreme law of the land and change frequently, sometimes with little or no advance notice to the state, such that it is impractical to prescribe the operations of such programs by statute.
    4. It is therefore the intent of the General Assembly to clarify and consolidate the authority of the department to assure conformity with all applicable federal dictates by empowering the department and its divisions to, by rule, adopt or implement all federal statutes, rules, and regulations as may be currently in force, or as may be adopted or amended in the future, when such rule is necessary to conform to federal statutes, rules, and regulations affecting programs administered or funded by or through the department.
  1. The department and its various divisions are hereby authorized and directed to promulgate rules, as necessary to conform to federal statutes, rules, and regulations as may now or in the future affect programs administered or funded by or through the department or its various divisions, as necessary to receive any federal funds which may now or in the future be available to the department or its various divisions.
  2. All rules promulgated pursuant to this section shall be promulgated in conformity with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and after legislative review and approval as required by § 10-3-309.

History. Acts 1995, No. 710, §§ 1-3; 2015, No. 1258, § 39.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 1258, § 1, provided: “LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. The General Assembly finds:

“(1) Amendment 92 to the Arkansas Constitution states in part: ‘The General Assembly may provide by law for the review by a legislative committee of administrative rules promulgated by a state agency before the administrative rules become effective; and that administrative rules promulgated by a state agency shall not become effective until reviewed and approved by the legislative committee charged by law with the review of administrative rules under subdivision (a)(1) of this section’;

“(2) As Amendment 92 does not define the term ‘state agency’, the General Assembly may establish a definition by law as part of its implementation of Amendment 92;

“(3) The General Assembly at this time wishes to exclude the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, the State Highway Commission, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and institutions of higher education from the definition of ‘state agency’ applied to the implementation of Amendment 92; and

“(4) The General Assembly or the Legislative Council reserve the right to amend the definition of ‘state agency’ in the future to include one (1) or all of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, the State Highway Commission, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and institutions of higher education.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment inserted “and approval” in (c).

25-10-130. Employee assistance programs — Prohibition of agreement for services.

The Department of Human Services shall not enter into any contract, memorandum of understanding, or interagency agreement for an employee assistance program that provides health-related services such as, but not limited to, drug or alcohol treatment services for the employees of the department.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 59.

25-10-131. Match transfer.

The Secretary of the Department of Human Services, with the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, is authorized to effect interagency fund transfers for the purpose of providing the state's matching share for payments made to that division or office, or its service providers, for services eligible for federal reimbursement under programs administered by other divisions or offices of the Department of Human Services.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 62; 2019, No. 910, § 5252.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services”.

25-10-132. Medical services and county operations — Use of local funds.

To the extent allowed by federal requirements, including waiver, demonstration and pilot project options, the Division of Medical Services of the Department of Human Services and the Division of County Operations of the Department of Human Services shall use local and donated funds to obtain federal matching funds to enhance federal agency programs.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 79.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1638, § 13 provided:

“MEDICAL SERVICES AND COUNTY OPERATIONS - USE OF LOCAL FUNDS. To the extent allowed by Federal requirements, including waiver, demonstration and pilot project options, the Division of Medical Services and the Division of County Operations shall use local and donated funds to obtain federal matching funds to enhance federal agency programs.”

25-10-133. Mental health services — Transfer provision.

    1. Personnel positions and appropriations provided for all programs of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services may be reallocated when such actions are determined necessary to assure continued delivery of satisfactory levels of services in any of the several programs administered by the division.
    2. Such reallocations or transfers shall be requested by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.
  1. Any saving made in state or federal appropriations for regular salaries, extra help, Social Security and retirement matching, or maintenance and general operations, and grants for approved projects, upon prior review by the Legislative Council and approval of the Department of Finance and Administration, may be transferred to the purchase of services for persons with long-term mental illness and in the establishment, operation, and maintenance of facilities, centers, or programs for this population.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 86; 2013, No. 980, § 24; 2017, No. 913, § 128; 2019, No. 910, § 5253.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “Behavioral” for “Mental” in (a)(1).

The 2017 amendment substituted “Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services” for “Division of Behavioral Health Services” in (a)(1).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” in (a)(2).

25-10-134. Community-based residential programs — Rules.

    1. The Department of Human Services shall not contract for community-based residential programs within any municipalities to house unrelated juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent for a sexual offense or serious violent offense, or convicted of a sexual offense or a serious violent offense, until a community-based program has complied with rules promulgated by the department as set out herein.
    2. The purpose of these rules is to ensure public notice and public safety in the department's process of contracting for residential services for adjudicated or convicted juvenile sexual offenders or adjudicated or convicted serious violent offenders.
    3. Provided further, the rules shall be developed by the department and members of a committee appointed by the Governor, to include representatives of the following:
      1. The General Assembly;
      2. Local elected officials;
      3. Citizen representatives of local communities;
      4. Prosecuting attorneys;
      5. Judges of circuit court, juvenile division;
      6. Community-based providers;
      7. Law enforcement officers; and
      8. At least one (1) recognized mental health professional who specializes in the treatment of juvenile sexual offenders and juvenile serious violent offenders.
    4. The rules shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
      1. Definitions for the terms “sexual offense” and “sexual offender” and “serious violent offense” and “serious violent offender” for purposes of this section;
      2. Procedures for notice to residents within a specified geographic area of a proposed residential program for juvenile sexual offenders and juvenile serious violent offenders, as defined in the rules;
      3. Procedures for preplacement review of juvenile sexual offenders and juvenile serious violent offenders to determine that individual placements are appropriate, taking into account the location of a facility and a juvenile's offense or offenses, past treatment, prognosis, and present behavior;
      4. Procedures to determine that the level of supervision in a residential program is adequate for the individuals housed in the program; and
      5. Procedures for the department and a community-based contract provider to receive and respond to complaints and questions of residents of a community in which a community-based program is proposed or established, including remedies for a failure to respond.
    1. The department shall not contract or pay for community-based residential programs within any municipality to house unrelated persons who have been adjudicated delinquent of an act that would constitute a Class A felony or higher or of a sexual offense, or convicted of a Class A felony or higher or sexual offense, until the following conditions have been met:
      1. Residents within one thousand feet (1,000') of the proposed location of the facility shall be notified by mail; and
        1. A public hearing shall be conducted in the community of the proposed location of the facility by the contract provider at least ten (10) days in advance of the contract's effective date.
        2. Notice of the hearing shall be made by mail to each of the residents within one thousand feet (1,000') of the proposed location of the facility.
        3. The notification requirement shall not apply to already existing facilities at already existing locations.
    2. Provided further, upon establishment of such facilities within a particular municipality, the contract provider and the department shall establish and implement a system to receive and respond to complaints and questions from residents of such municipality.
    3. In the event the department and the provider fail to provide satisfactory communication to the residents, as provided in this subsection, such facility may be declared a public nuisance by the municipality.
  1. The department shall include the following requirements in all contracts with community providers who provide community transition homes for juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent for a Class A felony criminal offense or higher, or convicted of a Class A felony or higher criminal offense, or are youthful felony sex offenders:
    1. Prohibit the location of programs within one thousand feet (1,000') from the grounds of community centers, schools, or other facilities with a high concentration of youths;
    2. Comply with all local zoning ordinances, including building codes;
    3. Provide advance notice of the proposed program site to municipal and county police agencies;
    4. Prohibit the participation in a community-based program to any individual who has re-offended within the past twelve (12) months; and
    5. Maintain twenty-four-hour supervision of residents by provider staff.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, §§ 100-102; 2019, No. 315, § 2917.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 57, § 9, provided:

“YOUTH SERVICES — COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS — RESTRICTIONS. The Department of Human Services shall not contract or pay for community-based residential programs within any municipality to house unrelated persons who have been adjudicated delinquent of an act that would constitute a Class A felony or higher of a sexual offense or convicted of a Class A felony or higher or sexual offense until the following conditions have been met:

“1. Residents within one thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed location of the facility shall be notified by mail;

“2. A public hearing shall be conducted in the community of the proposed location of the facility by the contract provider at least ten (10) days in advance of the contract's effective date. Notice of the hearing shall be made by mail to each of the residents within 1,000 feet of the proposed location of the facility. The notification requirement shall not apply to already existing facilities at already existing locations.

“Provided further, upon establishment of such facilities within a particular municipality, the contract provider and the Department shall establish and implement a system to receive and respond to complaints and questions from residents of such municipality. In the event the Department and the provider fail to provide satisfactory communication as provided in this section to the residents, such facility may be declared a public nuisance by the municipality.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” throughout (a); and deleted “within thirty (30) days of July 1, 1995” following “promulgated” in (a)(1).

Cross References. Public hearings required before locating community-based residential facilities for sex offenders, § 12-25-101.

25-10-135. Youth services.

  1. The Department of Human Services shall not contract or pay for community-based residential programs within any municipality to house unrelated persons who have been adjudicated delinquent of an act that would constitute a Class A felony or higher or of a sexual offense or convicted of a Class A felony or higher or sexual offense until the following conditions have been met:
    1. Residents within one thousand feet (1,000') of the proposed location of the facility shall be notified by mail;
      1. A public hearing shall be conducted in the community of the proposed location of the facility by the contract provider at least ten (10) days in advance of the contract's effective date.
      2. Notice of the hearing shall be made by mail to each of the residents within one thousand feet (1,000') of the proposed location of the facility; and
    2. The notification requirement shall not apply to already-existing facilities at already-existing locations.
    1. Provided further, upon establishment of the facilities within a particular municipality, the contract provider and the department shall establish and implement a system to receive and respond to complaints and questions from residents of the municipality.
    2. In the event the department and the provider fail to provide satisfactory communication to the residents as provided in this section, the facility may be declared a public nuisance by the municipality.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1360, § 99.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 57, § 9, provided:

“YOUTH SERVICES — COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS — RESTRICTIONS. The Department of Human Services shall not contract or pay for community-based residential programs within any municipality to house unrelated persons who have been adjudicated delinquent of an act that would constitute a Class A felony or higher of a sexual offense or convicted of a Class A felony or higher or sexual offense until the following conditions have been met:

“1. Residents within one thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed location of the facility shall be notified by mail;

“2. A public hearing shall be conducted in the community of the proposed location of the facility by the contract provider at least ten (10) days in advance of the contract's effective date. Notice of the hearing shall be made by mail to each of the residents within 1,000 feet of the proposed location of the facility. The notification requirement shall not apply to already existing facilities at already existing locations.

“Provided further, upon establishment of such facilities within a particular municipality, the contract provider and the Department shall establish and implement a system to receive and respond to complaints and questions from residents of such municipality. In the event the Department and the provider fail to provide satisfactory communication as provided in this section to the residents, such facility may be declared a public nuisance by the municipality.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.”

25-10-136. Private service contract notice required.

  1. The Department of Human Services shall notify the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth and the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs prior to privatizing any functions or responsibilities of the Division of Youth Services.
  2. The report shall be in writing and shall be submitted to the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth and the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs at least sixty (60) days prior to entering into a contract with a private business entity.
  3. In the event the General Assembly is in session, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services shall provide the report to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth.

History. Acts 1999, No. 525, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 5254.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (c), substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” and substituted “Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth” for “chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth”.

25-10-137. Private service contract performance evaluation requirement.

  1. All new contracts which privatize services and functions which had been performed by employees of the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services shall include a performance evaluation provision that outlines a method for evaluating the service provided under the contract. The provision shall identify the goals and performance indicators of the contract and how the state agency intends to evaluate the service provided.
  2. The department shall report to the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth and the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or appropriate subcommittees thereof at least annually regarding the performance evaluation of each contract.

History. Acts 1999, No. 525, § 2.

25-10-138. Education requirements for certain Division of Youth Services employees.

  1. With the assistance of the Office of Personnel Management, the Division of Youth Services shall promulgate rules to increase the education requirements for youth service workers and security officers employed by the division. If the services are under contract with the division, the employees of the contractor shall meet the education requirements promulgated by the division.
  2. No rule pertaining to education requirements for youth service workers or security officers promulgated hereafter by the division shall be effective until reviewed by the Legislative Council, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs, and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or appropriate subcommittees thereof of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1999, No. 469, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2918; 2019, No. 910, § 6303.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (a); and substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (b).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (a), deleted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Office of Personnel Management”, deleted “of the Department of Human Services” following “Division of Youth Services”, and substituted “division” or “Division of Youth Services” three times in (a); and substituted “division” for “Division of Youth Services” in (b).

25-10-139. Training requirements for certain Division of Youth Services employees.

    1. The Division of Youth Services shall promulgate rules to increase the hours of training provided to youth service workers and security officers employed by the division. If the services are under contract with the division, the employees of the contractor shall meet the training requirements promulgated by the division.
    2. The training requirements shall include, but not be limited to, training on the use of proper restraints and security crisis intervention as recommended by the Manual of Standards for Juvenile Training Schools and Services published by the American Correctional Association in cooperation with the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections.
    3. The training hours shall be satisfied by the employee on a yearly basis.
  1. No rule pertaining to the training required of youth service workers and security officers promulgated hereafter by the division shall be effective until reviewed by the Legislative Council, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs, and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or appropriate subcommittees thereof of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1999, No. 469, § 2; 2019, No. 315, §§ 2919, 2920.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (a)(1); and substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (b).

25-10-140. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning transfer of the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention to the Division of Behavioral Health, was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 827, § 194. The section was derived from Acts 2003, No. 1717, § 2.

25-10-141. Subpoenas in administrative adjudications.

      1. In every case of adjudication before the Department of Human Services, an administrative law judge shall have the power to issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses, the production of documents, or both, upon request of any party to the adjudication.
      2. Requests for a subpoena shall be granted by the administrative law judge if the testimony or documents desired are considered necessary and material without being unduly repetitious of other available evidence.
    1. Each subpoena shall:
      1. State that the subpoena is issued in a proceeding pending before the department;
      2. Contain the title of the administrative adjudication; and
      3. Command each person to whom it is directed to appear and give testimony at the time and place therein specified.
    2. Subpoenas may require the production of documents including:
      1. Writings;
      2. Drawings;
      3. Graphs;
      4. Charts;
      5. Photographs;
      6. Recordings; and
      7. Other data compilations from which information can be obtained.
    3. The party who requested a subpoena shall be responsible for serving the subpoena in the manner provided by law.
    4. Return of service shall be recorded, and the record shall be retained in the adjudication case file.
      1. The Pulaski County Circuit Court or the circuit court of the county of residence of any person duly served with a subpoena issued under this section may enforce the subpoena.
      2. Enforcement shall be in the manner provided by law for the enforcement of subpoenas issued by a circuit court.
  1. Upon motion and a showing of good cause, the presiding official may issue orders quashing or limiting subpoenas based on a determination that:
    1. The person subpoenaed does not have relevant, admissible evidence;
    2. The information or records sought are irrelevant to the adjudication;
    3. The information or records sought are confidential and not subject to disclosure or to production under federal laws or regulations or state law;
    4. Compliance with the subpoena would result in undue burden or expense; or
    5. The evidence possessed by the person subpoenaed or the information or record sought is unduly repetitious of other available evidence.
  2. If any child served with a subpoena to be a witness in an administrative hearing is a party to an open dependency-neglect or family-in-need-of-services case, the child's attorney ad litem shall be provided a copy of the subpoena.

History. Acts 2011, No. 1139, § 5.

25-10-142. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2017, No. 897, § 20, amended this section to delete “State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board and the” preceding “Department of Health”. However, this section was specifically repealed by Acts 2017, No. 896, § 4.

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning home visitation program, was repealed by Acts 2017, No. 896, § 4. The section was derived from Acts 2013, No. 528, § 4.

25-10-143. Advisory opinions — Definition.

  1. As used in this section, “advisory opinion” means a written statement by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee that explains the applicability to a specified set of facts of a pertinent statutory or regulatory provision relating to the provision of medical items or services under the medical assistance program administered by the Department of Human Services.
    1. The secretary may issue an advisory opinion at the request of a provider enrolled in the medical assistance program.
    2. Except as provided under subsection (h) of this section, the opinion is binding upon the secretary with respect to that provider only.
    3. If the secretary cannot respond to the request for an advisory opinion, the secretary shall within thirty (30) days notify the provider that he or she will not be responding to the request for an opinion.
  2. A provider may request an advisory opinion concerning:
    1. A substantive question or a procedural matter;
    2. Questions arising before an audit or investigation concerning a provider's claim for payment or reimbursement; and
    3. A hypothetical or projected service plan.
  3. The secretary shall not issue an advisory opinion if the request for an advisory opinion relates to a pending question raised by the provider in an ongoing or initiated investigation conducted by the Medicaid Inspector General, the Attorney General, a criminal investigation, or a civil or criminal proceeding, or if the provider has received a written notice from the secretary or the Medicaid Inspector General that advises the provider of an imminent investigation, audit, suspended claim, or withholding of payment or reimbursement.
  4. This section does not supersede a federal regulation, law, requirement, or guidance.
  5. The secretary shall adopt a rule establishing the time within which an advisory opinion shall be issued and the criteria for determining the eligibility of a request for departmental response.
  6. An advisory opinion represents an expression of the views of the secretary as to the application of laws, rules, and other precedential material to the set of facts specified in the request for an advisory opinion.
    1. A previously issued advisory opinion found by the secretary to be in error may be modified or revoked.
    2. If the secretary modifies or revokes an advisory opinion, the modification or revocation operates prospectively.
    3. A recovery of medical assistance overpayments caused by a provider's reliance on an advisory opinion that is later modified or revoked is prohibited for the period up until the modification or revocation unless the provider is involved in fraud.
    4. The department promptly shall notify the provider of a modification or revocation of an advisory opinion.
  7. An advisory opinion shall include the following notice: “This advisory opinion is limited to the person or persons who requested the opinion and it pertains only to the facts and circumstances presented in the request.”
  8. An advisory opinion shall cite the pertinent law and rule upon which the advisory opinion is based.
  9. An advisory opinion or a modification or revocation of a previously issued advisory opinion is a public record.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1499, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 5255.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services” in (a); and substituted “secretary” for “director” in (b)-(h).

25-10-144. Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism — Creation.

  1. There is established a Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism.
  2. The purposes of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism are to:
    1. Assist the community engagement program and staff of the Director's Office of the Division of Higher Education in setting goals, establishing priority activities, performing an advocacy role, and assisting in funding and resource development and publicity and recognition and awards programs; and
    2. Serve as the Arkansas Service Commission for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, as governed by 42 U.S.C. § 12638.
    1. The Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism shall consist of fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) voting members to be appointed by the Governor.
    2. The voting members shall include:
      1. One (1) or more members with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth;
      2. One (1) or more members with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults in service and volunteering;
      3. One (1) or more members representing community-based agencies or community-based organizations;
      4. One (1) or more members representing local governments;
      5. One (1) or more members representing local labor organizations;
      6. One (1) or more members representing business;
      7. One (1) or more members between sixteen (16) and twenty-five (25) years of age who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer or service program;
      8. One (1) or more members representing a national service program described in 42 U.S.C. § 12572, as it existed on January 1, 2015;
      9. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee; and
      10. One (1) or more members representing the volunteer sector.
    3. The voting members may also include:
      1. One (1) or more members selected from among local educators;
      2. One (1) or more members selected from among experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and persons;
      3. One (1) or more representatives of Native American tribes;
      4. One (1) or more members selected from among out-of-school youth or other at-risk youth; and
      5. One (1) or more representatives of entities that receive assistance under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. § 4950 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2015.
    4. The Corporation for National and Community Service may appoint an ex officio nonvoting member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism.
    5. The number of voting members who are state employees or officers may not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total membership.
      1. The Governor shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the membership of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism is diverse with respect to race, ethnicity, age, gender, and disability characteristics.
      2. Not more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting members, plus one (1) additional member, may be from the same political party.
    1. A member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years.
    2. The members initially appointed shall draw lots for staggered terms, such that an equal number of terms shall expire each calendar year.
      1. In the event of a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint an eligible member to serve the remainder of the term.
      2. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism.
  3. The voting members of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism shall elect one (1) of the voting members to serve as chair.
  4. A member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism shall serve without compensation but may receive expense reimbursements in accordance with § 25-16-902.
  5. [Repealed.]

History. Acts 2015, No. 111, § 2; 2017, No. 913, §§ 7, 8; 2019, No. 910, §§ 2385, 2386.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment, in (b)(1), inserted “community engagement” and substituted “the Director's Office” for “the Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support”; and repealed (g).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Higher Education” for “Department of Human Services” in (b)(1); substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education” in (c)(2)(I); and added (c)(2)(J).

Subchapter 2 — Division of State Services for the Blind

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1985, No. 348, § 1, provided, in part, that the Division of State Services for the Blind and the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind would continue to function within the Department of Human Services with the same powers prescribed by this subchapter, but that, for organizational purposes, they would be assigned to divisions or offices of the department as determined by the director.

Acts 2014, No. 114, § 4, provided:

“COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT. The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for Rehabilitation Counselors selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. No state general revenue shall be expended for the tuition in pursuit of a degree authorized herein.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 983, § 4, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for Rehabilitation Counselors selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. No state general revenue shall be expended for the tuition in pursuit of a degree authorized herein.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 89, § 4, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for Rehabilitation Counselors selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. No state general revenue shall be expended for the tuition in pursuit of a degree authorized herein.

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

Acts 2016, No. 120, § 10, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including VR counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Career Education-Arkansas Rehabilitation Services a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for any eligible employees selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S.D.O.E. Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. The waiver applies to federal financial participation (FFP), state general revenue share, and program income.

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

Acts 2017, No. 838, § 4, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Human Services, Division of State Services for the Blind a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for any eligible employees selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. No state general revenue shall be expended for the tuition in pursuit of a degree authorized herein.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Acts 2018, No. 153, § 10, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including VR counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Career Education-Arkansas Rehabilitation Services a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for any eligible employees selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S.D.O.E. Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. The waiver applies to federal financial participation (FFP), state general revenue share, and program income.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.”

Cross References. Professional health services personnel, parity in compensation, § 20-9-101.

School for the blind, § 6-43-201 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 12: July 1, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that an immediate need exists to improve the delivery of services to blind and visually impaired citizens of Arkansas; that the establishment of the Division of State Services for the Blind will improve the delivery of services to blind and visually impaired persons and that the efficient operation of State government will be promoted by establishing the Division at the beginning of the next 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 be in full force and effect on July 1, 1983.”

Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 110: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth 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, 1995 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, 1995 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; Section 99 shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of passage and approval and the remainder of the Act shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1995.”

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 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”.

Acts 2020, No. 168, § 10: July 1, 2020. 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, 2020 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, 2020 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, 2020”.

25-10-201. Public policy.

  1. It is the public policy of the State of Arkansas to furnish blind and visually handicapped persons those services which are reasonably necessary to allow them the opportunity to lead full, useful, and productive lives and to expend funds available for that purpose in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
  2. The General Assembly finds that this purpose may be best accomplished by the establishment of a Division of State Services for the Blind within the Department of Commerce with the necessary authority to administer the services and programs for the blind and visually impaired.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-939; Acts 2020, No. 168, § 7.

Amendments. The 2020 amendment substituted “Department of Commerce” for “Department of Human Services” in (b).

Case Notes

Cited: Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Clark, 304 Ark. 403, 802 S.W.2d 461 (1991).

25-10-202. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

  1. “Blind”, for the purposes of qualification for appointment as a member of the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind within the Department of Commerce, means a person having not more than twenty/two hundred (20/200) visual acuity in the better eye with corrective lenses, or visual acuity greater than twenty/two hundred (20/200), but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of no greater than twenty degrees (20°); and
  2. “Visually handicapped”, as a term, shall be defined by rules of the board, and the board shall have sole and exclusive authority to define and determine whether any person is “blind” or “visually handicapped” for purposes of determining eligibility to participate in government programs under this subchapter.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-942; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2921.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (2).

25-10-203. Exemption.

No provision of this subchapter shall apply to any program or service currently operated or administered by the Arkansas School for the Blind or the State Library Board, and this subchapter shall not amend or repeal any statutory provision governing the operation of the School for the Blind or the Arkansas State Library.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-945.

25-10-204. Powers and duties.

    1. The Division of State Services for the Blind within the Department of Human Services is designated as the agency of the State of Arkansas primarily responsible for carrying out state and federal programs for rehabilitative social services or business enterprises for blind and visually handicapped citizens of the state, including, but not limited to, those programs and services established pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. No. 93-112, and any subsequent legislation to Pub. L. No. 93-112. The division, as the designated agency, shall receive the full, complete, effective, and timely cooperation of any and all other agencies, organizations, or offices receiving financial support by or through the State of Arkansas, either directly or indirectly, and in any amount.
    2. The division shall be responsible for the administration of all functions and programs relating or pertaining to rehabilitation and social services, and business enterprise services for the blind, including the organized vending facility program as now established, for which the division shall serve as the licensing agency for the blind.
  1. The division is designated as the unit of the state government of Arkansas primarily responsible for assuring that citizens with disabling visual impairments shall receive the full benefit of services for which federal grants-in-aid assistance in any form, under any title, and from any source shall be available from time to time to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.
  2. The division is authorized to enter into such contracts with the federal government, to submit such plans to the federal government, and to adopt such methods of administration as the federal government may require in order to assure maximum federal financial involvement in those services and functions which the division is authorized to administer directly.
    1. The division may assist all other state agencies, departments, offices, or committees traditionally and legally responsible for the direct administration of services which bear upon the objective of preventing or ameliorating disabling visual impairments throughout the State of Arkansas by providing technical advice and consultation to those state organizations, reviewing plans and program material developed and maintained within those state organizations, making appropriate recommendations, and carrying out the evaluation functions previously assigned to the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
    2. Where it is mutually determined by the division and one (1) or more other state agencies that it would be to the best interest of the taxpayers of the state or to the advantage of individuals with disabling visual impairments for the other agency or agencies directly to provide a particular service which tends to prevent or ameliorate disabling visual impairments, the division and the state agency or agencies involved are authorized to enter into interagency contracts or agreements which might reasonably be necessary to assure that the service is provided effectively and in a manner consistent with maximally efficient use of available resources.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, §§ 5, 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-943, 5-944.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 5, in part, transferred the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired of the Department of Human Services, and all its powers, personnel, equipment, etc., to the Division of State Services for the Blind.

U.S. Code. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in this section, is codified as 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.

25-10-205. Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind.

  1. There is created a board to be known as the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind, to be constituted as follows:
      1. The board shall be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
        1. One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting each of the following:
          1. The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas;
          2. The American Council of the Blind of Arkansas;
          3. The Arkansas Lions Clubs Council of Governors, who shall be a member of a member club of the International Association of Lions Clubs within Multiple District Seven for Arkansas;
          4. The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; and
          5. The Arkansas School for the Blind.
        2. Appointments made by the Governor under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
      2. The Governor shall appoint two (2) at-large members.
      3. One (1) or more of the members of the board shall be at least fifty-five (55) years of age.
      4. At least four (4) members of the board shall be blind as defined in § 25-10-202.
    1. Any board member whose term has expired shall continue to serve as a member of the board until the member's successor is appointed and qualified;
    2. All board members shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years, and no person may serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms; and
    3. All vacancies which occur for any reason shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, and any interim appointments shall be limited to the unexpired term of the position vacated. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall meet the qualifications for appointment held by his or her predecessor on the board.
  2. The President of World Services for the Blind, the Superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind, one (1) representative appointed by the American Association of Workers for the Blind of Arkansas, one (1) representative appointed by the Blinded Veterans Association of Arkansas, and one (1) representative appointed by the Arkansas Association of Blind Business Managers shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board. Additional ex officio nonvoting members may be appointed by the Governor at the request of a majority of the board.
  3. Each member or ex officio member appointed to the board, before entering upon the duties of office, shall take the oath prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution for state officers and shall file the oath in the office of the Secretary of State, who shall thereupon issue to the member a certificate of appointment.
  4. Upon recommendation of a majority of the regular board members, the Governor may remove any member of the board at any time for misconduct, incompetency, neglect of duty, or any other good cause as may be determined by the board.
  5. The board members shall not receive compensation for performance of their duties. However, they may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.
  6. After the members of the board have been duly appointed and are serving, the board shall choose a chair from among the regular members as presiding officer, who shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The board shall also elect from among its regular members a vice chair and a secretary, who shall serve for a term of one (1) year.
  7. The board shall meet at least quarterly at those times and places as it may determine from time to time.
    1. The board shall employ a commissioner, subject to the approval of the Governor, qualified by experience to administer and implement the policies and directives of the board.
    2. The commissioner shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
    3. The board may employ or appoint any additional personnel necessary to carry out the functions, duties, and responsibilities entrusted to the Division of State Services for the Blind in accordance with the requirements of law and within the limits of available appropriations.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-940, 5-941; Acts 1997, No. 250, § 235; 2015, No. 1100, § 60; 2019, No. 910, § 613.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment redesignated former (a)(1)(B) as (a)(1)(B)(i); rewrote the introductory language of (a)(1)(B)(i); and added (a)(1)(B)(ii).

The 2019 amendment redesignated the former first sentence of (h) as (h)(1), inserted (h)(2), and redesignated the former second sentence of (h) as (h)(3).

25-10-206. Legal counsel.

The Division of State Services for the Blind within the Department of Commerce or any employees or committees thereof shall be entitled to the services of the Attorney General in connection with the operation of the affairs of the division.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-947; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 614.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Commerce” for “Department of Human Services”.

25-10-207. State Services for the Blind Fund Account.

Any sums provided by the General Assembly for the purposes of this subchapter shall be kept by the Treasurer of State in a fund to be designated as the “State Services for the Blind Fund Account” and shall be used to carry out the particular purposes assigned to it in this subchapter.

History. Acts 1983, No. 481, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-946; Acts 1993, No. 403, § 20; 2019, No. 910, § 615.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “State Services for the Blind Fund Account” for “State Services for the Blind Fund Account of the Department of Human Services Fund”.

25-10-208. State services for the blind — Supplemental insurance.

Staff members who transport blind and visually impaired persons on official state business of the Division of State Services for the Blind within the Department of Commerce are entitled to reimbursement for supplemental insurance costs. Costs incurred for supplemental liability automobile insurance above the minimum required by law for the purpose of including coverage for work-related activities shall be reimbursed through standard travel procedures annually, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per year.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1198, § 68; 2019, No. 910, § 616.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Commerce” for “Department of Human Services” in the first sentence.

25-10-209. Information Reading Services for the Blind created.

  1. Information Reading Services for the Blind is created within the Division of State Services for the Blind.
  2. The Information Reading Services for the Blind shall be:
    1. An integral part of the rehabilitation state plan of the division;
    2. A network to:
      1. Provide audible access to statewide public notices, newspaper articles of interest, and other information, particularly at the local level, to persons who are visually handicapped; and
      2. Translate existing local, state, and national information into an audible format to make it available for access by visually handicapped persons; and
    3. Available to all state agencies as a means of making public notices audibly accessible to visually handicapped persons who cannot read print.
  3. This section does not limit the eligibility of the Information Reading Services for the Blind to receive line-item state or federal grant funding targeted solely for support of its programming.
  4. The Director of the Division of State Services for the Blind shall consult at least annually with active consumers of the Information Reading Services for the Blind, including participating state agencies, in the design, improvement, and delivery of the services.

History. Acts 2007, No. 74, § 2; 2019, No. 910, §§ 617, 618.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 74, § 1, provided:

“Public policy — Findings.

“(a) It is the public policy of the State of Arkansas to:

“(1) Provide visually handicapped persons with services that are reasonably necessary to allow visually handicapped persons the opportunity to lead full, useful, and productive lives; and

“(2) Expend funds intended to improve the lives of visually handicapped persons in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

“(b) The General Assembly finds that the purposes set forth in subsection (a) of this section may be advanced by the establishment in law of an Information Reading Services for the Blind within the Division of State Services for the Blind of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide audible access to statewide public notices, newspaper articles of interest, and other information, particularly at the local level, to persons who are visually handicapped.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (a), and (d) substituted “Department of Commerce” for “Department of Human Services”; and made a stylistic change.

Subchapter 3 — Division of Youth Services

25-10-301 — 25-10-305. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning the former Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services, were repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1261, § 18. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-10-301. Acts 1993, No. 1296, § 1.

25-10-302. Acts 1993, No. 1296, §§ 2, 3.

25-10-303. Acts 1993, No. 1296, § 3.

25-10-304. Acts 1993, No. 1296, § 3.

25-10-305. Acts 1993, No. 1296, § 3.

For present law, see § 9-28-201 et seq.

Subchapter 4 — Department of Human Services State Institutional System

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 1995, No. 1162, § 3 provided:

“All powers vested in the State Hospital Board and Arkansas Youth Services Board are hereby transferred by type one transfer to the DHS State Institutional System Board, and any reference to the State Hospital Board or the Arkansas Youth Services Board contained in the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, shall be deemed to refer to the DHS State Institutional System Board.”

Cross References. Division of Youth Services, § 9-28-201 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 2007, No. 384, § 11: Mar. 19, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that many services delivered by the various divisions, offices, and units the Department of Health and Human Services are essential to the public health, safety, and welfare; that the state fiscal year begins July 1; that beginning the process of decoupling the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services from the Department of Health and Human Services during a fiscal year will cause disruptions of services and unnecessary time, effort, and expense in reallocating appropriations, budgets, personnel, equipment, and capital expenditures during a fiscal year; and that this act is immediately necessary because a delay beyond the beginning of the fiscal year will disrupt essential programs 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: (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”.

25-10-401. Creation.

The state institutions known as the Arkansas State Hospital at Little Rock, the Arkansas Health Center at Benton, the Arkansas Services Center at Jonesboro, the youth services center located at North Little Rock, the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center located in Saline County, and all other facilities owned and operated by the department for youth services or mental health treatment are consolidated to form the Department of Human Services State Institutional System.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1162, § 1; 1997, No. 1333, § 2; 2005, No. 1954, § 10; 2007, No. 384, § 10; 2007, No. 855, § 1; 2009, No. 549, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2005, No. 1954, § 1, provided:

“Legislative purpose.

“(a) The General Assembly declares that this act is necessary to:

“(1) Improve the health of the citizens of Arkansas in an effective and efficient manner; and

“(2) Provide for administrative cost savings in the delivery of health-related programs by combining overlapping functions and eliminating duplications of functions of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an orderly transfer of powers, authorities, duties, and functions of the Department of Health to the Department of Human Services with a minimum of disruption of governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 1, provides:

“Creation of the Department of Health.

“(a) There is created the Department of Health, that is to be established if the Governor orders the separation of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services from the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(b) If the Governor establishes the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section, the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace all references in the Arkansas Code to the:

“(1) Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services” or “Division of Health” with “Department of Health”; and

“(2) Department of Health and Human Services” with “Department of Human Services”.

“(c) Sections 2 through 12 of this act become effective only if the Governor establishes the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 2, provides:

“Transfer of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services out of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“(a) Effective sixty (60) days after the Governor establishes the Department of Health under this act, and as provided in the orders of the Governor, the following may be transferred to the Department of Health:

“(1) Authority, powers, duties, and functions as established by law for the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, including purchasing, budgeting, fiscal, accounting, human resources, payroll, legal, information systems, maintenance, program support, administrative support, and other management functions;

“(2) Records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services;

“(3) Rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications as established by law for the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, except as otherwise specified in this act.

“(b) Powers, duties, and functions, including without limitation, rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, budgetary responsibilities, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications as established by law for the Breast Cancer Control Program or other transferred entities within the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services shall be retained as they existed on June 30, 2005.

“(c) The Governor may appoint a Surgeon General in accordance with § 20-7-103.”

Acts 2007, No. 384, § 3, provides:

“Transfer of the State Board of Health to the Department of Health.

“(a) Effective sixty (60) days after the Department of Health is established, the State Board of Health shall be transferred to the Department of Health.

“(b) The State Board of Health shall receive administrative support from the Department of Health and shall retain the same powers, authorities, duties, and functions prescribed by law as it had before the transfer and shall have all rule-making authority prescribed by law to the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services before the transfer, except as provided for in this act, including, without limitation:

“(1) Rule making, licensing, and registration;

“(2) The promulgation of rules, rates, and standards;

“(3) Examining, investigating, inspecting, and reviewing; and

“(4) The rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications.”

Acts 2014, No. 261, § 22, provided: “ARKANSAS HEALTH CENTER.

“(A) The Department of Human Services shall not close the Arkansas Health Center that provides skilled nursing through specialized services and programs.

“(B) The Department of Human Services shall continue to accept clients for whom it has determined that skilled nursing and specialized services are needed at the Arkansas Health Center.

“(C) No funds shall be transferred or reduced from the Arkansas Health Center, except for use as federal matching funds, below the approved funding level on March 1, 2003 without the prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee.

“(D) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 981, § 22, provided: “ARKANSAS HEALTH CENTER.

“(A) The Department of Human Services shall not close the Arkansas Health Center that provides skilled nursing through specialized services and programs.

“(B) The Department of Human Services shall continue to accept clients for whom it has determined that skilled nursing and specialized services are needed at the Arkansas Health Center.

“(C) No funds shall be transferred or reduced from the Arkansas Health Center, except for use as federal matching funds, below the approved funding level on March 1, 2003 without the prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee.

“(D) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 93, § 22, provided: “ARKANSAS HEALTH CENTER.

“(A) The Department of Human Services shall not close the Arkansas Health Center that provides skilled nursing through specialized services and programs.

“(B) The Department of Human Services shall continue to accept clients for whom it has determined that skilled nursing and specialized services are needed at the Arkansas Health Center.

“(C) No funds shall be transferred or reduced from the Arkansas Health Center, except for use as federal matching funds, below the approved funding level on March 1, 2003 without the prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee.

“(D) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

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

Acts 2017, No. 840, § 16, provided: “ARKANSAS HEALTH CENTER.

“(A) The Department of Human Services shall not close the Arkansas Health Center that provides skilled nursing through specialized services and programs.

“(B) The Department of Human Services shall continue to accept clients for whom it has determined that skilled nursing and specialized services are needed at the Arkansas Health Center.

“(C) No funds shall be transferred or reduced from the Arkansas Health Center, except for use as federal matching funds, below the approved funding level on March 1, 2003 without the prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee.

“(D) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section to correct agency names.

25-10-402. Purpose — Guidelines.

  1. The Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board is established to manage the Department of Human Services State Institutional System, as provided and intended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33.
  2. The board shall perform its functions and duties in accordance with the general guidelines, policies, and rules of the Department of Human Services governing divisions, offices, sections, or units within the department with respect to budgets, personnel and personnel policies, records, purchasing, bookkeeping, and other administrative procedures prescribed by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1162, § 2; 2005, No. 1954, § 11; 2007, No. 384, § 10; 2009, No. 549, § 3; 2019, No. 315, § 2922; 2019, No. 910, § 5256.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote (a).

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

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (b), substituted “Department of Human Services” for “department” and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Human Services” for “Director of the Department of Human Services”.

25-10-403. Members.

  1. The Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board shall consist of a membership of seven (7).
  2. The individual members will be appointed by the Governor.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1162, § 4.

25-10-404. Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center.

The youth services center located at Alexander shall be known as the “Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center”.

History. Acts 2007, No. 855, § 2.

Chapter 11 Arkansas Economic Development Commission

Cross References. Arkansas Energy Office Division, § 15-10-203.

Enterprise zones, § 15-4-1701 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 38, §§ 23, 24: Act effective Feb. 4, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is an immediate need to establish a more responsive and responsible state government sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions and to establish executive authority in those areas where executive responsibility presently lies and to promote economies in the operation of the government by the consolidation of various departments, boards, and commissions; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may procedures be established for effectuating a more responsive, responsible, and economic state government. 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 1979, No. 65, § 10: approved Feb. 7, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and it is hereby declared by the General Assembly that the State of Arkansas has had heretofore an inadequate program for the economic development of the State and its several sections; that on account of such inadequate program the State of Arkansas has been unable to provide for its inhabitants sufficient opportunities in agriculture and industry; that unless an adequate program for the economic development of the State be immediately undertaken the State of Arkansas will suffer immediate and irreparable further loss in the opportunity for economic expansion; and that only by the passage of this Act and giving immediate effect to its provisions can the State of Arkansas further secure for its inhabitants opportunities for economic development. An emergency, therefore, 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.”

Acts 1981, No. 41, § 10: Feb. 10, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission as established by Act 404 of 1955 rendered great service to the State of Arkansas in developing programs, objectives, and goals for the industrial development of this State, and that the “AIDC” emblem became symbolic, not only in this State but throughout the Nation, of Arkansas' outstanding industrial and economic potential and growth; and that the reestablishment of the Arkansas Department of Industrial Development and the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission (AIDC) is essential to the State in gaining the continuing advantages of the economic progress instituted more than a quarter of a century ago; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to accomplish said purposes and to provide means for accelerated progress in the economic development of this State, thereby providing for increased payrolls, job opportunities, and tax income for the support of the public services of this State. 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 2007, No. 1602, § 8: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act renames the Department of Economic Development and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and that the ideal time to implement these names changes 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 2013, No. 1111, § 2: July 1, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the weatherization services provided to eligible recipients of the Weatherization Assistance Program need to be continued; that eligible recipients should not be subject to a lengthy delay due to the transition of the Weatherization Assistance Program; that the financial benefits of the weatherization services provided reduce the amount of money spent on utilities and offer a greater level of comfort to recipients; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure there is no delay in services provided to qualified individuals in need of weatherization services. 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, 2013.”

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”.

25-11-101. Creation — Director — Organization — Personnel.

  1. There is created the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
    1. The executive head of the commission shall be the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The director shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice of the Arkansas Economic Development Council and the consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    2. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
  2. The commission shall consist of the divisions that may be necessary to fulfill its purposes and that may be created by law and placed under the commission.
  3. The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions. All other personnel of the commission shall be employed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the director. However, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right that an employee of the commission shall have under any civil service or merit system.
  4. Each division of the commission shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions of the commission as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the commission.
  5. All personnel of the commission are employees of the Department of Commerce.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 6; 1979, No. 65, § 2; 1981, No. 41, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-906; Acts 1997, No. 540, § 49; 2007, No. 1602, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 619.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 1602, § 1, provided: “SECTION 1. Department of Economic Development renamed Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

“(a)(1) The Department of Economic Development, as it is referred to or empowered through the Arkansas Code, is renamed.

“(2) In its place, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is established, succeeding to the general powers and responsibilities previously assigned to the Department of Economic Development.

“(3) The Director of the Department of Economic Development shall identify and revise all interagency agreements, financial instruments, funds, and other necessary legal documents in order to effect this change.”

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed as impairing the powers and authority of the Department of Economic Development before the effective date of the name change.

“(c) Appropriations authorized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Economic Development may be utilized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.”

Acts 2007, No. 1602, § 2, provided: “SECTION 2. Arkansas Economic Development Commission renamed Arkansas Economic Development Council.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, as it is referred to or empowered through the Arkansas Code, is renamed.

“(2) In its place, the Arkansas Economic Development Council is established, succeeding to the general powers and responsibilities previously assigned to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

“(3) The Chair of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall identify and revise all interagency agreements, financial instruments, funds, and other necessary legal documents in order to effect this change.

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed as impairing the powers and authority of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission before the effective date of the name change.

“(c) Appropriations authorized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may be utilized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Arkansas Economic Development Council.”

Acts 2007, No. 1602, § 6, provided: “SECTION 6.

“(a) This act shall not be construed as impairing the continued effectiveness of any rules or orders promulgated or issued by the Department of Economic Development or the Arkansas Economic Development Commission before the effective date of this act.

“(b) This act shall not be construed as extinguishing or otherwise affecting the unexpired terms of any current members of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.”

Acts 2007, No. 1602, § 7, provided: “SECTION 7. The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make all changes in the Arkansas Code necessary to effectuate the intent of this act.”

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 6, which enacted this section, created a Department of Industrial Development into which the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, created by § 15-4-101 et seq., was transferred by a type 4 transfer.

Acts 1979, No. 65, § 2, amended this section to create a Department of Economic Development into which the Department of Industrial Development and the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission were transferred by a type 3 transfer. The amendment also created an Arkansas Economic Development Commission whose powers, membership, etc., were to be as specified in § 15-4-101 et seq. governing the former Arkansas Industrial Development Commission.

Acts 1981, No. 41, § 2, amended the section to create a Department of Industrial Development into which the Arkansas Department of Economic Development and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission were transferred by a type 3 transfer.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment redesignated (b) as (b)(1), and added (b)(2); and added (f).

25-11-102. Arkansas Economic Development Council.

There is created an Arkansas Economic Development Council, whose membership, authorities, and powers shall be as specified in §§ 15-4-20115-4-204, 15-4-209, 15-4-50115-4-503, 15-4-50515-4-515, 15-4-517, 15-4-518, and 15-4-52015-4-525.

History. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 6; 1979, No. 65, § 2; 1981, No. 41, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-906; Acts 1997, No. 540, § 50; 2007, No. 1602, § 5.

Publisher's Notes. Regarding previous transfers of the commission, see Publisher's Notes to § 25-11-101.

25-11-103. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. The repeal of this section by Acts 2019, No. 790, supersedes the amendment of this section by Acts 2019, No. 910. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3249, amended this section to read as follows: “25-11-103. Funds transfer to the Weatherization Assistance Program. The Division of Environmental Quality shall transfer annually to the Arkansas Energy Office of the Division of Environmental Quality a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) and up to a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%), as allowed by federal law or regulation, of the annual allocation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to be used by the Weatherization Assistance Program of the Arkansas Energy Office of the Division of Environmental Quality.”

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning funds transfer to the Weatherization Assistance Program, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 790, § 2, effective July 24, 2019. The section was derived by Acts 2013, No. 1111, § 1; 2017, No. 271, § 25; 2019, No. 910, § 3249. For current law, see § 20-80-312.

Chapter 12 Department of Labor

25-12-101. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter, concerning the Department of Labor, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5527, effective July 1, 2019. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-12-101. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-915.

Chapter 13 Department Of Parks And Tourism

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 206, § 22, provided:

“CASH PRIZES – STATE PARKS. The Department of Parks & Tourism is hereby authorized to award merchandise, gift certificates and cash prizes to contestants in various special events authorized by the Director of State Parks. Such prizes may be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners and shall be payable from the maintenance and operation line item of the Parks Cash Fund. The cash prizes, in aggregate, for all contests, shall not exceed $10,000 per fiscal year.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”Acts 2015, No. 988, § 22, provided:

“CASH PRIZES — STATE PARKS. The Department of Parks & Tourism is hereby authorized to award merchandise, gift certificates and cash prizes to contestants in various special events authorized by the Director of State Parks. Such prizes may be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners and shall be payable from the maintenance and operation line item of the Parks Cash Fund. The cash prizes, in aggregate, for all contests, shall not exceed $10,000 per fiscal year.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”Acts 2016, No. 208, § 22, provided:

“CASH PRIZES — STATE PARKS. The Department of Parks & Tourism is hereby authorized to award merchandise, gift certificates and cash prizes to contestants in various special events authorized by the Director of State Parks. Such prizes may be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners and shall be payable from the maintenance and operation line item of the Parks Cash Fund. The cash prizes, in aggregate, for all contests, shall not exceed $10,000 per fiscal year.

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

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

25-13-101 — 25-13-104. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter, concerning general provisions, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5708, effective July 1, 2019. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-13-101. Acts 1971, No. 38, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-907.

25-13-102. Acts 1975, No. 496, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-907.1.

25-13-103. Acts 1993, No. 728, § 37; 1995, No. 1038, § 42.

25-13-104. Acts 1993, No. 728, § 32; 1995, No. 1038, § 37.

For current law, see § 25-43-1301 et seq.

Subchapter 2 — Retirement and Relocation Division

25-13-201 — 25-13-204. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. Pursuant to § 1-2-207, the amendment of § 25-13-204 by Acts 1997, No. 250 is superseded by the repeal of this subchapter by Acts 1997, No. 609.

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 609, § 9. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-13-201. Acts 1995, No. 1255, § 1.

25-13-202. Acts 1995, No. 1255, § 2.

25-13-203. Acts 1995, No. 1255, § 3.

25-13-204. Acts 1995, No. 1255, §§ 4-6; 1997, No. 250, § 236.

Subchapter 3 — Retirement and Relocation Program

25-13-301, 25-13-302. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1508, § 14. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-13-301. Acts 1997, No. 609, § 1.

25-13-302. Acts 1997, No. 609, § 2.

Chapter 14 Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality

25-14-101. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning creation, director, organization, and personnel of the Department of Environmental Quality, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3250, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1971, No. 38, § 8; 1981, No. 834, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-908; Acts 1999, No. 1164, § 183; Acts 2015, No. 1100, § 61.

For current law, see § 25-43-601 et seq.

25-14-102. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning hazardous duty compensation, was repealed by Acts 2011, No. 281, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1995, No. 1191, § 33; 1999, No. 1164, § 184.

25-14-103. [Transferred.]

Publisher's Notes. Former § 25-14-103, enacted by Acts 2019, No. 790, § 3, has been renumbered as § 20-80-312.

Chapter 15 Administrative Procedures

Case Notes

Applicability.

Request for disclosure of a legal opinion under Gross Receipts Tax Rule G–75 is a request for public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., not an agency action subject to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. Ryan & Co. v. Weiss, 371 Ark. 43, 263 S.W.3d 489 (2007).

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Effective Dates. Acts 1979, No. 664, § 5: Mar. 30, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that there is an immediate need to provide qualified interpreters for deaf persons at administrative, civil and criminal proceedings 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, No. 312, § 5: Became law without Governor's signature, Mar. 5, 1981. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that this Act is necessary to clarify the authority granted by the legislative branch of government to the judicial branch of government, and that this Act is in keeping with the separation of powers provision of Section 2 of Article 4 of the Arkansas Constitution, 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 1991, No. 469, § 7: Mar. 12, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is an immediate need to protect the confidentiality of privileged communications between qualified interpreters for deaf and hearing-impaired persons occurring at administrative, civil and criminal proceedings and that this act is immediately 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 its passage and approval.”

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 2017, No. 788, § 2: July 1, 2018.

25-15-101. Interpreters generally.

  1. As used in this section, “interpreter” means an interpreter as defined in § 25-15-102.
  2. A person who cannot speak or understand the English language or who because of hearing, speaking, or other impairment has difficulty in communicating with other persons and who is a party to a civil proceeding or a witness in a civil proceeding is entitled to an interpreter to assist that person throughout the proceeding.
    1. An interpreter may be retained by the party or witness himself or herself or, if the person is unable to pay for an interpreter, may be appointed by the administrative board or agency before which the proceeding is pending.
    2. If an interpreter is appointed by the board or agency, the fee for the services of the interpreter shall be set by the board or agency and be paid from funds available to the board or agency or be paid in any other manner ordered by the board or agency.
  3. An administrative agency may inquire into the qualifications and integrity of an interpreter and may disqualify any person for cause from serving as an interpreter.
  4. An interpreter for another person who is either a party or a witness in an administrative proceeding under this section shall take the following oath:

“Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will justly, truly, and impartially interpret to the oath about to be administered to him (her), and the questions which may be asked him (her), and the answers that he (she) shall give to such questions, relative to the cause now under consideration before this board (agency), so help you God (or under the pains and penalties of perjury)?”

History. Acts 1973, No. 555, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-715; Acts 2013, No. 1314, § 4.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment inserted (a) and redesignated former (a) through (d) as (b) through (e); in present (b), substituted “to a civil proceeding” for “in any administrative proceeding” and “in a civil proceeding is” for “therein, shall be”; and made stylistic changes to the section.

25-15-102. Interpreters between a hearing individual and an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf.

  1. For the purpose of appointing an interpreter between a hearing individual and an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf under § 25-15-101:
    1. “Administrative proceeding” means a proceeding of a department, board, commission, agency, committee, or licensing authority of the state or of a political subdivision or municipality;
    2. “Deaf individual” means an individual who has a documented hearing loss so severe that the individual is unable to process speech and language through hearing, with or without amplification;
    3. “Deafblind individual” means an individual who has a combined loss of vision and hearing that prevents the individual's vision or hearing from being used as a primary source for accessing information;
    4. “Hard of hearing individual” means an individual who has a hearing loss, may primarily use visual communication, and may use assistive devices;
    5. “Interpreter” means a licensed qualified interpreter or a licensed provisional interpreter licensed by the Department of Health under § 20-14-801 et seq.;
    6. “Oral deaf individual” means an individual whose sense of hearing is nonfunctional for the purpose of communication and whose primary communication is by speech reading and spoken English; and
    7. “Oral interpreter” means a licensed qualified interpreter or a licensed provisional interpreter who interprets language through facial and lip movements only and who does not use manual communication.
    1. An interpreter shall not be appointed unless the appointing authority and the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf makes a preliminary determination that the interpreter is able to readily communicate with the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf and is able to accurately interpret the statements of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf and interpret the proceedings in which an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf may be involved.
    2. An individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf entitled to an interpreter under § 25-15-101 is entitled to an interpreter as defined by this subsection.
    1. An oral interpreter shall be provided upon the request of an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf who does not communicate in sign language.
      1. The right of an individual who is oral deaf to an interpreter may not be waived except by an individual who is oral deaf who does not use sign language and who initiates the request for a waiver in writing.
      2. The waiver is subject to approval of counsel to the individual who is oral deaf, if existent, and is subject to approval of the appointing authority.
  2. A department, board, commission, agency, committee, or licensing authority of the state or of a political subdivision or municipality shall appoint an interpreter to interpret an administrative proceeding to an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf and to interpret the testimony or statements of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf.
    1. An individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf whose appearance before a proceeding entitles him or her to an interpreter shall notify the appointing authority of the need of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf before an appearance and shall request at that time the services of an interpreter.
      1. If an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf reasonably expects the need for an interpreter to be for a period greater than a single day, the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf shall notify the appointing authority.
      2. This notification shall be sufficient for the duration of the participation of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf in the proceedings.
  3. An appointing authority may require a person requesting the appointment of an interpreter to furnish reasonable proof of the deafness of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf when the appointing authority has reason to believe that the deaf person, deafblind person, hard of hearing person, or oral deaf person is not deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf.
  4. The appointing authority shall channel requests for qualified interpreters through the Department of Health.
  5. Before an interpreter participates in any proceedings subsequent to an appointment under this section, the interpreter shall make an oath or affirmation that the interpreter will:
    1. Make a true interpretation in an understandable manner to the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf for whom the interpreter is appointed; and
    2. Interpret the statements of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf desiring that statements be made in the language best suited to the needs of the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf.
  6. The appointing authority shall provide recess periods as necessary for the interpreter when the interpreter requests a recess period.
  7. Information that the interpreter gathers, learns from, or relays to the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf pertaining to an administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding shall at all times remain confidential and privileged, on an equal basis with the attorney-client privilege, unless the individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf desires that the information be communicated to other persons.
    1. An interpreter appointed under this section is entitled to a reasonable fee for his or her services.
    2. The fee shall be in accordance with standards established by the Department of Health and in addition to actual expenses for travel and transportation.
      1. If the interpreter is appointed by a court, the fee shall be paid out of general county funds.
      2. If the interpreter is otherwise appointed, the fee shall be paid out of funds available to the appointing authority.

History. Acts 1979, No. 664, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-715.1, 5-715.2; Acts 1991, No. 469, § 3; 2013, No. 1314, § 4.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1979, No. 664, §§ 1, 2, are also codified as §§ 16-64-112, 16-89-105.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “between a hearing individual and an individual who is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or oral deaf” for “for the deaf” in the section heading, and rewrote the section.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey—Evidence, 14 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 793.

25-15-103. Stay of proceedings in which party or attorney is a member or an employee of either branch of the General Assembly.

    1. Any and all administrative hearings before an agency of this state in which any attorney for either party to any suit is the Lieutenant Governor, or a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, or is a clerk or sergeant at arms or a doorkeeper of either branch of the General Assembly, and any and all administrative hearings before an agency of this state in which the Lieutenant Governor, or any member of the General Assembly, or clerk or sergeant at arms or doorkeeper of either branch of the General Assembly is a party, shall be stayed for not fewer than fifteen (15) days preceding the convening of the General Assembly and for thirty (30) days after its adjournment sine die, unless otherwise requested by any interested member of the General Assembly or interested officer or employee of the General Assembly.
    2. The motion for a continuance need not be reduced to writing.
    3. It is not necessary that notice be afforded to opposing counsel that a continuance is sought.
  1. Any and all administrative hearings before an agency of this state in which any attorney for either party to any suit is a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, or any interim committee of the General Assembly shall be stayed, or reset if scheduled, if the proceeding or hearing has been scheduled on the day immediately prior to, the day immediately after, or the day upon which the Legislative Council, Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, or any interim committee is meeting and if the attorney is a member of the committee which is meeting, or an alternate member attending in the place of a regular member, and the attorney requests the continuance of the court no fewer than three (3) days before the proceeding is to commence.
  2. The term “adjournment sine die” as used in this section means adjournment without the establishment of a day certain for reconvening.
  3. The provisions of this section shall be applicable in the case of special or extraordinary sessions of the General Assembly as well as regular sessions.

History. Acts 1981, No. 312, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 27-1401.1; Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 43.

25-15-104. Subpoena powers.

    1. The following boards and commissions shall have the power to issue subpoenas and bring before the board or commission as a witness any person in this state:
      1. Auctioneer's Licensing Board, § 17-17-201 et seq.;
      2. State Athletic Commission, § 17-22-201 et seq.;
      3. Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee, § 17-26-201 et seq.;
      4. Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling, § 17-27-201 et seq.;
      5. State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services, § 23-61-1101 et seq.;
      6. Committee of Plumbing Examiners, § 17-38-202;
      7. Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board, § 17-103-201 et seq.;
      8. HVACR Licensing Board, § 17-33-201 et seq.;
      9. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, § 15-75-201 et seq.;
      10. Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 66, and § 16-10-401 et seq.;
      11. Veterinary Medical Examining Board, § 17-101-201 et seq.;
      12. Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians, § 17-89-201 et seq.;
      13. State Board of Election Commissioners, § 7-4-101 et seq.;
      14. State Board of Health, § 20-7-101 et seq.; and
      15. Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, § 12-9-101 et seq.
    2. These boards and commissions shall provide by rule for the issuance of a subpoena upon the request of any party to a proceeding pending before the board or commission or at the request of the board or commission.
    3. The subpoena shall:
      1. Be in the name of the board or commission;
      2. State the name of the board or commission and the name of the proceeding; and
        1. Command each person to whom it is directed to give testimony at the time and place specified in the subpoena in one (1) of the following ways:
          1. In person;
          2. Before a certified court reporter under oath at the place of the witness's residence or employment;
          3. By video-taped deposition at the place of the witness's residence or employment; or
          4. By live video communications from the witness' residence, place of employment, or a nearby facility capable of providing video transmission to the state agency that has subpoenaed the witness.
        2. The manner of providing testimony under the subpoena shall be conducted by in person testimony unless another manner is agreed upon by the board or commission and the person who is the subject of the subpoena.
    4. The subpoena may require the witness to bring with him or her any book, writing, or other thing under his or her control that he or she is bound by law to produce in evidence.
    5. Service of the subpoena shall be in the manner as now provided by statute or rule for the service of subpoenas in civil cases.
    1. A witness who has been served by subpoena in the manner provided by law and who appears in person to testify at the trial or cause pending before the board or commission shall be paid or tendered the legal fees for travel and attendance as provided by law.
    2. In the event a witness has been served with subpoenas under this section and fails to provide testimony in obedience to the subpoena, the board or commission may apply to the circuit court of the county wherein the board or commission is having its meeting for an order causing the arrest of the witness and directing that the witness be brought before the court.
    3. The court shall have the power to punish the disobedient witness for contempt as provided by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.
    4. A witness who is served with a subpoena under this section may challenge the validity of the subpoena in the circuit court of the county where the board or commission is having its meeting or the Pulaski County Circuit Court.
  1. This section is intended to be supplemental and add the power to issue subpoenas to the various chapters of the Code that do not now provide the power to do so. This section shall not repeal any law or part of laws now in existence.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1286, § 1; 1995, No. 757, § 1; 1999, No. 1122, § 7; 2001, No. 617, § 22; 2009, No. 83, § 1; 2009, No. 1182, § 1; 2011, No. 1122, §§ 1, 2; 2017, No. 497, § 24; 2017, No. 788, § 92.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 83 added (a)(1)(O) and made related changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 1182, in (a)(2), inserted “and commissions” and “or commission” twice;, rewrote (a)(3); substituted “subpoena” for “writ” in (a)(4), and (a)(5); rewrote (b)(1); in (b)(2), inserted “or commission” twice and substituted “provide testimony” for “attend the hearing,”; inserted (b)(4); and made related and minor stylistic changes.

The 2011 amendment substituted “Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee” for “State Board of Cosmetology” in (a)(1)(C); deleted (a)(1)(F) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and substituted “has been served” for “shall have been served” in (b)(2).

The 2017 amendment by No. 497 added (a)(1)(O).

The 2017 amendment by No. 788 substituted “State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services, § 23-61-1101 et seq.” for “State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, § 17-29-201 et seq.” in (a)(1)(E).

Effective Dates. Acts 2017, No. 788, § 2: July 1, 2018.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Professions, Occupations, and Businesses, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 535.

25-15-105. Administrative fees and penalties.

  1. As used in this section, “agency” means the same as defined at § 25-15-202.
    1. An agency shall not assess a fee or penalty without specific statutory authority to:
      1. Assess a certain type and amount of fee or penalty; or
      2. Impose a fee or penalty in general.
    2. A fee or penalty established in the rules of an agency before the effective date of this section that does not comply with subdivision (b)(1) of this section may remain in effect until July 1, 2013, but shall not be increased above the amount established by the agency for that fee or penalty as of the effective date of this section.
  2. Subsection (b) of this section does not affect an agency's authority to deny, suspend, and revoke licenses within its regulatory authority.

History. Acts 2011, No. 1159, § 1.

Subchapter 2 — Administrative Procedure Act

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 315, § 1, provided:

“Legislative findings and intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds:

“(1) The Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-202(9)(A) defines ‘rule’ as ‘an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of an agency and includes, but is not limited to, the amendment or repeal of a prior rule’.

“(2) While the term ‘regulation’ is not defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, the term is used interchangeably with the defined term ‘rule’ throughout the Arkansas Code;

“(3) Use of the term ‘regulation’ out of the proper context creates confusion and inconsistency in the Arkansas Code;

“(4) This act provides for the uniform use of the term ‘rule’ for an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of an agency and includes, but is not limited to, the amendment or repeal of a prior rule throughout the Arkansas Code as envisioned by defining of the term in the Administrative Procedures Act.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the uniform use of the term rule shall be applied to mean an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of an agency and includes, but is not limited to, the amendment or repeal of a prior rule, and includes a regulation”.

Acts 2019, No. 517, § 3, provided:

“The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) It is common for acts of the General Assembly to delegate rulemaking authority to a state agency for the purpose of implementing and administering various duties and responsibilities;

“(2) Broad interpretation of rulemaking authority by a state agency results in the state agency's supplanting the role of the General Assembly by effectively legislating in areas not intended by the General Assembly; and

“(3) A state agency that has been delegated rulemaking authority should limit its rulemaking to only those areas absolutely necessary and should avoid broad applications or interpretations of its rulemaking power”.

Acts 2019, No. 893, § 1, provided: “Legislative Findings and Intent.

“(a) Acts 2019, No. 315, requires the consistent reference and use of the term ‘rule' and the elimination of unnecessary references to the term ‘regulation'.

“(b) Acts 2019, No. 315 states that no governmental entity shall be required to re-promulgate existing regulations as rules solely to comply with this act.

“(c) Certain agencies are required to follow the procedure under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., for the promulgation of a new or amended rule.

“(d) To facilitate and ensure the use of the term ‘rule' by an agency when no update or change to the existing rule is expected or anticipated, the General Assembly finds that certain procedures under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., may be waived.

“(e) A governmental entity is not required to follow the procedure set forth in § 25-15-204 if:

“(1) The only change being made to the promulgated rule or regulation by the agency is the replacement of the term ‘regulation' with the term ‘rule';

“(2) The agency files the updated rule with the Secretary of State on or before January 1, 2020; and

“(3) A letter is provided to the Legislative Council by the agency stating that a rule has been filed with the Secretary of State's office, the name of the rule, a brief description of the rule, and an affirmative statement that the only change to the rule is a change from the use of the term ‘regulation' to the term ‘rule'.

“(f) An agency may continue to follow the procedure set forth in § 25-15-204 for the adoption of a rule that changes the term ‘regulation' to ‘rule’” .

Publisher's Notes. For Comments regarding the Uniform Law Commissioner's Revised Model State Administrative Procedure Act, see Commentaries Volume B.

Preambles. Acts 1971, No. 316 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, in order to clarify administrative procedures concerning the Employment Security Laws of Arkansas, and in order to correct omission of the Employment Security Division in the original Administrative Procedure Act of 1967; and

“Whereas, it will benefit the courts to clarify the administrative procedure now being followed by the courts on appeals relative to the Redevelopment Security Laws; and

“Whereas, the administrative procedures set forth in § 81-1101, et seq., Arkansas Statutes (official) have been consistently followed for a long period of time and are now followed by the respective courts of appeal from the administrative procedures now outlined in the Employment Security Laws.”

Effective Dates. Acts 1971, No. 316, § 2: Mar. 17, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the orderly and consistent administrative procedures of the Employment Security Laws should not be in doubt as many of the unemployed and the employers in this state are affected by such procedure; and such law with many cases now pending before the administrative sections provided for in the Employment Security Laws, and such procedures having provided adequate administrative procedures and remedies for many years; and in order to definitely clarify same; an emergency is hereby declared to exist and it being necessary for the public peace, health, and safety of the state this act shall be in full force and effect after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1977, No. 349, § 4: Mar. 3, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the existing laws pertaining to license, revocation and suspension by the Child Care Facility Review Board permit the Board to revoke licenses without notice and without a hearing, which procedures are likely violative of the due process laws of the Constitution of the State Arkansas and of the United States; that this Act is designed to correct this undesirable situation by requiring the Child Care Facility Review Board to comply with the provisions of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Law, 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. 720, § 6: July 1, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-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 the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1977 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, 1977 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1977.”

Acts 1979, No. 324, § 18: July 1, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly, that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1979 is essential to the operation of the agency established in this Act and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 1979 could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and providing 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, 1979.”

Acts 1979, No. 704, § 2: Apr. 2, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found, determined and declared by the General Assembly that the orderly administration of justice presupposes a notice and hearing before the rights of individuals and of the people of the State of Arkansas are affected by judicial action and that, upon occasion, orders limiting the powers of administrative boards to protect the public from the wrongful and hurtful acts of practitioners have been issued by reviewing tribunals without notice and hearing, and that this Act is designed to correct this problem 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 1989, No. 709, § 4: March 20, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Seventh General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that inmates of the Department of Correction have numerous avenues of administrative due process; that it is not necessary to provide them with judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act; and that state funds could be saved by reducing the amount of money expended by the Department of Correction on legal fees to defend against these unnecessary administrative appeals by inmates. Therefore, in order to avoid the unnecessary expenditure of legal fees for defending the Department of Correction in the administrative appeal procedures, 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, No. 932, § 5: March 24, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that recent court interpretations have resulted in uncertainty for state agencies as to when administrative rules and regulations may become effective; that to extend the date of their effectiveness beyond twenty (20) days would work an undue hardship on implementation of such rules and regulations. 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 1991, No. 1075, § 25: July 1, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by Seventy-Eighth 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, 1991 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, 1991 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, 1991.”

Acts 1993, No. 1083, § 5: Apr. 13, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is necessary for permit and license holders from the various state agencies to receive information from the agencies from which they hold permits when disciplinary proceedings are pending and that, therefore, immediate effect should be given to this measure and 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. 533, § 8: Mar. 17, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there are presently inadequate statutory guidelines for the codifications of the acts of the General Assembly; that this act establishes necessary guidelines; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order that the guidelines will be in effect for the codification of the acts of this regular session. 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. 937, § 5: Mar. 31, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that under current law any person may file a complaint with a state occupational or professional licensing board concerning a licensee of the board; that inmates of the Department of Correction are currently permitted to file such complaints without having exhausted their remedies under the Department of Correction grievance process; that the inmates have filed numerous complaints that have not been substantiated and have resulted in an unnecessary waste of time by certain state licensing boards and substantial cost to the taxpayers of the state; and that the law should be amended immediately to require inmates of the Department of Correction to exhaust their remedies under the Department grievance process before filing complaints with state licensing boards. Therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act being 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. 1222, § 21: Apr. 8, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly, that it is essential to the effective and efficient administration of the Child Care Licensing program that the responsibility for reviewing appeals be placed in the Child Care Appeal Review Panel under the Department of Human Services, as soon as possible and that this act is designed to accomplish this purpose and should be given effect 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 of 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 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 38, § 4: Apr. 11, 2006. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that current Arkansas law does not provide sufficient information on the cost of administrative rules promulgated by the State Board of Education and the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities; and that this bill will provide critical information on the cost of administrative rules to public school districts and will minimize the possibility of the placement of unfunded mandates upon public school districts. 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 2007, No. 143, § 3: February 23, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that small businesses represent a vital part of the economy of the State of Arkansas; that this act will protect small businesses from inadvertent financial harm caused by administrative rules; and that this act should become effective as soon as possible to shield small businesses from potential harm. 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

Ark. L. Rev.

Administrative Law — Taxpayer Status to Challenge Administrative Actions Under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, 25 Ark. L. Rev. 160.

Judicial Review of Administrative Agencies in Arkansas, 25 Ark. L. Rev. 397.

Watkins, Access to Public Records Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 37 Ark. L. Rev. 741.

Watkins, Open Meetings Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 38 Ark. L. Rev. 268.

Antley, Judicial Review of Non-Court Decisions: A Constitutionally Based Examination of Arkansas' Review System, 49 Ark. L. Rev. 425.

C.J.S. 73 C.J.S., Pub. Admin. L., § 87 et seq.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey of Arkansas Law: Administrative Law, 6 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 59.

Stafford, Separation of Powers and Arkansas Administrative Agencies: Distinguishing Judicial Power and Legislative Power, 7 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 279.

Survey — Miscellaneous, Federal Income Tax — Definition of “Trade or Business”, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 223.

Survey, Miscellaneous — Administrative Law, 13 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 379.

Antley, The “Appearance of Fairness” Versus “Actual Unfairness”: Which Standard Should the Arkansas Courts Apply to Administrative Agencies?, 16 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 587.

Case Notes

Purpose.

This subchapter has two purposes: to require certain designated state agencies to adopt and make public procedural rules, including methods whereby the public can make submissions or requests; and to afford adjudication rights in matters over which the agencies have jurisdiction. Ark. State Hwy. Comm'n v. Wood, 264 Ark. 425, 572 S.W.2d 583 (1978).

This subchapter was never designed nor intended to create supervisory responsibility by the judicial branch of state government over the day-to-day actions of the executive branch, including the hiring and firing of personnel, but rather, to establish procedures for hearings and notice (which meet due process requirements) in those functions of the executive branch which are basically adjudicatory or quasi-judicial, particularly with respect to rule making, the renewal or revocation of licenses, and situations where, under law, an agency of the state must make orders based on the adjudication process. Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Comm'n v. House, 276 Ark. 326, 634 S.W.2d 388 (1982).

Applicability.

Since local school districts are political subdivisions of the state and not state agencies within the meaning of the act, this subchapter does not apply to local school districts. Corbin v. Special Sch. Dist., 250 Ark. 357, 465 S.W.2d 342 (1971).

The Alcoholic Beverage Commission is not an agency excepted from this subchapter and is therefore subject to its provisions. Byrd v. Jones, 263 Ark. 406, 565 S.W.2d 131 (1978).

Former section authorizing State Highway Commission to adopt rules did not affect the adjudicatory provisions of this subchapter and the State Highway Commission was subject to the act. Ark. State Hwy. Comm'n v. Wood, 264 Ark. 425, 572 S.W.2d 583 (1978).

The State Insurance Commissioner, when acting as a hearing officer, is governed by this subchapter. Garner v. Foundation Life Ins. Co., 17 Ark. App. 13, 702 S.W.2d 417 (1986).

The Supreme Court is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. Muhammed v. Arkansas Supreme Court Comm. on Professional Conduct, 291 Ark. 29, 722 S.W.2d 280 (1987).

Appeal from a decision by Arkansas State Board of Education is governed by this subchapter. Arkansas State Bd. of Educ. v. Purifoy, 292 Ark. 526, 731 S.W.2d 209, 1987 Ark. LEXIS 2179 (1987), superseded by statute as stated in, Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

The Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, providing for a review from actions of state commissions and agencies, has no application to the State Claims Commission. Fireman's Ins. Co. v. Ark. State Claims Comm'n, 301 Ark. 451, 784 S.W.2d 771, cert. denied, 498 U.S. 824, 111 S. Ct. 76, 112 L. Ed. 2d 50 (1990).

Where the Health Services Commission concluded it would only apply three of nine priorities used to determine need, and it gave a well-reasoned explanation and applied the priorities consistently, because the procedures adopted by an agency may vary according to the purpose for which a review is conducted, the commission's actions did not amount to a change of its rules requiring compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Beverly Enterprises-Arkansas, Inc. v. Ark. Health Servs. Comm'n, 308 Ark. 221, 824 S.W.2d 363 (1992).

The judicial review provisions of this subchapter are not applicable to the discharge of an employee; the discharge of an employee is not an adjudication but administrative decision and the circuit court is without jurisdiction to review such actions. Viswanathan v. Mississippi County Cmty Coll. Bd. of Trs., 318 Ark. 810, 887 S.W.2d 531 (1994), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 815 (1995).

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(8), (9) 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 § 21-5-401. Arkansas Pharmacist's Ass'n v. Arkansas State & Pub. Sch. Life and Hlth. Ins. Bd., 352 Ark. 1, 98 S.W.3d 27 (2003).

Appellate Review.

The rules governing judicial review of administrative decisions are identical for both the circuit and appellate courts, and it is the decision of the agency, rather than that of the circuit court, which the appellate court reviews. City of Hector v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 47 Ark. App. 177, 888 S.W.2d 312 (1994).

In cases arising under this subchapter, the appellate court reverses only if substantial evidence is lacking, an abuse of discretion has occurred, or if the agency has acted in an arbitrary or capricious manner. City of Hector v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 47 Ark. App. 177, 888 S.W.2d 312 (1994).

Cited: Harber v. Rhodes, 248 Ark. 1188, 455 S.W.2d 926 (1970); Arkansas State Racing Comm'n v. Sayler, 249 Ark. 913, 462 S.W.2d 472 (1971); Hickman v. Arkansas Bd. of Pardons & Paroles, 361 F. Supp. 864 (E.D. Ark. 1973); Travelers Indem. Co. v. Monroe, 257 Ark. 1029, 522 S.W.2d 431 (1975); Boshears v. Ark. Racing Comm'n, 258 Ark. 741, 528 S.W.2d 646 (1975); Sikes v. General Publishing Co., 264 Ark. 1, 568 S.W.2d 33 (1978); Bushong v. State, 267 Ark. 113, 589 S.W.2d 559 (1979); Woodyard v. Arkansas Diversified Ins. Co., 268 Ark. 94, 594 S.W.2d 13 (1980); Hilton Hilltop, Inc. v. Riviere, 268 Ark. 532, 597 S.W.2d 596 (1980); Price v. State, 268 Ark. 535, 597 S.W.2d 598, 1980 Ark. LEXIS 1457 (1980); Evans v. Arkansas Racing Comm'n, 270 Ark. 788, 606 S.W.2d 578 (1980); Ark. State Hwy. Comm'n v. White Adv. Int'l, 273 Ark. 364, 620 S.W.2d 280 (1981); Goodall v. Williams, 271 Ark. 354, 609 S.W.2d 25 (1980); Brazil v. Ark. Bd. of Dental Exam'rs, 593 F. Supp. 1354 (E.D. Ark. 1984); Arkansas State Bd. of Pharmacy v. Isely, 13 Ark. App. 111, 680 S.W.2d 718 (1984); ABC Div. v. Barnett, 285 Ark. 189, 685 S.W.2d 511 (1985); Patterson v. Robbins, 295 Ark. 511, 749 S.W.2d 330 (1988); McCarty v. Board of Trustees, 45 Ark. App. 102, 872 S.W.2d 74 (1994); Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002);

Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Haen, 81 Ark. App. 171, 100 S.W.3d 740, 2003 Ark. App. LEXIS 206 (2003).

25-15-201. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and cited as the “Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act”.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-714.

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Driver, The Arkansas Register: Worth Doing Right? The Case for Codification of Arkansas Regulatory Law, 1992 Ark. L. Notes 99.

Ark. L. Rev.

Case Note, Lost in Translation: Combs v. City of Springdale, An Overview of the Ins and Outs of Appeals Procedure for Administrative Decisions by Local Governments, 61 Ark. L. Rev. 351.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Arkansas's Public Records Retention Program: Finding the FOIA's Absent Partner, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 175.

Case Notes

Appellate Review.

Writ of mandamus was properly denied where a church and its affiliated university sought an exception from the certification requirements of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education; the church could have brought a declaratory action to determine whether or not the exception for programs that were predominantly religious in nature applied, and that was a determination to be made under the Department's administrative procedures. Axley v. Hardin, 353 Ark. 529, 110 S.W.3d 766 (2003).

Dismissal of a psychologist's 42 U.S.C.S. § 1983 claims under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine was affirmed where psychologist's federal court claims challenging application of certain regulations by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Psychology were inseparable from psychologist's interest in upsetting a state court judgment effectively affirming the Board's application of the regulations; psychologist moved for voluntary dismissal of an appeal of the Board's decision to a state court under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §§ 25-15-201 to 25-15-217, and the state court's dismissal of the action with prejudice effectively affirmed the Board's decision. Prince v. Arkansas Bd. of Examiners in Psychology, 380 F.3d 337, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 17017 (8th Cir. 2004).

Counsel.

Bail bond agent did not receive disparate treatment because in the notice of hearing sent to him by the Arkansas Professional Bail Bondsman Licensing Board, the agent was advised that he had the right to be represented by counsel; the agent was given the same opportunity to be represented by counsel as were a bonding company and its owner. Hester v. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd., 2011 Ark. App. 389, 383 S.W.3d 925 (2011).

Judicial-Discipline Matters.

Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. is inapplicable to judicial-discipline matters. Ark. Judicial Discipline and Disability Comm'n v. Proctor, 2010 Ark. 38, 360 S.W.3d 61, cert. denied, isability Comm'n, 561 U.S. 1027, 130 S. Ct. 3516, 177 L. Ed. 2d 1093 (2010)(mem.).

State Board of Education.

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA), § 25-15-201 et seq., is applicable to a decision by the Arkansas State Board of Education regarding a petition for closure, pursuant to § 6-20-602, because the Board is an administrative agency, whose decisions are subject to appeal as governed by the APA, and the Board acts in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity, rather than a day-to-day administrative capacity, when it reviews a petition for closure of an isolated school. Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

Cited: Eldridge v. Board of Corr., 298 Ark. 467, 768 S.W.2d 534 (1989); Fireman's Ins. Co. v. Ark. State Claims Comm'n, 301 Ark. 451, 784 S.W.2d 771; Brown v. Ark. State Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Bd., 336 Ark. 34, 984 S.W.2d 402 (1999); Ark. State Plant Bd. v. Bullock, 345 Ark. 373, 48 S.W.3d 516 (2001); Dep't of Human Servs. v. Parker, 88 Ark. App. 222, 197 S.W.3d 33, 2004 Ark. App. LEXIS 769 (2004); Ark. Hearing Instrument Dispenser Bd. v. Vance, 359 Ark. 325, 197 S.W.3d 495 (2004); Parkman v. Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment Comm., 2009 Ark. 205, 307 S.W.3d 6 (2009); Brown v. Sex Offender Assessment Comm., 2014 Ark. App. 236 (2014).

25-15-202. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Adjudication” means an agency process for the formulation of an order.
    2. “Adjudication” does not include inmate disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Division of Correction and the Division of Community Correction;
    1. “Agency” means a board, commission, department, officer, or other authority of the government of the State of Arkansas, whether within, or subject to review by, another agency, except the General Assembly, the courts, and the Governor.
    2. The word “agency” shall include the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and the Child Care Appeal Review Panel for purposes of administrative appeal.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (2)(C)(ii) of this section, the word “agency” shall not include the Arkansas Public Service Commission, the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, the Workers' Compensation Commission, and the Division of Workforce Services, as the existing laws governing those agencies provide adequate administrative procedures for those agencies.
      2. The word “agency” as used in §§ 25-15-216 and 25-15-218 shall include the Arkansas Public Service Commission, the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, the Workers' Compensation Commission, and the Division of Workforce Services.
    3. This subchapter does not repeal delegations of authority as provided by law;
  1. “Financial impact statement” means a realistic statement of a new or increased cost or obligation of complying with a proposed rule to a:
    1. Private individual, entity, and business; and
    2. State, county, and municipal government;
  2. “License” includes an agency permit, certificate, approval, registration, charter, or similar form of permission required by law;
  3. “Licensing” means an agency process respecting the grant, denial, renewal, revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, limitation, or amendment of a license;
  4. “Order” means the final disposition of an agency in any matter other than rulemaking, including licensing and rate making, in which the agency is required by law to make its determination after notice and hearing;
  5. “Party” means a person or agency named or admitted as a party, or properly seeking and entitled as of right to be admitted as a party, in an agency proceeding;
  6. “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or public or private organization of any character;
    1. “Rule” means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of an agency and includes, but is not limited to, the amendment or repeal of a prior rule.
    2. “Rule” does not mean:
      1. A statement that concerns the internal management of a state agency and that does not affect the private rights or procedures available to the public;
      2. A declaratory order or ruling issued under § 25-15-206 or other provision of law applicable to the state agency issuing the declaratory order or ruling;
      3. Intra-agency memoranda; or
      4. A medical code within the Arkansas Medicaid Program that is issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including without limitation:
        1. Current Procedural Terminology codes;
        2. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes;
        3. International Classification of Diseases codes;
        4. National Uniform Billing Committee Official UB-04 Specifications Manual codes; and
        5. National Correct Coding Initiative codes; and
  7. “Rulemaking” means an agency process for the formulation, amendment, or repeal of a rule.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 1; 1971, No. 316, § 1; 1977, No. 349, § 1; 1979, No. 324, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-701, 5-701.1; Acts 1997, No. 1149, § 1; 1999, No. 1222, § 17; 2001, No. 1648, § 1; 2003, No. 350, § 1; 2013, No. 759, § 3; 2017, No. 605, § 2; 2019, No. 517, § 1; 2019, No. 662, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 620, 621.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment inserted (3), redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly, and made stylistic changes to the section.

The 2017 amendment, in (9)(B)(i), substituted “A statement that concerns” for “Statements concerning”, “a state agency” for “an agency” and “does not” for “do not”; in (9)(B)(ii), substituted “A declaratory order or ruling issued under” for “Declaratory rulings issued pursuant to” and added “or other provision of law applicable to the state agency issuing the declaratory order or ruling”; added (9)(B)(iv); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment by No. 517 redesignated former (2)(C) as (2)(C)(i); added “Except as provided in subdivision (2)(C)(ii) of this section”, in (2)(C)(i); and added (2)(C)(ii).

The 2019 amendment by No. 662 redesignated (2)(C) as (2)(C)(i); added “Except as provided in subdivision (2)(C)(ii) of this section” in (2)(C)(i); and added (2)(C)(ii).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (1)(B), substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” and “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction”; and substituted “Division of Workforce Services” for “Department of Workforce Services” in (2)(C).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Looney, Handling Administrative Proceedings Before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Department and Commission, 1988 Ark. L. Notes 23.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, State Government, Administrative Procedures Act, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 493.

Annual Survey of Caselaw, Administrative Law, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 791.

Case Notes

Adjudication.

State employee's appeal from her termination by a state school for the deaf could not be heard due to lack of jurisdiction because there was no judicial review of such termination decisions absent a public policy exception; such decisions were legislative rather than adjudicatory. The school's alleged violation of its non-mandatory reduction policy did not rise to the level of a public policy violation. Tripcony v. Ark. Sch. for the Deaf, 2012 Ark. 188, 403 S.W.3d 559 (2012).

Inmate's petition failed to sustain a claim under § 25-15-212 to support a judicial review of the Arkansas Department of Corrections' decision because it did not set forth facts to show deprivation of a liberty interest under the Due Process Clause; the inmate alleged only a breach of contractual terms and that the DOC rules interfered with his right to correspond or otherwise communicate with persons not in prison. Renfro v. Smith, 2013 Ark. 40 (2013).

Circuit court had no subject-matter jurisdiction to review the licensing decision of the Medical Marijuana Commission (MMC) concerning cultivation facilities because (1) under § 25-15-212, no “adjudication” as defined by statute occurred at the agency level and the MMC's decision was not quasi-judicial, and (2) under § 25-15-207, the court only had jurisdiction to resolve a rule's validity or applicability, but the invalidity of a MMC rule was not pled, the “applicability” of a rule was not contested, and no declaration of whether a rule should have been applied was sought; instead, the complaints sought a declaration that the “application” of the MMC rules was improper, unfair, and arbitrary. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

Agency.

Since local school districts are political subdivisions of the state and not state agencies within the meaning of the act, this subchapter does not apply to local school districts. Corbin v. Special Sch. Dist., 250 Ark. 357, 465 S.W.2d 342 (1971).

The Employment Security Division of the Arkansas Department of Labor is specifically exempted but neither the Department of Labor nor the Commissioner (now Director) of Labor are exempt from provisions of this subchapter relating to the procedure for the adoption of rules. Arkansas Dep't of Labor v. American Emp. Agency, 257 Ark. 509, 517 S.W.2d 949 (1975).

The Alcoholic Beverage Commission is not an agency excepted from this subchapter and is therefore subject to its provisions. Byrd v. Jones, 263 Ark. 406, 565 S.W.2d 131 (1978).

The Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act does not apply to the Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct; courts are specifically excluded from the definition of “agency,” and the Committee on Professional Conduct is an arm of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Comm. on Professional Conduct v. Muhammed, 291 Ark. 225, 723 S.W.2d 828 (1987).

Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an agency under § 25-15-202(2)(A); therefore, a decision from the DHHS to leave a person's name on the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry was reviewed under the standards in § 25-15-212(h)(1), (4). Vancleave v. Ark. Dep't of Health & Human Servs., 98 Ark. App. 299, 254 S.W.3d 770 (2007).

Delegation of Authority.

Words “delegation of authority” do not refer to jurisdiction placed in a court. Ark. Sav. & Loan Ass'n Bd. v. Corning Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 252 Ark. 264, 478 S.W.2d 431 (1972).

Rule.

Site selection for the construction of an adult detention facility does not fall anywhere within the definition of the term “rule” as contained in this section, as it does not constitute an agency statement of general applicability. Eldridge v. Board of Corr., 298 Ark. 467, 768 S.W.2d 534 (1989).

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 the meaning of subsections (8) and (9) of this section, 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 § 21-5-401. Arkansas Pharmacist's Ass'n v. Arkansas State & Pub. Sch. Life and Hlth. Ins. Bd., 352 Ark. 1, 98 S.W.3d 27 (2003).

Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (APA) did not apply to statewide ban on solicitation activity at State revenue offices, as the policy did not meet the APA's definition of a “rule” because it simply prohibited those who did not have business with the State from soliciting on revenue office property. Brown v. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin., 180 F. Supp. 3d 602 (W.D. Ark. 2016), aff'd, 674 Fed. Appx. 599 (8th Cir. 2017).

Cited: Fireman's Ins. Co. v. Ark. State Claims Comm'n, 301 Ark. 451, 784 S.W.2d 771; National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995); Beavers v. Ark. State Bd. of Dental Exam'rs, 151 F.3d 838 (8th Cir. 1998); Ark. Dep't of Econ. Dev. v. William J. Clinton Presidential Found., 364 Ark. 40, 216 S.W.3d 119 (2005); Munson v. Ark. Dep't of Corr. Sex Offender Screening, 369 Ark. 290, 253 S.W.3d 901 (2007); Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

25-15-203. Rules — Required rules — Public inspection.

  1. In addition to other rulemaking requirements imposed by law, each agency shall:
    1. Adopt as a rule a description of its organization, stating the general course and method of its operations, including the methods whereby the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests;
    2. Adopt rules of practice setting forth the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available, including a description of all forms and instructions used by the agency;
    3. Make available for public inspection all rules and all other written statements of policy or interpretations formulated, adopted, or used by the agency in the discharge of its functions; and
    4. Make available for public inspection all orders, decisions, and opinions.
  2. No agency rule, order, or decision shall be valid or effective against any person or party, nor may it be invoked by the agency for any purpose, until it has been filed and made available for public inspection as required in this subchapter. This provision shall not apply in favor of any person or party with actual knowledge of an agency rule, order, or decision.
  3. To the extent possible, a rule shall be written in plain language.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-702; Acts 1993, No. 1106, § 2; 2001, No. 1648, § 2; 2019, No. 662, § 1.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment added (c).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Driver, The Arkansas Register: Worth Doing Right? The Case for Codification of Arkansas Regulatory Law, 1992 Ark. L. Notes 99.

Case Notes

Applicability.

Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (APA) did not apply to statewide ban on solicitation activity at State revenue offices, as the policy did not meet the APA's definition of a “rule” because it simply prohibited those who did not have business with the State from soliciting on revenue office property. Brown v. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin., 180 F. Supp. 3d 602 (W.D. Ark. 2016), aff'd, 674 Fed. Appx. 599 (8th Cir. 2017).

Discovery.

The plaintiff was not deprived of due process by the department's failure to promulgate rules and regulations for its administrative hearing procedures as required by the statute where she had considerable opportunity for discovery and did not say that she asked the hearing officer for more. Alexander v. Pathfinder, Inc., 189 F.3d 735 (8th Cir. 1999).

Cited: Parker v. Corrothers, 750 F.2d 653 (8th Cir. 1984).

25-15-204. Rules — Procedure for adoption.

  1. Prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule, the agency shall:
        1. Give at least thirty (30) days' notice of its intended action.
        2. The thirty-day period shall begin on the first day of the publication of notice.
      1. The notice shall include:
        1. A statement of the terms or substance of the intended action or a description of the subjects and issues involved; and
        2. The time, location, and manner in which an interested person may present his or her position on the intended action of the agency or on the issues related to the intended action of the agency.
      2. The notice shall be mailed to:
        1. A person specified by law; and
        2. A person who has requested advance notice of rulemaking proceedings.
      3. Unless otherwise provided by law, the notice shall be published:
        1. In a newspaper of general daily circulation for three (3) consecutive days and, when appropriate, in those trade, industry, or professional publications that the agency may select.
        2. By the Secretary of State on the internet for thirty (30) days under § 25-15-218.
        1. If enacted legislation requires or results in more than one (1) agency adopting, amending, or repealing rules on a similar subject matter, the agencies may publish a combined notice for all rules.
        2. The combined notice shall:
          1. Include:
            1. The names of all agencies involved in the collective filing; and
            2. The time, location, and manner in which an interested person may present his or her position on the intended action of each agency or on the issues related to the intended action of each agency; and
          2. Meet the requirements of subdivisions (a)(1)(C) and (D) of this section;
      1. Afford all interested persons reasonable opportunity to submit written data, views, or arguments, orally or in writing.
      2. The agency shall grant an opportunity for an oral hearing if requested by twenty-five (25) persons, by a governmental subdivision or agency, or by an association having at least twenty-five (25) members.
      3. The agency shall fully consider all written and oral submissions respecting the proposed rule before finalizing the language of the proposed rule and filing the proposed rule as required by subsection (e) of this section.
      4. If an interested person requests a statement of the reasons for and against the adoption of a rule before adoption or within thirty (30) days after adoption, the agency shall issue a concise statement of the principal reasons for and against its adoption, incorporating its reasons for overruling the considerations urged against its adoption.
      5. When rules are required by law to be made on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, the provisions of that law shall apply in place of this subdivision (a)(2).
      6. Agencies that publish a combined notice as described in subdivision (a)(1)(E) of this section may hold a joint public hearing when required by law or otherwise desired by the agencies; and
    1. Consider the following factors:
      1. Whether the agency is required by statute to adopt the proposed rule, whether by a specific date, and whether the agency has discretion to promulgate rules;
      2. Other statutes relevant to the proposed rule and its alternatives;
      3. The specific nature and significance of the problem the agency addresses with the proposed rule, including without limitation:
        1. The nature and degree of the risks the problem poses;
        2. The priority of addressing those risks as opposed to other matters or activities within the agency's jurisdiction;
        3. Whether the problem warrants new agency action; and
        4. The countervailing risks that may be posed by alternative rules for the agency;
      4. Whether existing rules have created or contributed to the problem the agency is addressing with the proposed rule, and whether those rules could be amended or repealed to address the problem in whole or in part;
      5. Reasonable alternatives to the proposed rule, including without limitation:
        1. Adopting no rule;
        2. Amending or repealing existing rules; and
        3. Other potential responses that could be taken instead of agency action;
      6. The financial impact of the proposed rule; and
      7. Any other factor relevant to the need for and alternatives to the proposed rule.
    1. An agency shall not adopt, amend, or repeal a rule unless the rule is based on the best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical, economic, or other evidence and information available concerning the need for, consequences of, and alternatives to the rule.
    2. An agency shall adopt the least costly rule considered under this section, unless:
      1. The additional benefits of the more costly rule justify its additional cost;
      2. The agency explains its reason for adoption of the more costly rule in writing;
      3. The reason is based on the interests of public health, safety, or welfare; and
      4. The reason is within the scope of the agency's statutory authority.
    1. If an agency finds that imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare or compliance with a federal law or regulation requires adoption of a rule upon less than thirty (30) days' notice and states in writing its reasons for that finding, it may proceed without prior notice or hearing, or upon any abbreviated notice and hearing that it may choose, to adopt an emergency rule.
    2. An agency shall not file an emergency rule with the Secretary of State for adoption until the emergency rule has been approved under § 10-3-309.
    3. Except as provided in § 5-64-201, the rule may be effective for no longer than one hundred twenty (120) days.
    4. If, after the expiration of the effective period of an emergency rule, an agency wishes to adopt a successive emergency rule that is identical or substantially similar to the expired emergency rule, the agency shall not adopt the successive emergency rule earlier than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the emergency rule.
    1. A person may petition an agency for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule.
    2. Within thirty (30) days after submission of a petition, the agency shall:
      1. Deny the petition, stating in writing its reasons for the denial; or
      2. Initiate rulemaking proceedings.
      1. An agency shall file with the Secretary of State and the Legislative Council a:
        1. Copy of each rule, including without limitation an emergency rule, proposed by the agency;
        2. Financial impact statement for the proposed rule;
        3. Notice for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule required to be published on the internet under this section;
        4. Statement setting forth the reason for the proposed rule; and
        5. Summary of the proposed rule.
      2. An agency shall file with the Arkansas State Library a copy of each rule, including without limitation an emergency rule, finalized by the agency and a financial impact statement for the rule.
      3. A rule shall be filed in compliance with this section and with §§ 10-3-309 and 25-15-218.
    1. The Secretary of State shall keep a register of the rules open to public inspection, and it shall be a permanent register.
    2. If the purpose of a state agency rule is to implement a federal rule or regulation, the financial impact statement shall include:
      1. The cost to implement the federal rule or regulation; and
      2. The additional cost of the state rule.
      1. If a financial impact statement reveals a new or increased cost or obligation of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per year to a private individual, private entity, private business, state government, county government, municipal government, or to two (2) or more of those entities combined, the agency shall file written findings at the time of filing the financial impact statement.
      2. The written findings shall be filed simultaneously with the financial impact statement and shall include without limitation:
        1. A statement of the rule's basis and purpose;
        2. The problem the agency seeks to address with the proposed rule, including a statement of whether a rule is required by statute;
        3. A description of the factual evidence that:
          1. Justifies the agency's need for the proposed rule; and
          2. Describes how the benefits of the rule meet the relevant statutory objectives and justify the rule's costs;
        4. A list of less costly alternatives to the proposed rule and the reasons why the alternatives do not adequately address the problem to be solved by the proposed rule;
        5. A list of alternatives to the proposed rule that were suggested as a result of public comment and the reasons why the alternatives do not adequately address the problem to be solved by the proposed rule;
          1. A statement of whether existing rules have created or contributed to the problem the agency seeks to address with the proposed rule.
          2. If existing rules have created or contributed to the problem, an explanation of why amendment or repeal of the rule creating or contributing to the problem is not a sufficient response; and
        6. An agency plan for review of the rule no less than every ten (10) years to determine whether, based upon the evidence, there remains a need for the rule, including without limitation whether:
          1. The rule is achieving the statutory objectives;
          2. The benefits of the rule continue to justify its costs; and
          3. The rule can be amended or repealed to reduce costs while continuing to achieve the statutory objections.
  2. An agency shall not file a final rule with the Secretary of State for adoption unless the final rule has been approved under § 10-3-309.
      1. Each rule adopted by an agency is effective ten (10) days after filing of the final rule with the Secretary of State unless a later date is specified by law or in the rule itself.
      2. A final rule shall not be filed until the thirty-day public comment period required under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section has expired.
        1. After the expiration of the thirty-day public comment period and before the effective date of the rule, the agency promulgating the rule shall take appropriate measures to make the final rule known to the persons who may be affected by the rule.
        2. Appropriate measures shall include without limitation posting the following information on the agency's website:
          1. The final rule;
          2. Copies of all written comments submitted to the agency regarding the rule;
          3. A summary of all written and oral comments submitted to the agency regarding the rule and the agency's response to those comments;
          4. A summary of the financial impact of the rule; and
          5. The proposed effective date of the final rule.
        1. However, an emergency rule may become effective immediately upon filing or at a stated time less than ten (10) days after filing if the agency finds that this effective date is necessary because of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.
        2. The agency's finding, a brief statement of the reasons for the finding, and the financial impact statement shall be filed with the rule.
      1. The agency shall take appropriate measures to make emergency rules known to the persons who may be affected by the emergency rules.
  3. A rule adopted after June 30, 1967, is not valid unless adopted and filed in substantial compliance with this section.
    1. In a proceeding that questions the existence of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare, a written finding by an agency that adopting an emergency rule was necessary to avoid the loss of federal funding or certification establishes a prima facie case of the existence of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.
    2. The burden of proof shifts to the challenger to rebut the existence of the condition by a preponderance of the evidence.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 3; 1979, No. 62, § 1; 1985, No. 139, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-703; Acts 1989, No. 932, §§ 1, 2; 1993, No. 1106, § 1; 1995, No. 459, § 3; 1995, No. 884, §§ 1-3; 1995, No. 1104, § 1; 1997, No. 406, § 1; 1997, No. 533, § 4; 2001, No. 1648, § 3; 2003, No. 1478, § 1; 2005, No. 1259, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 38, § 3; 2007, No. 143, § 2; 2011, No. 587, § 2; 2011, No. 1015, § 1; 2011, No. 1016, § 1; 2013, No. 759, § 4; 2013, No. 1057, § 1; 2015, No. 1258, § 40; 2017, No. 1079, § 1; 2019, No. 319, §§ 4, 5; 2019, No. 662, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Pursuant to § 1-2-207, this section is set out above as amended by Acts 1995, Nos. 884 and 1104. Subsection (d) of this section was also amended by Acts 1995, No. 459 to read as follows:

“(d)(1) Every agency, including those exempted under § 25-15-202, shall file with the Secretary of State, the Arkansas State Library, and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission a certified copy of each rule and regulation adopted by it.

“(2) The Secretary of State shall keep a register of the rules open to public inspection, and it shall be a permanent register.

“(3) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall publish a code of state regulations pursuant to § 1-2-301 et seq.”

Acts 2015, No. 1258, § 1, provided: “LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS. The General Assembly finds:

“(1) Amendment 92 to the Arkansas Constitution states in part: ‘The General Assembly may provide by law for the review by a legislative committee of administrative rules promulgated by a state agency before the administrative rules become effective; and that administrative rules promulgated by a state agency shall not become effective until reviewed and approved by the legislative committee charged by law with the review of administrative rules under subdivision (a)(1) of this section’;

“(2) As Amendment 92 does not define the term ‘state agency’, the General Assembly may establish a definition by law as part of its implementation of Amendment 92;

“(3) The General Assembly at this time wishes to exclude the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, the State Highway Commission, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and institutions of higher education from the definition of ‘state agency’ applied to the implementation of Amendment 92; and

“(4) The General Assembly or the Legislative Council reserve the right to amend the definition of ‘state agency’ in the future to include one (1) or all of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, the State Highway Commission, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, and institutions of higher education.”

Acts 2019, No. 319, § 1, provided: “Title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Red Tape Reduction Collective Rulemaking Act of 2019’”.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment by No. 587 added “Except as provided in § 5-64-201” at the beginning of (b)(2).

The 2011 amendment by No. 1015 added the (e)(1)(A) designation; in (e)(1)(A), substituted “thirty (30)” for “ten (10)” and inserted “of the final rule”; added (e)(1)(B) and (C); and substituted “thirty (30)” for “ten (10)” in (e)(2)(A)(i).

The 2011 amendment by No. 1016 added (b)(3).

The 2013 amendment by No. 759 rewrote (a)(3); inserted (b) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; rewrote (e)(3); added (e)(4); and, in (f) added “A summary of the financial impact of the rule” and “and the financial impact statement.”

The 2013 amendment by No. 1057 inserted “with the Secretary of State” in (f)(1)(A).

The 2015 amendment inserted (c)(2), and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; substituted “§ 5-64-201” for “§ 5-64-204” in (c)(3); in (e)(1)(A), substituted “Legislative Council” for “Bureau of Legislative Research” and inserted “including without limitation an emergency rule”; inserted (f), and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; and substituted “ten (10) days” for “thirty (30) days” in present (g)(1)(A) and present (g)(2)(A)(i).

The 2017 amendment, in (e)(1)(A), deleted “the Arkansas State Library” following “State” and substituted “the agency” for “it”; inserted (e)(1)(B); and redesignated former (e)(1)(B) as (e)(1)(C).

The 2019 amendment by No. 319 added (a)(1)(E) and (a)(2)(F).

The 2019 amendment by No. 662 added the (e)(1)(A)(i) and (e)(1)(A)(ii) designations; and added (e)(1)(A)(iii) through (e)(1)(A)(v).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Driver, The Arkansas Register: Worth Doing Right? The Case for Codification of Arkansas Regulatory Law, 1992 Ark. L. Notes 99.

Case Notes

Applicability.

The Employment Security Division of the Arkansas Department of Labor (now Arkansas Employment Security Department) is specifically exempted but neither the Department of Labor nor the Commissioner of Labor (now Director of the Arkansas Employment Security Department) are exempt from provisions of this subchapter relating to the procedure for the adoption of rules. Arkansas Dep't of Labor v. American Emp. Agency, 257 Ark. 509, 517 S.W.2d 949 (1975).

Arkansas Health Services Commission's new rule allowing the Commission to disregard the overall county occupancy one time in order to approve a 70-bed nursing home facility in a single county where the projected need for the county exceeded the “existing” beds by 250 or more beds was not arbitrary special or local legislation, because it was conceivable that other counties in the state would, in the future, come under the rule's provisions. Ark. Health Servs. Comm'n v. Reg'l Care Facilities, Inc., 351 Ark. 331, 93 S.W.3d 672 (2002).

Compliance.

Circuit court did not err in granting beneficiaries of a state Medicaid program a temporary restraining order enjoining the Department of Human Services from conducting annual reassessments and reducing attendant-care hours as the beneficiaries demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits; the beneficiaries showed that the Department of Human Services did not substantially comply with this section in promulgating the new Resource Utilization Groups system methodology by failing to provide proper notice. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Ledgerwood, 2017 Ark. 308, 530 S.W.3d 336 (2017).

Department of Human Services (DHS) did not violate the express terms of a preliminary injunction order and was not in contempt where the order expressly barred it from using a Medicaid waiver methodology “unless or until it was properly promulgated” and days later DHS promulgated an emergency rule utilizing the same methodology without prior notice and opportunity for public comment. DHS complied with subsection (c) of this section when adopting the emergency rule by providing a written statement explaining its finding of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare absent the emergency rule. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Ledgerwood, 2019 Ark. 121, 571 S.W.3d 911 (2019).

Rule Modification.

As the Department of Human Services had the ability to modify the proposed rules, which plaintiff health care provider contended were fixed by contract prior to the expiration of the public comment period, the rule making was not in violation of this section. National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995).

Cited: Curry v. State, 279 Ark. 153, 649 S.W.2d 833 (1983); Parker v. Corrothers, 750 F.2d 653 (8th Cir. 1984); Muhammed v. Arkansas Supreme Court Comm. on Professional Conduct, 291 Ark. 29, 722 S.W.2d 280 (1987); Eldridge v. Board of Corr., 298 Ark. 467, 768 S.W.2d 534 (1989).

25-15-205. Rules — The Arkansas Register.

    1. The Secretary of State shall compile, index, and publish on its website a document to be known as “The Arkansas Register”.
    2. The register shall contain:
      1. A copy of each rule, including without limitation an emergency rule, proposed by an agency;
      2. A financial impact statement for the proposed rule;
      3. The notice for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule required to be published on the internet under § 25-15-204;
      4. A statement setting forth the reason for the proposed rule; and
      5. A summary of the proposed rule.
    3. The inclusion of a direct link to an electronic version of the information under subdivision (a)(2) of this section shall satisfy the requirements of this section.
      1. The Secretary of State may omit from publication in the register any rule in which publication would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise impractical.
      2. If a rule is omitted from publication under subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section, the register shall indicate where and how a copy of the omitted rule may be obtained.
  1. The Secretary of State shall update the register at least monthly no later than the first Tuesday of every month, setting forth a synopsis of rules filed by agencies.
    1. If requested, a printed copy of the register shall be furnished to all state agencies and other persons at prices fixed by the Secretary of State to cover publication and mailing costs.
    2. Proceeds from the sale of the register shall be deposited into the Constitutional Officers Fund and the State Central Services Fund in the State Treasury.
  2. A progress report on publication and distribution shall be provided to the Legislative Council annually.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § [17], as added by Acts 1979, No. 818, § 1; 1977, No. 720, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-704.1, 5-704.2; Acts 1991, No. 1075, § 14; 2001, No. 1648, § 4; 2003, No. 1478, § 2; 2013, No. 1057, § 2; 2019, No. 662, § 3.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment rewrote (a); in (b), substituted “update” for “publish” and deleted the former last sentence, which read “A cumulative index shall be published annually”; and added “If requested, a printed copy of” in (c)(1).

The 2019 amendment rewrote (a)(2); added (a)(3) and (4); and inserted “no later than the first Tuesday of every month” in (b).

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Heller and Sallings, Survey of Public Law, 3 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 296.

25-15-206. Rules — Declaratory orders.

Each agency shall provide by rule for the filing and prompt disposition of petitions for declaratory orders as to the applicability of any rule, statute, or order enforced by it. These declaratory orders shall have the same status as agency orders in cases of adjudication.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-706.

Case Notes

Cited: Douglass v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 323 Ark. 105, 913 S.W.2d 277 (1996).

25-15-207. Rules — Actions for declaratory judgments.

  1. The validity or applicability of a rule may be determined in an action for declaratory judgment if it is alleged that the rule, or its threatened application, injures or threatens to injure the plaintiff in his or her person, business, or property.
  2. The action may be brought in the circuit court of any county in which the plaintiff resides or does business or in Pulaski County Circuit Court.
  3. The agency shall be made defendant in that action.
  4. A declaratory judgment may be rendered whether or not the plaintiff has requested the agency to pass upon the validity or applicability of the rule in question.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-705.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Civil Procedure, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 135.

Case Notes

In General.

Pursuant to subsection (a), an action for declaratory judgment is a proper method for testing the validity of rules which, in the plaintiff's view, threaten future damage. McEuen Burial Ass'n v. Arkansas Burial Ass'n Bd., 298 Ark. 572, 769 S.W.2d 415 (1989).

Beneficiaries of a state Medicaid program were not required to exhaust their administrative remedies before filing their declaratory judgment action in the circuit court because any irreparable harm to the beneficiaries warranted application of the futility exception; also, subsection (d) of this section provided the beneficiaries the statutory scheme for seeking a declaratory judgment in lieu of pursuing the exhaustion of remedies. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Ledgerwood, 2017 Ark. 308, 530 S.W.3d 336 (2017).

Purpose.

Declaratory actions are intended to supplement rather than replace ordinary causes of action. Regional Care Facilities, Inc. v. Rose Care, Inc., 322 Ark. 780, 912 S.W.2d 406 (1995).

Applicability.

Declaratory relief is not proper when the identical questions involved in the declaratory judgment proceeding are already at issue between the parties in a pending action and declaratory judgment procedure is not proper as a means of trying a case, or various issues involved in it, by piecemeal. Regional Care Facilities, Inc. v. Rose Care, Inc., 322 Ark. 780, 912 S.W.2d 406 (1995).

Where a church and its affiliated university sought an exception from certification requirements of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the church could have brought a declaratory action to determine whether or not the exception for programs that were predominantly religious in nature applied; thus, the church was not entitled to a writ of mandamus. Axley v. Hardin, 353 Ark. 529, 110 S.W.3d 766 (2003).

Motion to dismiss on sovereign-immunity grounds filed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its director as to declaratory relief sought against DHS and the director in his official capacity was properly denied under this section, which waives sovereign immunity when a declaratory judgment is sought regarding the validity or applicability of an agency rule; this section allowed school districts to challenge a rule requiring licensed child-care centers to have general liability insurance. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2015 Ark. 81, 455 S.W.3d 294 (2015).

Circuit court properly denied a motion to dismiss on sovereign-immunity grounds filed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and its director as to the injunctive relief sought against DHS and the director in his official capacity; where there is a permitted challenge to a rule under the declaratory-judgment statute, a request for injunctive relief is simply a means to enforce the judgment, should the circuit court determine that the rule is invalid or inapplicable. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2015 Ark. 81, 455 S.W.3d 294 (2015).

Circuit court had no subject-matter jurisdiction to review the licensing decision of the Medical Marijuana Commission (MMC) concerning cultivation facilities because (1) under § 25-15-212, no “adjudication” as defined by statute occurred at the agency level and the MMC's decision was not quasi-judicial, and (2) under this section, the court only had jurisdiction to resolve a rule's validity or applicability, but the invalidity of a MMC rule was not pled, the “applicability” of a rule was not contested, and no declaration of whether a rule should have been applied was sought; instead, the complaints sought a declaration that the “application” of the MMC rules was improper, unfair, and arbitrary. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

A broad reading of “applicability”, as to permit circuit courts to determine whether the agency complied with the rules, would largely eliminate the notice and hearing requirements of the Arkansas Adminstrative Procedure Act and would swallow § 25-15-212 entirely. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

Supreme Court of Akansas did not address whether Rule 19 of the Medical Marijuana Commission conveyed subject-matter jurisdiction to the circuit court; although that rule provided that a denial of a cultivation license may be appealed to the circuit court, the issue was not ripe because the appellees had not been issued denial letters subsequent to an adjudication. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

Administrative Remedies.

It seems to be now a recognized doctrine that requires administrative relief to be sought before resorting to declaratory procedure, wherever administrative relief is afforded and this requirement is not one merely requiring the initiation of administrative procedure, but the administrative procedure must be pursued to its final conclusion before resort may be had to the court for declaratory relief. Regional Care Facilities, Inc. v. Rose Care, Inc., 322 Ark. 780, 912 S.W.2d 406 (1995).

Applicant was required to exhaust its administrative remedies before seeking a declaratory order from the court for injunctive relief. Regional Care Facilities, Inc. v. Rose Care, Inc., 322 Ark. 780, 912 S.W.2d 406 (1995).

This section does not allow one to file a declaratory judgment action in court without first exhausting his administrative remedies before the Game and Fish Commission. Ford v. Ark. Game & Fish Comm'n, 335 Ark. 245, 979 S.W.2d 897 (1998).

Where the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board charged a company with violating the anti-rebating provisions of the Arkansas Unfair Cigarette Sales Act, § 4-75-708(b), the company was required to exhaust its administrative remedies before seeking declaratory relief in the form of preliminary and permanent injunctions in the circuit court; moreover, company's constitutional argument could be raised and developed at the administrative level. McLane S., Inc. v. Davis, 80 Ark. App. 30, 90 S.W.3d 16 (2002).

Appellants were not required to exhaust administrative remedies before they filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of § 200.3.2 of the Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies because appellants, who would all be prohibited under the regulation from becoming foster parents because there were adult homosexuals in their homes, had shown that the threat of injury to them would justify having the regulation reviewed. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Howard, 367 Ark. 55, 238 S.W.3d 1 (2006).

Circuit court properly dismissed a physician's complaint for declaratory judgment and injunctive relief against the Arkansas State Medical Board where the statutes and regulations he sought to challenge did not completely bar any class of physicians from a certain act, and he failed to pursue the administrative remedy afforded him. Ahmad v. Beck, 2016 Ark. 30, 480 S.W.3d 166 (2016).

Ripeness.

When a rule (or declaratory order) has a direct effect on the day-to-day business operations of an insurance company and places that company in a dilemma regarding the full range of property and casualty insurance, the issue is a fit subject for judicial review and a petition for declaratory relief. Douglass v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 323 Ark. 105, 913 S.W.2d 277 (1996).

Venue.

Subsection (b) of this section, discussing venue for declaratory judgment actions brought to challenge the validity or applicability of an administrative agency rule, by its express terms applied only to such actions brought in the trial court. Ark. Game & Fish Comm'n v. Harkey, 345 Ark. 279, 45 S.W.3d 829 (2001).

Cited: Statewide Health Coordinating Council v. Circuit Court, 287 Ark. 84, 696 S.W.2d 729 (1985); UHS of Ark., Inc. v. City of Sherwood, 296 Ark. 97, 752 S.W.2d 36 (1988); Ark. Game & Fish Comm'n v. Murders, 327 Ark. 426, 327 Ark. 426, 938 S.W.2d 854 (1997); Doe v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 357 Ark. 413, 182 S.W.3d 107 (2004); Ark. Residential Assisted Living Ass'n v. Ark. Health Servs. Permit Comm'n, 364 Ark. 372, 220 S.W.3d 665 (2005); Quapaw Care & Rehab. v. Arkansas Health Servs. Permit Comm'n, 2009 Ark. 356, 325 S.W.3d 269 (2009).

25-15-208. Administrative adjudication — Procedures generally.

  1. In every case of adjudication:
    1. All parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice;
    2. The notice shall include:
      1. A statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing;
      2. A statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; and
      3. A short and plain statement of the matters of fact and law asserted;
    3. In every case of adjudication wherein an agency seeks to revoke, suspend, or otherwise sanction a license or permit holder, the agency or its attorney, upon the request of the license or permit holder, must provide the following information prior to conducting a hearing of adjudication:
      1. The names and addresses of persons whom the agency intends to call as witnesses at any hearing;
      2. Any written or recorded statements and the substance of any oral statements made by the license or permit holder, or a copy of the same;
      3. Any reports or statements of experts, made in connection with the particular case, including results of physical or mental examinations, scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons, or copies of the same;
      4. Any books, papers, documents, photographs, or tangible objects which the agency intends to use in any hearing or which were obtained from or belong to the license or permit holder, or copies of the same;
      5. Disclosure shall not be required of research or records, correspondence, reports, or memoranda to the extent that they contain the opinions, theories, or conclusions of the attorney for the agency or members of his or her staff or other state agents;
    4. Opportunity shall be afforded all parties to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved;
    5. The record shall include:
      1. All pleadings, motions, and intermediate rulings;
      2. Evidence received or considered, including, on request of any party, a transcript of oral proceedings or any part thereof;
      3. A statement of matters officially noticed;
      4. Offers of proof, objections, and rulings thereon;
      5. Proposed findings and exceptions thereto; and
      6. All staff memoranda or data submitted to the hearing officer or members of an agency in connection with their consideration of the case;
    6. Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence and on matters officially noticed;
      1. If the agency is authorized by law to issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents or things, then any party shall to the same extent be so authorized, and the agency shall issue a subpoena forthwith on written application thereof.
      2. A subpoena may be served in the manner as now provided for by statute or rule for the service of subpoenas in civil cases or by any form of mail addressed to the person to be served with a return receipt requested and delivery restricted to the addressee or agent of the addressee.
  2. Nothing in this subchapter shall prohibit informal disposition by stipulation, settlement, consent order, or default.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-708; Acts 1993, No. 1083, § 1; 2011, No. 717, § 1.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment added the (a)(7)(A) designation and (a)(7)(B).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Watkins, Using the Freedom of Information Act as a Discovery Device, 1994 Ark. L. Notes 59.

Case Notes

Applicability.

The discretionary authority for an adjudicatory or administrative hearing contained in former § 23-32-1203(e) precludes the application of subdivision (a)(3) of this section by virtue of § 25-15-211. Simply stated, in this situation the Administrative Procedure Act does not apply to the activities of the state bank commissioner. First Nat'l Bank v. Arkansas State Bank Comm'r, 301 Ark. 1, 781 S.W.2d 744 (1989).

Notice.

Revocation of an insurance license was upheld because hearing notice sent by the Arkansas Insurance Department provided sufficient warnings of the allegations against a title insurance company owner; a detailed description of the precise instances of misconduct was not required. The notice plainly charged the owner with diverting or misappropriating escrow funds, and it reasonably informed the owner of the type of violations that were later cited in the Department's order as a basis for revocation. Dyer v. Ark. Ins. Dep't, 2015 Ark. App. 446, 468 S.W.3d 303 (2015).

Subpoena.

In a case involving the revocation of an insurance license, even though challenged documents likely contained hearsay, the rules of evidence are relaxed in an administrative proceeding; moreover, the owner had the ability to subpoena witnesses to call the document preparers himself, or he could have asked for a continuance or a rehearing. Therefore, the administrative refusal to exclude the evidence outright was upheld. Dyer v. Ark. Ins. Dep't, 2015 Ark. App. 446, 468 S.W.3d 303 (2015).

Cited: Franklin v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 319 Ark. 468, 892 S.W.2d 262 (1995); Brown v. Ark. State Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Bd., 336 Ark. 34, 984 S.W.2d 402 (1999); Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002); Nash v. Ark. Elevator Safety Bd., 370 Ark. 345, 259 S.W.3d 421 (2007); Gilmore v. Ark. Bd. of Registration for Prof'l Eng'rs & Land Surveyors, 2011 Ark. App. 139, 381 S.W.3d 860 (2011).

25-15-209. Administrative adjudication — Communication by decision maker.

  1. Unless required for the disposition of ex parte matters authorized by law, members or employees of an agency assigned to render a decision or to make final or proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law in any case of adjudication shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, in connection with any issue of fact with any person or party nor, in connection with any issue of law, with any party or his or her representative, except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate.
  2. An agency member may:
    1. Communicate with other members of the agency; and
    2. Have the aid and advice of one (1) or more personal assistants.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-711.

Case Notes

Communication Permitted.

Subsection (b) of this section expressly allows communications between agency members. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd. v. Fletcher, 326 Ark. 628, 933 S.W.2d 789 (1996).

Unsworn statements at public hearings and written communications read aloud into the record are not ex parte communications in violation of subsection (a). City of Benton v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 345 Ark. 249, 45 S.W.3d 805 (2001).

Communication Prohibited.

Subsection (a) of this section does not prohibit business relationships between agency members; it prohibits communications about issues relating to a particular adjudication proceeding. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd. v. Fletcher, 326 Ark. 628, 933 S.W.2d 789 (1996).

Evidence.

Violations of subsection (a) must be established by proof of the existence and content of the alleged ex parte communications. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd. v. Fletcher, 326 Ark. 628, 933 S.W.2d 789 (1996).

Procedural Irregularities.

Third party contacts made to Alcoholic Beverage Control Board members violated subsection (a) and, as procedural irregularities, were properly allowed by the trial court as additional testimony describing these contacts and were added to the record pursuant to § 25-15-212. Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Div. v. Cox, 306 Ark. 82, 811 S.W.2d 305, 1991 Ark. LEXIS 343 (1991).

Specific Cases.

Physician failed to sufficiently develop or elicit any proof to support her allegations that she was denied a fair hearing and due process with regard to the State Medical Board's counsel also acting as prosecutor in the disciplinary proceedings. The physician did not attend the hearing before the Board or retain counsel, and her pleadings contained only speculative and conclusory allegations. McCormick v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 2017 Ark. App. 697, 545 S.W.3d 776 (2017).

Cited: Madden v. United States Assocs., 40 Ark. App. 143, 844 S.W.2d 374 (1992).

25-15-210. Administrative adjudication — Decisions.

  1. When, in a case of adjudication, a majority of the officials of the agency who are to render the decision have not heard the case or read the record, the decision, if adverse to a party other than the agency, shall not be made until a proposal for decision is served upon the parties and an opportunity is afforded to each party adversely affected to file exceptions and present briefs and oral argument to the officials who are to render the decision. The proposal for decision shall contain a statement of the reasons therefor and of each issue of fact or law necessary thereto, prepared by the person who conducted the hearing.
    1. In every case of adjudication, a final decision or order shall be in writing or stated in the record.
    2. A final decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law, separately stated. Findings of fact, if set forth in statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings. If, in accordance with agency rules, a party submitted proposed findings of fact, the decision shall include a ruling upon each proposed finding.
  2. Parties shall be served either personally or by mail with a copy of any decision or order.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-710.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Derden, Survey of Arkansas Law: Administrative Law, 2 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 157.

Case Notes

In General.

—Noncompliance.

Where administrative board's findings did not state how the chiropractor's ad violated the board's regulation against deceptive advertising, but merely recited conclusions regarding the alleged violations, the case had to be remanded for further findings of fact and conclusions of law. Nesterenko v. Arkansas Bd. of Chiropractic Exam'rs, 76 Ark. App. 561, 69 S.W.3d 459 (2002).

Findings and Conclusions.

After an appeal of a sex offender adjudication was dismissed on the ground that it could not be concluded that appellant had received notice of the Arkansas Department of Correction Sex Offender Screening and Risk Assessment Committee's (SOSRA's) final decision, the court denied SOSRA's petition for rehearing because § 12-12-922(b)(6)(A) and (7)(A) required SOSRA to send “findings” to appellant, which proscription was consistent with the requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act under subdivision (b)(2) of this section. Munson v. Ark. Dep't of Corr. Sex Offender Screening, 369 Ark. 290, 253 S.W.3d 901 (2007).

Although the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board failed to make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to the “sale” of liquor permits, appellants never requested or offered any proposed findings on this issue and merely raised the contention in closing. Ark. Bev. Retailers Ass'n v. Langley, 2011 Ark. App. 259 (2011).

Because the Arkansas Health Services Permit Commission did not set forth any findings of fact or conclusions of law to support its decision to grant the transfer of a permit of approval, in accordance with subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the matter had to be remanded. Twin Rivers Health & Rehab, LLC v. Ark. Health Servs. Permit Comm'n, 2012 Ark. 15 (2012).

Because the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission failed in its obligation to make sufficient findings of fact relevant to the contested issue of what constituted the current model year, the supreme court could not determine whether the Commission had resolved that issue in conformity with the law. Voltage Vehicles v. Arkansas Motor Vehicle Comm'n, 2012 Ark. 386, 424 S.W.3d 281 (2012).

—In General.

Subsection (b) does not require findings of fact to be couched in statutory language; it only requires that if such findings of fact are set forth in statutory language they be accompanied with a statement of the underlying facts. Fowler v. Ark. Real Estate Comm'n, 258 Ark. 292, 524 S.W.2d 230 (1975).

The State Banking Board is not required to make specific rulings except in its final decision. Bank of Waldron v. Scott County Bank, 267 Ark. 407, 590 S.W.2d 654 (1979).

In granting a bank charter, the State Banking Board could adopt findings of fact and conclusions of law after deciding to grant the charter. Citizens Bank v. Arkansas State Banking Bd., 271 Ark. 703, 610 S.W.2d 257 (1981).

The case law strictly interpreting subdivision (b)(2) of this section would only be applicable to those cases where notice and a hearing are both required. In contrast, given the informal nature of the branch bank application procedure, the state bank commissioner's findings of fact are sufficient to satisfy the requirements of § 23-32-1203(f). First Nat'l Bank v. Arkansas State Bank Comm'r, 301 Ark. 1, 781 S.W.2d 744 (1989).

Reviewing courts may not supply findings by weighing the evidence themselves, because that function is the responsibility of the administrative agency, which sees the witnesses as they testify. Green House, Inc. v. Ark. ABC Div., 29 Ark. App. 229, 780 S.W.2d 347 (1989).

—Adoption of Proposed Findings.

Failure to allow response to proposed findings of fact or hearing with regard thereto and adoption of proposed findings was not arbitrary and capricious nor an abuse of discretion where opposing counsel was provided with copy of proposed findings and failed to submit any modifications or comments or any findings of its own. Bank of Waldron v. Scott County Bank, 267 Ark. 407, 590 S.W.2d 654 (1979).

—Compliance.

Board's actions in 1993 were not tantamount to a reopening of the issue of fireman's retirement benefits granted in 1989; if fireman presented any information about, or evidence of, a work-related injury to the Board, it was not included in the record and the record did not contain any medical information provided by fireman to support a reopening nor any evidence of fraud, mistake, or misconception of facts that would have supported a reopening of the earlier claim, and thus Board did not fail to comply with this section because there was no adjudication on the merits. Earp v. Benton Fire Dep't, 52 Ark. App. 66, 914 S.W.2d 781 (1996).

—Noncompliance.

Case remanded to board for failure to make findings. Floyd v. Ark. State Bd. of Pharmacy, 251 Ark. 626, 473 S.W.2d 866 (1971); Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass’n Board v. Central Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass’n, 256 Ark. 846, 510 S.W.2d 872, 1974 Ark. LEXIS 1550 (1974); Gordon v. Cummings, 262 Ark. 737, 561 S.W.2d 285 (1978).

The statutory requirement with respect to findings is primarily for the benefit of the reviewing courts and a failure to comply with this section is a minor and inconsequential matter. Independence Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. Citizens Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 265 Ark. 203, 577 S.W.2d 390 (1979).

Fireman's appeal from his termination from the city fire department was dismissed for want of jurisdiction as the civil service commission, in affirming the termination, made no written order nor any findings of fact or conclusions of law as required by § 14-51-308(e)(1)(B)(ii); accordingly, the matter was reversed and remanded so that the trial court could dismiss the appeal without prejudice, allowing the fireman to refile his appeal with the circuit court after the commission entered a written order. Lawrence v. City of Texarkana, 364 Ark. 466, 221 S.W.3d 370 (2006).

Remand of a police officer's application for retirement benefits was required because the administrative board had not made appropriate findings of fact as required by subdivision (b)(2) of this section. While the board's order had the labels “findings of fact” and “conclusions of law,” it was merely a procedural history of the administrative process and contained no information stating the facts upon which the board made its decision. Spriggs v. Ark. Local Police & Fire Retirement Bd., 2010 Ark. App. 197 (2010).

—Sufficiency.

Findings held to be insufficient to meet the requirements of this section. First State Bldg. & Loan Ass'n v. Arkansas Sav. & Loan Bd., 257 Ark. 599, 518 S.W.2d 507 (1975); First Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass'n Bd., 257 Ark. 985, 521 S.W.2d 542 (1975).

Findings held to be sufficient. Holifield v. Ark. ABC Bd., 273 Ark. 305, 619 S.W.2d 621 (1981).

Where Pest Control Committee made specific findings of fact and conclusions of law which the Plant Board adopted, the Board had complied with the requirements of this Act. Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

The statistics, facts, and conclusions of law recited by the agency and the commission were adequate to facilitate judicial review and to serve the other considerations set out in prior case law. Olsten Health Servs., Inc. v. Arkansas Health Servs. Comm'n, 69 Ark. App. 313, 12 S.W.3d 656 (2000).

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's findings and conclusions went beyond a mere recitation of evidence and were, thus, adequate to permit the appellate court to undertake a proper review of the board's ruling. Vallaroutto v. ABC Bd., 81 Ark. App. 318, 101 S.W.3d 836 (2003).

Arkansas Board of Architecture's findings that an engineer was acting in the capacity of an architect without the benefit of a license was supported by sufficient facts relevant to the contested issue so that an appellate court could determine whether the board had resolved those issues in conformity with the law. Holloway v. Ark. State Bd. of Architects, 352 Ark. 427, 101 S.W.3d 805 (2003).

Where the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners' findings of fact that a physical therapist's treatment of two patients consisted of “popping” their spines included sufficient details of the witnesses's testimony upon which the Board reasonably relied in reaching its decision, those findings were sufficient under subsection (b) of this section. Teston v. Ark. State Bd. of Chiropractic Examiners, 361 Ark. 300, 206 S.W.3d 796, cert. denied, 546 U.S. 960, 126 S. Ct. 480, 163 L. Ed. 2d 363 (2005).

Trial court erred in affirming the Board's order suspending appraiser's license as the Board did not make the necessary findings of fact to support its order that the appraiser had violated certain appraisal standards, as required by subdivision (b)(2) of this section. Chandler v. Arkansas Appraisers Licensing & Certification Bd., 92 Ark. App. 423, 214 S.W.3d 861 (2005).

Case was sent back to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners because the Board's final order imposing a fine on the chiropractors and placing them on probation for committing eight “unprofessional conduct” violations was not specific enough given the many issues in play and the voluminous agency record. Ark. State Bd. of Chiropractic Examiners v. Currie, 2013 Ark. App. 612 (2013).

Case had to be remanded for the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors to make specific findings of fact and conclusions of law because the findings and conclusions were insufficient to allow a reviewing court to determine whether several issues were resolved in conformity with the law; the Board made no comment regarding the truth or falsity of a landowner's assertions against a surveyor. Ark. State Bd. of Licensure for Prof'l Eng'rs & Prof'l Surveyors v. Callicott, 2016 Ark. App. 476, 503 S.W.3d 860 (2016).

Where an appraiser was sanctioned by the appraiser board for a deficient appraisal, although the findings did not explain precisely how the appraiser could have remedied the deficiencies in his appraisal, the law does not require this level of specificity; the findings explained the portion of the appraisal that the board deemed deficient, and by reviewing those findings, the court could determine whether the board conformed with the law. Reynolds v. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd., 2019 Ark. App. 587, 591 S.W.3d 837 (2019).

—Waiver.

The requirements of this section as to findings are primarily for the benefit of the reviewing court and cannot be waived by the parties. Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass’n Board v. Central Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass’n, 256 Ark. 846, 510 S.W.2d 872, 1974 Ark. LEXIS 1550 (1974); First State Bldg. & Loan Ass'n v. Arkansas Sav. & Loan Bd., 257 Ark. 599, 518 S.W.2d 507 (1975); Gordon v. Cummings, 262 Ark. 737, 561 S.W.2d 285 (1978).

Service.

Service of an order of an administrative agency can be by mail; there is no requirement that such service comply with the law regarding service of summons. Ark. Contractors Licensing Bd. v. F & F Concrete Prods., Inc., 297 Ark. 508, 763 S.W.2d 86 (1989).

Cited: Floyd v. Ark. State Bd. of Pharmacy, 248 Ark. 459, 451 S.W.2d 874 (1970); Sikes v. General Publishing Co., 264 Ark. 1, 568 S.W.2d 33 (1978); Jones v. Reed, 267 Ark. 237, 590 S.W.2d 6 (1979); Fouch v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Div., 10 Ark. App. 139, 662 S.W.2d 181, 1983 Ark. App. LEXIS 935 (1983); Brown v. Ark. State Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Bd., 336 Ark. 34, 984 S.W.2d 402 (1999).

25-15-211. Administrative adjudication — Licenses — Definition.

  1. When the grant, denial, or renewal of a license is required by law to be preceded by notice and an opportunity for hearing, the provisions of this subchapter concerning cases of adjudication apply.
  2. When a licensee has made timely and sufficient application for the renewal of a license or a new license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature, the existing license shall not expire until the application has been finally determined by the agency and, in case the application is denied or the terms of the new license limited, until the last day for seeking review of the agency order, or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court.
  3. No revocation, suspension, annulment, or withdrawal of any license is lawful unless the agency gives notice by mail to the licensee of facts or conduct warranting the intended action and unless the licensee is given an opportunity to show compliance with all lawful requirements for the retention of the license. If the agency finds that public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action and incorporates a finding to that effect in its order, summary suspension of a license may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action, which proceedings shall be promptly instituted and determined.
    1. A complaint filed by an offender with a state licensing board or state licensing agency against a licensee of the board or agency shall not be heard by the board or agency unless the complaint is accompanied by appropriately verified documentation showing that the offender has exhausted all administrative remedies under the Division of Correction grievance procedure.
    2. For purposes of this section, “offender” means any person sentenced to the Division of Correction or sentenced to the Division of Correction for judicial transfer to the Division of Community Correction or any person confined in a community correction center as a condition of probation, suspended imposition of sentence, or post prison transfer.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 12; 1985, No. 139, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-712; Acts 1997, No. 937, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 1022.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” in (d)(1) and twice in (d)(2); and substituted “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction” in (d)(2).

Case Notes

Applicability.

The discretionary authority for an adjudicatory or administrative hearing contained in former § 23-32-1203(e) precludes the application of § 25-15-208(a)(3) by virtue of this section. The Administrative Procedure Act does not apply to the activities of the state bank commissioner. First Nat'l Bank v. Arkansas State Bank Comm'r, 301 Ark. 1, 781 S.W.2d 744 (1989).

Advertising Sign Permits.

Decision of state highway commission to cancel permits and cut down outdoor advertising signs could only be carried out after an adjudication requiring a notice and hearing since order deprived the sign owner of his property without due process. Ark. State Hwy. Comm'n v. White Adv. Int'l, 273 Ark. 364, 620 S.W.2d 280 (1981).

License Restrictions.

Medical board had authority to temporarily restrict physician's prescribing practices as a condition to granting continuance of hearing on malpractice charges. Ark. State Medical Bd. v. Leonard, 267 Ark. 61, 590 S.W.2d 849 (1979).

Notice.

Revocation of an insurance license was upheld because hearing notice sent by the Arkansas Insurance Department provided sufficient warnings of the allegations against a title insurance company owner; a detailed description of the precise instances of misconduct was not required. The notice plainly charged the owner with diverting or misappropriating escrow funds, and it reasonably informed the owner of the type of violations that were later cited in the Department's order as a basis for revocation. Dyer v. Ark. Ins. Dep't, 2015 Ark. App. 446, 468 S.W.3d 303 (2015).

Cited: Fowler v. Ark. Real Estate Comm'n, 258 Ark. 292, 524 S.W.2d 230 (1975); Brown v. Ark. State Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Bd., 336 Ark. 34, 984 S.W.2d 402 (1999).

25-15-212. Administrative adjudication — Judicial review.

  1. In cases of adjudication, any person, except an inmate under sentence to the custody of the Division of Correction, who considers himself or herself injured in his or her person, business, or property by final agency action shall be entitled to judicial review of the action under this subchapter. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit other means of review provided by law.
    1. Proceedings for review shall be instituted by filing a petition within thirty (30) days after service upon petitioner of the agency's final decision in:
      1. The circuit court of any county in which the petitioner resides or does business; or
      2. Pulaski County Circuit Court.
    2. Copies of the petition shall be served upon the agency and all other parties of record in accordance with the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.
    3. In its discretion, the court may permit other interested persons to intervene.
  2. The filing of the petition does not automatically stay enforcement of the agency decision, but the agency or reviewing court may do so upon such terms as may be just. However, on review of disciplinary orders issued by professional licensing boards governing professions of the healing arts, the reviewing court, only after notice and hearing, may issue all necessary and appropriate process to postpone the effective date of an agency action or to preserve status or rights pending conclusion of review proceedings.
    1. Within thirty (30) days after service of the petition or within such further time as the court may allow but not exceeding an aggregate of ninety (90) days, the agency shall transmit to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding under review.
    2. The cost of the preparation of the record shall be borne by the agency. However, the cost of the record shall be recovered from the appealing party if the agency is the prevailing party.
    3. By stipulation of all parties to the review proceeding, the record may be shortened. Any party unreasonably refusing to stipulate to limit the record may be taxed by the court for the additional costs.
    4. The court may require or permit subsequent corrections or additions to the record.
  3. If review proceedings have been instituted in two (2) or more circuit courts with respect to the same order, the agency concerned shall file the record in the court in which a proceeding was first instituted. The other courts in which the proceedings are pending shall thereupon transfer them to the court in which the record has been filed.
  4. If before the date set for hearing, application is made to the court for leave to present additional evidence and the court finds that the evidence is material and that there were good reasons for failure to present it in the proceeding before the agency, the court may order that the additional evidence be taken before the agency upon any conditions which may be just. The agency may modify its findings and decision by reason of the additional evidence and shall file that evidence and any modifications, new findings, or decisions with the reviewing court.
  5. The review shall be conducted by the court without a jury and shall be confined to the record, except that in cases of alleged irregularities in procedure before the agency not shown in the record, testimony may be taken before the court. The court shall, upon request, hear oral argument and receive written briefs.
  6. The court may affirm the decision of the agency or remand the case for further proceedings. It may reverse or modify the decision if the substantial rights of the petitioner have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, or decisions are:
    1. In violation of constitutional or statutory provisions;
    2. In excess of the agency's statutory authority;
    3. Made upon unlawful procedure;
    4. Affected by other error or law;
    5. Not supported by substantial evidence of record; or
    6. Arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by abuse of discretion.
  7. Any agency order which is affirmed or affirmed in part by the court shall be a final judgment subject to writ of garnishment or execution to the extent it is affirmed.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 13; 1979, No. 704, § 1; 1985, No. 139, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-713; Acts 1989, No. 709, § 1; 1999, No. 778, § 1; 2001, No. 1648, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 1023.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1989, No. 709, was held unconstitutional in Clinton v. Bonds, 306 Ark. 554, 816 S.W.2d 169 (1991).

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” in (a).

Research References

Ark. L. Notes.

Looney, Handling Administrative Proceedings Before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Department and Commission, 1988 Ark. L. Notes 23.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Derden, Survey of Arkansas Law: Administrative Law, 2 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 157.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Annual Survey of Case Law: Practice, Procedure, and Courts, 29 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 905.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

Acts 1989, No. 709, which amended subsection (a) of this section, unconstitutionally deprives inmates of review of constitutional questions, because judicial review of all other administrative questions may be granted, or withheld, according to the legislature's discretion. Clinton v. Bonds, 306 Ark. 554, 816 S.W.2d 169 (1991).

In General.

The procedure for judicial review under this subchapter is an exception to the rules of civil procedure. Whitlock v. G.P.W. Nursing Home, Inc., 283 Ark. 158, 672 S.W.2d 48 (1984).

This subchapter provides an alternate appellate procedure and jurisdiction for the judicial review of an adjudication by an agency subject to this subchapter. United States Rooter All Type Plumbing Co. v. Holliman, 50 Ark. App. 125, 900 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

Under this chapter, it is not the role of the circuit courts or the appellate courts to conduct a de novo review of the record, but to review the case to ascertain whether there is substantial evidence to support the agency decision or whether the agency decision runs afoul of one of the other criteria set out in subsection (h). Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Thompson, 331 Ark. 181, 959 S.W.2d 46 (1998).

Because there had been no adjudication before the administrative agency, there was no final agency action to be reviewed pursuant to this section and the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., did not apply. Ark. Dep't of Econ. Dev. v. William J. Clinton Presidential Found., 364 Ark. 40, 216 S.W.3d 119 (2005).

Under the flexible Mathews factors, the procedural avenues afforded by the Sex Offender Registration Act, § 12-12-901 et seq., were constitutionally adequate and provided notice to offenders of the risk assessment process and a meaningful opportunity to be heard; the Registration Act provides for an adversarial judicial review of the Committee's administrative review decision, with the full procedural guarantees set forth in the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, and it was unlikely that a right to counsel or to confront witnesses at the initial assessment stage would have appreciably reduced the risk of an erroneous determination. Weems v. Little Rock Police Dep't, 453 F.3d 1010 (8th Cir. 2006), cert. denied, 550 U.S. 917, 127 S. Ct. 2128, 167 L. Ed. 2d 862 (2007).

Applicability.

Judicial review of Arkansas Cemetery Board order was within the scope of a proceeding to review an action covered by this subchapter. Arkansas Cem. Bd. v. Memorial Properties, Inc., 272 Ark. 172, 616 S.W.2d 713 (1981).

It is only in the judicial functions that this subchapter purports to subject agency decisions to appellate review and then only as narrowly prescribed in the subchapter. Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Comm'n v. House, 276 Ark. 326, 634 S.W.2d 388 (1982).

Termination of an agency employee is not a judicial function, but an administrative act which is not subject to judicial review and agency did not subject itself to judicial review by giving employee the right to be heard and proceeding in a quasi-judicial fashion. Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Comm'n v. House, 276 Ark. 326, 634 S.W.2d 388 (1982).

The Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act is not closely analogous to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and, therefore, the 30 day limitations period contained in subsection (b)(1) does not apply to the latter act. Birmingham v. Omaha Sch. Dist., 220 F.3d 850 (8th Cir. 2000).

In an action challenging a regulation issued by the Game and Fish Commission which prohibited commercial duck hunting guides from operating on three wildlife management areas on Saturdays and Sundays during the duck hunting season and also prohibited waterfowl hunters from hunting while being guided by a commercial duck guide on those same areas on weekends, the plaintiffs were not entitled to a stay as the commission had not sought to enforce the regulation against any of the plaintiffs and, therefore, there was no final agency action to be reviewed. Ark. State Game & Fish Comm'n v. Sledge, 344 Ark. 505, 42 S.W.3d 427 (2001).

Reading the Brine Production Act, § 15-76-301 et seq., with the Administrative Procedures Act, § 25-15-212(g), it appeared that the correct procedure for the circuit court to follow was to limit its review to the record and allow the parties to introduce evidence only for the purpose of showing the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission's order was invalid or unreasonable; the Brine Production Act does not allow a de novo review of orders issued by the Commission, but permits additional evidence relating to procedural irregularities before the Commission or where there was good reason for failure to present that evidence to the Commission. Great Lakes Chem. Corp. v. Bruner, 368 Ark. 74, 243 S.W.3d 285 (2006).

Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an agency under § 25-15-202(2)(A); therefore, a decision from the DHHS to leave a person's name on the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry was reviewed under the standards in § 25-15-212(h)(1), (4). Vancleave v. Ark. Dep't of Health & Human Servs., 98 Ark. App. 299, 254 S.W.3d 770 (2007).

Although a local utility customer failed to file a notice of appeal to the circuit court as required under Ark. Dist. Ct. R. 9, which applied to an appeal from the municipal utility's decision, but instead filed a complaint alleging that it was seeking judicial review of a final administrative order, the complaint properly described the final administrative decision and specified the date of that decision as required. Mt. Pure, LLC v. Little Rock Wastewater Util., 2011 Ark. 258, 383 S.W.3d 347 (2011).

Additional Evidence.

Where appellant failed to make the required statutory showing that additional evidence which he wanted to present was material and that there were good reasons for his failure to present it to the commission, the circuit court did not err in affirming commission's decision. Woolsey v. Ark. Real Estate Comm'n, 263 Ark. 348, 565 S.W.2d 22 (1978).

The trial court should first view the application for additional evidence to determine if the party was diligent and then determine if the application merely has general or conclusory statements as to the additional evidence. If the trial court finds that additional evidence should be taken, it must then remand the case to the board for it to hear the additional evidence. Marshall v. ABC Bd., 15 Ark. App. 255, 692 S.W.2d 258 (1985).

There was substantial evidence supporting the court's finding that there were good reasons for the failure of the applicant for retail liquor and off-premises beer permit to present evidence as to the public convenience and advantage before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, where the director, in denying the application, indicated the deficiencies in the application were only the adequacy of the building and the adequacy of police protection; therefore, the court properly ordered additional evidence to be taken. ABC Bd. v. Hicks, 19 Ark. App. 212, 718 S.W.2d 488 (1986).

Third party contacts made to ABC Board members violated § 25-15-209(a) and, as procedural irregularities, were properly allowed by the trial court as additional testimony describing these contacts and were added to the record pursuant to this section. Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Div. v. Cox, 306 Ark. 82, 811 S.W.2d 305, 1991 Ark. LEXIS 343 (1991).

The court erred in remanding to the Board for additional evidence to be taken concerning issues which had not been raised in the initial administrative hearing. Department of Fin. & Admin. v. Samuhel, 51 Ark. App. 76, 909 S.W.2d 656 (1995).

Where appellant never requested an evidentiary hearing nor made application to the circuit court for such pursuant to subsection (f) for leave to present additional evidence, this issue may not be raised for the first time on appeal. Mid-South Rd. Bldrs., Inc. v. Ark. Contractors Licensing Bd., 328 Ark. 630, 946 S.W.2d 649 (1997).

Adjudication.

Where board heard no testimony, made no findings of fact or conclusions of law, no copy of any decision was served on a party, and no record of proceedings was certified to a circuit court, there was no adjudication within the meaning of this section; rather an administrative decision was made, reviewable only by writ of certiorari in Pulaski County. Sikes v. General Publishing Co., 264 Ark. 1, 568 S.W.2d 33 (1978).

Whether a decision of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council was the result of rule making or adjudication was a question of fact to be determined by the circuit court. Statewide Health Coordinating Council v. Circuit Court, 287 Ark. 84, 696 S.W.2d 729 (1985).

After an appeal of a sex offender adjudication was dismissed on the ground that it could not be concluded that appellant had received notice of the Arkansas Department of Corrections Sex Offender Screening and Risk Assessment Committee's (SOSRA's) final decision, the court denied SOSRA's petition for rehearing because § 12-12-922(b)(6)(A) and (7)(A) required SOSRA to send “findings” to appellant, which proscription was consistent with the requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act under subsection (a) of this section. Munson v. Ark. Dep't of Corr. Sex Offender Screening, 369 Ark. 290, 253 S.W.3d 901 (2007).

State employee's appeal from her termination by a state school for the deaf could not be heard due to lack of jurisdiction because there was no judicial review of such termination decisions absent a public policy exception; such decisions were legislative rather than adjudicatory. The school's alleged violation of its non-mandatory reduction policy did not rise to the level of a public policy violation. Tripcony v. Ark. Sch. for the Deaf, 2012 Ark. 188, 403 S.W.3d 559 (2012).

Amended Petition.

There is no prohibition in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), §§ 25-15-201 to 25-15-217, against the filing of an amended petition; plaintiffs' filing of an amended petition to support its showing of standing to challenge an agency decision, which amended petition was not objected to by the defendants, did not make the petition a nullity under the APA. Ark. Bev. Retailers Ass'n v. Moore, 369 Ark. 498, 256 S.W.3d 488 (2007).

Appeal from Circuit Court.

The rules governing judicial review of administrative decisions are identical for both the circuit and appellate courts, and it is the decision of the agency, rather than that of the circuit court, which the appellate court reviews. City of Hector v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 47 Ark. App. 177, 888 S.W.2d 312 (1994).

In cases arising under this subchapter, the appellate court reverses only if substantial evidence is lacking, an abuse of discretion has occurred, or if the agency has acted in an arbitrary of capacious manner. City of Hector v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 47 Ark. App. 177, 888 S.W.2d 312 (1994).

Because an appraiser's argument that the circuit court erred in determining that she was not permitted to present additional evidence before the agency pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, subsection (f) of this section was not ruled on by the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; the supreme court was precluded from considering the argument on appeal; at the circuit court's hearing, the appraiser requested the circuit court to remand the case to present additional evidence pursuant to subsection (f), but she failed to obtain a ruling on the issue. Chandler v. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd., 2011 Ark. 519 (2011).

Attorney's Fees.

An award of attorney's fees is not provided for by this section; only the cost of the preparation of the record may be borne by the agency. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Kistler, 320 Ark. 501, 898 S.W.2d 32 (1995).

Costs.

Where state agency, as appellee, paid for a transcript of the record and was the prevailing party, the circuit court did not err in ordering appellant to reimburse the agency. Hankins v. Department of Fin. & Admin., 330 Ark. 492, 954 S.W.2d 259 (1997).

Election of Remedies.

This section did not preclude review of insurance commissioner's order under review provision of insurance code. Travelers Indem. Co. v. Monroe, 257 Ark. 1029, 522 S.W.2d 431 (1975).

Where appellant asserted that the appeal should be tried de novo pursuant to alcoholic beverage control law and made no request in the circuit court that the appeal be treated as taken under this subchapter, he was bound by his decision to follow one procedure for appeal rather than the other. Byrd v. Jones, 263 Ark. 406, 565 S.W.2d 131 (1978). See also Green v. Carder, 276 Ark. 591, 637 S.W.2d 594 (1982).

Where plaintiffs were forced to choose whether to proceed under this section or de novo review provision of alcoholic beverage control laws and the de novo review statute they elected to pursue their remedy under was subsequently declared unconstitutional, the plaintiffs would be treated as if they had only made a mistake and not an irrevocable election of remedies and would be allowed to proceed under this section. Green v. Carder, 276 Ark. 591, 637 S.W.2d 594 (1982).

Illustrative Cases.

State racing commission's order that greyhound racing purse be redistributed to owner of second place finisher after the winning greyhound's urine tested positive for an anti-inflammatory drug in violation of state racing rules was supported by substantial evidence and was not arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion as the state racing commission merely applied the undisputed fact that the drug was administered to the to the dog to the state's racing rules prohibiting such conduct. Arkansas State Racing Comm'n v. Wayne Ward, Inc., 346 Ark. 371, 57 S.W.3d 198 (2001).

Circuit court was without jurisdiction to enjoin a licensing board from having a hearing, where the bail bond company did not receive notice until day before the hearing and sought a continuance, because the bail bond company failed to exhaust its administrative remedies. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd. v. Frawley, 350 Ark. 444, 350 Ark. 444, 88 S.W.3d 418 (2002).

Because the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission acted within its statutory authority under § 15-22-503(e) in approving a water project submitted by a municipality that included a portion of a neighboring city's five-mile extraterritorial planning area, which was not preempted under § 14-56-413 by the neighboring municipality's planning authority in the five-mile area surrounding its city limits, and because the Commission's decision was supported by substantial evidence, the appellate court affirmed the Commission's order approving the municipality's water development project, as amended, for water plan compliance certification. Ark. Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n v. City of Bentonville, 351 Ark. 289, 92 S.W.3d 47 (2002).

Evidence supported the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners' finding that physical therapist's treatments, which caused his patients' spines to “pop,” were “spinal manipulations” as defined in § 17-81-102(7) and could only be performed by licensed chiropractors. Teston v. Ark. State Bd. of Chiropractic Examiners, 361 Ark. 300, 206 S.W.3d 796, cert. denied, 546 U.S. 960, 126 S. Ct. 480, 163 L. Ed. 2d 363 (2005).

Reduction of sex offender's risk assessment was appropriate as his Level 3 classification was not supported by substantial evidence; the Arkansas Department of Correction Sex Offender Screening and Risk Assessment failed to cite any incident where defendant's answers differed from documents assembled for the interview. Ark. Dep't of Corr. Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assessment v. Claybaugh, 93 Ark. App. 11, 216 S.W.3d 134 (2005).

There was sufficient evidence in the record to show that funeral director failed to make reasonable attempts to fulfill the needs and desires of decedent's survivors and that the funeral director entered decedent's house without permission and removed her property; thus, the decision by the Arkansas Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors to suspend funeral director's license for two years was affirmed. Ark. Bd. of Embalmers Funeral Dirs. v. Reddick, 366 Ark. 89, 233 S.W.3d 639 (2006).

Where evidence showed that a physician treated patients for low back pain and he advertised his operation as a pain management clinic, the Arkansas State Medical Board's decision that Ark. State Medical Board Regulation 19 applied to the physician was upheld. Kale v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 367 Ark. 151, 238 S.W.3d 89 (2006).

There was substantial evidence supporting the administrative law judge's finding that the foster mother caused a nonaccidental physical injury to the child, and therefore the circuit court erred by removing the mother's name from the child maltreatment registry because: (1) the child had bruising on the back of her thighs from the back of her knees to the bottom of her buttocks; (2) there were at least eight to ten bruises, which were evidence by several straight lines, some of which were near the child's vaginal area; (3) there was testimony that the bruises were at least 24 hours old; (4) two of the other children being fostered by the mother told an investigator that she used a switch when administering punishment; and (5) the mother herself stated during the investigation that she had used a switch to swat the child. None of the exceptions to a finding of abuse under § 12-12-503(2)(C) were present. Dep't of Health & Human Servs. v. R.C, 368 Ark. 660, 249 S.W.3d 797 (2007), cert. denied, R. C. v. Ark. HHS, 128 S. Ct. 359, 169 L. Ed. 2d 58 (2007).

Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies' decision that it was unable to pursue money from a surety bond was arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion because a consent judgment entered in favor of a customer determined that a corporation licensed under § 23-52-107 had charged usurious rates of interest with regards to a deferred presentment agreement, in violation of Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies Regulation XXI and Ark. Const., Art. 19, § 13(a). Staton v. Ark. State Bd. of Collection Agencies, 372 Ark. 387, 277 S.W.3d 190 (2008).

Approval of a private-club permit was proper because a club established that it had a nonprofit purpose other than the consumption of alcohol under § 3-9-202(12)(A)(i) where it operated in conjunction with a restaurant and was designed to enhance the dining experience. Moreover, the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division Board's interpretation of § 3-9-202(12)(A)(i) was entitled to deference, and arguments relating to nonprofit status that were not fully developed before the Board were not preserved for appellate review. Barnes v. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin., 2012 Ark. App. 237, 419 S.W.3d 20 (2012).

When the Arkansas State Medical Board received verification that the Alaska proceedings resulted in a finding that the doctor had violated Alaska law, the Arkansas board then revoked his medical license under § 17-95-409, and the appellate court could not say that the Arkansas board's decision was arbitrary or capricious under subsection (h) of this section. Ahmad v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 2018 Ark. App. 111, 542 S.W.3d 224 (2018).

As Alaska pharmacists had reported high volumes of the doctor's patients with prescriptions for high-dosage opioids and controlled substances without visible symptoms and the doctor's exam findings did not support the specific diagnoses listed in patient records, the Arkansas Board's decision to revoke the doctor's Arkansas license under § 17-95-409 was not unduly harsh for purposes of subsection (h) of this section. Ahmad v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 2018 Ark. App. 111, 542 S.W.3d 224 (2018).

Substantial evidence supported the Department of Human Services' decision to place appellant on the Child Maltreatment Central Registry where the testimony and other evidence showed that he was the minor victim's sexual partner, and appellant was essentially asking the appellate court to reweigh the evidence and give one witness's testimony more weight and credibility. Shaw v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2018 Ark. App. 322, 550 S.W.3d 925 (2018).

Injured Persons.

This section affords to “any person who considers himself injured in his person, business or property, by final agency action” judicial review of such action whether such person was a party to the administrative proceeding or not. Estes v. Walters, 269 Ark. 891, 601 S.W.2d 252 (Ct. App. 1980).

Appeal from agency decision dismissed where appellant failed to allege that he had sustained or was immediately in danger of sustaining injury either in his “person, business or property” as a consequence of the decision since only a claimant who has a personal stake in the outcome of a controversy has standing to invoke the jurisdiction of the circuit court in order to seek remedial relief; his injury must be concrete, specific, real and immediate rather than conjectural or hypothetical. Estes v. Walters, 269 Ark. 891, 601 S.W.2d 252 (Ct. App. 1980).

Inmates.

Inmate's petition failed to sustain a claim under this section to support a judicial review of the Arkansas Department of Corrections' decision because it did not set forth facts to show deprivation of a liberty interest under the Due Process Clause; the inmate alleged only a breach of contractual terms and that the DOC rules interfered with his right to correspond or otherwise communicate with persons not in prison. Renfro v. Smith, 2013 Ark. 40 (2013).

Because the circuit court summarily denied an inmate's petition to proceed in forma pauperis, a record of the entire proceedings was not lodged in the circuit court pursuant to subsection (d) of this section; the inmate stated a colorable claim that had to be evaluated in light of the entire record, and he was, therefore, entitled to proceed in forma pauperis. Ruiz v. Felts, 2017 Ark. 85, 512 S.W.3d 626 (2017).

Judicial review of administrative complaints is generally unavailable to inmates unless a constitutional violation is sufficiently alleged. When an inmate challenges a disciplinary proceeding and prison officials' implementation of Department of Correction policy, the petition must allege a constitutional question sufficient to raise a liberty interest. Muntaqim v. Kelley, 2019 Ark. 240, 581 S.W.3d 496 (2019).

Circuit court did not err in denying an inmate's petition to proceed in forma pauperis on his claims that prison officials initiated and conducted a disciplinary proceeding against him in violation of his constitutional rights because the Department of Correction officials did not violate his right to due process as there was no liberty interest protecting against a 20-day assignment to punitive isolation; and the inmate's claim that disciplinary charges were brought against him in retaliation for his exercising his right to seek redress of grievances failed to support his petition because the disciplinary charges were supported by “some evidence” that the inmate had threatened and acted insolently toward prison officials. Muntaqim v. Kelley, 2019 Ark. 240, 581 S.W.3d 496 (2019).

Judicial-Discipline Matters.

The Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (§ 25-15-201 et seq.) is inapplicable to judicial-discipline matters under subdivision (h)(4) of this section. Ark. Judicial Discipline and Disability Comm'n v. Proctor, 2010 Ark. 38, 360 S.W.3d 61, cert. denied, isability Comm'n, 561 U.S. 1027, 130 S. Ct. 3516, 177 L. Ed. 2d 1093 (2010)(mem.).

Jurisdiction.

There was no final agency action necessary for purposes of judicial review under this section because a doctor voluntarily surrendered the doctor's medical license before the board could render a decision on the doctor's requests for a closed hearing and voluntary restriction of the doctor's license; the circuit court correctly found that it lacked jurisdiction. Baber v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 2010 Ark. 243, 368 S.W.3d 897 (2010).

“Court of competent jurisdiction” is circuit court; chancery court did not have jurisdiction to entertain suit. Arkansas State Bd. of Educ. v. Purifoy, 292 Ark. 526, 731 S.W.2d 209, 1987 Ark. LEXIS 2179 (1987), superseded by statute as stated in, Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

The judicial review provisions of this subchapter are not applicable to the discharge of an employee; the discharge of an employee is not an adjudication but administrative decision and the circuit court is without jurisdiction to review such actions. Viswanathan v. Mississippi County Cmty Coll. Bd. of Trs., 318 Ark. 810, 887 S.W.2d 531 (1994), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 815 (1995).

A court retains jurisdiction over a proceeding after it remands the proceeding to an agency pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and, therefore, can issue subpoenas after such a remand. Oliver v. Pulaski County Court, 340 Ark. 681, 13 S.W.3d 156 (2000).

The administrative remedy available to the State Medical Board before the State Board of Dental Examiners on its claim that a dentist, with the aid of the State Board of Dental Examiners, engaged in the unlawful practice of medicine was inadequate and, therefore, the chancery court had jurisdiction over the matter. Ark. State Med. Bd. v. Schoen, 338 Ark. 762, 1 S.W.3d 430 (1999).

There can be no judicial review pursuant to subdivision (h)(3) of this section when the circuit court enjoins an agency from conducting a hearing, thereby preventing the agency from making a decision regarding a person's request for a continuance. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd. v. Frawley, 350 Ark. 444, 350 Ark. 444, 88 S.W.3d 418 (2002).

Reviewing court lacked jurisdiction to consider the supplier's appeal, because the circuit court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over the matter, when the decision of the Office of State Procurement did not emanate from a hearing and the Office did not issue an order containing any findings of fact; administratively, the Office merely determined that the supplier's protest could not be heard, therefore, the decision did not come within the purview of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, and thus the circuit court lacked jurisdiction to review it. Fatpipe, Inc. v. State, 2012 Ark. 248, 410 S.W.3d 574 (2012).

Circuit court had no subject-matter jurisdiction to review the licensing decision of the Medical Marijuana Commission (MMC) concerning cultivation facilities because (1) under this section, no “adjudication” as defined by statute occurred at the agency level and the MMC's decision was not quasi-judicial, and (2) under § 25-15-207, the court only had jurisdiction to resolve a rule's validity or applicability, but the invalidity of a MMC rule was not pled, the “applicability” of a rule was not contested, and no declaration of whether a rule should have been applied was sought; instead, the complaints sought a declaration that the “application” of the MMC rules was improper, unfair, and arbitrary. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

Supreme Court of Akansas did not address whether Rule 19 of the Medical Marijuana Commission conveyed subject-matter jurisdiction to the circuit court; although that rule provided that a denial of a cultivation license may be appealed to the circuit court, the issue was not ripe because the appellees had not been issued denial letters subsequent to an adjudication. Ark. Dep't of Fin. & Admin. v. Naturalis Health, LLC, 2018 Ark. 224, 549 S.W.3d 901 (2018).

Modification.

Revocation of license held to be unduly harsh and penalty modified to suspension for one year. Ark. State Bd. of Pharmacy v. Patrick, 243 Ark. 967, 423 S.W.2d 265 (1968).

The trial court has the authority to modify a penalty assessed under this subchapter if it is found that such penalty is unduly harsh and unreasonable under all the facts. Arkansas State Bd. of Pharmacy v. Isely, 13 Ark. App. 111, 680 S.W.2d 718 (1984).

Under subsection (h), the trial court has the discretion to decide whether or not to modify an agency decision. Brown v. Department of Human Servs., 330 Ark. 764, 956 S.W.2d 866 (1997).

Procedural Irregularities.

Alleged procedural irregularities in administration of market conduct examination, results of which formed basis of State Insurance Commissioner's finding, were not matters of record before the commissioner; therefore, the court could take evidence about these matters as they went towards alleged irregularities in procedure not in the record and could support a showing of discriminatory treatment of insurer. Garner v. Foundation Life Ins. Co., 17 Ark. App. 13, 702 S.W.2d 417 (1986).

State Police Commission's failure to adhere to its own requirements that the results of police officer's drug test results be confirmed by a medical review officer deprived police officer of the fundamental rights the commission's procedures were designed to protect, and commission's decision to terminate officer was reversed. Stueart v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 329 Ark. 46, 945 S.W.2d 377 (1997).

Trial court erred in dismissing as untimely appellant's petition for judicial review of an assessment declaring appellant to be a sex offender where the record did not contain any evidence that letters from the Arkansas Department of Correction Sex Offender Screening and Risk Assessment Committee were sent to appellant by certified mail, as required by § 12-12-922(b)(7)(A)(i). Without proof that the letters were properly sent, it could not be said that either letter constituted a final decision under § 25-15-212(b). Munson v. Arkansas Dep't of Corr. Sex Offender Screening & Risk Assess., — Ark. —, — S.W.3d —, 2007 Ark. LEXIS 226 (Mar. 22, 2007).

Issuance of a commercial disposal well permit was made upon unlawful procedure and was thus subject to reversal under subdivision (h)(3) of this section because the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission failed to comply with its own rules pursuant to § 15-71-111(a)(3) when it did not require timely proof of financial assurance under Ark. Oil & Gas Comm'n Rule H-1. Capstone Oilfield Disposal of Ark., Inc. v. Pope County, 2012 Ark. App. 231, 408 S.W.3d 65 (2012).

Record.

The results of a polygraph examination would not be the type of evidence commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent men in the conduct of their affairs, thus there was no error in excluding the results from the record of a hearing. Baxter v. Ark. State Bd. of Dental Exmrs., 269 Ark. 67, 598 S.W.2d 412 (1980).

An administrative agency was not required to file an answer to a complaint which was in the nature of a petition for review of a final decision of the agency; the agency met the requirement of subsection (d) by filing the original or a certified copy of the record of the proceeding under review. Whitlock v. G.P.W. Nursing Home, Inc., 283 Ark. 158, 672 S.W.2d 48 (1984).

Where the parties agreed not to submit medical records as part of the administrative record in a case involving the operation of a pain management program by a physician, it was improper to charge the physician for copying costs. Kale v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 367 Ark. 151, 238 S.W.3d 89 (2006).

Declining to award a former certified nursing assistant a default judgment against the Department of Human Services (DHS) based on its failure to timely file the record on appeal was not error as default judgment was not an appropriate remedy for an appeal from an administrative proceeding. Additionally, DHS had received an extension of time to file the record, and the record was filed within 90 days as required by subdivision (d)(1) of this section. Snyder v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2018 Ark. App. 473, 559 S.W.3d 771 (2018).

Where the administrative record was not filed in the circuit court due to an “inadvertent oversight”, the administrative record could not be filed directly with the appellate court, bypassing the circuit court, because the “reviewing court” in subdivision (d)(1) of this section was the lower court and not the appellate court. Furthermore, it had been more than 90 days from the service of the petition. Webb v. Sex Offender Assessment Comm., 2020 Ark. App. 30 (2020) (per curiam).

Remand.

Although the Arkansas Transportation Commission is excluded from the provisions of this subchapter, where a judge relied on this subchapter in issuing remand order, his action would not be reversed where the order could be supported on other grounds. Bridges v. Arkansas Motor Coaches, Ltd., 256 Ark. 1054, 511 S.W.2d 651 (1974).

Where record of proceeding was totally inadequate for review, the case was remanded to commission for adjudication in accordance with this subchapter. Arkansas State Hwy. Comm'n v. National Adv. Co., 273 Ark. 433, 619 S.W.2d 678 (1981).

Case was sent back to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners because the Board's final order imposing a fine on the chiropractors and placing them on probation for committing eight “unprofessional conduct” violations was not specific enough given the many issues in play and the voluminous agency record. Ark. State Bd. of Chiropractic Examiners v. Currie, 2013 Ark. App. 612 (2013).

Case had to be remanded for the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors to make specific findings of fact and conclusions of law because the findings and conclusions were insufficient to allow a reviewing court to determine whether several issues were resolved in conformity with the law; the Board made no comment regarding the truth or falsity of a landowner's assertions against a surveyor. Ark. State Bd. of Licensure for Prof'l Eng'rs & Prof'l Surveyors v. Callicott, 2016 Ark. App. 476, 503 S.W.3d 860 (2016).

Request for Argument or Briefs.

Circuit court did not err in not inviting oral argument or written briefs, where no request for oral argument or for submission of briefs was made and where no objection was made after entry of circuit court order affirming board's action. Bank of Glenwood v. Arkansas State Banking Bd., 260 Ark. 677, 543 S.W.2d 761 (1976).

Scope of Review.

Under this section, the courts are given the same type of review that is applied by the federal courts to the federal Administrative Procedure Act. Arkansas Sav. & Loan Ass'n Bd. v. Central Ark. Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 260 Ark. 58, 538 S.W.2d 505 (1976).

In view of the fact that administrative decisions are not reviewed de novo, the agency, and not the reviewing court, is in a position to observe witnesses and consider their demeanor and conduct so that the credibility of witnesses and the proper weight to be accorded evidence adduced is a prerogative of the agency, not the reviewing court. White County Guar. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. F & M Bank, 262 Ark. 893, 562 S.W.2d 582 (1978).

Upon review of the actions of an administrative board or agency, the circuit court's review of the evidence is limited to a determination of whether there was substantial evidence to support the action taken, and upon appeal, the Supreme Court's review of the evidence is similarly limited. Ark. Real Estate Comm'n v. Harrison, 266 Ark. 339, 585 S.W.2d 34 (1979); Arkansas Real Estate Comm'n v. Hale, 12 Ark. App. 229, 674 S.W.2d 507 (1984).

Supreme Court must affirm the decision of an administrative agency if there is substantial evidence of record to support it. Partlow v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 271 Ark. 351, 609 S.W.2d 23 (1980).

When reviewing administrative decisions, the Supreme Court reviews the entire record to determine whether there is any substantial evidence to support the administrative agency's decision, or whether there was arbitrary and capricious action, or whether it was characterized by abuse of discretion. Ark. ABC Bd. v. King, 275 Ark. 308, 629 S.W.2d 288 (1982).

Review of agency action under the arbitrary and capricious standard is a narrow scope of review. Ark. State Bd. of Nursing v. Long, 8 Ark. App. 288, 651 S.W.2d 109 (1983).

Upon judicial review of administrative decisions, the court must review the entire record and determine whether there is substantial evidence to support the administrative findings. Ark. State Bd. of Nursing v. Long, 8 Ark. App. 288, 651 S.W.2d 109 (1983); Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

The rules governing judicial review of administrative decisions are the same for both the circuit and appellate courts and this review is limited in scope; administrative decisions will be upheld if supported by substantial evidence and not arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by an abuse of discretion. Fouch v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Div., 10 Ark. App. 139, 662 S.W.2d 181, 1983 Ark. App. LEXIS 935 (1983).

The reviewing court may not displace the board's choice between two fairly conflicting views even though the court might have made a different choice had the matter been before it de novo; the reviewing court may not set aside a board's decision unless it cannot conscientiously find from a review of the entire record that the evidence supporting the decision is substantial. Fouch v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Div., 10 Ark. App. 139, 662 S.W.2d 181, 1983 Ark. App. LEXIS 935 (1983).

When reviewing administrative decisions, the court reviews the entire record to determine whether there is any substantial evidence to support the agency's decision, or whether there was arbitrary and capricious action, or action characterized by abuse of discretion. Green v. Carder, 282 Ark. 239, 667 S.W.2d 660 (1984).

The court will not substitute its judgment for that of an administrative agency, absent an abuse of discretion by that agency. Green v. Carder, 282 Ark. 239, 667 S.W.2d 660 (1984).

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board had the statutory authority to make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on the evidence presented, and the circuit court acted without authority in making its own findings of fact and conclusions of law in the absence of a decision by the board. ABC Bd. v. Hicks, 19 Ark. App. 212, 718 S.W.2d 488 (1986).

The trial court may reverse or modify a board's decision if it is not supported by substantial evidence or is arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by abuse of discretion, and the Supreme Court's review is similarly limited. Ark. ABC Bd. v. Muncrief, 308 Ark. 373, 825 S.W.2d 816 (1992).

Administrative agencies are better equipped than courts, by specialization, insight through experience, and more flexible procedures, to determine and analyze underlying legal issues affecting their agencies, and this recognition accounts for the limited scope of judicial review of administrative action, and the refusal of a trial court to substitute its judgment and discretion for that of an administrative agency. Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

Where the trial court took three of the factors under subsection (h) into consideration: whether supported by substantial evidence, whether made upon unlawful procedure, and whether there existed arbitrary and capricious procedure, this was more than sufficient to satisfy this subchapter. Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

Appellate court review is not directed toward the circuit court but toward the decision of the agency; the administrative agency's decision will be upheld if it is supported by substantial evidence. Arkansas State Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Kidder, 326 Ark. 595, 933 S.W.2d 794 (1996).

An appellate court may reverse or modify an agency decision if the substantial rights of the petitioner have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, or decisions are, inter alia, not supported by substantial evidence of record or are arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by an abuse of discretion. Olsten Health Servs., Inc. v. Arkansas Health Servs. Comm'n, 69 Ark. App. 313, 12 S.W.3d 656 (2000).

Substantial evidence supported the decision rendered by The Arkansas Department of Human Services which gradually cut the assigned number of hours of private-duty nursing care which was medically necessary for a patient's care, based on the last documented prescription the Department received. In re Brandenburg, 83 Ark. App. 298, 126 S.W.3d 732 (2003).

Decision by the Department of Human Services are governed by the Administrative Procedure Act; thus, the appellate court reviewed the decision of an agency who held that a school principal had abused a child when paddling him for discipline, rather than the trial court decision, to see if it was supported by substantial evidence. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Holman, 96 Ark. App. 243, 240 S.W.3d 618 (2006).

In conducting review, pursuant to this section, of a decision of the Arkansas State Medical Board, which revoked a physician's license based on a finding that he violated Regulation 2.7 by becoming sexually involved with a patient, the court found substantial evidence to uphold the decision because the evidence showed that the physician became romantically involved with a patient and subsequently ordered prescription medication for her; however, revocation of the physician's license to practice under § 17-95-409 was arbitrary and capricious based on the physician's unblemished professional record and based on the fact that he did not try to willfully violate the Regulations. Thus, the revocation was modified to a one-year suspension. Collie v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 370 Ark. 180, 258 S.W.3d 367 (2007).

Section 23-48-603 did not allow the Arkansas Bank Commissioner to award interest to dissenting shareholders for the period between the date the surviving bank tendered an offer of the fair value of the shares, until the final determination of the value of the shares after the appraisal process, because the Arkansas General Assembly did not grant the Commissioner the authority to award either prejudgment or postjudgment interest under § 23-48-603. Brookshire v. Adcock, 2009 Ark. 207, 307 S.W.3d 22 (2009).

Appellate court could not reverse a decision of the Arkansas Department of Human Services interpreting its Medicaid reimbursement rules because the agency's interpretation was neither too narrow nor clearly wrong and its denial of a health services company's request for reimbursement was supported by substantial evidence. Northport Health Servs. of Ark. v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2009 Ark. 619, 363 S.W.3d 308 (2009).

There was no error in suspending the licensee's funeral director license for one year and imposing a $1,500 fine, because the evidence was sufficient to support the determination by the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors that the licensee violated § 20-18-303, when the Division of Vital Records repeatedly and fruitlessly contacted the licensee to obtain the demanded information and death certificate, and despite an offer by the Division to help facilitate the filing, the Division was required to take the extraordinary step of issuing the death certificate under its own authority. Collins v. Ark. Bd. of Embalmers & Funeral Dirs., 2009 Ark. App. 498, 324 S.W.3d 716 (2009).

In an appeal by parents under this section of the Arkansas State Board of Education's decision to close a K-12 school campus under § 6-20-602(a), the state's duty to provide an adequate education, its obligation to render a definition of excessive transportation time, and its obligation to adequately fund the transportation needs of school districts were not issues before the court where the state was not a party to the action. Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board's findings that a veterinarian violated § 17-101-305(a)(5) and Board Regulations 19F, 19L, and 19O, were not supported by substantial evidence because these provisions required expert evidence of the standard of care, and no such evidence was presented. Zepecki v. Ark. Veterinary Med. Examining Bd., 2010 Ark. App. 187, 375 S.W.3d 41 (2010).

Decision by the Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board that a real estate appraiser had violated several standards of appraisal practice was properly overturned because the Board's findings of fact did not correlate with its conclusions of law relating to the professional standards that it found that the appraiser had violated. Since the Board's conclusions of law were without adequate corresponding factual support, they lacked substantial evidence and were arbitrary and capricious. Ark. Appraiser Licensing v. Quast, 2010 Ark. App. 511 (2010).

Because the Capitol Zoning District Commission's decision denying a property owner's application to install a 48-inch-high fence was supported by substantial evidence, it was not arbitrary and capricious. Capitol Zoning Dist. Comm'n v. Cowan, 2012 Ark. App. 619, 429 S.W.3d 267 (2012).

There was substantial evidence to support the Capitol Zoning District Commission's decision denying a property owner's application to install a 48-inch-high fence. The owner's property was one of the most historic residences in all of Arkansas, and surrounding properties traditionally had fences at or under 40 inches in height. Capitol Zoning Dist. Comm'n v. Cowan, 2012 Ark. App. 619, 429 S.W.3d 267 (2012).

There was substantial evidence to support the finding that the prior felony conviction should not be waived to allow the applicant to offer counseling, because the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling found that the applicant's testimony that there would be no future aberrations in his behavior was not credible. Beavers v. Ark. Bd. of Examiners in Counseling, 2013 Ark. App. 222, 427 S.W.3d 130 (2013).

Administrative law judge (ALJ) said the mother was carelessly swinging a belt at the child and knowingly struck him, but the two adverbs of “carelessly” and “knowingly” were diametrically opposed and invalidated the reasoning behind her conclusion that the mother abused her child, and the facts did not rise to the level of substantial evidence to support the ALJ's decision; the mother accidentally hit the child in the face as he was moving, which did not rise to the level of knowingly or intentionally as required by statute. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., Div. of Children & Family Servs. v. Nelson, 2015 Ark. App. 98, 455 S.W.3d 859 (2015).

There was substantial evidence to support the revocation of the license of a title insurance company owner because there was a longtime pattern of poor record-keeping, poor management, and questionable business practices that enabled the owner's employee to commit fraud; and the owner disregarded the sanctity of escrow accounts and failed to place correct information on title policies regarding his license, business name, and the required statutory notices. Moreover, the sanction was not too harsh because revocation was an available sanction for the violations that occurred. Dyer v. Ark. Ins. Dep't, 2015 Ark. App. 446, 468 S.W.3d 303 (2015).

Substantial evidence supported the decision of the Department of Human Services that a teacher had committed sexual abuse of a minor student and ordering that the teacher's name be placed in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, even though the criminal charges had been dropped; the ALJ had clearly considered the teacher's defenses and rejected them, the appellate court does not act as a super factfinder, and the teacher could not complain that he was denied an opportunity to cross-examine the student when he failed to subpoena her. J.C. v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2019 Ark. App. 131, 572 S.W.3d 878 (2019).

—Arbitrary, Capricious, Etc.

Administrative action may be regarded as arbitrary and capricious only where it is not supportable on any rational basis. Partlow v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 271 Ark. 351, 609 S.W.2d 23 (1980).

To set aside administrative action as arbitrary and capricious, it must be proven that it was willful and unreasoning action, without consideration and with a disregard of the facts or circumstances of the case. Partlow v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 271 Ark. 351, 609 S.W.2d 23 (1980); Ark. State Bd. of Nursing v. Long, 8 Ark. App. 288, 651 S.W.2d 109 (1983); Garner v. Foundation Life Ins. Co., 17 Ark. App. 13, 702 S.W.2d 417 (1986).

The requirement that administrative action not be arbitrary or capricious is less demanding than the requirement that it be supported by substantial evidence; in order for the action to be invalid as arbitrary, the action must lack rational basis or hinge on a finding of fact based on an erroneous view of the law, and the action is not arbitrary simply because the reviewing court would act differently. Woodyard v. Arkansas Diversified Ins. Co., 268 Ark. 94, 594 S.W.2d 13 (1980); In re Sugarloaf Mining Co., 310 Ark. 772, 840 S.W.2d 172 (1992).

Agency action held not arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by an abuse of discretion. Partlow v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 271 Ark. 351, 609 S.W.2d 23 (1980); Huth v. Division of Social Servs. of Dep't of Human Servs., 287 Ark. 294, 698 S.W.2d 789 (1985); Garner v. Foundation Life Ins. Co., 17 Ark. App. 13, 702 S.W.2d 417 (1986).

Agency action held to be arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion. Division of Social Servs. v. Oak Hills Corp., 287 Ark. 32, 695 S.W.2d 836 (1985); Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

Even though the director for the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board sent the tobacco company an offer of settlement “recommending” a $500 fine for the tobacco company which gave unlawful rebates to retailers, and the company accepted the offer, the defense of agency estoppel was not preserved, and because the evidence established that the company had paid rebates to at least 28 Arkansas retail establishments, it was not arbitrary or capricious for the Board to reject the “recommendation” and impose a $28,000 fine and suspension of the company's permit for six months. H.T. Hackney Co. v. Davis, 353 Ark. 797, 120 S.W.3d 79 (2003).

Trial court determined that the administrative law judge acted arbitrarily in determining that the husband's annuity was purchased to assist the institutionalized spouse in qualifying for Medicaid benefits; however, the appellate court reversed and remanded for further findings as the Arkansas Department of Human Services did not properly complete the eligibility worksheet to determine eligibility. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Schroder, 353 Ark. 885, 122 S.W.3d 10 (2003).

Administrative law judge's finding that a stepfather, who acted at the direction of and in concert with the natural mother in disciplining their children with respect to a specific incident, was not entitled to the protection of the reasonable and moderate discipline exception under § 12-12-503(2)(C)(i), was arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Parker, 88 Ark. App. 222, 197 S.W.3d 33, 2004 Ark. App. LEXIS 769 (2004).

Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors' denial of the request for licensure reinstatement of appellants, a funeral director and her funeral establishment was not arbitrary and capricious because the record demonstrated that appellants engaged in a systematic course of committing violations, resulting in suspensions, probation, and ultimately revocation of their funeral-director and funeral-establishment licenses and that even after their licenses were revoked, appellants continued to conduct funerals in violation of the statutes. Collins v. Ark. Bd. of Embalmers & Funeral Dirs., 2013 Ark. App. 678, 430 S.W.3d 213 (2013).

If an agency's action is supported by substantial evidence, then it follows automatically that the decision cannot be characterized as arbitrary and capricious. Reynolds v. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd., 2019 Ark. App. 587, 591 S.W.3d 837 (2019).

—Substantial Evidence.

Circuit court properly reversed an administrative decision that parents neglected their children as there was no substantial evidence to support a finding that the children were placed in danger by the parents by allowing them to spend the night with their step-grandfather, a convicted sex offender, following their grandmother's death, especially where those visits went without any suggestion of abuse. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Bixler, 91 Ark. App. 277, 210 S.W.3d 135 (2005), rev'd, 364 Ark. 292, 219 S.W.3d 125 (2005).

The requirement that the action of the board be supported by sufficient evidence does not place upon the board the burden of presenting evidence that a petition should be denied nor relieve the petitioner of the burden of presenting evidence sufficient to justify the granting of the petition. Gray's Butane Whsle., Inc. v. Arkansas Liquefied Petro. Gas Bd., 250 Ark. 69, 463 S.W.2d 639 (1971).

Substantial evidence supported agency decision. White County Guar. Sav. & Loan Ass'n v. F & M Bank, 262 Ark. 893, 562 S.W.2d 582 (1978); Woodyard v. Arkansas Diversified Ins. Co., 268 Ark. 94, 594 S.W.2d 13 (1980); Garner v. Foundation Life Ins. Co., 17 Ark. App. 13, 702 S.W.2d 417 (1986).

Substantial evidence is valid, legal, and persuasive evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Partlow v. Arkansas State Police Comm'n, 271 Ark. 351, 609 S.W.2d 23 (1980); Ark. State Bd. of Nursing v. Long, 8 Ark. App. 288, 651 S.W.2d 109 (1983); Arkansas Real Estate Comm'n v. Hale, 12 Ark. App. 229, 674 S.W.2d 507 (1984).

On appeal, the court gives the evidence its strongest probative force in favor of the administrative agency. Williams v. Scott, 278 Ark. 453, 647 S.W.2d 115 (1983); Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Simes, 281 Ark. 81, 661 S.W.2d 378 (1983).

In order to establish an absence of substantial evidence to support the decision, the appellant must demonstrate that the proof before the administrative tribunal was so nearly undisputed that fair-minded men could not reach its conclusion. The question is not whether the testimony would have supported a contrary finding but whether it supports the finding that was made. Williams v. Scott, 278 Ark. 453, 647 S.W.2d 115 (1983); Wright v. Ark. State Plant Bd., 311 Ark. 125, 842 S.W.2d 42 (1992).

Evidence insufficient to support agency decision. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Simes, 281 Ark. 81, 661 S.W.2d 378 (1983); Fouch v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Div., 10 Ark. App. 139, 662 S.W.2d 181, 1983 Ark. App. LEXIS 935 (1983).

Substantial evidence means relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support the conclusion based on a review of the entire record. Woodyard v. Arkansas Diversified Ins. Co., 268 Ark. 94, 594 S.W.2d 13 (1980); Fouch v. State, Alcoholic Beverage Control Div., 10 Ark. App. 139, 662 S.W.2d 181, 1983 Ark. App. LEXIS 935 (1983).

In applying subsection (h) to child abuse reporting cases, an administrative decision is reviewed under the same credible evidence standard, rather than the substantial evidence standard, however the remaining portions of that subsection remain in effect. DeWeese v. Polk County Children & Family Servs., 40 Ark. App. 139, 842 S.W.2d 466 (1992).

Substantial evidence did not support the decision placing the employee on the certified nursing abuse registry because the administrative law judge did not make the requisite findings to support the violation she found; the administrative law judge concluded that the employee's conduct was abusive under § 5-28-101(1), without specifying which of the two definitions of abuse in the provision she was applying. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Haen, 81 Ark. App. 171, 100 S.W.3d 740, 2003 Ark. App. LEXIS 206 (2003).

There was substantial evidence to support the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy's decision to suspend physical therapist, with probation thereafter, where during the hearing, there was evidence produced that the physical therapist and the patient engaged in kissing, hugging, and heavy petting during the course of her treatment, and there was also testimony that the physical therapist made very intimate and personal comments to the patient during treatment, and the two had intercourse within at least two weeks of the patient's final therapy session. Williams v. Ark. State Bd. of Physical Therapy, 353 Ark. 778, 120 S.W.3d 581 (2003).

Circuit court properly affirmed the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) because substantial evidence supported its finding that a school district was responsible for paying the employer contribution to ATRS on settlement proceeds a teacher received and that it failed to follow the calculation of damages designated in the settlement as back pay. Palestine-Wheatley Sch. Dist. v. Hopkins, 2016 Ark. App. 112, 484 S.W.3d 682 (2016).

Circuit court did not fail to consider whether substantial evidence supported the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System because it recited the standard of review applicable, specifically noting the standard of whether there was substantial evidence to support the agency's findings; the circuit court found that the decision of the administrative hearing officer from which the appeal arose was supported by substantial evidence. Palestine-Wheatley Sch. Dist. v. Hopkins, 2016 Ark. App. 112, 484 S.W.3d 682 (2016).

Where an appraiser was sanctioned by the appraiser board for a deficient appraisal, the fact that the board's chief investigator did not review certain documents until the hearing did not, by itself, render the board's decision without substantial evidence to support it. Reynolds v. Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd., 2019 Ark. App. 587, 591 S.W.3d 837 (2019).

Sovereign Immunity.

Circuit court erred in dismissing with prejudice, based on sovereign immunity, an administrative appeal from final orders of the Oil and Gas Commission because sovereign immunity was not implicated where the commission was not “made a defendant” as contemplated by the state constitution; the commission's role in the proceeding was that of a tribunal or a quasi-judicial decision-maker rather than a real party in interest. It followed that the circuit court's rulings declaring the adjudicatory provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act unconstitutional and invalidating the commission's orders as void ab initio also were reversed. Ark. Oil & Gas Comm'n v. Hurd, 2018 Ark. 397, 564 S.W.3d 248 (2018).

Standing.

Since the Arkansas Department of Labor is covered under the Administrative Procedure Act both, employer and employee have the right to institute an original action in a court of law. United States Rooter All Type Plumbing Co. v. Holliman, 50 Ark. App. 125, 900 S.W.2d 580 (1995).

The court rejected the contention that when an individual does not appear in the proceedings below, but seeks to appeal a final action under the Administrative Procedures Act, he must set out in his petition how the issuance of the permit will harm him; instead, in order to have standing, a petitioner must assert in his pleadings how he has already sustained or is immediately in danger of sustaining injury either in his person, business, or property as a consequence of the final action. Ark. Alcoholic Bev. Control v. Muncrief, 74 Ark. App. 221, 45 S.W.3d 438 (2001).

There is no need for Arkansas courts to resort to the requirements for standing under the federal Administrative Procedure Act when determining standing under § 25-15-212(a); a petitioner under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act (APA), §§ 25-15-201 to 25-15-217, did not have to show an “injury in fact” and that such injury was within the “zone of interests” sought to be protected, as those terms were used under the federal Administrative Procedure Act, because the Arkansas APA did not have the same requirements as the federal Administrative Procedure Act. Ark. Bev. Retailers Ass'n v. Moore, 369 Ark. 498, 256 S.W.3d 488 (2007).

Liquor store retailers' association had standing under § 25-15-212(a) to challenge a decision of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which granted permits to a department store, based on the association's claims of disparate treatment under § 3-4-218 and its members' inability to compete on an equal basis with the store. Ark. Bev. Retailers Ass'n v. Moore, 369 Ark. 498, 256 S.W.3d 488 (2007).

In an appeal by parents of the Arkansas State Board of Education's decision to close a K-12 school campus under § 6-20-602(a), the parents' allegation that their children would suffer a negative impact on their academic achievement due to the Board's approval of the school district's petition for closure was sufficient injury to confer standing under this section. Walker v. Ark. State Bd. of Educ., 2010 Ark. 277, 365 S.W.3d 899 (2010).

Competitor challenging the transfer of a retail liquor permit sufficiently alleged standing pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and standing was not challenged by the permit holder or the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The circuit court erred by raising the standing issue sua sponte and finding that it lacked jurisdiction to consider the petition, as the issue of standing is not akin to subject-matter jurisdiction; instead, it is a defense that may be waived by the parties. Gildehaus v. Ark. ABC Bd., 2016 Ark. 414, 503 S.W.3d 789 (2016).

Retail liquor permittee had standing to petition for review of the decision granting a competitor's liquor-permit application where he held a permit for a nearby location that would have been in direct competition with the competitor's store. Moore v. Ark. ABC Bd., 2016 Ark. 422, 503 S.W.3d 796 (2016).

Cited: Norton v. Blaylock, 409 F.2d 772 (8th Cir. Ark. 1969); Floyd v. Ark. State Bd. of Pharmacy, 248 Ark. 459, 451 S.W.2d 874 (1970); Ark. State Bd. of Pharmacy v. Whayne, 248 Ark. 934, 454 S.W.2d 667 (1970); Arkansas State Racing Comm'n v. Sayler, 249 Ark. 913, 462 S.W.2d 472 (1971); Ark. Sav. & Loan Ass'n Bd. v. Corning Sav. & Loan Ass'n, 252 Ark. 264, 478 S.W.2d 431 (1972); Norton v. Blaylock, 285 F. Supp. 659 (W.D. Ark. 1973); Hickman v. Arkansas Bd. of Pardons & Paroles, 361 F. Supp. 864 (E.D. Ark. 1973); Jarvis v. ABC Bd., 253 Ark. 728, 488 S.W.2d 712 (1973); Arkansas Racing Comm'n v. Emprise Corp., 254 Ark. 975, 497 S.W.2d 34 (1973); Thomas v. Committee “A” Thomas, 255 Ark. 517, 255 Ark. 517, 501 S.W.2d 248, 1973 Ark. LEXIS 1398 (1973); Selig v. Novak, 256 Ark. 278, 506 S.W.2d 825 (1974); Hewitt v. Gage, 257 Ark. 579, 519 S.W.2d 749 (1975); Jones v. Reed, 267 Ark. 237, 590 S.W.2d 6 (1979); Citizens Bank v. Arkansas State Banking Bd., 271 Ark. 703, 610 S.W.2d 257 (1981); Snyder v. ABC Bd., 1 Ark. App. 92, 613 S.W.2d 126 (1981); Copeland v. ABC Bd., 4 Ark. App. 143, 628 S.W.2d 588 (1982); Rowell v. Austin, 276 Ark. 445, 637 S.W.2d 531 (1982); Johnson v. Ark. ABC Bd., 6 Ark. App. 366, 642 S.W.2d 335 (1982); Fayetteville School Dist. No. 1 v. ABC Bd., 279 Ark. 89, 648 S.W.2d 804 (1983); Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Donis, 280 Ark. 169, 655 S.W.2d 452 (1983); ABC Div. v. Barnett, 285 Ark. 189, 685 S.W.2d 511 (1985); Livingston v. Ark. State Medical Bd., 288 Ark. 1, 701 S.W.2d 361 (1986); Patterson v. Hillcrest Home, 299 Ark. 27, 770 S.W.2d 654 (1989); Arkansas State Bd. of Cosmetology v. Roberts, 28 Ark. App. 249, 772 S.W.2d 624 (1989); Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Heath, 307 Ark. 147, 817 S.W.2d 885 (1991); Edwards v. ABC Div. Bd., 307 Ark. 245, 819 S.W.2d 271 (1991); Hollabaugh v. Ark. State Medical Bd., 43 Ark. App. 83, 861 S.W.2d 317 (1993); Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Walters, 315 Ark. 204, 866 S.W.2d 823 (1993); Volunteer Council v. Governmental Bonding Bd., 319 Ark. 716, 894 S.W.2d 580 (1995); Thomas v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 319 Ark. 782, 894 S.W.2d 584 (1995); Bohannon v. Ark. State Bd. of Nursing, 320 Ark. 169, 895 S.W.2d 923 (1995); Regional Care Facilities, Inc. v. Rose Care, Inc., 322 Ark. 767, 912 S.W.2d 409 (1995); Douglass v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 323 Ark. 105, 913 S.W.2d 277 (1996); Ark. Appraiser Licensing & Certification Bd. v. Fletcher, 326 Ark. 628, 933 S.W.2d 789 (1996); Mid-South Rd. Bldrs., Inc. v. Ark. Contractors Licensing Bd., 328 Ark. 630, 946 S.W.2d 649 (1997); Social Work Licensing Bd. v. Moncebaiz, 332 Ark. 67, 962 S.W.2d 797 (1998); Ark. Bd. of Exm'rs. v. Carlson, 334 Ark. 614, 976 S.W.2d 934 (1998); Ark. Bd. of Registration for Professional Geologists v. Ackley, 64 Ark. App. 325, 984 S.W.2d 67 (1998); Brown v. Ark. State Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Bd., 336 Ark. 34, 984 S.W.2d 402 (1999); McQuay v. Arkansas State Bd. of Architects, 337 Ark. 339, 989 S.W.2d 499 (1999); Ford v. Keith, 338 Ark. 487, 996 S.W.2d 20 (1999); Ark. Contractors Licensing Bd. v. Pegasus Renovation Co., 347 Ark. 320, 64 S.W.3d 241 (2001); Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd. v. Oudin, 348 Ark. 48, 69 S.W.3d 855 (2002); Van Curen v. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd., 79 Ark. App. 43, 84 S.W.3d 47 (2002); Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002); Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Campbell, 87 Ark. App. 206, 189 S.W.3d 495 (2004); Mann v. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd., 88 Ark. App. 393, 199 S.W.3d 84 (2004); Batiste v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 361 Ark. 46, 204 S.W.3d 521 (2005); Hanks v. Sneed, 366 Ark. 371, 235 S.W.3d 883 (2006); Linell v. Norris, 320 S.W.3d 642 (2009); Gilmore v. Ark. Bd. of Registration for Prof'l Eng'rs & Land Surveyors, 2011 Ark. App. 139, 381 S.W.3d 860 (2011); Hester v. Ark. Prof'l Bail Bondsman Licensing Bd., 2011 Ark. App. 389, 383 S.W.3d 925 (2011); Marrufo v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2013 Ark. 323, 429 S.W.3d 210 (2013); Halstead v. Sex Offender Assessment Comm., 2013 Ark. App. 445 (2013); Brown v. Sex Offender Assessment Comm., 2014 Ark. App. 236 (2014); Odyssey Healthcare Operating A. LP v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 2015 Ark. App. 459, 469 S.W.3d 381 (2015); McCormick v. Ark. State Med. Bd., 2017 Ark. App. 697, 545 S.W.3d 776 (2017).

25-15-213. Hearings generally.

In every case of adjudication, and in cases of rule making in which rules are required by law to be made on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, and in cases of rule making in which, pursuant to § 25-15-204(a)(2), the agency shall direct that oral testimony be taken or a hearing held:

  1. Any person compelled to appear before any agency or representative thereof shall have the right to be accompanied and advised by counsel. Every party shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel;
    1. There shall preside at the hearing:
      1. The agency;
      2. One (1) or more members of the agency; or
      3. One (1) or more examiners or referees designated by the agency.
    2. All presiding officers and all officers participating in decisions shall conduct themselves in an impartial manner and may at any time withdraw if they deem themselves disqualified.
    3. Any party may file an affidavit of personal bias or disqualification. The affidavit shall be ruled on by the agency and granted if timely, sufficient, and filed in good faith;
    1. Presiding officers shall have power, pursuant to published procedural rules of the agency:
      1. To issue subpoenas if the agency is authorized by law to issue them;
      2. To administer oaths and affirmations;
      3. To maintain order;
      4. To rule upon all questions arising during the course of a hearing or proceeding;
      5. To permit discovery by deposition or otherwise;
      6. To hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of issues;
      7. To make or recommend decisions; and
      8. Generally to regulate and guide the course of the pending proceeding.
    2. In any proceeding before any agency, if any person refuses to respond to a subpoena, refuses to take the oath or affirmation as a witness or thereafter refuses to be examined, or refuses to obey any lawful order of an agency contained in its decision rendered after hearing, the agency or the presiding officer of the agency hearing may apply to the circuit court of the county where the proceedings were held or are being held or to the circuit court of the county where a petition for judicial review was filed for an order directing that person to take the requisite action or to otherwise comply with the order of the agency. The court shall issue the order in its discretion. Should any person willfully fail to comply with an order so issued, the court shall punish him or her as for contempt;
  2. Except as otherwise provided by law, the proponent of a rule or order shall have the burden of proof. Irrelevant, immaterial, and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. Any other oral or documentary evidence, not privileged, may be received if it is of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent people in the conduct of their affairs. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and shall be noted of record. When a hearing will be expedited and the interests of the parties will not be substantially prejudiced, any part of the evidence may be received in written form;
  3. Parties shall have the right to conduct such cross examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts; and
  4. Official notice may be taken of judicially cognizable facts and of generally recognized technical or scientific facts within the agency's specialized knowledge. Parties shall be notified of material so noticed, including any staff memoranda or data, and shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to show the contrary.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 9; 1969, No. 82, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-709; Acts 2001, No. 1648, § 6.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1648, was not properly engrossed. Subdivisions (3)(A)(ii) and (iii) were omitted from the act but not specifically deleted from the section. As the omission was apparently an oversight, subdivisions (3)(A)(ii) and (iii) have been retained.

Case Notes

Construction.

This section suggests that one is entitled to a hearing in person, with “in person” meaning that the petitioner, respondent, witnesses, and the hearing officer are in one location; thus, the circuit court properly concluded that a telephone hearing was not sufficient in a case involving the placement of a name on the child maltreatment registry. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs. v. J.N., 96 Ark. App. 319, 241 S.W.3d 293 (2006).

Evidence.

Where board accepted statement as to the testimony of witnesses, action of board in not hearing the testimony was not prejudicial. Jones v. Reed, 267 Ark. 237, 590 S.W.2d 6 (1979).

The results of a polygraph examination were not the type of evidence commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent men in the conduct of their affairs. Baxter v. Ark. State Bd. of Dental Exmrs., 269 Ark. 67, 598 S.W.2d 412 (1980).

Testimony held admissible under subsection (4). Stringfellow v. ABC Bd., 3 Ark. App. 124, 623 S.W.2d 213 (1981).

In a prospective buyer's challenge to a vehicle manufacturer's determination that the buyer was unqualified to purchase a dealership, a hearing officer's exclusion of a letter that could have been used for impeachment purposes as to allegations of past warranty fraud was prejudicial under subdivision (5) of this section. Ford Motor Co. v. Ark. Motor Vehicle Comm'n, 357 Ark. 125, 161 S.W.3d 788 (2004).

In a case involving the revocation of an insurance license, even though challenged documents likely contained hearsay, the rules of evidence are relaxed in an administrative proceeding; moreover, the owner had the ability to subpoena witnesses to call the document preparers himself, or he could have asked for a continuance or a rehearing. Therefore, the administrative refusal to exclude the evidence outright was upheld. Dyer v. Ark. Ins. Dep't, 2015 Ark. App. 446, 468 S.W.3d 303 (2015).

Failure to File Affidavit.

Since a surveyor failed to file an affidavit of bias or disqualification under subdivision (2)(C) of this section, he forfeited any argument regarding the bias in his hearing. Gilmore v. Ark. Bd. of Registration for Prof'l Eng'rs & Land Surveyors, 2011 Ark. App. 139, 381 S.W.3d 860 (2011).

Impartiality of Officers.

Commission was properly reversed where fairness of one of the commissioners was subject to reasonable suspicion based upon statements made in relation to the matter involved in the hearing. Arkansas Racing Comm'n v. Emprise Corp., 254 Ark. 975, 497 S.W.2d 34 (1973).

Board member held not disqualified by pronouncement prior to the conclusion of the hearing that the license should be suspended, where the comment was made after admissions of misconduct had already been made by licensee. Ark. State Medical Bd. v. Elliott, 263 Ark. 86, 563 S.W.2d 427, cert. denied, 439 U.S. 862, 99 S. Ct. 183, 58 L. Ed. 2d 171 (1978).

Based on the existence and content of an ex parte communication, particularly when viewed in conjunction with the hearing officer's actions after the discussion was brought to light, the appearance of a fair hearing was compromised and the decision was properly reversed. Madden v. United States Assocs., 40 Ark. App. 143, 844 S.W.2d 374 (1992).

Respondent's Rights.

Although respondent had right to appear at hearing in person or by counsel, it was not required that notice of hearing recite these rights. Thomas v. Committee “A” Thomas, 255 Ark. 517, 255 Ark. 517, 501 S.W.2d 248, 1973 Ark. LEXIS 1398 (1973).

Although this subchapter gives the respondent in an administrative proceeding the right to appear by counsel and to present and cross-examine witnesses, the administrative board is under no duty to warn respondents of such rights. Ark. State Medical Bd. v. Elliott, 263 Ark. 86, 563 S.W.2d 427, cert. denied, 439 U.S. 862, 99 S. Ct. 183, 58 L. Ed. 2d 171 (1978).

Order requiring the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services to pay for an attorney for a child in its custody who had been accused of sexual misconduct was upheld where the child was entitled to an attorney under subdivision (1) of this section; providing the child with an attorney, in order to keep the child off the sex offender list, would greatly assist in the child's adoption. Ark. Dep't of Health & Human Servs. v. C.M., 100 Ark. App. 414, 269 S.W.3d 387 (2007).

Cited: Travelers Indem. Co. v. Monroe, 257 Ark. 1029, 522 S.W.2d 431 (1975); City of Hector v. Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Comm'n, 47 Ark. App. 177, 888 S.W.2d 312 (1994); Capstone Oilfield Disposal of Ark., Inc. v. Pope County, 2012 Ark. App. 231, 408 S.W.3d 65 (2012).

25-15-214. Failure of agency to act — Action by injured party.

In any case of rule making or adjudication, if an agency shall unlawfully, unreasonably, or capriciously fail, refuse, or delay to act, any person who considers himself or herself injured in his or her person, business, or property by the failure, refusal, or delay may bring suit in the circuit court of any county in which he or she resides or does business, or in Pulaski County Circuit Court, for an order commanding the agency to act.

History. Acts 1967, No. 434, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-707; Acts 2001, No. 1648, § 7.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

The designation of the chancery court as the court in which to bring suit to compel action by an agency is unconstitutional and, upon sustaining a demurrer to a complaint for mandamus on the ground of such unconstitutionality, it was appropriate for the chancery court to transfer the case to law. Harber v. Rhodes, 248 Ark. 1188, 455 S.W.2d 926 (1970).

Applicability.

Appellees' requests for injunctive relief made in their complaint and subsequent amended complaints clearly sought to seek control the actions of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ); appellees' suit was barred by the sovereign-immunity doctrine because it had not been waived by this section; because specific procedures were provided for elsewhere, the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act did not apply to the ADEQ. Ark. Dep't of Envtl. Quality v. Al-Madhoun, 374 Ark. 28, 285 S.W.3d 654 (2008).

Exception to sovereign immunity did not exist and the exception did not apply; the exception for ultra vires, arbitrary, capricious, or bad-faith acts did not apply. Arkansas Lottery Comm'n v. Alpha Mktg., 2013 Ark. 232, 428 S.W.3d 415 (2013).

Failure to Act.

The sufficiency of a notice of hearing given by an agency does not constitute a failure or refusal to act under this section, and a circuit court is thus without jurisdiction on this matter. Ark. State Medical Bd. v. Cross, 256 Ark. 388, 507 S.W.2d 709 (1974).

Cited: Dep't of Human Servs. v. Parker, 88 Ark. App. 222, 197 S.W.3d 33, 2004 Ark. App. LEXIS 769 (2004).

25-15-215. Model rules.

    1. The Attorney General shall publish model rules of procedure for use by agencies.
    2. The model rules shall include general functions and duties commonly performed by agencies.
    1. Each agency created after August 13, 2001, shall adopt, in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, those model rules that are practicable.
    2. Any agency that adopts a rule of procedure that differs from the model rule, in conjunction with adopting the rule of procedure, shall state the reason why the relevant portions of the model rules are impracticable.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1648, § 8.

25-15-216. Review of agency rules.

    1. As soon as is practicable after each regular session and fiscal session of the General Assembly, each agency shall review any newly enacted laws to determine whether:
      1. Any existing rule should be repealed or amended; or
      2. Any new rule should be adopted.
    2. At the conclusion of each review, the agency shall adopt a written report of the result of the review.
    3. A copy of each report shall be maintained as a public record by the agency.
    1. If an agency determines that a newly enacted law requires the repeal or amendment of an existing rule or the adoption of a new rule and the newly enacted law does not provide a specific date for the repeal, amendment, or adoption of the rule, the final version of the new, amended, or repealed rule shall be filed for adoption with the Secretary of State:
      1. On or before January 1 of the following year, if the newly enacted law results from a regular or fiscal session of the General Assembly;
      2. On or before the one hundred eightieth day following sine die adjournment, if the newly enacted law results from a special session of the General Assembly; or
      3. If approval of a rule under § 10-3-309 has not occurred by the date under subdivision (b)(1)(A) or subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section, as soon as practicable after approval under § 10-3-309.
    2. An agency shall file the proposed rule with the Legislative Council, or the Joint Budget Committee if the General Assembly is in regular, fiscal, or extraordinary session, under § 10-3-309 sufficiently in advance of the date under subdivision (b)(1)(A) or subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section so that the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee may consider the rule for approval before the appropriate date.
      1. If an agency fails to file the final version of the new, amended, or repealed rule for adoption as required by subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the executive head of the agency at issue or his or her designee shall appear before the Legislative Council or its appropriate subcommittee on a monthly basis until the final version of the new, amended, or repealed rule is filed for adoption with the Secretary of State.
      2. When appearing before the Legislative Council or its appropriate subcommittee, the executive head of the agency at issue or his or her designee shall:
        1. Describe why the agency has been unable to comply with subdivision (b)(1) of this section;
        2. Provide an update on the current status of the necessary rule changes;
        3. Describe the steps the agency is taking to address the failure to comply with subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
        4. Provide an anticipated date for when the final version of the new, amended, or repealed rule will be filed for adoption with the Secretary of State.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1648, § 8; 2009, No. 962, § 44; 2019, No. 517, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “session and fiscal” in the introductory language of (a).

The 2019 amendment redesignated former (a) through (c) as (a)(1) through (a)(3); redesignated former (a)(1) and (a)(2) as (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(B); and added (b).

25-15-217. Alternative sanctions.

    1. Each agency which may suspend, revoke, or deny a license for acts or omissions or other conduct as provided by law may impose alternative sanctions set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
    2. The penalties set forth in subsection (b) of this section shall be supplemental to any agency's authority to impose penalties upon any person or entity under the agency's jurisdiction.
  1. Each agency may impose on any person or entity under the agency's jurisdiction:
    1. A monetary penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation;
    2. A requirement that the person complete appropriate education programs or courses, or both;
    3. A requirement that the person or entity successfully complete:
      1. A licensing examination;
      2. A credentialing examination; or
      3. Any other examination required in order to obtain a permit, license, registration, or credential;
    4. Conditions or restrictions upon regulated activities of the holder of a license, permit, certificate, credential, registration, or other authority; and
    5. Other requirements or penalties as may be appropriate under the circumstances of the case and which would achieve the agency's desired disciplinary purposes, but which would not impair the public health and welfare.
  2. The agency may file suit to collect any monetary penalty assessed pursuant to this subchapter, if the penalty is not paid within the time prescribed by the agency, in either Pulaski County Circuit Court or the circuit court of any county in which the person or entity under the agency's jurisdiction:
    1. Resides; or
    2. Does business.
  3. Upon imposition of a sanction against a person or entity under the agency's jurisdiction, the agency may order that the license, permit, certification, credential, or registration be suspended until the person or entity has complied in full with all applicable sanctions imposed pursuant to this section.
    1. Each violation shall constitute a separate violation.
    2. The power and authority of the agency to impose a sanction authorized in this section shall not be affected by any other civil or criminal proceeding concerning the same violation.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1648, § 8.

25-15-218. Code of Arkansas Rules.

  1. The Bureau of Legislative Research shall:
        1. Compile, format, and index a codification of the general and permanent rules of agencies to be known as the “Code of Arkansas Rules”.
        2. The bureau shall not include in the Code of Arkansas Rules an emergency rule promulgated under § 25-15-204(c).
        1. In carrying out the codification under subdivision (a)(1)(A)(i) of this section, the bureau shall have the same powers and duties related to the Code of Arkansas Rules as the Arkansas Code Revision Commission, Code Revisor, and bureau have related to the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated under § 1-2-303(d)(1).
        2. The bureau shall not make any change in the substance or meaning of any provision of a rule.
        1. The bureau shall consult with an agency when codifying a rule of that agency.
        2. An agency that objects to the form of the codification of a rule by the bureau may appeal the codification of the rule to the:
          1. Legislative Council or a subcommittee of the Legislative Council designated for that purpose; or
          2. If the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee or a subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee designated for that purpose;
      1. Develop a uniform style, format, and numbering system for the rules in the Code of Arkansas Rules.
      2. The uniform style, format, and numbering system developed under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall conform as nearly as practical to the style of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated.
      3. Rules included in the Code of Arkansas Rules shall be cited and referred to by the numbering system established under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section;
    1. Communicate to agencies the uniform style, format, and numbering system;
      1. Cause the Code of Arkansas Rules to be published as an online searchable database that is available for use by the general public at no charge.
      2. The online searchable database under subdivision (a)(4)(A) of this section shall:
        1. Constitute the official version of the Code of Arkansas Rules; and
        2. Be prima facie evidence of the rules contained in the Code of Arkansas Rules.
      3. In no event shall the bureau be required to produce a print version of the Code of Arkansas Rules, including without limitation in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.;
    2. Update the Code of Arkansas Rules at least monthly with the current version of each rule adopted by an agency; and
    3. Indicate in bold type on the webpage of the Code of Arkansas Rules the date of the latest update.
  2. Each agency shall draft its rules to comply with the uniform style, format, and numbering system developed by the bureau under subdivision (a)(2) of this section.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, a rule that is not included in the Code of Arkansas Rules is not enforceable by the agency promulgating the rule.
      1. The bureau may omit from publication in the Code of Arkansas Rules any rule in which publication would be unduly cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise impractical.
      2. If a rule is omitted from publication under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section, the Code of Arkansas Rules shall indicate where and how a copy of the omitted rule may be obtained.
    1. The bureau may enter into a professional services contract to assist in carrying out the duties under this section.
    2. The bureau shall retain the copyright over the Code of Arkansas Rules.
    1. The bureau may prepare guidance documents for agencies regarding matters necessary for the implementation of this section, including without limitation the:
      1. Form and style of content that will be included in the Code of Arkansas Rules; and
      2. Submission of information to the bureau for inclusion in the Code of Arkansas Rules.
    2. A guidance document under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is not a rule under § 25-15-202.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1478, § 3; 2019, No. 662, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 662, § 6, provided:

“(a) No later than December 31, 2019, each agency subject to § 25-15-218 shall transmit to the Bureau of Legislative Research an electronic version of each rule that has been adopted and is currently in effect.

“(b) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall:

“(1) Inform each agency of the format in which rules shall be transmitted under subsection (a) of this section;

“(2) Submit a report on the status of the codification to the Legislative Council on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year until the codification is complete; and

“(3) Complete the codification of the Code of Arkansas Rules required in this act by January 1, 2023.

“(c)(1) To promote the efficient development of a Code of Arkansas Rules, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall work with the Governor's Office to coordinate and direct agencies in the effort to develop the Code of Arkansas Rules.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research may establish a phased approach which requires agencies to submit portions of their rules before December 31, 2019”.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment rewrote the section.

25-15-219. Publication on the Internet — Meeting dates.

    1. Each agency shall publish on the Internet the date, time, and location of all of the agency's meetings and hearings that are open to the public.
    2. The publication shall be made at www.arkansas.gov.
  1. The agency shall publish the notice not less than three (3) days before the meeting or hearing is scheduled.
  2. This section does not apply to emergency or special meetings that meet the requirements of § 25-19-106(b)(2).

History. Acts 2009, No. 1302, § 1.

25-15-220. Rulemaking power to be narrowly interpreted — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Rule” means a state agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of a state agency; and
      1. “State agency” means an office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, governmental entity, or other agency of state government having authority to promulgate or enforce rules.
      2. “State agency” includes without limitation the:
        1. Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, if the rule is promulgated under authority of a statute enacted by the General Assembly; and
        2. State Highway Commission and the Arkansas Department of Transportation, if the rule is promulgated under authority of a statute enacted by the General Assembly.
      3. This section applies to one (1) or more of the following if the Legislative Council adopts rules under § 10-3-309(h)(2) including the respective entity in the definition of “state agency” under § 10-3-309(b)(2)(A):
        1. Each rule of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;
        2. Each rule of the State Highway Commission and the Arkansas Department of Transportation; and
        3. An institution of higher education.
    1. The authority of a state agency to promulgate a rule when so empowered by an act of the General Assembly shall be narrowly interpreted by the state agency.
    2. As part of the narrow interpretation of its rulemaking authority under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, a state agency shall without limitation:
      1. Limit its rulemaking to only those areas or subject matters that are absolutely necessary to fulfill its statutory duty or obligations; and
      2. Not promulgate a rule that is inconsistent with the legislative intent of an act empowering a state agency to promulgate a rule.
  2. A proposed rule that is promulgated based upon a broad interpretation of a state agency's rulemaking power rather than a narrow interpretation of that rulemaking power may be deemed as inconsistent with state law for the purposes § 10-3-309(f)(1).

History. Acts 2019, No. 517, § 4.

Subchapter 3 — Administrative Rules That Impact Small Businesses

25-15-301 — 25-15-304. [Repealed.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. Section 25-15-304 was repealed by Acts 2013, No. 759, § 5 without striking through the section to indicate its repeal.

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning definitions, determination of effect of proposed rule on small businesses, economic impact statement and regulatory review committee, were repealed by Acts 2013, No. 759, § 5. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-15-301. Acts 2007, No. 143, § 1.

25-15-302. Acts 2007, No. 143, § 1.

25-15-303. Acts 2007, No. 143, § 1; 2009, No. 809, § 1.

25-15-304. Acts 2009, No. 809, § 2.

Subchapter 4 — Rule Report, Sunset, and Extension

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2017, No. 781, § 1, provided: “Legislative findings and determinations. The General Assembly finds and determines that it is in the best interest of this state to conduct a periodic comprehensive consideration of agency rules.”

25-15-401. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

    1. “Agency” means a board, commission, department, office, or other authority of the government of the State of Arkansas, whether within or subject to review by another agency except the General Assembly, the courts, and the Governor.
    2. “Agency” includes the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and the Child Care Appeal Review Panel for purposes of administrative appeal;
    1. “Rule” means an agency statement of general applicability and future effect that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy or describes the organization, procedure, or practice of an agency, including without limitation the amendment or repeal of a prior rule.
    2. “Rule” does not mean:
      1. A statement that concerns the internal management of an agency and that does not affect the private rights or procedures available to the public;
      2. A declaratory ruling issued under § 25-15-206; or
      3. Intra-agency memoranda; and
  1. “Rulemaking” means an agency process for the formulation, amendment, or repeal of a rule.

History. Acts 2017, No. 781, § 2.

25-15-402. Report, sunset, and extension of rules.

    1. Except as provided in § 25-15-403 and under subdivision (a)(2) of this section, unless a rule is extended by the Governor and the Legislative Council, an agency rule shall maintain in full force and effect for no more than twenty-four (24) years.
    2. However, this section does not prohibit an agency from proposing, amending, or repealing a rule in an ordinary fashion under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.
    1. By December 1, 2017, each agency shall file an initial rule report with the Governor and the Legislative Council.
      1. The initial rule report shall contain a list of all the rules in effect promulgated by the agency.
      2. The list of rules under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall include:
        1. The initial effective date of each rule;
        2. The date that each rule was filed with the Secretary of State;
        3. The authority under which the rule was promulgated; and
        4. If the rule is required under state or federal law, a statement regarding the requirement.
    1. By July 1, 2018, each agency shall file a final rule report and shall continue to file a rule report according to the schedule determined under § 25-15-403.
      1. The final rule report shall contain:
        1. A list of all rules in effect that distinguishes between rules that the agency will continue to enforce and rules that the agency wishes to repeal; and
        2. The date that the agency filed its initial rule report under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
      2. The agency shall provide in writing the legal authority or agency justification for each rule that will continue to be enforced by the agency.
        1. If the agency chooses to repeal a rule, the agency shall provide in writing the agency justification for repealing the rule.
        2. A rule that an agency chooses to repeal under subdivision (c)(2)(C)(i) of this section is not subject to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.
    2. The final rule report shall be assigned to the subject matter interim committees by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  1. By December 31, 2018, each of the subject matter interim committees shall:
    1. Consider the rules the agency wishes to repeal and the corresponding justifications submitted by the agency under subdivision (c)(2)(C) of this section;
    2. Consider the agency rules that will continue to be enforced by the agency and the corresponding justification submitted by the agency under subdivision (c)(2)(B) of this section;
    3. Allow an agency representative and the public to speak about the rules at an interim committee meeting;
    4. Recommend that the Legislative Council either accept or reject the agency's decision to repeal a rule; and
    5. Refer the agency rules that will continue to be enforced by the agency to group consideration under § 25-15-403.
    1. Before December 31 of the fourth year of the consideration of a group of agencies under § 25-15-403, the Legislative Council shall meet on a date or dates set by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to consider renewing the rules of the agencies scheduled for consideration.
    2. If the Legislative Council does not extend an agency's rules and the result is that the agency has no rules that address an issue that the agency is required by law to address by rule, the agency has sixty (60) days to initiate the rulemaking process under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., including without limitation adoption of an emergency rule.
    1. If applicable, a final rule report under this section shall be updated by the agency to include and make note of any rule filed, amended, or repealed by the agency during the interim period of time occurring after July 1, 2018, and before it is sent to a group under § 25-15-403.
    2. An updated final rule report shall include the date the rule was filed, amended, or repealed during the interim.

History. Acts 2017, No. 781, § 2.

25-15-403. Order of implementation.

    1. The agency rules shall be divided in six (6) groups to be determined by the Governor to ensure that the number of agencies in each group and the number of subject matter areas represented by each group are approximately equal.
    2. If the Governor has not determined the groups by January 1, 2019, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the six (6) groups to ensure that the number of agencies in each group and the number of subject-matter areas represented by each group are approximately equal.
    3. If neither the Governor nor the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have determined the groups by April 1, 2019, all of the state agencies shall be subject to immediate evaluation in one (1) group and:
      1. Except as provided in § 25-15-402 concerning an initial rule report, a final rule report shall be filed by an agency:
        1. No earlier than May 1, 2019, and no later than July 1, 2019; and
        2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2019, and no later than July 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2019; and
      2. The evaluation shall be completed no later than:
        1. December 31, 2042; and
        2. December 31 of every twenty-fourth year after December 31, 2042.
    1. Each group of agencies assigned under subdivision (a)(1) or subdivision (a)(2) of this section shall be evaluated in a four-year time period.
    2. Group 1 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2019, and no later than July 1, 2019; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2019, and no later than July 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2019.
    3. Group 2 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2023, and no later than July 1, 2023; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2023, and no later than July 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2023.
    4. Group 3 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2027, and no later than July 1, 2027; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2027, and no later than January 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2027.
    5. Group 4 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2031, and no later than July 1, 2031; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2031, and no later than July 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2031.
    6. Group 5 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2035, and no later than July 1, 2035; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2035, and no later than July 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2035.
    7. Group 6 shall file a report:
      1. No earlier than May 1, 2039, and no later than July 1, 2039; and
      2. No earlier than May 1 of every twenty-fourth year after May 1, 2039, and no later than January 1 of every twenty-fourth year after July 1, 2039.
  1. Agency rules that have been in effect for twenty-four (24) years or longer on August 1, 2017, shall remain in effect until the date of their first scheduled evaluation as provided under this section unless otherwise approved or rejected in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

History. Acts 2017, No. 781, § 2.

Subchapter 5 — Rules Impacting Medicaid Costs

25-15-501. Legislative finding.

In light of the potential for rapidly rising costs to the state attributable to the Arkansas Medicaid Program and the importance of Medicaid expenditures to the health and welfare of the citizens of this state, the General Assembly finds that it is desirable to exercise a more thorough review of future proposed changes to any rule impacting state Medicaid costs.

History. Acts 2017, No. 605, § 3.

25-15-502. Definition.

  1. As used in this section, “rule impacting state Medicaid costs” means a proposed rule as defined by § 25-15-202(9), or a proposed amendment to an existing rule as defined by § 25-15-202(9), that would, if adopted, adjust Medicaid reimbursement rates, Medicaid eligibility criteria, or Medicaid benefits, including without limitation a proposed rule or a proposed amendment to an existing rule seeking to:
    1. Reduce the number of individuals covered by the Arkansas Medicaid Program;
    2. Limit the types of services covered by the program;
    3. Reduce the utilization of services covered by the program;
    4. Reduce provider reimbursement;
    5. Increase consumer cost sharing;
    6. Reduce the cost of administering the program;
    7. Increase the program revenues;
    8. Reduce fraud and abuse in the program;
    9. Change any of the methodologies used for reimbursement of providers;
    10. Seek a new waiver or modification of an existing waiver of any provision under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396-1 et seq., including a waiver that would allow a demonstration project;
    11. Participate or seek to participate in the waiver authority of Section 1115(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1315(a)(1), that would allow operation of a demonstration project or program;
    12. Participate or seek to participate in a request under Section 1115(a)(2) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1315(a)(2), for the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide federal financial participation for costs associated with a demonstration project or program;
    13. Implement managed care provisions under Section 1932 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396u-2; or
    14. Participate or seek to participate in the projects or programs of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
  2. “Rule impacting state Medicaid costs” does not include a modification, addition, or elimination of the medical codes used within the Arkansas Medicaid Program that are issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including without limitation:
    1. Current Procedural Terminology codes;
    2. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes;
    3. International Classification of Diseases codes;
    4. National Uniform Billing Committee Official UB-04 Data Specifications Manual codes; and
    5. National Correct Coding Initiative codes.

History. Acts 2017, No. 605, § 3.

25-15-503. Additional rule procedure.

    1. In addition to filing requirements under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and § 10-3-309, the Department of Human Services shall, at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of the period for public comment, file a proposed rule impacting state Medicaid costs or a proposed amendment to an existing rule impacting state Medicaid costs with the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
    2. A review of the proposed rule or proposed amendment to an existing rule by the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor shall occur within forty-five (45) days of the date the proposed rule or proposed amendment to an existing rule is filed with the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
    1. If adopting an emergency rule impacting state Medicaid costs, in addition to the filing requirements under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and § 10-3-309, the department shall notify the following individuals of the emergency rule and provide each individual with a copy of the rule within five (5) business days of adopting the rule:
      1. The Speaker of the House of Representatives;
      2. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
      3. The Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor; and
      4. The Chair of the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
    2. A review of the emergency rule by the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor shall occur within forty-five (45) days of the date that the emergency rule is provided to the chairs.

History. Acts 2017, No. 605, § 3.

Chapter 16 State Officers

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Effective Dates. Acts 1995, No. 494, § 6: Became law without Governor's signature. Noted Feb. 23, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth General Assembly, that Amendment 70 of the Constitution of Arkansas provides that salaries of the Executive Department officials may be increased annually by an amount not to exceed the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers or its successor, as published by the United States Department of Labor, for the two years immediately preceding the year of the salary appropriation; that this act establishes the proper salaries for the Executive Department; that the delay in the effective date of this act 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, 1995.”

Acts 1997, No. 1175, § 6: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-first General Assembly, that Amendment 70 of the Constitution of Arkansas provides that salaries of the Executive and Legislative Department officials may be increased annually by an amount not to exceed the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers or its successor, as published by the United States Department of Labor, for the two years immediately preceding the year of the salary appropriation; that this act establishes the proper salaries for the Executive and Legislative Departments; that the delay in the effective date of this act 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 1999, No. 1508, § 19: Apr. 15, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-Second General Assembly that this act makes various technical corrections in the Arkansas Code; that this act further clarifies the law to provide that the Arkansas Code Revision Commission may correct errors resulting from enactments of prior sessions; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to be applicable during the codification process of the enactments of this regular session. 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. 3, § 13: July 1, 2003. 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 two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2003 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, 2003 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, 2003.”

25-16-101. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the salaries of executive department elected officials, was repealed by Acts 2003, No. 3, § 11. The section was derived from Acts 1997, No. 1175 § 5.

25-16-102. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section concerning Salaries of Executive Department elected officials was repealed by Acts 1999, No. 1508, § 15. The section was derived from Acts 1995, No. 494, § 1.

This section was formerly codified as § 25-16-101. Former § 25-16-102 is now codified as § 25-16-101.

25-16-103. Registration of certain agency officials as lobbyists.

An individual employed as an executive head of a state agency or as a chief deputy of an executive head of a state agency 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 capacity.

History. Acts 2013, No. 486, § 4.

Subchapter 2 — Governor

Preambles. Acts 1853, p. 127 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, it is proper that the Governor should have in his possession the reports of the various state officers, showing the condition of the affairs of the state, to enable him to prepare his message to the General Assembly, with convenience, and based on official information; therefore….”

Acts 1983, No. 186 contained a preamble which read:

“For the purpose of this Act, “transition funds” shall mean any funds advanced to an individual who has been elected Governor during the general election of each election year. However, this Act shall not apply to a person who is reelected during the general election to the Office of Governor.”

Effective Dates. Acts 1846, p. 72, § 5: effective on passage.

Acts 1853, p. 127, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1971, No. 139, § 2: Feb. 22, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the reorganization of the state agencies within the executive department of government effectuated by the Sixty-Eighth General Assembly may, in certain circumstances, jeopardize the state's continued participation in federal programs benefitting the people of this state, or may jeopardize the state's opportunity to obtain the benefits of new or expanded federal programs, and that the immediate passage of this act is necessary to enable the Governor, by executive order, to effectuate such additional reorganizations within the executive department of government as may be mandated by federal law or regulations promulgated thereunder, to enable the State of Arkansas to continue to obtain the benefits of federal 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 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

ALR.

Construction and application, under state law, of doctrine of “executive privilege”. 10 A.L.R.4th 355.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

Am. Jur. 38 Am. Jur. 2d, Gov., § 2 et seq.

C.J.S. 81A C.J.S., States, § 130.

25-16-201. Reorganization of agencies to meet federal program requirements.

  1. In order to protect the state's participation in various federal programs and to continue to obtain the benefits of those programs for the people of this state or where necessary to obtain the benefits of new or expanded federal programs, the Governor is authorized, by executive order, to establish, combine, abolish, or otherwise reorganize any of the agencies, departments, divisions, sections, or units within the executive department of government where the changes or reorganizations are necessary to comply with the applicable federal law or regulations governing federal programs.
  2. However, whenever any executive order may move from the jurisdiction of any office, department, institution, or other agency any authority or jurisdiction of the agency in effect at the time of the order, the order shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly in the next following regular session, fiscal session, or special session, and the General Assembly by joint resolution may rescind the executive order.

History. Acts 1971, No. 139, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-311; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 45.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment, in (b), inserted “session, fiscal session” following “regular” and made a minor punctuation change.

25-16-202. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning enabling legislation for interim agencies and programs, was repealed by Acts 1987, No. 646, § 5. The section was derived from Acts 1981, No. 605, § 4; 1981, No. 686, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-152.1.

25-16-203. Reports to Governor — Inclusion in message to General Assembly.

The Auditor of State and Treasurer of State shall make their respective reports for each regular session to the Governor on or before October 10 next preceding the regular session of the General Assembly. The Governor shall cause the reports to be printed with his or her biennial message and have them ready for the General Assembly on or before the Wednesday of the first week of the regular session of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1853, § 1, p. 127; C. & M. Dig., § 4387; Pope's Dig., § 5399; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-302; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 46.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment, in the first sentence, substituted “each regular session” for “each biennial session” and “the regular session” for “the regular meeting”; and inserted “regular” in the second sentence.

Cross References. Quarterly reports of state officers to be included in message, § 21-7-303.

25-16-204. Appointment of commissioners in other states.

  1. The Governor may nominate, appoint, and commission, under the Great Seal of Arkansas, or may continue in office one (1) or more commissioners within any other state or territory of the United States. The commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor then in office and shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations and to take depositions, affidavits, and the proof and acknowledgment of deeds or other instruments of writing, under seal, to be used or recorded in this state.
  2. All oaths administered by the commissioners, all affidavits and depositions taken by them, and all acknowledgments, etc., certified by them shall be as effectual in law, to all intents and purposes, as if done and certified by any justice of the peace or other authorized officer within this state.
  3. Before any commissioner shall proceed to discharge any of the duties of his or her appointment, he or she shall take and subscribe an oath before some justice of the peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths in the state for which the commissioner is appointed, that he or she will well and faithfully discharge all the duties of his or her appointment. The oath, together with the signature and an impression of the seal of the commissioner, shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State within six (6) months after its taking.

History. Acts 1846, §§ 1-3, p. 72; C. & M. Dig., §§ 1424-1426; Pope's Dig., §§ 1671-1673; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-1501 — 12-1503.

Case Notes

Affidavits.

The affidavits to procure an attachment may be made before a commissioner. Grider v. Williams, 25 Ark. 1 (1867).

Commissioner may take affidavits to authenticate claims against an estate. Kaufman & Co. v. Stone, 25 Ark. 336 (1869).

Certificates.

A commissioner's certificate proves itself, and needs no authentication. Smith & Bro. v. Van Gilder, 26 Ark. 527 (1871).

Depositions.

Depositions taken before a commissioner of deeds appointed by the governor of this state to act in another state may be read in evidence, without other proof of the appointment and authority of such commissioner than his own certificate and official seal. Johnson v. Cocks, 12 Ark. (7 English) 672 (1852).

Term of Office.

The term of office of a commissioner does not expire with the term of office of the governor appointing him. Kaufman & Co. v. Stone, 25 Ark. 336 (1869).

25-16-205. Transition funds.

  1. For the purpose of this section, “transition funds” shall mean any funds advanced to an individual who has been elected Governor during the general election of each election year. However, this section shall not apply to a person who is reelected during the general election to the Office of Governor.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue limitations and guidelines on the expenditure of transition funds and make those limitations and guidelines a part of any appropriation.
    1. The expenditure of transition funds is limited to the direct expenses of the activities relating to the new office holder preparing to take office in January following the general election.
    2. The expenditure of transition funds and other related charges incurred by a newly elected officer in the performance of his or her duties to prepare for service as a public official shall be limited to those expenditures which are directly related to his or her assuming office in January. It is prohibited to use any transition funds for the purpose of paying a salary to a newly elected official prior to his or her assuming the office.
  3. Arkansas Legislative Audit is authorized and directed to perform an audit on the expenditures of transition funds. The audit shall be presented to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and the Legislative Council during the biennium following the expenditure of the funds.

History. Acts 1983, No. 186, §§ 1-5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-326 — 12-330; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3580.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (b).

25-16-206. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the Division of Volunteerism, was repealed by Acts 1993, No. 403, § 19. A former similar section was derived from Acts 1977, No. 865, §§ 1-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-322 — 12-325; Acts 1989, No. 143, § 1; 1989, No. 186, § 1. For present law see § 25-10-128.

Subchapter 3 — Lieutenant Governor

Effective Dates. Acts 1953, No. 219, § 6: Mar. 5, 1953. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the services of an administrative assistant are essential to the operation of the Lieutenant Governor's office; therefore this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its approval.”

Research References

ALR.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

C.J.S. 81A C.J.S., States, § 131.

25-16-301. Custodian of Senate Chamber and records.

The Lieutenant Governor is the custodian of the Senate Chamber, all Senate rooms, and the records, machines, furniture, fixtures, and supplies therein.

History. Acts 1953, No. 219, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-308.

25-16-302. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the lieutenant governor's administrative assistant, was repealed by Acts 1995, No. 1296, § 83. The section was derived from Acts 1953, No. 219, §§ 2, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-309, 12-310.

Subchapter 4 — Secretary of State

Cross References. Secretary of State not to hold other office, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 22.

State institutions, Secretary of State not entitled to membership on boards of management, § 25-17-203.

Monthly reports of fees to Treasurer of State, § 21-7-203.

Quarterly reports of Secretary of State, § 21-7-301.

Restriction on printing of biennial report, § 21-7-401.

Effective Dates. Acts 1845, p. 45, § 7: effective on passage.

Acts 1895, No. 19, § 5: became law without Governor's signature, Feb. 22, 1895.

Acts 1923, No. 136, § 3: Emergency declared.

Research References

ALR.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

Am. Jur. 72 Am. Jur. 2d, States, § 63.

C.J.S. 81A C.J.S., States, § 132.

25-16-401. Bond.

The Secretary of State, before he or she enters upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall enter into bond, with good and sufficient security to the Governor and his or her successors in office, in the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000). The bond shall be approved by the Governor and conditioned that the Secretary of State will well and truly perform and discharge the several trusts and duties of Secretary of State and in all things touching and concerning the office shall well, truly, and faithfully execute and perform them. This bond shall be filed with the Auditor of State.

History. Acts 1849, § 5, p. 75; C. & M. Dig., § 4391; Pope's Dig., § 5406; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-401.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The operation of this section was suspended by adoption of a self-insured fidelity bond program for public officers, officials and employees, effective July 20, 1987, pursuant to § 21-2-701 et seq. The section may again become effective upon cessation of coverage under that program. See § 21-2-703.

Case Notes

Liability.

Where, under former law, the Secretary of State was required to file a bond as a disbursing agent and a shortage resulted from his acts as disbursing agent, the court held that the amount of liability under the disbursing agent's bond must be exhausted before the question of liability on the official bond as Secretary of State could be considered. American Sur. Co. v. Fidelity & Deposit Co., 204 Ark. 857, 165 S.W.2d 65 (1942) (decision under prior law).

25-16-402. Deputy.

  1. The Secretary of State may appoint a deputy to aid him or her in the discharge of his or her duties whose acts, performed in the name of the Secretary of State, shall have the same validity as the acts of his or her principal.
  2. The deputy, before he or she enters upon the performance of his or her duties, shall take an oath, which will be endorsed upon his or her letter of appointment, that he or she will perform all the duties of his or her office faithfully and according to law.
  3. The corporation clerk of the office of Secretary of State shall also be a deputy Secretary of State.

History. Acts 1845, §§ 1, 7, p. 45; C. & M. Dig., § 4399; Acts 1923, No. 136, § 1; Pope's Dig., §§ 5414, 5442; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-409, 12-410, 12-412.

25-16-403. Powers and duties generally.

  1. The Secretary of State shall reside and keep his or her office at the seat of government and shall have the custody of all records, rolls, and documents which properly belong to the state.
  2. He or she shall keep a register of all the official acts and proceedings of the Governor and, when required, shall lay the register and all papers, minutes, and vouchers relative to the register before the General Assembly.
  3. He or she shall affix the seal of the state and attest all commissions issued by the Governor and all other official acts of the Governor which require the seal of the state.
  4. In addition to the other duties required by law of the Secretary of State, he or she shall receive from the Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives the records, books, papers, and rolls of the General Assembly and file them as records of his or her office.
    1. The Secretary of State shall keep a seal of office surrounded with the words “Seal of the Secretary of State, Arkansas” and shall make out and deliver, to any person requiring them, copies of any act, resolution, or order of the General Assembly, commissions, or other official acts of the Governor and of all rolls, records, documents, papers, bonds, and recognizances deposited in his or her office and required by law to be kept there.
    2. He or she shall certify the copies under his or her hand and affix the seal of his or her office thereto. The copies so authenticated shall be received in evidence in any court in this state with like effect as the original.

History. Acts 1849, §§ 1, 3, 4, p. 75; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4121, 4392, 4397, 4398, 4400; Pope's Dig., §§ 5130, 5407, 5412, 5413, 5415; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-402 — 12-405.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 1454, § 2, provided: “BROADBAND GRANTS RULES AND REGULATIONS AND PUBLIC NOTICE CALENDAR SAVINGS REPORT. The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding the use of revenues collected and the disbursement of Broadband Enhancements Grants with prior review by the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. The Secretary of State shall report annually to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee estimated savings from the implementation of the State Internet Public Notice Calendar.”

Cross References. Fees of Secretary of State, § 21-6-202.

Issuance of grants, commissions, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 10.

Record of official acts, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 21.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Documentary Evidence — Arkansas, 15 Ark. L. Rev. 79.

Case Notes

Copies as Evidence.

The proof of publication of notice of intention to introduce a local bill attached to the act when filed in the office of the Secretary of State did not come within the terms of subsection (e) since the proof was not a record required by law to be kept by the Secretary. Wacaster v. City of Hot Springs, 165 Ark. 521, 265 S.W. 59 (1924).

Records of General Assembly.

Upon proof that a report of the state debt board has been lost, a copy of it, embodied in the original journal of the senate, may be read in evidence. Woodruff v. State, 61 Ark. 157, 32 S.W. 102 (1895).

Records of Secretary of State must be considered along with the journals of each house in determining whether a bill has passed both houses. Butler v. Board of Dirs., 103 Ark. 109, 146 S.W. 120 (1912).

25-16-404. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, requiring the Secretary of State to make a biennial report to the Governor, was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 256, § 2. The section was derived from Acts 1895, No. 19, §§ 1, 2, 4, p. 23; C. & M. Dig., § 4407; Pope's Dig., § 5422; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-406 — 12-408.

25-16-405. Arkansas Ambassador's Certificate.

The Secretary of State shall have the authority to issue an Arkansas Ambassador's Certificate, which may be given to citizens of the State of Arkansas who will be traveling outside the state. The Secretary of State may adopt such reasonable rules as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this section.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1058, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2923.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules”.

Subchapter 5 — Auditor of State

Cross References. Auditor of State not to hold other office, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 22.

State institutions, Auditor of State not entitled to membership on boards of management, § 25-17-203.

Preambles. Acts 1853, p. 127 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, it is proper that the Governor should have in his possession the reports of the various state officers, showing the condition of the affairs of the state, to enable him to prepare his message to the General Assembly, with convenience, and based on official information; therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1853, p. 127, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1866, No. 4, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1868, No. 35, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 34, § 2: Nov. 30, 1875.

Acts 1877, No. 29, § 2: effective on passage.

Acts 1881, No. 97, § 2: became law without Governor's signature, Apr. 9, 1881.

Acts 1883, No. 17, § 4: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 114, § 226: effective on passage.

Acts 1915, No. 104, § 5: approved Mar. 3, 1915. Emergency declared.

Acts 1921, No. 321, § 2: Mar. 15, 1921. Emergency declared.

Acts 1953, No. 334, § 4: July 1, 1953.

Acts 1983, No. 697, § 3[4]: Mar. 23, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that procedures are needed whereby the State Treasurer may obtain reimbursement on any uncollectible State warrants or checks received by the Office in a normal course of business, and that the methods set forth in this Act will provide a procedure whereby the State Treasurer may obtain such reimbursement in a businesslike manner; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to enable the State Treasurer to perform the duties of said Office in a businesslike manner. 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 2001, No. 1453, § 49: July 1, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that proper and effective management requires that changes to the state's finance and accounting laws begin on the first day of the fiscal year and that if there is an extended recess of the General Assembly, the required ninety day period may extend past July 1. 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 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

ALR.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

Am. Jur. 72 Am. Jur. 2d, States, § 65.

C.J.S. 81A C.J.S., States, § 134.

25-16-501. Violation of law by Auditor of State.

If the Auditor of State shall willfully neglect or refuse to perform any duty enjoined by law, or shall be guilty of any oppression or extortion in the performance of any legal duty, or shall receive any fee or reward for the performance of any legal duty not allowed by law, or shall by color of his or her office knowingly do any act not authorized by law, or shall use any of the moneys belonging to the state, or shall perform any other duty of his or her office in any other manner than is required by law, then he or she shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office and upon conviction, he or she shall forfeit for the use of the state any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100).

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 34; C. & M. Dig., § 2812; Pope's Dig., § 3530; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-537.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 34, is also codified as § 25-16-601.

25-16-502. Bond.

  1. Immediately after his or her election, the Auditor of State shall execute and deliver to the Governor a bond to the State of Arkansas, with good and sufficient securities, in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), conditioned for the faithful performance of all the duties required, or which may be required, of him or her by law.
  2. The Governor shall endorse on the bond of the Auditor of State his or her approval of the bond, stating the time of approval, and deliver the endorsed bond to the Secretary of State, who shall file it among the records of his or her office.
  3. If any Auditor of State shall neglect or refuse to enter into bond within ten (10) days after the Governor is officially informed of his or her election, then the Office of Auditor of State shall be deemed and considered vacant.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 2, 3, 5; Acts 1861, No. 81, § 2, p. 174; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4386, 4441, 4442; Pope's Dig., §§ 5398, 5476, 5477; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-501 — 12-503.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The operation of this section was suspended by adoption of a self-insured fidelity bond program for public officers, officials and employees, effective July 20, 1987, pursuant to § 21-2-701 et seq. The section may again become effective upon cessation of coverage under that program. See § 21-2-703.

Case Notes

Approval.

Failure of the Governor to approve the bond, or to endorse approval, does not destroy the contract obligation. Auditor v. Woodruff, 2 Ark. 73 (1839).

25-16-503. Seal.

The Auditor of State shall keep a seal of office, which shall be used to authenticate all writings, papers, and documents required by law to be certified from his or her office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 6; C. & M. Dig., § 4443; Pope's Dig., § 5478; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-504.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 6, is also codified as § 25-16-602.

25-16-504. Deputy.

  1. The Auditor of State is authorized to appoint one (1) deputy. The appointment shall be made in writing.
  2. The deputy so appointed shall take the oath prescribed by law. The oath shall be endorsed on the letter of appointment, and the letter of appointment shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
  3. The Auditor of State shall be responsible on his or her official bond for all the acts done and performed by his or her deputy in the performance of his or her official duties.
  4. Every deputy appointed under this section shall possess all the powers of his or her principal and may perform any of the duties required by law to be performed by his or her principal.

History. Acts 1866, No. 4, §§ 1, 2, p. 20; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4444, 4445; Pope's Dig., §§ 5479, 5480; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-505, 12-506.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1866, No. 4, §§ 1 and 2, are also codified as § 25-16-603.

25-16-505. Duties generally.

It shall be the duty of the Auditor of State:

  1. To audit, adjust, and settle all claims against the state payable out of the State Treasury, except those claims which may be expressly required by law to be audited and settled by some other officer or person;
  2. To draw all warrants upon the State Treasury for money, except in cases otherwise expressly provided by law;
  3. To audit, settle, and adjust the accounts of all collectors of revenue and other holders of public money who are required by law to pay the money into the State Treasury;
  4. To keep an account between the state and the Treasurer of State;
  5. To keep an account of all moneys paid into the State Treasury for the use of every county;
  6. To keep an account between the state and the United States, and between the state and every officer or person with whom the state may have dealings, and to keep an account of any separate fund in the State Treasury authorized by law;
  7. To direct prosecutions in the name of the state for all official delinquencies in relation to the assessment, collection, and payment of the revenue against all persons who by any means become possessed of public money or property and fail to pay over and deliver it and to direct prosecutions against all debtors of the state;
  8. To annually procure from the proper officer an abstract and description of all taxable lands within the state;
  9. To annually furnish the proper officer in each county in the month of January a descriptive list of all taxable lands in the county not previously furnished;
  10. To give information in writing to either house of the General Assembly, whenever required, upon any subject relating to the fiscal affairs of the state or touching any duty of his or her office; and
  11. To perform all such other duties as may be required by law.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 9; C. & M. Dig., § 4456; Pope's Dig., § 5491; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-508; Acts 2001, No. 1453, § 4.

Cross References. Fees of Auditor of State, § 21-6-201.

Voter registration, duties, Ark. Const. Amend. 51, §§ 5, 8, 14.

Case Notes

Claims Against State.

Where the Auditor refuses to allow a claim, the claimant should apply for redress to the legislature. Jobe v. Urquhart, 102 Ark. 470, 143 S.W. 121 (1912).

Mandamus.

Where the Auditor, in the discharge of his appropriate duties, has a discretion in allowing or rejecting a claim against the state, and exercises it, his discretion cannot be controlled or reviewed by mandamus. Danley v. Whitley, 14 Ark. (1 Barber) 687 (1854).

25-16-506. Access to other offices.

The Auditor of State shall have free access to all the other offices of the state for the inspection, concerning his or her duties, of all books, accounts, and papers which they respectively contain.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 30; C. & M. Dig., § 4447; Pope's Dig., § 5482; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-517.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 30, is also codified as § 25-16-605.

25-16-507. Power to administer oaths.

The Auditor of State shall have power to administer oaths required or allowed by law in all matters touching the duties of his or her office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 29; C. & M. Dig., § 4446; Pope's Dig., § 5481; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-507.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 29, is also codified as § 25-16-606.

25-16-508. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the printing of blanks for commissions for state officers and teacher licenses by the Auditor of State, was repealed by Acts 2013, No. 1276, § 3. The section was derived from Acts 1915, No. 104, §§ 3, 4; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4450, 4451; Pope's Dig., §§ 5485, 5486; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-515, 12-516.

25-16-509. Certification of payments.

Whenever any person indebted to the state, on any account whatever, shall present to the Auditor of State the Treasurer of State's receipt for the full payment of the amount due, it shall be the duty of the Auditor of State to furnish that person with a certificate, under the Auditor of State's hand and official seal, of the person having made full payment of all demands against him or her in favor of the state.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 25; C. & M. Dig., § 4465; Pope's Dig., § 5500; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-520.

25-16-510. Auditor of State as state accountant.

The Auditor of State shall be the general accountant of the state and shall keep all public accounts, books, vouchers, documents, and all papers relating to the contracts of the state and its debts, revenue, and fiscal affairs which are not required by law to be placed in some other office or kept by some other person.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 7; C. & M. Dig., § 4449; Pope's Dig., § 5484; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-509.

25-16-511. Recordkeeping requirements.

  1. The Auditor of State shall keep a letter book in which he or she shall copy all official letters which may be written by him or her.
    1. All accounts, vouchers, and documents settled by the Auditor of State shall be preserved in his or her office, and copies of these records, authenticated by the official seal, shall be given to any person interested who may require them.
    2. However, the Auditor of State is authorized to destroy all vouchers and Treasurer of State's receipts on file in his or her office after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of their filing, provided that no vouchers of any department or institution shall be destroyed while any legislative investigation of the department or institution is in progress.
    1. The Auditor of State is authorized and directed to keep a register in his or her office of all checks which have been drawn upon state agency bank funds and approved for payment by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.
    2. The secretary is directed to transmit to the Auditor of State all documents and information necessary to prepare this register.
    3. The Auditor of State's register of bank fund checks and document files shall in all respects be equal to the records of state-appropriated funds required by law to be kept and maintained by the Auditor of State.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 15, 31; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4448, 4464; Acts 1921, No. 321, § 1; Pope's Dig., §§ 5483, 5499, 5501; Acts 1953, No. 334, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-510, 12-518, 12-519, 12-538 — 12-540; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3581.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 31, is also codified as § 25-16-613.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (c)(1); and substituted “secretary” for “director” in (c)(2).

25-16-512 — 25-16-514. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning the examination of the books of the Auditor of State during a legislative session and the duty of the Auditor of State to provide a report to the Governor of revenue and funds available, were repealed by Acts 2013, No. 1276, §§ 4-6. The sections were derived from the following sources.

25-16-512. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 36-39; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4477-4480; Pope’s Dig., §§ 5513-5516; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-533 — 12-536.

25-16-513. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 8; Acts 1853, § 1, p. 127; 1877, No. 29, § 1, p. 25; 1881, No. 97, § 1, p. 193; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4452-4454; Pope’s Dig., §§ 5487-5489; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-302, 12-511 — 12-513; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 47.

25-16-514. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 41; C. & M. Dig., § 4455; Pope’s Dig., § 5490; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-514.

25-16-515. Accounting at expiration of term of appropriation.

  1. It shall be the duty of the Auditor of State at the expiration of the time for which each and every appropriation is made to report to the Treasurer of State the total amount of the warrants drawn on the appropriations during the term. If any balance remains unexpended of any appropriation for which no warrant has been drawn, the Treasurer of State shall balance the accounts and cover the balance into the State Treasury.
  2. In no case shall the Auditor of State carry forward from one (1) term to another an unexpended balance of any appropriation after the time for which it was made has expired.

History. Acts 1883, No. 17, §§ 1, 3, p. 15; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4471, 4473; Pope's Dig., §§ 5507, 5509; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-528, 12-529.

25-16-516. Warrants — Form and record.

  1. In all cases of accounts audited and allowed against the state and in all cases of grants, salaries, and expenses allowed by law, the Auditor of State shall draw warrants upon the State Treasury for the amount due, in the following form:
  2. The Auditor of State shall number progressively all the warrants issued by him or her during each year, commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
  3. The Auditor of State shall enter in a book to be kept for that purpose each warrant drawn by him or her on the State Treasury for the payment of money in the order in which the warrant shall be issued. The entry shall be in such manner as to show the number and date of each warrant, the name of the person in whose favor drawn, and for what it was drawn.

“No. STATE OF ARKANSAS. Auditor's Office, Little Rock, , 20 I certify that the sum of dollars and cents is due by the State of Arkansas to , and do hereby direct that the Treasurer of said State pay to the said , or bearer, the sum of dollars and cents, out of . , Auditor. $ ”

Click to view form.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 16, 20, 21; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4466-4468; Pope's Dig., §§ 5502-5504; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-521 — 12-523.

Cross References. Fees in actions by state, warrant for payment, § 16-106-108.

Case Notes

Mandamus.

Mandamus will lie to compel an auditor to draw his warrant for an officer's salary. Cotham v. Coffman, 111 Ark. 108, 163 S.W. 1183 (1914).

Cited: Hays v. McDaniel, 130 Ark. 52, 196 S.W. 934 (1917); Democrat Printing & Lithographing Co. v. Parker, 192 Ark. 989, 96 S.W.2d 16 (1936).

25-16-517. Warrants — Restrictions on issuance.

  1. No warrant shall be drawn by the Auditor of State unless the money has been previously appropriated by law, nor shall the amount drawn for under any one (1) head ever exceed the amount appropriated by law for that purpose.
  2. The Auditor of State is denied authority to draw any warrant on the Treasurer of State to be paid out of the general revenue of the state for the support of common schools.
  3. If the Auditor of State shall knowingly issue any warrant upon the State Treasury not authorized by law, he or she shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office. Upon conviction thereof, he or she shall forfeit, for the use of the state, any sum not less than fifty dollars ($50.00).

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 17, 32; Acts 1883, No. 114, § 208, p. 199; C. & M. Dig., §§ 2827, 4469, 10179; Pope's Dig., §§ 3545, 5505, 13962; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-524 — 12-526.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 17, is also codified as § 25-16-607.

Cross References. Claims on institutions not according to law, issuance of warrant prohibited, § 25-17-102.

No money to be paid from State Treasury without appropriation, Ark. Const., Art. 16, § 12.

Case Notes

Appropriation.

Appropriation denotes the setting apart or assigning to a particular use of a certain sum of money for a specified purpose in such a manner that the public officials are authorized to draw or use the sum so set apart and no more for the purpose specified and for no other. Dickinson v. Clibourn, 125 Ark. 101, 187 S.W. 909 (1916).

Mandamus.

Mandamus did not lie to compel issuance of warrant where no appropriation had been made by the General Assembly and no allowance of claim had been made by the claims commission. Winn v. Humphrey, 195 Ark. 131, 111 S.W.2d 468 (1937).

25-16-518. Warrants — Prohibitions against receipt in payment of debt to state, use as offset, and bearing of interest.

No warrant issued by the Auditor of State shall be received in payment of debts due the state, nor shall the warrants, under any circumstances, bear interest or be received or allowed as an offset in any suit commenced for the recovery of money due the state, but the warrant shall only be received and paid by the Treasurer of State.

History. Acts 1845, § 20, p. 88; C. & M. Dig., § 4470; Pope's Dig., § 5506; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-527.

Cross References. Interest-bearing warrants or scrip prohibited, Ark. Const., Art. 16, § 1.

25-16-519. Warrants — Issuance of duplicates.

    1. Whenever Auditor of State's warrants of the State of Arkansas issued to any person are lost or destroyed, the owner or person entitled to receive the contents of the lost or destroyed warrants shall be entitled to have them duplicated by the Auditor of State upon satisfactory proof or evidence to the Auditor of State that:
      1. The warrants alleged to have been so lost or destroyed were actually issued to the person as alleged in the application to him or her;
      2. The warrants have not been paid by the Treasurer of State;
      3. The person making the application is legally authorized or entitled to receive the contents of the warrants; and
      4. The warrants have been lost or destroyed.
    2. The evidence must show how and in what manner the loss or destruction occurred, the date and number of the lost or destroyed warrants, and whether they bore interest or not.
  1. The evidence required by subsection (a) of this section shall be duly sworn to and subscribed by the person entitled to receive the contents of the warrants, or some person for him or her. This person or the person acting for him or her shall also execute and file with the Auditor of State his or her bond to the State of Arkansas with good and sufficient security to be approved by the Auditor of State in a sum not less than double the amount of the warrants claimed to be lost. The bond shall be conditioned that he or she will save and keep harmless the State of Arkansas against any payment of the warrants which the state may thereafter be compelled to make to a bona fide holder of the warrants.
  2. Upon compliance with the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, it shall be the duty of the Auditor of State to issue and deliver to the applicant, or his or her agent or attorney, a duplicate for the warrant so adjudged to have been lost or destroyed. The duplicate warrant and endorsement shall entitle the holder to receive from the Treasurer of State the amount specified in the duplicate warrant, in like manner as upon an original warrant.
  3. The Auditor of State shall review the bonding procedures for the issuance of duplicate warrants and shall issue rules on the adequate bonding of all payees on duplicate warrants to preserve and protect the expenditure of state funds.
  4. The bonding requirements shall not apply to a person who is acting in his or her capacity as an official officer or authorized representative of state or local government, including school districts, and when that person is covered under the provisions of the Self-Insured Fidelity Bond Program under § 21-2-701 et seq.

History. Acts 1868, No. 35, §§ 1, 2, p. 113; 1875 (Adj. Sess.), No. 34, § 1, p. 37; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4474-4476; Pope's Dig., §§ 5510-5512; Acts 1953, No. 55, § 1; 1983, No. 697, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-530 — 12-532; Acts 1989, No. 416, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2924.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (d).

Subchapter 6 — Treasurer of State

Preambles. Acts 1853, p. 127 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, it is proper that the Governor should have in his possession the reports of the various state officers, showing the condition of the affairs of the state, to enable him to prepare his message to the General Assembly, with convenience, and based on official information; therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1844, p. 29, § 13: effective on passage.

Acts 1853, p. 127, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1866, No. 4, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1881, No. 97, § 2: became law without Governor's signature, Apr. 9, 1881.

Acts 1883, No. 17, § 4: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 107, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1885, No. 131, § 7: effective on passage.

Acts 1891, No. 46, § 4: effective on passage.

Acts 1983, No. 697, § 3[4]: Mar. 23, 1983. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that procedures are needed whereby the State Treasurer may obtain reimbursement on any uncollectible State warrants or checks received by the Office in a normal course of business, and that the methods set forth in this Act will provide a procedure whereby the State Treasurer may obtain such reimbursement in a businesslike manner; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to enable the State Treasurer to perform the duties of said Office in a businesslike manner. 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 2017, No. 291, § 3: June 30, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act amends the dates of the Treasurer of State's reporting requirements in an effort to achieve more accurate and efficient reporting; that the next reporting cycle begins at the beginning of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2017; that it is in the best interests of the state to have accurate and efficient reporting by the Treasurer of State; that the provisions of this act should be effective before the next billing cycle to allow the Treasurer of State to implement this act; and that this act is necessary because it will allow for the Treasurer of State to provide more accurate and efficient reporting in the next reporting cycle. 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 June 30, 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”.

Research References

ALR.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

Am. Jur. 72 Am. Jur. 2d, States, § 64.

C.J.S. 81A C.J.S., States, § 135.

25-16-601. Violation of law by Treasurer of State.

If the Treasurer of State shall willfully neglect or refuse to perform any duty enjoined by law, or shall be guilty of any oppression or extortion in the performance of any legal duty, or shall receive any fee or reward for the performance of any legal duty not allowed by law, or shall by color of his or her office knowingly do any act not authorized by law, or shall use any of the moneys belonging to the state, or shall perform any other duty of his or her office in any other manner than is required by law, then he or she shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office and on conviction shall forfeit for the use of the state any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100).

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 34; C. & M. Dig., § 2812; Pope's Dig., § 3530; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-628.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 34, is also codified as § 25-16-501.

25-16-602. Seal.

The Treasurer of State shall keep a seal of office which shall be used to authenticate all writings, papers, and documents required by law to be certified from his or her office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 6; C. & M. Dig., § 4483; Pope's Dig., § 5519; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-604.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 6, is also codified as § 25-16-503.

25-16-603. Deputies.

  1. The Treasurer of State is authorized to appoint two (2) deputies. The appointments shall be made in writing.
  2. Each deputy so appointed shall take the oath prescribed by law. The oath shall be endorsed on the letter of appointment, and the letter of appointment shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
  3. The Treasurer of State shall be responsible on his or her official bond for all the acts done and performed by his or her deputies in the performance of their official duties.
  4. Every deputy appointed under the provisions of this section shall possess all the powers of his or her principal and may perform any of the duties required by law to be performed by his or her principal.

History. Acts 1866, No. 4, §§ 1, 2, p. 20; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4484, 4486; Pope's Dig., §§ 5520, 5522; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-605, 12-606; Acts 1991, No. 531, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1866, No. 4, §§ 1 and 2, are also codified as § 25-16-504.

Case Notes

Cited: State v. Newton, 33 Ark. 276 (1878).

25-16-604. Duties generally.

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of State:

  1. To receive and keep all the moneys of the state not expressly required by law to be kept by some other person;
  2. To disburse the public moneys upon warrants drawn upon the State Treasury according to law and not otherwise;
  3. To keep a just, true, and comprehensive account of all moneys received and disbursed by him or her in books to be kept for that purpose, in which he or she shall state from whom moneys have been received and on what account and to whom and on what account disbursed;
  4. To keep a just and true account of each head of appropriation made by law and the disbursements under them;
  5. To render his or her accounts to the Auditor of State for settlement quarterly; and
  6. To perform all other duties which may be required of him or her by law.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 22; Acts 1853, § 1, p. 127; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4387, 4490; Pope's Dig., §§ 5399, 5526; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-302, 12-609; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 48; 2017, No. 291, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment, in (6), deleted “regular” preceding “meeting” and “biennial” preceding “session” and substituted “the preceding year” for “the two (2) preceding years” in the first sentence; and deleted “biennial” preceding “report” in the last sentence.

The 2017 amendment deleted former (6), and redesignated former (7) as present (6).

Cross References. No money paid from treasury unless appropriated, Ark. Const., Art. 16, § 12.

Quarterly reports of Treasurer of State, § 21-7-301.

Receipts for funds paid into State Treasury, § 19-2-102.

State institutions, Treasurer of State not entitled to membership on boards of management, § 25-17-203.

Statement of fees received to be included in regular report to Governor, § 21-7-203.

Treasurer of State liable for fees received from other officers, § 21-7-202.

Case Notes

Receipt of Moneys.

Constitution does not require cash funds of state institutions and agencies derived from student fees, sale of farm produce, and dormitory charges, to be turned over to the state treasury. Gipson v. Ingram, 215 Ark. 812, 223 S.W.2d 595 (1949).

Rehabilitation Act Immunity.

Treasurer of State did not waive his immunity to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 claims, 29 U.S.C. § 794, because the State Treasurer's Office did not accept federal assistance for itself and the Treasurer of State did not make use of federal funds but, as required by this section, held funds for other agencies in Arkansas that had accepted federal assistance. Singer v. Harris, 897 F.3d 970 (8th Cir. 2018).

Cited: State v. Newton, 33 Ark. 276 (1878).

25-16-605. Access to other offices.

The Treasurer of State shall have free access to all the other offices of the state for the inspection, concerning his or her duties, of all books, accounts, and papers which they respectively contain.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 30; C. & M. Dig., § 4488; Pope's Dig., § 5524; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-612.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 30, is also codified as § 25-16-506.

25-16-606. Power to administer oaths.

The Treasurer of State shall have power to administer oaths required or allowed by law in matters touching the duties of his or her office.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 29; C. & M. Dig., § 4487; Pope's Dig., § 5523; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-608.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 29, is also codified as § 25-16-507.

25-16-607. Payment on Auditor of State's warrants.

  1. The Treasurer of State is prohibited from paying any money out of the State Treasury on any account whatever except upon the lawful warrants of the Auditor of State.
  2. No warrant shall be paid by the Treasurer of State unless the money has been previously appropriated by law, nor shall the amount paid under any one (1) head ever exceed the amount appropriated by law for that purpose.
  3. Whenever there shall not be in the State Treasury a sufficient amount of money to pay all the warrants of the Auditor of State outstanding at the time, the Treasurer of State shall redeem the warrants in the order of their dates and numbers as issued. It shall be lawful for the Treasurer of State to pay any Auditor of State's warrant when the amount of money in the State Treasury is sufficient to redeem the warrant, as well as all other warrants of earlier date and number preceding it.
  4. The Treasurer of State, when he or she pays any warrant drawn by the Auditor of State, shall write on the face of the warrant “redeemed”, to which he or she shall sign his or her name and the date thereof.
  5. If the Treasurer of State shall willfully and unlawfully refuse to pay any warrant drawn upon the State Treasury, having funds on hand for that purpose, then he or she shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor in office and upon conviction shall be fined for the use of the state in any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100).

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 17, 24, 33; Acts 1883, No. 107, § 2, p. 191; 1885, No. 131, § 4, p. 210; C. & M. Dig., §§ 2828, 4469, 4495, 4496; Pope's Dig., §§ 3546, 5505, 5531, 5532; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-613 — 12-617.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 17, is also codified as § 25-16-517.

Cross References. No money to be paid from treasury without appropriation, Ark. Const., Art. 16, § 12.

Case Notes

Cited: Dickinson v. Clibourn, 125 Ark. 101, 187 S.W. 909 (1916).

25-16-608. Issuance of certificates or scrip on Auditor of State's warrants.

It shall be unlawful for the Treasurer of State to issue new certificates or scrip upon warrants of the Auditor of State.

History. Acts 1885, No. 131, § 2, p. 210; C. & M. Dig., § 4498; Pope's Dig., § 5534; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-618.

25-16-609. Claims for reimbursement on uncollectible state warrants or checks.

  1. The Treasurer of State shall file a claim for reimbursement with the Arkansas State Claims Commission on any uncollectible state warrants or checks received by the office in a normal course of business.
  2. Warrants or checks shall be considered uncollectible if all available legal action is taken without any satisfactory results for six (6) months after items become uncollectible and if the Attorney General is given notice of the nature of the claim at the time of the filing for reimbursement with the commission.
    1. The reimbursement claim shall be payable from the Miscellaneous Revolving Fund of the commission for either controversial or noncontroversial claims on order of the commission.
    2. If the award is greater than the limitation imposed by law upon the commission for the payment of a controversial or noncontroversial claim, then the reimbursement claim shall be referred to the General Assembly for an appropriation as in the case of other claims referred by the commission. This referral shall be handled by the commission.

History. Acts 1983, No. 697, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-619.1.

25-16-610. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the absence of a duty for the Treasurer of State to report railroad aid, levee bonds, or Holford bonds as part of the indebtedness of the state, was repealed by Acts 2013, No. 1276, § 7. This section was derived from Acts 1881, No. 97, § 1, p. 193; C. & M. Dig., § 4453; Pope's Dig., § 5488; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-512.

25-16-611. Quarterly report on notes and on moneys from sale of state lands.

The Treasurer of State shall report quarterly to the Governor the amount of notes on hand and by whom drawn and the amount of moneys received and on hand on account of the sale of state lands.

History. Acts 1844, § 5, p. 29; C. & M. Dig., § 4492; Pope's Dig., § 5528; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-611.

Publisher's Notes. This section may be obsolete. The rest of the 1844 act provided for sales on credit of internal improvement lands by land agents. The notes referred to are notes received for such lands. There are currently no provisions for such sales and the Commissioner of State Lands has charge of all sales of state lands.

25-16-612. Balancing books at end of term of appropriation.

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of State, on the receipt of the report of the Auditor of State provided for in § 25-16-515, to bring down a balance to the credit of each appropriation sufficient to cover the warrants issued and not paid during the term for which the appropriation was made, and, after the credits are given and books balanced, the balance shall then be covered into the State Treasury.

History. Acts 1883, No. 17, § 2, p. 15; C. & M. Dig., § 4472; Pope's Dig., § 5508; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-619.

25-16-613. Letter book.

The Treasurer of State shall keep a letter book, in which he or she shall copy all official letters which may be written by him or her.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 31; C. & M. Dig., § 4489; Pope's Dig., § 5525; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-610.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, § 31, is also codified as § 25-16-511.

25-16-614. Examination of office.

  1. The Governor shall be authorized and required to appoint and commission expert accountants to examine and report to the Governor the state of the Treasurer of State's office. The Governor may order an examination at his or her discretion provided he or she orders at least one (1) each year.
    1. At least one (1) appointment of an accountant shall be made each year, and the number of accountants shall not exceed two (2).
    2. The duties of accountants shall be to examine carefully and fully the books of the Treasurer of State, to count the cash belonging to the state on hand, and to prepare a complete printed statement of their labor. Accountants shall attach to this statement the following oath subscribed and sworn to by them:
      1. When the Governor appoints and commissions the accountants, he or she shall swear them not to divulge their appointments until they shall have entered upon the active duties of their office.
      2. If the expert or accountant shall divulge, directly or indirectly, the fact that he or she has been appointed or commissioned to that office, or the time when the Governor has ordered the examination, he or she shall be deemed guilty of perjury and punished as in other cases.
    3. The Governor is authorized to pay the accountants out of the contingent fund a sum of money not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) for each examination made.
  2. Upon the presentation of the accountant duly commissioned, the Treasurer of State shall give the accountant free access to his or her books and permit him or her to count the cash on hand.
  3. On the refusal of the Treasurer of State to comply with the provisions of this section, his or her office shall be declared vacant and the offense deemed a felony, and on conviction thereof he or she shall be sentenced to the Division of Correction for a term not exceeding five (5) years.

“I do solemnly swear that I have made a complete examination of the books belonging to the office of the Treasurer of State for one (1) year last past, and counted the cash on hand, and the foregoing statement is true and correct, and I further swear that I did not directly nor indirectly inform anyone of my appointment nor of my intention to examine said books until I entered actively upon my duty.”

History. Acts 1891, No. 46, §§ 1-4, p. 76; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4513-4516; Pope's Dig., §§ 5570-5573; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-620 — 12-623; Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1024.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” in (d).

25-16-615. Examination of records by joint legislative committee.

  1. Immediately after the commencement of each session of the General Assembly, it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of State to submit all accounts, books, vouchers, and other official documents in his or her office to a joint committee of the General Assembly for examination and settlement.
  2. It shall be the duty of the committee to examine the books, accounts, vouchers, and other official documents of the Treasurer of State and make a report of the results of the examination to both houses of the General Assembly.
    1. If each house shall approve the report of the committee, an order shall be made directing the committee to cause the proper entries to be made in the books of the Treasurer of State, showing the results of the settlement.
    2. If the committee shall make an unfavorable report upon finding that the Treasurer of State has not performed the duties required of him or her by law and if the report shall be approved by both houses of the General Assembly, an order shall be made directing the Governor to cause suit to be brought against the delinquent on his or her official bond.

History. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 36-39; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4517-4520; Pope's Dig., §§ 5574-5577; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-624 — 12-627.

Publisher's Notes. Rev. Stat., ch. 18, §§ 36-39, are also codified as § 25-16-512.

Subchapter 7 — Attorney General

Cross References. Attorney General not to hold other office, Ark. Const., Art. 6, § 22.

State institutions, Attorney General not entitled to membership on boards of management, § 25-17-203.

Preambles. Acts 1923, No. 157 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, more than two thousand individuals and corporations in Arkansas are annually delinquent in the payment of privilege, franchise, special license and other taxes; and

“Whereas, the law requires the Attorney General, upon such failure, to institute legal proceedings, if necessary, for the collection of such taxes; and

“Whereas, in a great number of instances the amounts due the state are exceedingly small and the collection of same by the Attorney General direct would result in heavy traveling expense to be paid by the state, and in preventing the Attorney General from remaining in his office and supervising and directing the work thereof properly; and

“Whereas, the amount of work in the office of the Attorney General is so heavy that it requires all the time of the entire office force, thus making it impossible to properly attend, in person, to the collection of the taxes aforesaid….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1857, p. 117, § 8: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 45, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1883, No. 85, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1893, No. 145, § 6: effective on passage.

Acts 1911, No. 131, § 9: approved Mar. 24, 1911. Emergency declared.

Acts 1923, No. 157, § 7: Emergency declared.

Acts 1957, No. 91, § 6: Feb. 26, 1957. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and declared by the General Assembly of Arkansas that the Attorney General in order to more adequately represent the State of Arkansas in all matters in which the state's interests are concerned should have the power to subpoena witnesses for the purpose of investigation. 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 1975, No. 246, § 3: Feb. 24, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventieth General Assembly that it is essential for the best interest to the people of the State of Arkansas where is a difference of opinion between a Constitutional Officer and the Attorney General as to a conflict of interest between their Offices that the Constitutional Officer could engage and employ special counsel to represent him or her in his official capacity. 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 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 46, § 20: 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. 557, § 25: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth 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, 1993 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, 1993 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, 1993.”

Acts 2009, No. 81, § 2: Feb. 2, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that in order to augment the law enforcement duties and abilities of the Attorney General's office, facilitate the thorough investigation by the Attorney General's office of all matters in which state interests are concerned, and enhance the Attorney General's representation of the State of Arkansas in court and the Attorney General's enforcement of the laws of the State of Arkansas, that this act is immediately necessary for the continued successful operation of the Attorney General's office. 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. 819, § 26(a): May 1, 2021. Effective date clause provided: “Sections 3-17 and 20-24 of this act are effective on and after May 1, 2021”.

Acts 2019, No. 897, § 24: July 1, 2019. 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, 2019 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, 2019 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, 2019”.

Research References

ALR.

Prosecutor's power to grant prosecution witness immunity from prosecution. 4 A.L.R.4th 1221.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

Investigative authority of administrative agencies in state regulation of securities. 58 A.L.R.5th 293.

Am. Jur. 7 Am. Jur. 2d, Atty. Gen., § 1 et seq.

C.J.S. 7A C.J.S., Atty. Gen., § 1 et seq.

25-16-701. Private practice of law prohibited.

During his or her term of office, the Attorney General shall not engage in the private practice of law, which shall include, but not be limited to, acting as office counsel, participating in litigation, and accepting retainers.

History. Acts 1977, No. 251, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-701.1.

25-16-702. Representation of state agencies and officers generally — Employment of outside counsel.

  1. The Attorney General shall be the attorney for all state officials, departments, institutions, and agencies. Whenever any officer or department, institution, or agency of the state needs the services of an attorney, the matter shall be certified to the Attorney General for attention.
    1. All office work and advice for state officials, departments, institutions, and agencies shall be given by the Attorney General and his or her assistants, and no special counsel shall be employed or additional expense paid for those services.
    2. If, in the opinion of the Attorney General, it shall at any time be necessary to employ special counsel to prosecute any suit brought on behalf of the state or to defend a suit brought against any official, board, commission, or agency of the state, the Attorney General, with the approval of the Governor, may employ special counsel. The compensation for the special counsel shall be fixed by the court where the litigation is pending, with the written approval of the Governor and the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall not enter into any contract for the employment of outside legal counsel without first seeking prior review by the Legislative Council.
  2. If any official, department, institution, or agency of the state needs the service of an attorney and the Attorney General fails to render the service when requested in writing, then, upon the establishment of that fact, the Governor may appoint counsel to look after the matter or may authorize the employment of counsel by the officer, department, agency, or institution needing the services of an attorney.
  3. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to indictment and upon conviction fined in any sum not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and, upon proper proceedings, removed from office.
  4. The Attorney General shall have authority to initiate civil lawsuits under all state and federal environmental protection statutes.

History. Acts 1933, No. 14, §§ 1, 2, 5-7; Pope's Dig., §§ 5599, 5600, 5602-5604; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-701, 12-708 — 12-711; Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 46, § 16; 1991, No. 609, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1991, No. 609, § 1, provided:

“It is the public policy of this state that vigorous efforts be made to protect our fragile environment. Recognizing that duties concerning protection of the environment have been assigned to several agencies of state government, it is found that to enhance efforts to protect the environment, authority for instituting civil suits to protect the environment in the courts of this state and of the United States should be placed in the office of the Attorney General.”

Acts 1991, No. 609, § 3, provided:

“This Act shall not be construed as superseding or impairing any legal authority currently vested with the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology, nor shall this Act in any way affect programs delegated by federal agencies to the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology.”

Cross References. Consumer Protection Division, § 4-88-105.

Criminal extradition, duties of Attorney General, § 16-94-204.

Duty to defend cities, towns, counties, § 21-9-304.

Suits for recovery of state property and lands, § 22-5-401.

Tax collection duties, §§ 26-26-1614, 26-26-1704, 26-26-1706.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Katherine E. McDonald, Comment: “Pay to Sue” — Contingency-Fee Arrangements When Representing the State: A Review of Section 25-16-702 of the Arkansas Code, 66 Ark. L. Rev. 775 (2013).

Case Notes

Agency Representation.

Attorney general's office did not have an irreconcilable conflict of interest in representing the Arkansas Board of Architects where it also represented the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors in disciplinary proceedings against engineers; the Attorney General was only representing the Board of Architects, not the Board of Engineering, and the latter board was in no way involved in this case. Holloway v. Ark. State Bd. of Architects, 352 Ark. 427, 101 S.W.3d 805 (2003).

Property owners' challenge to the Attorney General's representation was rejected where among those sued by the property owners were state agency employees, members of the licensing board, and the state attorney who advised the agencies. Watkins v. Ark. Dep't of Agric., 2018 Ark. App. 460, 560 S.W.3d 814 (2018).

Intervention.

The Attorney General can intervene in any suit involving any agency or department if his services are “necessary and desirable.” Parker v. Murry, 221 Ark. 554, 254 S.W.2d 468 (1953); Newton County v. West, 293 Ark. 461, 739 S.W.2d 141 (1987).

Attorney General was not entitled to intervene in proceeding for the purpose of defending state officer who was being defended by his own attorney in absence of showing that attorney was not efficiently representing officer. Parker v. Murry, 221 Ark. 554, 254 S.W.2d 468 (1953).

Jurisdiction.

The chancery court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to issue the writ of mandamus to restrain the counsel for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration from representing the State of Arkansas before the United States Supreme Court, the effect of which was to thwart the state's certiorari petition from being docketed in the Supreme Court. Barclay v. Farm Credit Servs., 340 Ark. 65, 8 S.W.3d 517 (2000).

Cited: Rodgers v. University of Ark. for Medical Sciences, 275 Ark. 139, 628 S.W.2d 11 (1982); Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002).

25-16-703. Representation of state interests in federal courts.

  1. The Attorney General shall maintain and defend the interests of the state in matters before the United States Supreme Court and all other federal courts and shall be the legal representative of all state officers, boards, and commissions in all litigation where the interests of the state are involved.
  2. Nothing in this section shall relieve the Attorney General of discharging any and all duties required of him or her under the common law or by any of the statutes of this state, nor shall it relieve the prosecuting attorneys of any duties required of them by the statutes of this state.

History. Acts 1911, No. 131, §§ 2, 6; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4522, 4525; Pope's Dig., §§ 5579, 5582; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-706, 12-712.

Case Notes

Attorney General.

Automatic License Plate Reader System Act, § 12-12-1801 et seq., provided for enforcement only through private actions for damages. While the Attorney General may intervene and defend the constitutionality of the Act in a private damages suit, the Attorney General does not initiate enforcement or seek relief against a putative defendant; thus, the companies' injury was “fairly traceable” only to the private civil litigants who may seek damages under the Act and the companies lacked standing to sue the Governor and Attorney General challenging the Act's constitutionality. Digital Recognition Network, Inc. v. Hutchinson, 803 F.3d 952 (8th Cir. 2015).

Jurisdiction.

The chancery court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to issue the writ of mandamus to restrain the counsel for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration from representing the State of Arkansas before the United States Supreme Court, the effect of which was to thwart the state's certiorari petition from being docketed in the Supreme Court. Barclay v. Farm Credit Servs., 340 Ark. 65, 8 S.W.3d 517 (2000).

Cited: Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002).

25-16-704. Representation of state interests in Supreme Court — Writs of quo warranto.

  1. The Attorney General shall attend the several sittings of the Supreme Court and shall maintain and defend the interests of the state in all matters before that tribunal.
  2. He or she shall have full power to issue writs of quo warranto in all cases where the writs should properly issue.
  3. If he or she shall fail to attend any term of the Supreme Court in which cases may be pending for or against the state, shall fail to prosecute or defend the cases, and shall fail to furnish a substitute, the court may appoint a substitute. The attorney so appointed shall receive, as a compensation for his or her services for attending any term of the court and prosecuting or defending the suits, the sum of two hundred dollars ($200), to be paid out of the salary of the Attorney General on the certificate of the court.

History. Acts 1843, § 2, p. 117; 1857, § 6, p. 117; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4527, 4528; Pope's Dig., §§ 5584, 5585; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-713, 12-714.

Cross References. State of Arkansas not to be made defendant in any of its courts, Ark. Const., Art. 5, § 20.

Case Notes

Quo Warranto.

An injunction suit could not be transferred into an action of quo warranto or of information in the nature of quo warranto in the absence of intervention by the state through the Attorney General. Moody v. Lowrimore, 74 Ark. 421, 86 S.W. 400 (1905).

Cited: Ashcraft v. State, 141 Ark. 361, 222 S.W. 376 (1919).

25-16-705. Subpoena power — Attendance of witnesses.

  1. In all litigation, including criminal matters, in which the interests of the State of Arkansas are involved or may become involved before any tribunal, board, or commission, the Attorney General shall have the right to subpoena any person or the books, records, or other documents being held by any person. He or she shall have the authority to administer oaths for the purpose of taking testimony of witnesses subpoenaed before him or her, which he or she may deem necessary to adequately present the state's case.
  2. The subpoena provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be substantially in the following form:
  3. The subpoena provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be served in the manner provided by law and returned and a record made and kept by the Attorney General. The fees and mileage of officers serving the subpoena, and of witnesses in answer to the subpoena, shall be as provided by law.
    1. The failure of any officer to serve such subpoena, and the failure of a witness to appear on the return date thereof, shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both fine and imprisonment.
    2. In addition to paying the penalty provided in subdivision (d)(1) of this section, any witness who fails to attend before the Attorney General at the time and place designated in the subpoena, or who refuses to testify or give evidence when he or she does attend, shall be cited on affidavit by the Attorney General to the Pulaski County Circuit Court or any other circuit court of the state where the subpoena was served and proceeded against. Such failure or refusal shall be punished by the court as if the witness had been subpoenaed to appear before the circuit court citing the person.

“The State of Arkansas to the Sheriff of County: You are commanded to subpoena to attend before the Attorney General at on , 20 , at o'clock M., and testify and/or produce the following books, records, or other documents, to wit: in the matter of an investigation being conducted by the Attorney General in which the interests of the State of Arkansas are involved. WITNESS my hand this day of , 20 . Attorney General By: Assistant Attorney General”

Click to view form.

History. Acts 1957, No. 91, §§ 1-5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-725 — 12-729; Acts 2011, No. 170, § 1.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment inserted “including criminal matters” in (a).

25-16-706. Opinions.

    1. Upon request, the Attorney General without fee or reward shall give his or her opinion to the Governor and to the heads of the executive departments of this state upon any constitutional or other legal question that may concern the official action of those officers.
    2. When requested, he or she shall give his or her opinion to the prosecuting attorney of any district upon any legal question that concerns the financial interests of the state or any county and upon any question connected with the administration of the criminal laws of the state.
    3. When requested, he or she shall also give his or her opinion to either house of the General Assembly and any member thereof upon the constitutionality of any proposed bill and to all state boards and commissions upon any question connected with the discharge of the duties of those boards and commissions.
  1. The Attorney General is required to furnish to county boards of election commissioners an official opinion upon any inquiry submitted to him or her concerning the provisions of the election laws of this state.
  2. All opinions shall be written when the inquiry is in writing and request is made for a written opinion.
    1. Whenever any real estate is bought for the State of Arkansas by any agency, department, board, or commission authorized to buy real estate, it shall be the duty of the seller of the property at the seller's own expense to provide a commitment to issue a title insurance policy acceptable to the agency, department, board, or commission.
    2. Upon request, the Attorney General shall provide to the agency, department, board, or commission buying the property advice and counsel regarding the purchase of the property.
  3. Nothing in subsections (a)-(d) of this section shall relieve the Attorney General of discharging any and all duties required of him or her under the common law or by any of the statutes of this state or relieve the prosecuting attorneys of any duties required of them by the statutes of this state.

History. Acts 1843, § 2, p. 117; 1857, § 3, p. 117; 1893, No. 145, § 5, p. 251; 1911, No. 131, §§ 1, 3, 6; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4521, 4523, 4525, 4526; Pope's Dig., §§ 5578, 5580, 5582, 5583; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-702 — 12-704, 12-706; Acts 2001, No. 534, § 1.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Watkins, Access to Public Records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 37 Ark. L. Rev. 741.

Case Notes

Settlement of Claims.

Attorney General was authorized to advise settlement of state's claim against insolvent bank and letter of Attorney General authorizing settlement relieved the Treasurer and his surety from liability for having made the settlement. State ex rel. Smith v. Leonard, 192 Ark. 834, 95 S.W.2d 86 (1936).

Cited: Holloway v. State Bd. of Architects, 79 Ark. App. 200, 86 S.W.3d 391 (2002).

25-16-707. Amounts due state to be certified to Attorney General.

  1. Within ten (10) days after any amount of money is due and payable to the state, the official, department, institution, or other agency through which the amount is payable shall certify that fact to the Attorney General for his or her attention.
  2. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to indictment and upon conviction fined in any sum not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and, upon proper proceedings, removed from office.

History. Acts 1933, No. 14, §§ 3, 7; Pope's Dig., § 5601; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-711, 12-718.

25-16-708. Appointment of special counsel to collect moneys due state. [Effective until May 1, 2021.]

  1. When there shall be past due and unpaid any special license fee, franchise tax, privilege tax, or other moneys due the state by individuals, officers, companies, firms, or corporations, and when in his or her judgment it would be for the best interest of the state to do so, the Attorney General shall have the authority to appoint special counsel to take any steps which shall be necessary for the collection of all those sums which are due and unpaid.
  2. In all cases in which the Attorney General may appoint special counsel under the provisions of this section, the special counsel shall receive a reasonable compensation for his or her services, dependent on recovery, to be fixed by the Attorney General where collection is made without suit, and by the court or judge trying the cause where suits are instituted. The compensation shall in no case be more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount recovered.
  3. The venue of all suits contemplated by the provisions of this section shall be in the circuit court of any county in Arkansas where legal service of summons can be made.
  4. In cases in which the Attorney General deems it for the best interest of the state to do so, he or she is given authority to make any compromises of delinquent taxes or moneys, as herein described, as in his or her judgment shall secure for the state the most advantageous settlement.
  5. All moneys collected under the provisions of this section, less the compensation of special counsel fixed under authority of subsection (b) of this section, shall be paid over promptly to the Treasurer of State, who shall issue his or her receipt therefor to the Attorney General.
  6. This section shall not be so construed as to repeal § 22-5-401.

History. Acts 1923, No. 157, §§ 1-6; Pope's Dig., §§ 5593-5598; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-719 — 12-724.

Publisher's Notes. For text of section effective May 1, 2021, see the following version.

Case Notes

Applicability.

This section deals exclusively with special license fees, franchise taxes, privilege taxes or other moneys due the state and did not affect former provisions on tax evasion. Norphlet School Dist. v. El Dorado Special School Dist., 188 Ark. 875, 69 S.W.2d 400 (1934), dismissed, Norphlet School Dist. v. El Dorado School Dist., 293 U.S. 633, 55 S. Ct. 65 (1934).

Compensation of Counsel.

There is no requirement that compensation of special counsel be assessed against the delinquent taxpayer in addition to the tax due, but the court may fix the compensation of the special counsel to be paid out of the amount recovered upon collection of such amount. Saint Louis S.W. Ry. v. Yates, 23 F.2d 283 (8th Cir. 1927).

Settlement.

Attorney General was authorized to advise settlement of state's claim against insolvent bank and letter of Attorney General authorizing the settlement relieved the Treasurer and his surety from liability for having made the settlement. State ex rel. Smith v. Leonard, 192 Ark. 834, 95 S.W.2d 86 (1936).

Cited: Rodgers v. University of Ark. for Medical Sciences, 275 Ark. 139, 628 S.W.2d 11 (1982).

25-16-708. Appointment of special counsel to collect moneys due state. [Effective May 1, 2021.]

  1. When there is past due and unpaid any special license fee, privilege tax, or other moneys due the state by individuals, officers, companies, firms, or corporations, and when in his or her judgment it would be in the best interest of the state to do so, the Attorney General may appoint special counsel to take any steps necessary for the collection of all those sums that are due and unpaid.
  2. In all cases in which the Attorney General may appoint special counsel under the provisions of this section, the special counsel shall receive a reasonable compensation for his or her services, dependent on recovery, to be fixed by the Attorney General where collection is made without suit, and by the court or judge trying the cause where suits are instituted. The compensation shall in no case be more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount recovered.
  3. The venue of all suits contemplated by the provisions of this section shall be in the circuit court of any county in Arkansas where legal service of summons can be made.
  4. In cases in which the Attorney General deems it for the best interest of the state to do so, he or she is given authority to make any compromises of delinquent taxes or moneys, as herein described, as in his or her judgment shall secure for the state the most advantageous settlement.
  5. All moneys collected under the provisions of this section, less the compensation of special counsel fixed under authority of subsection (b) of this section, shall be paid over promptly to the Treasurer of State, who shall issue his or her receipt therefor to the Attorney General.
  6. This section shall not be so construed as to repeal § 22-5-401.

History. Acts 1923, No. 157, §§ 1-6; Pope's Dig., §§ 5593-5598; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-719 — 12-724; Acts 2019, No. 819, § 14.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 819, § 1, provided: “Title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Arkansas Tax Reform Act of 2019’”.

Acts 2019, No. 819, § 2, provided:

“Legislative findings and intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) The Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task Force was charged with:

“(A) Examining and identifying areas of potential tax reform within the tax laws; and

“(B) Recommending legislation to the General Assembly, in part, to modernize and simplify the Arkansas tax code and ensure fairness to all taxpayers;

“(2) There are several areas of the tax code that should be amended to reform the state's tax laws to modernize and simplify the tax code and ensure fairness to all taxpayers; and

“(3) Any savings realized by the state through tax reforms should be dedicated to reducing the tax burden for Arkansas taxpayers.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

“(1) Reform Arkansas tax laws to modernize and simplify the tax code and ensure fairness to all taxpayers; and

“(2) Offset any revenue savings realized through tax reform with corresponding changes to reduce the tax burden for Arkansas taxpayers”.

Publisher's Notes. For text of section effective until May 1, 2021, see the preceding version.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (a), deleted “franchise tax” preceding “privilege tax”, substituted “would be in” for “would be for”, substituted “Attorney General may appoint” for “Attorney General shall have the authority to appoint”, deleted “which shall be” following “take any steps”; and made stylistic changes.

Effective Dates. Acts 2019, No. 819, § 26(a): May 1, 2021. Effective date clause provided: “Sections 3-17 and 20-24 of this act are effective on and after May 1, 2021”.

Case Notes

Applicability.

This section deals exclusively with special license fees, franchise taxes, privilege taxes or other moneys due the state and did not affect former provisions on tax evasion. Norphlet School Dist. v. El Dorado Special School Dist., 188 Ark. 875, 69 S.W.2d 400 (1934), dismissed, Norphlet School Dist. v. El Dorado School Dist., 293 U.S. 633, 55 S. Ct. 65 (1934).

Compensation of Counsel.

There is no requirement that compensation of special counsel be assessed against the delinquent taxpayer in addition to the tax due, but the court may fix the compensation of the special counsel to be paid out of the amount recovered upon collection of such amount. Saint Louis S.W. Ry. v. Yates, 23 F.2d 283 (8th Cir. 1927).

Settlement.

Attorney General was authorized to advise settlement of state's claim against insolvent bank and letter of Attorney General authorizing the settlement relieved the Treasurer and his surety from liability for having made the settlement. State ex rel. Smith v. Leonard, 192 Ark. 834, 95 S.W.2d 86 (1936).

Cited: Rodgers v. University of Ark. for Medical Sciences, 275 Ark. 139, 628 S.W.2d 11 (1982).

25-16-709. Suits against officers indebted to state.

  1. The Attorney General is authorized and empowered, and it is made his or her duty, to institute and prosecute all suits in behalf of the state against all officers of the state who are indebted to the state by reason of any moneys collected or received and not accounted for according to law.
  2. Suits against these officers may be brought in any county of this state, at the option of the Attorney General, except in cases wherein the prosecuting attorneys of the different judicial districts are expressly authorized by law to bring suit.
  3. Whenever it shall become necessary to institute legal proceedings on the part of the state against defaulting or delinquent state officers, the Governor shall have the power to employ such competent attorneys at law as he or she may deem proper to assist the Attorney General in the proceedings and to pay a reasonable fee for the services rendered by them.
  4. Whenever under the provisions of this section the Attorney General shall fail to bring suit against any officer in default or to investigate the books and accounts of any officer when there are reasonable grounds for believing that he or she is a defaulter, the Governor may employ some competent attorney to prosecute the action. The attorney shall be allowed a reasonable fee.

History. Acts 1883, No. 45, §§ 1, 2, p. 68; 1883, No. 85, § 1, p. 154; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4529-4531; Pope's Dig., §§ 5586-5588; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-715 — 12-717.

25-16-710. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning biennial report by the Attorney General and reports from prosecuting attorneys, was repealed by Acts 1993, No. 1306, § 11. The section was derived from Acts 1911, No. 131, §§ 4, 6; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4524, 4525; Pope's Dig., §§ 5581, 5582; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-705, 12-706. For present law, see § 16-21-145 et seq.

25-16-711. Disputes between Attorney General and a constitutional officer.

In the event that the Attorney General and a constitutional officer disagree on the interpretation of any constitutional provision, act, rule, or regulation which affects the duties of that constitutional officer, the constitutional officer is authorized to employ special counsel to resolve the disagreement by litigation. This special counsel shall receive a reasonable compensation for his or her services.

History. Acts 1975, No. 246, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-126.

25-16-712. Funding restriction.

The Attorney General shall not enter into any contract for the employment of outside legal counsel without first seeking prior review by the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 1993, No. 557, § 19.

25-16-713. Attorney General — Designated law enforcement agency.

  1. The office of the Attorney General is designated as a law enforcement agency.
  2. A person designated and employed as a special investigator by the Attorney General shall:
    1. Be a certified law enforcement officer under § 12-9-101 et seq.; and
    2. Have statewide law enforcement jurisdiction and authority.

History. Acts 2009, No. 81, § 1.

25-16-714. Procurement of contingency fee contracts — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Government attorney” means an attorney employed by the state as a staff attorney in the Attorney General's office;
    2. “Private attorney” means a private attorney or law firm; and
    3. “State transparency website” means the website developed by the Department of Finance and Administration under the Arkansas Financial Transparency Act, § 25-1-401 et seq.
    1. The Attorney General shall not enter into a contingency fee contract with a private attorney unless the Attorney General makes a written determination before entering into the contingency fee contract that contingency fee representation is both cost effective and in the public interest.
    2. A written determination made under this subsection shall state:
      1. Whether there are sufficient and appropriate legal and financial resources within the Attorney General's office to handle the matter;
      2. The time and labor required;
      3. The novelty, complexity, and difficulty of the questions involved;
      4. The skill required to perform the attorney services properly;
      5. The geographic area in which the attorney services are to be provided; and
      6. The amount of experience desired for the particular kind of attorney services to be provided and the nature of the private attorney's experience with similar issues or cases.
    1. If the Attorney General makes a written determination under subsection (b) of this section, the Attorney General shall:
      1. Draft a written request for proposals from private attorneys to represent the state on a contingency-fee basis; and
      2. Post the request for proposals prominently on the Attorney General's website.
    2. However, if the Attorney General determines that requesting proposals is not feasible under the relevant circumstances, he or she shall state the basis for this determination in writing and include the statement in the written determination required under subsection (b) of this section.
  2. The Attorney General shall not enter into a contingency-fee contract that provides for the private attorney to receive an aggregate contingency fee, exclusive of reasonable costs and expenses, in excess of the sum of the following:
    1. Twenty-five percent (25%) of any recovery up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000);
    2. Twenty percent (20%) of any recovery between ten million dollars ($10,000,000) and fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000);
    3. Fifteen percent (15%) of any recovery between fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) and twenty million dollars ($20,000,000);
    4. Ten percent (10%) of any recovery between twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000); and
    5. Five percent (5%) of any recovery exceeding twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000).
  3. An aggregate contingency fee shall not exceed fifty million dollars ($50,000,000), exclusive of reasonable costs and expenses, regardless of the number of lawsuits filed or the number of private attorneys retained to achieve the recovery.
  4. A contingency fee shall not be based on penalties or civil fines awarded or any amounts attributable to penalties or civil fines.
  5. The Attorney General shall not enter into a contingency fee contract unless the following requirements are met throughout the contract period and any extensions of the contract period:
    1. The government attorneys shall retain complete control over the course and conduct of the case;
    2. A government attorney with supervisory authority shall be personally involved in overseeing the litigation;
    3. The government attorneys shall retain the authority to reject any decisions made by outside counsel;
    4. A defendant that is the subject of the litigation may contact the lead government attorneys directly without having to confer with contingency fee counsel;
    5. A government attorney with supervisory authority for the case shall attend all settlement conferences; and
    6. Decisions regarding settlement of the case shall be left exclusively to the discretion of the government attorneys and the Attorney General.
  6. The Attorney General shall develop a standard addendum to each contingency fee contract that shall be used in all cases and shall describe in detail the responsibilities of the contracted private attorney and the Attorney General, including without limitation the requirements under subsection (g) of this section.
  7. This section does not expand the authority of the Attorney General to enter into a contract that the Attorney General does not otherwise have the authority to execute.

History. Acts 2015, No. 851, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 851, § 1, provided: “Title. This act shall be known as the ‘Transparency in Private Attorney Contracts Act’.”

25-16-715. Transparency — Contingency fee contracts.

  1. A copy of each executed contingency fee contract and the Attorney General's written determination to enter into a contingency fee contract with a private attorney shall be posted on the state transparency website for public inspection within five (5) business days after the date the contract is executed and shall remain posted on the state transparency website for the duration of the contingency fee contract, including any extensions of or amendments to the contingency fee contract.
  2. Each payment of a contingency fee shall be posted on the state transparency website within fifteen (15) days after the payment of the contingency fee to the private attorney and shall remain posted on the state transparency website for at least one (1) year thereafter.
    1. A private attorney under contract to provide services to the Attorney General on a contingency-fee basis shall maintain, from the inception of the contract until at least four (4) years after the contract expires or is terminated, detailed current records, including without limitation documentation of all expenses, disbursements, charges, credits, underlying receipts and invoices, and other financial transactions that concern the provision of attorney services under the contingency fee contract.
    2. The private attorney shall make the records maintained under this subsection available for inspection and copying by the Attorney General upon request in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
    3. A private attorney shall maintain detailed contemporaneous time records for the attorneys and paralegals working on the matter in increments of no greater than one-tenth (1/10) of an hour and shall promptly provide these records to the Attorney General upon request.
    1. By February 1 of each year, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives describing the use of contingency fee contracts with private attorneys in the preceding calendar year.
    2. The Attorney General may take reasonable steps to protect the evidentiary privileges of the state when producing the report required under this subsection.
    3. At a minimum, the report required under this subsection shall:
      1. Identify all new contingency fee contracts entered into during the year and all previously executed contingency fee contracts that remain current during any part of the year, including the following information:
        1. The name of the private attorney with whom the Attorney General has contracted, including the name of the attorney's law firm;
        2. The nature and status of the legal matter;
        3. The names of the parties to the legal matter;
        4. The amount of any recovery; and
        5. The amount of any contingency fee paid; and
      2. Include copies of any written determinations made under § 25-16-714 during the year.

History. Acts 2015, No. 851, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 851, § 1, provided: “Title. This act shall be known as the ‘Transparency in Private Attorney Contracts Act’.”

25-16-716. Fee reimbursement.

  1. The Office of the Attorney General may charge a fee to a governmental unit to reimburse the office for an expenditure made on behalf of a governmental unit.
  2. A fee under subsection (a) of this section shall be deposited by the office into the State Central Services Fund as a refund to an expenditure.

History. Acts 2019, No. 897, § 19.

Subchapter 8 — Members of Boards and Commissions

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 235, § 4: June 30, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that most of the affairs of this State are conducted by boards and commissions; that the activities of such boards and commissions vitally affect the public peace, health, safety and welfare; that the appointment of capable and qualified members of such boards and commissions is of vital importance for the proper discharge of duties imposed on such boards and commissions; that many appointments are now being made of persons who are not qualified for such positions; that confusion exists in the method of appointments of members of boards and commissions from congressional districts, and clarification of laws governing such appointments is immediately necessary; and, that only by the immediate passage of this Act may the same be corrected. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 13, § 10: approved Apr. 17, 1969. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the present election laws are ancient and outdated in part and have caused and are causing much confusion and controversy, that there are particular problem areas in the present law which need immediate legislation in order to resolve same, that elections are and will continue to be held and conducted in this atmosphere of confusion and controversy until these problem areas are resolved and this Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act shall be in force and effect from and after its passage.”

Acts 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1035, § 3: Jan. 27, 1976. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventieth General Assembly, meeting in Extended Session, that the standardization of mileage reimbursement for members of the State's Boards and Commissions will alleviate many discrepancies and inequities in existing laws and will allow such members to receive travel reimbursement commensurate with that paid to State 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 its passage and approval.”

Acts 1987, No. 862, § 3: Apr. 13, 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 1035 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 passage and approval.”

Acts 1993, No. 1251, § 8: Apr. 20, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled in a recent decision that there is no statutory procedure in place for the appointment of special Commissioners to decide matters which come before the State Highway Commission when Commissioners are disqualified; that it is unclear whether there is authority for the appointment of special members to other state commissions, boards, councils, committees, or similar bodies when members are disqualified or are otherwise unable or unwilling to participate in matters before the entities; that it is in the best interests of all persons concerned that specific authority be provided for the appointment of special members to hear and participate in the determination of matters before a state commission, board, council, committee, or similar body when the regular members are disqualified or are otherwise unable or unwilling to participate in matters before the entity; that this act is designed to accomplish this 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.”

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 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.

Validity, construction, and effect of state statutes restricting political activities of public officers or employees. 51 A.L.R.4th 702.

25-16-801. Appointments from congressional districts.

    1. Whenever any laws of this state shall provide for the appointment of members of boards and commissions from each congressional district, they shall be deemed to mean the congressional districts of the state existing at the time of the appointment, and not the congressional districts existing at the time of the passage of those laws.
    2. Whenever the total membership of any board or commission shall exceed the number of congressional districts from which appointments are to be made, the members in excess of congressional district appointees shall be appointed from the state at large.
  1. If the number of congressional districts in this state shall be reduced to fewer than six (6), the members of all boards and commissions of this state, including the Legislative Council and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, who are selected or apportioned on the basis of congressional districts, shall continue to be selected or apportioned upon the basis of the six (6) congressional districts, as established by Act 297 of 1951 [repealed], until otherwise specifically provided by law.

History. Acts 1967, No. 235, § 2; 1969, No. 465, Art. 4, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-406.

Cross References. Congressional districts, § 7-2-101 et seq.

25-16-802. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning mileage reimbursement, was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 250, § 237. The section was derived from Acts 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1035, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 6-616; reen. Acts 1987, No. 862, § 1. For present law, see § 25-16-901 et seq.

25-16-803. Terms not to expire between biennial general election and Governor's swearing in.

The terms of office of members of boards and commissions of this state which by law expire between the date of the biennial general election and the date of the swearing in of the Governor elected at the election shall be extended until the date of the swearing in of the Governor. However, this section shall have no effect upon the filling of vacancies otherwise occurring during that time period.

History. Acts 1983, No. 225, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 6-627.

25-16-804. Removal and replacement.

  1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
    1. “Good cause” includes:
      1. Conduct constituting a criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
      2. Gross dereliction of duty;
      3. Gross abuse of authority; or
      4. The unexcused absence of a board or commission member from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings; and
    2. “Good cause” does not include any vote, decision, opinion, or other regularly performed or otherwise reasonably exercised power of a board or commission member.
    1. The Governor may remove for good cause a state board or commission member whose office or position is filled by gubernatorial appointment, subject to confirmation by the Senate. If the Senate is not in session, confirmation shall be by written petition of a majority of the senators.
    2. The Governor may appoint a qualified individual to replace the board or commission member removed to serve the remainder of his or her term, subject to confirmation by the Senate under circumstances in which confirmation is normally required.
  2. All orders of removal by the Governor shall:
    1. Be in writing;
    2. Be delivered to the member removed or counsel for the member; and
    3. Specifically set out the grounds relied upon for removal.
  3. Removal of board or commission members shall be in accordance with the following:
      1. Within thirty (30) calendar days after each regular board or commission meeting, the secretary of each board or commission shall notify the Governor in writing of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.
      2. The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year;
    1. The Governor may remove any board or commission secretary who fails to submit the notices and documentation required by this section;
    2. Within sixty (60) calendar days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the board or commission secretary, the Governor shall notify the board or commission member in writing of his or her intent to remove the member for cause;
    3. Within twenty (20) calendar days after the date of the Governor's notice, the member may request an excused absence as provided by this section or may file notice with the Governor's office that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons therefor;
    4. The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when the illness is verified by a written sworn statement by an attending physician or another proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and
    5. After twenty (20) calendar days after the date of the Governor's notice, if no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation is submitted, the member may be removed.
  4. Any board or commission member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provision of this section shall not be entitled to any per diem, stipend, or expense reimbursement for travel to or attendance at subsequent meetings until the board or commission receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.
    1. A removed board or commission member may institute proceedings for review by filing a petition in Pulaski County Circuit Court within thirty (30) days after delivery to him or her or his or her attorney of the Governor's order of removal.
    2. This petition shall not supersede or stay the order of removal, nor shall any court enter an order to this effect or one which would impair the authority of the Governor to appoint a replacement whose service begins immediately upon fulfillment of the normal requirements for assuming office.
    1. When the matter is heard by the Pulaski County Circuit Court, it shall be tried de novo without a jury.
    2. The Governor shall have the burden of proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that good cause existed for removal of the board or commission member in question from office and for revoking his or her commission.
      1. If the court determines that good cause has been shown, it shall enter an order removing the board or commission member in question from office and revoking his or her commission.
      2. If the court determines that good cause has not been shown by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall order the removed member reinstated to his or her position and upon request shall award a reasonable attorney's fee and court costs to the reinstated party.
    1. Subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this section on supersedeas or stay orders, a removed board or commission member may appeal the decision of the circuit court to the Supreme Court.
    2. The Governor may appeal the decision of the circuit court to the Supreme Court, but the appeal shall not preclude the circuit court, in its discretion, from entering an order reinstating the removed member.
  5. No board or commission action in which the appointed replacement participates shall be void, voidable, or in any way subject to invalidation on grounds of participation of the appointed replacement or lack of participation by the removed member in the event that the circuit court or the Supreme Court orders the removed member reinstated.

History. Acts 1979, No. 160, §§ 1-7; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 12-300.1 — 12-300.7; Acts 2001, No. 453, § 1.

25-16-805. Special board members.

  1. When any member of a state commission, board, council, committee, or similar body is disqualified or is otherwise temporarily unable or unwilling to serve in regard to any matter or matters pending before the entity, the Governor or other appointing authority may appoint a qualified person to serve as a special member of the entity to hear and participate in the decision on the particular matter or matters.
  2. The special board member appointed under this section shall have all authority and responsibility of a regular board member with respect to the particular matter or matters before the entity but shall have no authority or responsibility with respect to any other matter or matters before the board.
  3. The chair of the entity requesting a special board member shall inform the Governor or other appointing authority of the request in writing no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting in which the special board member shall serve.
  4. A person appointed as a special member of a state commission, board, council, committee, or similar body pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be entitled to receive stipends and expense reimbursement in the same amount and under the same procedure as prescribed for regular members. The stipends and expense reimbursement shall be paid from the same source as stipends and expense reimbursement payment to regular members.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1251, §§ 1-4; 1997, No. 250, § 238.

25-16-806. Removal and replacement of positions without confirmation.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Good cause” includes:
      1. Conduct constituting a criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
      2. Gross dereliction of duty;
      3. Gross abuse of authority; or
      4. The unexcused absence of an agency, board, or commission member from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings; and
    2. “Good cause” does not include any vote, decision, opinion, or other regularly performed or otherwise reasonably exercised power of a member.
    1. The Governor may remove for good cause an agency, board, or commission member whose office or position is filled by gubernatorial appointment that is not subject to confirmation by the Senate or a majority of senators.
    2. The Governor may appoint a qualified individual to replace the removed member to serve the remainder of the removed member's term.
  2. All orders of removal by the Governor shall:
    1. Be in writing;
    2. Be delivered to the removed member or counsel for the member; and
    3. Specifically set out the grounds relied upon for removal.
  3. Removal of an agency, board, or commission member shall be in accordance with the following:
      1. Within thirty (30) calendar days after each regular agency, board, or commission meeting, the secretary of the agency, board, or commission shall notify the Governor in writing of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.
      2. The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year;
    1. The Governor may remove any agency, board, or commission secretary who fails to submit the notices and documentation required by this section;
    2. Within sixty (60) calendar days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the agency, board, or commission secretary, the Governor shall notify the member in writing of his or her intent to remove the member for cause;
    3. Within twenty (20) calendar days after the issue date of the Governor's notice, the member may request an excused absence as provided by this section or may file notice with the Governor's office that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons;
    4. The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when the illness is verified by a written sworn statement by an attending physician or another proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and
    5. After twenty (20) calendar days from the issue date of the Governor's notice, if no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation is submitted, the member may be removed.
  4. An agency, board, or commission member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to any per diem, stipend, or expense reimbursement for travel to or attendance at subsequent meetings until the agency, board, or commission receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.
    1. A removed member may institute proceedings for review by filing a petition in Pulaski County Circuit Court within thirty (30) days after delivery to him or her or his or her attorney of the Governor's order of removal.
    2. This petition shall not supersede or stay the order of removal, nor shall any court enter an order to this effect or one which would impair the authority of the Governor to appoint a replacement whose service begins immediately upon fulfillment of the normal requirements for assuming office.
    1. When the matter is heard by the Pulaski County Circuit Court, the matter shall be tried de novo without a jury.
    2. The Governor shall have the burden of proof to show by clear and convincing evidence that good cause existed for removal of the agency, board, or commission member in question from office and for revoking his or her commission.
      1. If the court determines that good cause has been shown, it shall enter an order removing the member in question from office and revoking his or her commission.
      2. If the court determines that good cause has not been shown by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall order the removed member reinstated to his or her position and upon request shall award a reasonable attorney's fee and court costs to the reinstated party.
    1. Subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this section on supersedeas or stay orders, a removed agency, board, or commission member may appeal the decision of the circuit court to the Supreme Court.
    2. The Governor may appeal the decision of the circuit court to the Supreme Court, but the appeal shall not preclude the circuit court, in its discretion, from entering an order reinstating the removed member.
  5. An agency, board, or commission action in which the appointed replacement participates shall not be void, voidable, or in any way subject to invalidation on grounds of participation of the appointed replacement or lack of participation by the removed member in the event that the circuit court or the Supreme Court orders the removed member reinstated.

History. Acts 2015, No. 1277, § 1.

Subchapter 9 — State Boards — Compensation

Cross References. Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, § 6-81-702.

Effective Dates. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 11: Apr. 11, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that a more uniform system of expense reimbursement and stipend authorization for the various state boards should be implemented as soon as possible; this act so provides; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to provide for its implementation as soon as possible. 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 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. 966, § 17: Mar. 31, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-First General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the statutes regulating the licensure of podiatrists are outdated in part and that the passage of the act before June of 1997 is required in order to guarantee that these laws will apply to persons taking the podiatric medical examination in June. 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. 1018, § 8: Apr. 2, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas Code 25-16-903 authorized members of the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks and members of the State Marketing Board of Recyclables to receive a stipend for attending board meetings; that Arkansas Code 8-7-904 and 8-9-201 were enacted prior to Arkansas Code 25-16-903 and do not mention stipends; that the earlier code sections should be amended to parallel the authority granted in § 25-16-903; that this act makes those technical corrections; and that this act should go into effect as soon as possible in order to avoid confusion. It is further found and determined by the General Assembly that the current law concerning expense reimbursement for the State Board of Collection Agencies does not conform to Arkansas Code 25-16-901 et seq.; the State Board of Collection Agencies should be allowed to receive a stipend; and that this act is immediately necessary for the effective operation of the State Board of Collection 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 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. 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. 1353, § 20: Sept. 1, 1999, except for sections 15 and 17 of the act which are effective July 1, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly, that the need to register sex or child offenders or sexually violent predators is necessary to ensure the safety of the citizens of Arkansas. Currently, some sex or child offenders or sexually violent predators do not fall within the provisions of the current law and are therefore not required to be registered. 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 September 1, 1999. Section 15 and Section 17 of this act shall become effective on July 1, 1999.”

Acts 1999, No. 1553, § 23: Apr. 15, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-second General Assembly that regular examinations for licensure under the Arkansas Chiropractic Practices Act are held in January and July; that brochures containing Arkansas law must be prepared for applicants; that for the effective administration of the Arkansas Chiropractic Practices Act, 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 2009, No. 261, § 8: July 1, 2009: 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, 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009.”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 153: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Building Authority, the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Department of Rural Services, and the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department are inefficiently structured; that this inefficient structuring causes an excessive and unnecessary cost to the taxpayers of the this state; and that this act is essential to alleviating that financial burden. 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.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 129: May 23, 2016. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the membership and duties of certain agencies, task forces, committees, and commissions and repeals other governmental entities; that these revisions and repeals of governmental entities impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the provisions of this act should become effective as soon as possible to allow for implementation of the new provisions in advance of the upcoming 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 2017, No. 788, § 2: July 1, 2018.

Acts 2017, No. 824, § 19: July 1, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Student Loan Authority may be more efficiently structured; that restructuring will result in cost savings to the taxpayers of the State; and that this act is necessary because the Arkansas Development Finance Authority is well positioned to supervise the administration of a Student Loan Authority Division. 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.”

25-16-901. Definitions — Limitations.

  1. For purposes of this subchapter, the term “state board” means every state board, commission, committee, council, task force, and similar entity except the General Assembly, the State Highway Commission, and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.
  2. This subchapter shall have no effect on the payment of mileage, expense reimbursement, and per diem authorized by law to be paid to members of the General Assembly, the State Highway Commission, and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 1.

25-16-902. Expense reimbursement.

  1. Every state board may, by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during its first regularly scheduled meeting of each calendar year, authorize expense reimbursement for each board member for performing official board duties.
  2. The expense reimbursement shall not exceed the rate established for state employees by state travel regulations.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 2.

25-16-903. Stipend — Authorization for $60.

Each of the following state boards, by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during its first regularly scheduled meeting of each calendar year, may authorize payment to its members of a stipend not to exceed sixty dollars ($60.00) per day for each meeting, examination, evaluation, or inspection attended or for any day while performing any proper business of the board, and the board members shall receive no other compensation, expense reimbursement, or in-lieu-of payments except as provided in § 25-16-902:

  1. Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques;
  2. Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council;
  3. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board;
  4. Athletics and Activities Board;
  5. Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board;
  6. Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers;
  7. Black History Commission of Arkansas;
  8. Arkansas History Commission;
  9. State Board of Barber Examiners;
  10. [Repealed.]
  11. State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;
  12. Capitol Zoning District Commission;
  13. [Repealed.]
  14. Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission;
  15. Contractors Licensing Board;
  16. Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee;
  17. State Crime Laboratory Board;
  18. Board of Developmental Disabilities Services;
  19. Arkansas Educational Television Commission;
  20. Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas;
  21. State Board of Election Commissioners;
  22. Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council;
  23. [Repealed.]
  24. State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors;
  25. State Library Board;
  26. Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board;
  27. Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board;
  28. Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters;
  29. HVACR Licensing Board;
  30. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board;
  31. Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission;
  32. Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling;
  33. Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee;
  34. Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas;
  35. Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission;
  36. Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission;
  37. Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee;
  38. State Apprenticeship Committee;
  39. Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy;
  40. Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians;
  41. Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks;
  42. Arkansas Real Estate Commission;
  43. Compliance Advisory Panel;
  44. Board of Review;
  45. Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board;
  46. Arkansas Geological Survey;
  47. Land Survey Advisory Board;
  48. Arkansas Solid Waste Licensing Committee for the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission;
  49. State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board;
  50. Department of Human Services State Institutional System Board;
  51. Arkansas State Police Commission;
  52. [Repealed.]
  53. Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board;
  54. Arkansas Veterans' Commission;
  55. Veterinary Medical Examining Board;
  56. Commission on Water Well Construction;
  57. Arkansas Waterways Commission;
  58. Committee of Plumbing Examiners;
  59. Arkansas Waste Water Licensing Committee;
  60. State Board of Collection Agencies;
  61. Elevator Safety Board;
  62. State Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee;
  63. Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers;
  64. Arkansas Tobacco Control Board;
  65. Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training;
  66. State Athletic Commission;
  67. Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee;
  68. Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board; and
  69. Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 3; 1997, No. 250, § 239; 1997, No. 377, § 1; 1997, No. 693, § 1; 1997, No. 697, § 1; 1997, No. 966, § 13; 1997, No. 1018, § 4; 1999, No. 1235, § 1; 1999, No. 1286, § 3; 1999, No. 1553, § 19; 1999, No. 1591, § 5; 2001, No. 1650, § 1; 2003, No. 1300, § 2; 2007, No. 67, § 1; 2007, No. 186, § 11; 2007, No. 1583, § 3; 2009, No. 4, § 27; 2009, No. 404 § 1; 2009, No. 746, § 1; 2011, No. 786, § 1; 2011, No. 896, § 4; 2013, No. 89, § 1; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 7, §§ 60, 151; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 8, §§ 60, 151; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 2, § 84; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 84; 2017, No. 540, §§ 52, 53; 2017, No. 1067, § 10; 2019, No. 392, §§ 3, 4.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The Athletics and Activities Board, referred to in (5), has not been created by any Code provision.

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 1, provided:

“Transfer of the Arkansas Building Authority to the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Building Authority is transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the Department of Finance and Administration shall be considered a principal department established by Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, are transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration, except as specified by this act.

“(c) All powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(d) The members of the Arkansas Building Authority Council, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the council except as specified in this act.

“(e) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement this act.”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 137, provided:

“Transfer of the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department to the Arkansas Geographic Information System Office.

“(a)(1) The Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department is transferred to the Arkansas Geographic Information System Office by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) As used in this act, the Arkansas Geographic Information System Office is the principal department.

“(b) All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, are transferred to the Arkansas Geographic Information System Office, except as specified by this act.

“(c) All powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board.

“(d) The members of the Advisory Board to the Division of Land Surveys, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the board except as specified in this act.

“(e) Except as specified in this act, the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace ‘Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’ with ‘Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Geographic Information Office’.”

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.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 4 substituted “Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee” for “State Board of Cosmetology” in (17).

The 2009 amendment by No. 404 inserted (71).

The 2009 amendment by No. 746 deleted (38).

The 2011 amendment by No. 786 deleted (44).

The 2011 amendment by No. 896 added (72).

The 2013 amendment repealed (1).

The 2015 amendment by Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8 substituted “Land Survey Advisory Board” for “Advisory Board to the Division of Land Surveys” in (47); and deleted “Arkansas” preceding “Building Authority Council” in (52).

The 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 2 and 3 repealed (52).

The 2017 amendment by No. 540 repealed (10) and (23).

The 2017 amendment by No. 1067 substituted “Compliance Advisory Panel” for “State Marketing Board for Recyclables” in (43).

The 2019 amendment substituted “State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services” for “Burial Association Board” in (11); and repealed (13).

25-16-904. Stipend — Authorization for $85.

Each of the following state boards, by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during its first regularly scheduled meeting of each calendar year, may authorize payment to its members of a stipend not to exceed eighty-five dollars ($85.00) per day for each meeting, examination, evaluation, or inspection attended or for any day while performing any proper business of the board, and the board members shall receive no other compensation, expense reimbursement, or in-lieu-of payments except as provided in § 25-16-902:

  1. Auctioneer's Licensing Board;
  2. Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
  3. Supervisory Board for the Arkansas Crime Information Center;
  4. Board of Corrections;
  5. State Board of Education;
  6. State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services;
  7. State Board of Health;
  8. Arkansas Health Policy Council;
  9. State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission;
  10. Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission;
  11. Parole Board;
  12. Arkansas Racing Commission;
  13. Arkansas Sentencing Commission;
  14. Career Education and Workforce Development Board;
  15. Oil and Gas Commission;
  16. Professional Bail Bond Company and Professional Bail Bondsman Licensing Board;
  17. Arkansas Natural Resources Commission;
  18. Red River Commission;
  19. Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf;
  20. Board of Directors of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority;
  21. [Repealed.]
  22. Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board; and
  23. [Repealed.]

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 4; 1997, No. 540, § 51; 1997, No. 693, § 2; 1999, No. 1053, § 1; 1999, No. 1286, § 1; 2001, No. 726, § 1; 2001, No. 1650, § 2; 2001, No. 1803, § 6; 2007, No. 67, § 2; 2009, No. 261, § 5; 2011, No. 521, § 27; 2011, No. 808, § 1; 2017, No. 788, § 93; 2017, No. 824, § 16; 2019, No. 392, § 5.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment added (24) and made related changes.

The 2011 amendment by No. 521 added (25)[23].

The 2011 amendment by No. 808 deleted (3) and (11) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

The 2017 amendment by No. 788 substituted “State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services” for “State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors” in (6).

The 2017 amendment by No. 824 repealed (23).

The 2019 amendment repealed (21).

Effective Dates. Acts 2017, No. 788, § 2: July 1, 2018.

25-16-905. Stipend — Authorization for $110.

Each of the following state boards, by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during its first regularly scheduled meeting of each calendar year, may authorize payment to its members of a stipend not to exceed one hundred ten dollars ($110) per day for each meeting, examination, evaluation, or inspection attended or for any day while performing any proper business of the board, and the board members shall not receive any other compensation, expense reimbursement, or in-lieu-of payments except as provided in § 25-16-902:

  1. Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners;
  2. Arkansas State Medical Board;
  3. State Board of Optometry;
  4. Sex Offender Assessment Committee;
  5. Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
  6. Arkansas State Board of Nursing;
  7. Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy;
  8. Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine; and
  9. Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 5; 1999, No. 492, § 1; 1999, No. 1053, § 2; 1999, No. 1353, § 16; 1999, No. 1553, § 18; 2001, No. 1601, § 10; 2001, No. 1650, § 3; 2007, No. 67, § 3; 2009, No. 746, § 2; 2009, No. 1484, § 10; 2011, No. 786, § 2; 2011, No. 808, § 2; 2013, No. 89, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 746 substituted “Offender” for “Offenders” in (4), added (8), and made related changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 1484 deleted (6) and redesignated the subsequent subdivision accordingly, and made a related change.

The 2011 amendment by No. 786 added (8).

The 2011 amendment by No. 808 deleted former (6), redesignated former (7) as present (6), and added present (7).

The 2013 amendment added (9).

25-16-906. Stipend — State employees — Salaried members — Members of General Assembly.

  1. No state employee shall receive any stipend under this subchapter.
  2. Those persons who are paid a salary for serving as a member of a state board shall continue to receive the salary and shall receive no stipend under this subchapter.
  3. State board members who are also members of the General Assembly shall continue to receive mileage, expense reimbursement, and per diem as prescribed for legislators attending meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 6; 1997, No. 1354, § 42.

25-16-907. Effective date.

    1. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subchapter becomes effective on a board-by-board basis on the date of the board's first regularly scheduled meeting in 1996, and, thereafter, this subchapter shall be the sole authority for expense reimbursement, per diem, and stipends.
    2. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, for boards which do not have regularly scheduled meetings, this subchapter becomes effective on a board-by-board basis on the date of the board's first meeting in 1996, and, thereafter, this subchapter shall be the sole authority for expense reimbursement, per diem, and stipends.
  1. Any state board may, by a majority vote of the total membership of the board cast during any meeting in 1995, exercise its powers under this subchapter for calendar year 1995, but, until a board acts or has the opportunity to act in 1996, the law existing on February 1, 1995, as to the board's expense reimbursement and per diem authorization shall apply.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 7.

25-16-908. Distribution of copies.

As soon as possible after April 11, 1995, the Department of Finance and Administration shall provide a copy of this subchapter to every state board which is subject to the provisions hereof.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1211, § 7.

Subchapter 10 — Hiring of Relatives by Public Officials

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”.

25-16-1001. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Employee” means a person whose employment is not seasonal or temporary and whose actual performance of duty requires one thousand (1,000) or more hours during a fiscal year;
  2. “Public official” means:
    1. The Secretary of State, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, Attorney General, Commissioner of State Lands, a member of the Senate, or a member of the House of Representatives; and
    2. The executive head of any agency, department, board, commission, institution, bureau, or council of this state;
  3. “Relative” means a husband, wife, mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter, son, stepdaughter, stepson, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, or niece;
  4. “State agency” means:
    1. All boards, commissions, departments, agencies, institutions, state-supported institutions of higher learning, and offices of constitutional officers of the State of Arkansas; and
    2. The General Assembly, including divisions, commissions, and bureaus operating under the authority of the General Assembly; and
  5. “Supervisory employee” means any individual having:
    1. Authority in the interest of the state agency to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees of a state agency; or
    2. The responsibility to direct other employees of a state agency, to adjust their grievances, or to effectively recommend an action if the exercise of authority is not of a merely routine or clerical nature but requires the use of independent judgment.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Development: Public Officials, 58 Ark. L. Rev. 471.

25-16-1002. Prohibited employment of relatives.

  1. A public official shall not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement in or to a position in the state agency in which the official is serving or over which the official exercises jurisdiction or control, any person who:
    1. Is a relative of the public official; and
    2. Is an employee of a state agency or as a result of the public official's action would be an employee of a state agency.
  2. Within each state agency, no employees who are related shall be placed within the same direct line of supervision whereby one (1) relative is a supervisory employee and responsible for supervising the job performance or work activities of another relative.
  3. If a person is placed on the payroll of a state agency in violation of subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section:
    1. The person shall not be entitled to pay at the rate for which the employee was initially hired;
    2. The person shall be entitled to receive pay at the greater of the minimum hourly wage rate under § 11-4-210 or the federal minimum hourly wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq., for time actually worked while in violation of subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section; and
    3. The employment shall be void.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

25-16-1003. Married state agency employees.

  1. If as a result of a marriage that occurs after August 12, 2005, employees of a state agency are in violation of the prohibition established by § 25-16-1002, the violation shall be resolved by:
    1. Transferring one (1) of the employees to another position within the state agency;
    2. Transferring one (1) of the employees to another state agency; or
    3. The resignation of one (1) of the employees.
    1. The public official of the state agency shall provide written notice to the employees of each of the alternatives under subsection (a) of this section available to eliminate the violation.
    2. The employees shall be given the opportunity to select among the available alternatives.
    3. If the employees are unable to agree upon an alternative within sixty (60) days of the notice required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, then the public official shall take action to eliminate the violation.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

25-16-1004. Criminal penalty.

  1. A person commits an offense if the person approves an account or draws or authorizes the drawing of a warrant or order to pay the compensation of another person employed in violation of § 25-16-1002.
  2. An offense under subsection (a) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

25-16-1005. Civil penalties.

  1. A public official who knowingly violates § 25-16-1002(a) shall be subject to a civil penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
    1. The Attorney General may file suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court to collect the penalty.
    2. Penalties collected under this section shall be deposited to the General Revenue Fund Account of the State Apportionment Fund.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

25-16-1006. Administration and enforcement.

  1. The Office of Personnel Management shall establish rules and forms for all state agencies that will enable each public official and each supervisory employee within a state agency to determine whether:
    1. The hiring of a job applicant would violate § 25-16-1002 or § 25-16-1003; or
    2. The promotion or transfer of an employee of a state agency would violate § 25-16-1003.
  2. The office shall also establish rules concerning the procedures for:
    1. Reporting suspected violations of this subchapter to the office; and
      1. Referring suspected violations to the Attorney General or the Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District for enforcing civil penalties under § 25-16-1005.
      2. If the Attorney General is suspected of violating this subchapter, the office shall refer the matter to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6304.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Division of Management Services of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Office of Personnel Management” in the introductory language of (a).

25-16-1007. Applicability.

This subchapter shall not apply to the hiring, transfer, or promotion of any person employed in a state agency as of August 12, 2005.

History. Acts 2005, No. 2262, § 1.

Subchapter 11 — Forfeiture of or Disqualification from Public Employment on Conviction of an Offense Related to Public Employment

25-16-1101. Legislative intent.

  1. It is the policy of the State of Arkansas to promote integrity in public employment.
  2. It is the intent of this subchapter to require that a public servant who pleads guilty to or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of the following to forfeit his or her office, position, or employment, and thereafter he or she is disqualified from holding an office, position, or employment with a governmental body:
    1. A felony offense relating to his or her office, position, or employment;
    2. A misdemeanor offense involving fraud, dishonesty, bribery, forgery, or other form of corruption relating to his or her office, position, or employment; or
    3. Theft of property under § 5-36-103 when the victim of the theft is the governmental body with which the public servant is associated.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1; 2013, No. 995, § 1.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “the following” for “any felony offense relating to his or her office, position, or employment” in (b); and added (b)(1) through (b)(3).

25-16-1102. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “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, institution of higher education, improvement district, or any political district or subdivision;
  2. “Offense” means conduct for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment or fine, or both, is authorized by statute;
    1. “Public servant” means a public official, public employee, or public appointee.
    2. “Public servant” does not mean a member of the General Assembly or a person holding an office of trust or profit in the state under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 9;
  3. “Relating to” means an offense that directly involves a person's performance in the office, position, or employment held by a person in a governmental body; and
  4. “Public official” means a member of the General Assembly or person holding an office of trust or profit in the state under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 9.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1; 2013, No. 995, §§ 2, 3.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added the (3)(A) designation; and added (3)(B) and (5).

25-16-1103. Forfeiture of office.

  1. A public servant holding an office, position, or employment in a governmental body shall forfeit the office, position, or employment if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of:
    1. A felony offense relating to the public servant's office, position, or employment;
    2. A misdemeanor offense involving fraud, dishonesty, bribery, forgery, or other form of corruption relating to the public servant's office, position, or employment; or
    3. Theft of property under § 5-36-103 when the victim of the theft is the governmental body with which the public servant is associated.
    1. A public official may be removed from office under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5.
    2. The General Assembly or the state may consider the following offenses when determining if a public official is qualified:
      1. A felony offense;
      2. Theft of property under § 5-36-103;
      3. Abuse of office under § 5-52-107; or
      4. Witness tampering under § 5-53-110.
  2. A public official or public servant may hold a public office after he or she is removed from an office, position, or employment with a governing body if an offense identified in subdivision (b)(2) of this section is expunged and permitted under applicable law.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1; 2013, No. 995, § 4.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment in (a) deleted “Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section” and added (a)(1) through (a)(3), rewrote (b), and added (c).

25-16-1104. Disqualification from office.

A public servant who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of an offense under § 25-16-1103(a) shall be disqualified and barred from holding an office, position, or employment in a governmental body.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1; 2013, No. 995, § 5.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “public servant” for “person” and substituted “an offense under § 25-16-1103(a)” for “a felony offense relating to his or her office, position, or employment in a governmental body.”

25-16-1105. Enforcement.

    1. Forfeiture of an office, position, or employment may be raised at the time a public servant pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of an offense under § 25-16-1103(a).
      1. If the issue of forfeiture is raised against a public servant, the circuit court shall order the public servant to pay a penalty.
      2. The circuit court shall determine the amount of the penalty under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section by considering the following:
        1. The length of time over which the offense occurred;
        2. The amount of money the offense cost the governmental body;
        3. The amount of the public servant's salary during the time period in which the offense occurred;
        4. The severity of the public servant's breach of public trust; and
        5. Any other information the court considers relevant.
      3. A penalty paid under subdivision (a)(2) of this section is in addition to an award to the state for restitution and the sentence of the public servant.
    2. If the issue of forfeiture is raised against a public servant, following sentencing a circuit court shall order forfeiture of an office, position, or employment upon a finding that § 25-16-1103 applies to the public servant.
    1. If the issue of forfeiture is not raised under subsection (a) of this section, an action may be brought to remove the public servant in the manner provided by law to prevent usurpation of office under § 16-118-105.
      1. If a public servant is removed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the circuit court shall order the public servant to pay a penalty to the state.
      2. The circuit court shall determine the amount of the penalty under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section by considering the factors under subdivision (a)(2)(B) of this section.
      3. A penalty paid under this subdivision (b)(2) is in addition to an award to the state for restitution and the sentence of the public servant.
    1. A public official who is removed from office under Arkansas Constitution, Article 5, § 9, may be ordered to pay a penalty if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of one (1) of the following offenses:
      1. A felony offense;
      2. Theft of property under § 5-36-103;
      3. Abuse of office under § 5-52-107; or
      4. Witness tampering under § 5-53-110.
    2. The circuit court shall determine the amount of the penalty under subdivision (c)(1) of this section by considering the factors under subdivision (a)(2)(B) of this section.
    3. A penalty paid under subdivision (c)(1) of this section is in addition to an award to the state for restitution and the sentence of the public official.
  1. If a person holding an office, position, or employment in a governmental body is disqualified from the office, position, or employment under § 25-16-1104, an action may be brought to remove the person in the manner provided by law to prevent usurpation of office under § 16-118-105.
  2. This section does not prohibit a taxpayer from bringing a civil action under Arkansas Constitution, Article 16, § 13.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1; 2013, No. 995, § 6.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “an offense under § 25-16-1103(a)” for “a felony offense relating to his or her office, position, or employment in a governmental body” in (a)(1); added (a)(2) and redesignated former (a)(2) as (a)(3); inserted the (b)(1) designation; added (b)(2) and (c) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly.

25-16-1106. Applicability.

  1. This subchapter shall apply to a public servant that, on or after July 31, 2009, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a felony offense relating to his or her office, position, or employment in any governmental body.
  2. This subchapter shall not supersede any provision of Arkansas law which provides forfeiture of or disqualification from service as a public servant for an offense other than a felony.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1.

25-16-1107. Effect of expungement.

An expunged record shall not serve as the basis for forfeiture of office or disqualification from office under this subchapter.

History. Acts 2009, No. 679, § 1.

Chapter 17 Management Of State Institutions

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Cross References. Purchases for state institutions, § 19-11-101 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1889, No. 17, § 5: effective on passage.

Acts 1911, No. 434, §§ 8, 9: Apr. 1, 1911. Emergency declared.

Acts 1977, No. 954, § 8: Mar. 29, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is in the public interest of this State to utilize fully its human resources; that it is essential to the proper utilization of said resources that an official body be created to study and determine the best procedure to be followed in order that said human resources of this State may be fully utilized without regard to race, sex, religion, age or economic condition; and, that this Act will create such body and should take effect immediately in order that said body can proceed to effectuate public policy of this State as stated in 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.”

25-17-101. Antidiscrimination clause required in contracts.

All agencies of the state or any department thereof shall include in all contracts negotiated or renegotiated by them for and on the behalf of the state a provision obligating the contractor not to discriminate against any qualified employee or qualified applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, national origin, or ancestry and shall require the contractor to include a similar provision in all subcontracts.

History. Acts 1977, No. 954, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 6-1506; Acts 1991, No. 343, § 9.

25-17-102. Allowance of claims against state charitable and educational institutions.

  1. It shall be unlawful for any board of trustees created under the laws of this state, when the duties of the board are to manage any of the charitable and educational institutions supported wholly or in part by this state, to allow any greater sum for any account, claim, or demand against the state than the amount actually due in lawful money of the United States, according to the legal, ordinary, and customary compensation for services rendered, materials furnished, and salaries or fees of officers, trustees, attendants, or servants.
    1. Before any account, claim, or demand whatever shall be allowed by any board of trustees, that board shall require a person or his or her legal representative who claims it to be due to attach to the account, claim, or demand an affidavit at the expense of the claimant, that:
      1. The account, claim, or demand is just and correct and no part thereof has been previously paid;
      2. The services charged for or materials furnished, as the case may be, were actually rendered or furnished and the charge made does not exceed the amount allowed by law or the customary charges for similar services or materials;
      3. The account, claim, or demand is not enlarged, enhanced, or otherwise made greater in consequence or by reason of any estimated wrongs, whether supposed or real, arising by reason of any previous contract.
    2. The allowed claim or demand with affidavit attached thereto shall be filed with the Auditor of State and kept in his or her office, subject to inspection by any member of the grand jury of the county or prosecuting attorney of the circuit court.
  2. The General Assembly shall provide a joint committee every two (2) years, whose duty it shall be to examine the accounts thoroughly, together with all allowances made on account of the claims and report them to each branch of the General Assembly.
    1. In all cases, the board of trustees shall require an itemized account of any claim presented to them for allowance, sworn to as required in subsection (b) of this section, and may in all cases require satisfactory evidence, in addition thereto, of the correctness of the account.
    2. The board of trustees may examine the parties and witnesses on oath touching the correctness of the account and shall have the power to compel the production of all books, accounts, papers, and documents which may be necessary in the investigation of any matter coming properly before them and within their jurisdiction.
    1. The board of trustees is prohibited from auditing, approving, or allowing any claim not specifically allowed the claimant by law or contracted for by the board in strict pursuance of the statutes.
    2. The Auditor of State is prohibited from drawing his or her warrant on the Treasurer of State in payment of any claim or demand against the charitable or educational institutions unless the claim or demand shall be itemized and verified as required by subsection (b) of this section, approved and ordered paid by a majority of the board of trustees, and filed in the office of the Auditor of State.
    3. No claim or demand shall be paid unless there is an unexpended appropriation previously made to pay it.

History. Acts 1889, No. 17, §§ 1-4, p. 15; 1893, No. 162, § 1, p. 291; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9324-9327; Pope's Dig., §§ 12512-12515; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 7-101 — 7-104.

25-17-103. Repair of damage to charitable institution.

In case of destruction of any of the charitable institutions by fire or tornado, the board of trustees is authorized and empowered upon the approval of the Governor to borrow money at a reasonable rate of interest and immediately repair the damage done to the building.

History. Acts 1911, No. 434, § 6.

Subchapter 2 — Honorary Boards and Commissions

Publisher's Notes. Those provisions of Acts 1943, No. 1, which established honorary boards and commissions governing various state institutions, are codified in full in this subchapter and are codified with respect to particular institutions in §§ 6-43-101, 6-43-102, 6-65-103, 6-65-201, 6-65-202, 6-65-301, 6-65-302, 6-66-101, 6-66-102, 6-67-102, 6-67-103.

Effective Dates. Acts 1927, No. 37, § 19: June 30, 1927.

Acts 1943, No. 1, § 9: Jan. 14, 1943. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and declared that amendment No. 33 to the Constitution of the State of Arkansas, which will become effective on January 15, 1943, provides that the General Assembly shall arrange the terms of office of the members of boards charged with the management or control of all charitable, penal, or correctional institutions and institutions of higher learning of the State of Arkansas in such manner that the term of office of one member of said board shall expire each year and that said amendment further provides that the unexpired terms of members serving on the effective date of the amendment shall not be decreased; and, it is further found and declared that the terms of members of all of said boards do not expire in a manner which will make operative all of the provisions of said amendment. It is found, therefore, that delay in the effective date of this act will create confusion by reason of the uncertain status of present board members, and, that in order to preserve the public peace, health, and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1953, No. 140, § 2: Feb. 24, 1953. Emergency clause provided: “It is found by the General Assembly that the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint the members of the Board of Trustees of the State Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College and that due to the congressional redistricting, confusion exists as to the appointment of such members; that such confusion adversely affects the public peace, health, and safety and further that the provisions of this act are necessary to alleviate such conditions. 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 1979, No. 497, § 3: Mar. 21, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is necessary to provide that one member of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and Arkansas School for the Deaf be a deaf person fluent in sign language; that such is not now required, and that this is immediately necessary to provide such requirement. 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 1995, No. 1192, § 7: Apr. 11, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that it is important to the education and welfare of the students at the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf that they receive instruction from caring and qualified individuals; that there is currently a demand for persons qualified in deaf and blind instruction; that persons who are qualified to give instruction in blind and deaf education oftentimes are related to other persons also qualified to give that instruction; that enabling such persons to work together to provide quality education benefits the students at the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf; that in order to ensure that such qualified persons are not precluded from providing much needed services to the Arkansas School for the Blind or the Arkansas School for the Deaf 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 be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1997, No. 219, § 5: Feb. 20, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that attendance at board and commission meetings is essential to provide necessary governmental services; that a quorum of board and commission members is necessary to transact essential business and to legally provide and monitor essential governmental services; that the provisions of this act will provide to ensure attendance at board and commission meetings; and that delay in the effective date of this act could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision 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 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 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.”

25-17-201. Boards created for management of various institutions.

The following honorary boards are created:

  1. A board of five (5) members constituting the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf;
  2. A board of five (5) members constituting the Board of Corrections;
  3. A board of seven (7) members constituting the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Arkansas, hereby made and constituted a body politic and corporate;
  4. A board of seven (7) members constituting the Board of Trustees of Henderson State University, hereby made and constituted a body politic and corporate;
  5. A board of five (5) members to be appointed from the state at large, constituting the Board of Trustees of Arkansas State University; and
  6. A board of (5) five members to be appointed from counties in the Second Agricultural and Mechanical District, constituting the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Tech University.
  7. [Repealed.]

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 2; 1953, No. 140, § 1; 1963, No. 161, § 4; 1971, No. 9, § 5; 1971, No. 512, §§ 7, 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-201; Acts 1997, No. 948, § 4; 2015, No. 344, § 12.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 2, as amended, also created the following honorary boards which were subsequently abolished or superseded: State Hospital Board; Board of Trustees of Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanatorium (abolished by Acts 1973, No. 320, § 4); Board of Trustees of McRae Memorial Sanatorium (sanatorium abolished by Acts 1967, No. 116); Confederate Home Board (repealed by Acts 1963, No. 161, § 4); Boards of Managers for Boys Industrial Schools and Training Schools for Girls (abolished by Acts 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 20); Board of Trustees of Magnolia Agricultural and Mechanical College (superseded by § 6-65-401 et seq.); Board of Trustees of Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (abolished by Acts 1971, No. 9); Board of Trustees of Junior Agricultural College (abolished by Acts 1955, No. 84); Board of Trustees of State Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (abolished by Acts 1971, No. 512).

Acts 1943, No. 1, § 1, abolished the following boards and commissions as they existed prior to enactment of the 1943 act: State Hospital; Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanatorium; Thomas C. McRae Sanatorium; Confederate Home; Arkansas School for the Blind and Arkansas School for the Deaf; State Penitentiary; Boys Industrial Schools; Training School for Girls; Arkansas State Teachers College; Henderson State Teachers College; Arkansas State College; Arkansas Polytechnic College; Agricultural and Mechanical College, 3rd District; Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College; Junior Agricultural College; and State Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal School.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment repealed (7).

Case Notes

Cited: Jackson v. Bishop, 404 F.2d 571 (8th Cir. 1968); Walther v. McDonald, 243 Ark. 912, 422 S.W.2d 854 (1968).

25-17-202. Powers and duties.

The boards created in § 25-17-201 are charged with the management and control of the respective institutions of the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-202.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 3, provided, in part, that the honorary boards created in § 6-67-102 would have the power, authority, and duties formerly exercised by the boards they succeeded and that those boards which were constituted as corporations were charged with the liabilities of the corporate bodies which they succeeded.

Case Notes

Cited: Starnes v. Sadler, 237 Ark. 325, 372 S.W.2d 585 (1963); Jackson v. Bishop, 404 F.2d 571 (8th Cir. 1968).

25-17-203. Eligibility for membership.

  1. Members of the boards appointed by the Governor under the provisions of § 25-17-201, in addition to possessing the qualifications of an elector, shall reside in the State of Arkansas.
  2. The Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Commissioner of State Lands, Justices of the Supreme Court, and the directing head of any state department, state agency, or state institution shall be ineligible for membership on any of the boards provided for in § 25-17-201 during the time for which they were elected or appointed.
  3. No individual may be a member of more than one (1) of the boards created under the provisions of § 25-17-201 at the same time.

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-204; Acts 1991, No. 795, § 2.

25-17-204. Appointment and terms of members generally.

  1. By and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint the members of the boards.
  2. The term of office for each member shall commence January 15 and shall end on January 14 of the fifth or seventh year, as the number of years the full term may be, following the year in which the term commenced. The terms shall be arranged so that the term of one (1) member of each board shall expire each year.
    1. Within twenty (20) days after the convening of the General Assembly in a regular session or a fiscal session, the Governor shall submit to the Senate for confirmation the names of those board members and appointees who are by law required to be confirmed by the Senate.
    2. However, the names of appointees to fill vacancies which occur after the first twenty (20) days of the session of the General Assembly, but prior to the adjournment thereof, shall be submitted within five (5) days from the date of each vacancy.
    3. In the event of rejection by the Senate of an appointee whose name has been so submitted, the Governor shall submit the name of another appointee to fill the vacancy within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice from the Secretary of the Senate of the rejection.
    4. In the event the Governor within the time herein required should fail to appoint or fail to submit to the Senate for confirmation the name of any appointee, then the office shall be vacant, and the Senate shall proceed to fill the vacancy by an appointee of its own choice.
  3. Any vacancies arising in the membership of the boards for any reason other than the expiration of the regular terms for which the members were appointed shall be filled by the appointment of the Governor, subject to the approval by a majority of the remaining members of the respective boards and shall be thereafter effective until the expiration of the regular terms.
  4. The Secretary of State shall furnish a certificate to each board member within ten (10) days following appointment, whereupon the appointee shall notify the Governor and the Secretary of State in writing of his or her acceptance of the appointment within thirty (30) days. If the appointee shall fail to give notice of his or her acceptance within the time required, then the appointment shall be declared void and another appointment shall be made.

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, §§ 4, 6; 1947, No. 417, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 6-601, 7-203, 7-205; Acts 2009, No. 962, § 49.

Publisher's Notes. Pursuant to Ark. Const. Amend. 33, members of five-member boards serve terms of five years, members of seven-member boards serve terms of seven years, and members of ten-member boards serve terms of ten years.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “a regular session or fiscal session” for “regular session” in (c)(1).

Cross References. Filling vacancies in boards, Ark. Const. Amend. 33, § 5.

Governor's appointments to boards and commissions need Senate confirmation, § 10-2-113.

Case Notes

Applicability.

This section does not apply to the Public Service Commission. Walther v. McDonald, 243 Ark. 912, 422 S.W.2d 854 (1968).

25-17-205. Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf — Deaf and blind members — Parents or guardians as members.

  1. There shall be at all times one (1) member of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf who is a deaf person who fluently utilizes deaf sign language.
  2. The second vacancy arising on the board shall be filled by the appointment of a person who is legally blind.
    1. The Governor shall appoint one (1) person who is the parent of a blind student and one (1) person who is the parent of a deaf student to serve as advisory nonvoting members of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf.
    2. The term of office of the advisory members shall be the same as the term of office of the other members of the board. Any vacancy arising in an advisory position shall be filled in the same manner as those of other vacancies arising in the membership of the board.
    3. A state employee who is a parent or a legal guardian of a student at the Arkansas School for the Blind or the Arkansas School for the Deaf shall be eligible to serve as a regular or advisory member of the board.

History. Acts 1979, No. 497, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-203.1; Acts 1991, No. 795, § 1; 1993, No. 450, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1979, No. 497, § 1, is also codified as § 6-43-101.

25-17-206. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning appointment of an advisory member of the Board of Correction, was repealed by Acts 1993, No. 549, § 9. The section was derived from Acts 1979, No. 918, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-203.2; Acts 1987, No. 972, § 1.

25-17-207. Oath of members.

  1. Before entering upon his or her respective duties, each board member shall take, subscribe, and file in the office of the Secretary of State an oath that he or she will:
    1. Support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas;
    2. Faithfully perform the duties of the office upon which he or she is about to enter; and
    3. Not be or become directly or indirectly interested in any contract made by the board.
    1. Any violation of the oath shall be a Class A misdemeanor.
    2. Any contract entered into in violation of the oath shall be void.

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-205; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 365.

25-17-208. Meetings generally.

    1. Unless otherwise provided by law, each honorary board or commission shall meet in regular session at least once each semiannual period and shall meet in special session as often as its business may require.
    2. As used in this section, the term “honorary board or commission” means any state board or commission whose members receive no compensation other than stipends or reimbursement of expenses.
    1. All meetings shall be open to the public except when the board or commission has under consideration the employment, discharge, or investigation of an individual.
    2. The board or commission by a majority vote thereof may declare the matter they are about to consider to be privileged and may declare a closed session for the period of time during which this matter is being discussed.
    3. At the end of that time and before any new subject is discussed, the secretary of the board or commission shall announce to the public and press who may be in attendance that the meeting is reopened for the discussion of further business.

History. Acts 1947, No. 417, § 2; 1949, No. 75, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 6-602; Acts 1991, No. 248, § 1; 1997, No. 250, § 240.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Watkins, Open Meetings Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 38 Ark. L. Rev. 268 (1984).

25-17-209. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning reimbursement for expenses, was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 250, § 241. The section was derived from Acts 1943, No. 1, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-206. For present law, see § 25-16-901 et seq.

25-17-210. Removal of members generally.

  1. The Governor shall have the power to remove any member of an honorary board before the expiration of his or her term for cause only, after notice and hearing.
  2. The removal shall become effective only when approved in writing by a majority of the total number of the board, but the member removed or his or her successor shall have no right to vote on the question of removal.
  3. The documentation of removal action shall be filed with the Secretary of State together with a complete record of the proceedings at the hearing.
    1. An appeal may be taken to the Pulaski County Circuit Court by the Governor or the member ordered removed, and the appeal shall be tried de novo on the record of the hearing before the Governor.
    2. An appeal may be taken from the circuit court to the Supreme Court, where the appeal shall likewise be tried de novo.

History. Acts 1943, No. 1, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-205.

Cross References. Removal of board members, Ark. Const. Amend. 33, § 4.

25-17-211. Absence of member from meetings as grounds for removal.

  1. Attendance Required. In order to ensure broad representation and a quorum, all board or commission members have a responsibility to attend all regular or special meetings of the board or commission.
  2. Excessive Absences. A board or commission member shall be subject to removal from the board or commission in the event the member shall fail to present to the Governor a satisfactory excuse for his or her absence. Unexcused absences from three (3) successive regular meetings, without attending any intermediary called special meetings, shall constitute sufficient cause for removal.
  3. Notice and Removal Procedures. Removal of board or commission members shall be in accordance with the following:
      1. Within thirty (30) days after each regular board or commission meeting, the secretary of each board or commission shall notify the Governor in writing of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.
      2. The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year;
    1. Any board or commission secretary's failing to submit the notices and documentation required by this section shall be considered cause for removal by the Governor in accordance with the procedures set forth at § 25-17-210;
      1. Within sixty (60) days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the board or commission secretary, the Governor shall notify the board or commission member in writing of his or her intent to remove the member for cause.
      2. This notice shall suffice for the notice required in § 25-17-210(a);
    2. Within twenty (20) days of the date of the Governor's notice, the member may request an excused absence as provided by this section or may file notice with the Governor's office that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons thereby;
    3. The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when the illness is verified by a written sworn statement by the attending physician or other proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and
    4. After twenty (20) days of the date of the Governor's notice, if no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation submitted, the member may be removed in accordance with the provisions set forth at § 25-17-210.
  4. Reimbursements Withheld. Any board or commission member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to any per diem or expense reimbursement for travel or attendance of any subsequent meeting until the board or commission receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.

History. Acts 1947, No. 417, § 3; 1949, No. 75, § 2; 1961, No. 66, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 6-603; Acts 1997, No. 219, § 1.

25-17-212. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the appointment and powers of superintendents, was repealed by Acts 2001, No. 612, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1927, No. 37, §§ 12-14; Pope's Dig., §§ 12798-12800; Acts 1963, No. 514, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 7-208 — 7-210; Acts 1995, No. 1192, § 2.

Subchapter 3 — Regulation of Property

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 12: Mar. 13, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the State of Arkansas has a substantial investment in its institutions and the lands and improvements devoted to their functions; that doubts exist concerning the right to police and regulate certain activities which should be regulated for the protection of these state institutions; that urgent reasons exist for providing for the adequate police authority which this enactment will achieve; and that only by the immediate passage of this act may these objectives be achieved. Therefore, an emergency is declared to exist and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety and for the protection of the public property, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1971, No. 325, § 4: Mar. 17, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the maintenance of peace and order and the protection of public property and safety of persons and their property, who utilize the facilities of state parks is essential to the efficient and orderly use of said parks by the public, and that the immediate passage of this act is necessary to authorize the Department of Parks and Tourism to designate security officers to have the same powers to maintain law and order, and to protect the public peace in state parks as is now authorized for state supported institutions. 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 2005, No. 2162, § 2: Apr. 13, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is a question concerning rental fees and charges of public institutions of higher education for the management and control of the property of such institutions with respect to the parking of motor vehicles thereon; and that it is necessary to clarify by this act that any such fees or charges are paid as rental for parking spaces designated either generally or specifically for a permitee and not as consideration for any service provided to the permit holder or person paying such fees and charges as rent. 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”.

25-17-301. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

  1. “Executive head”, when used with reference to the University of Arkansas, means the President of the University of Arkansas System;
  2. “Institution” means the educational, charitable, correctional, penal, and other institutions owned and operated by the State of Arkansas and shall include the respective state parks of this state;
  3. “Property” means both real and personal property owned by or under the control of the institution and shall include all highways, streets, alleys, and rights-of-way that are contiguous or adjacent to property owned or controlled by the institution; and
  4. “Property under the control of” shall include that property upon which any registered institutional organization is maintained or property rented or leased for the purpose of facilitating events or functions of the institution.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 1; 1971, No. 325, § 1; 1981, No. 805, §§ 1, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 7-112, 7-112.1; Acts 2007, No. 498, § 1.

Case Notes

In General.

Where campus patrolman had witnessed traffic offenses and could form a reasonable belief that the defendant was intoxicated, such firsthand information and fact that he began pursuit within his jurisdiction, demonstrated that the patrolman was well within the bounds of his authority when he pursued the defendant for four blocks in the course of fresh pursuit and made the arrest outside the patrolman's jurisdiction. Smith v. City of Little Rock, 305 Ark. 168, 806 S.W.2d 371 (1991).

25-17-302. Applicability — Cumulative effect.

  1. This subchapter shall apply to and encompass all lands, buildings, and improvements which are owned by each respective state institution which may be owned by the State of Arkansas for the use of the institution, or which may be under the control of the institution but is not to be interpreted as in any way interfering with the ownership and control which is by law vested in the governing board of each institution as to its lands, buildings, and improvements.
  2. The provisions of this subchapter shall be cumulative to any remedies which each institution may possess for enforcing its rules, including its rights to impose sanctions through fees and charges and its rights to discipline, deny service, and expel.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-117; Acts 2019, No. 315, § 2925.

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

25-17-303. Enforcement.

  1. The prosecuting attorney or the city attorney, as may be appropriate, shall appear and prosecute all actions arising in any court under the provisions of this subchapter.
  2. All fines which may be collected by any court on account of the violation of § 5-40-104 [repealed] or § 25-17-307 shall be paid into the same fund as are fines levied for the same or similar violations by the court hearing the matter.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-118.

25-17-304. Appointment and removal of institutional law enforcement officers.

  1. The executive heads of each of the educational, charitable, correctional, penal, and other institutions owned and operated by the State of Arkansas, including the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and the executive head of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, are authorized to designate and appoint one (1) or more of the employees of the institutions and department, respectively, as an institutional law enforcement officer or officers for the institution or at a state park, or any separate portion of the institution or park, who shall exercise law enforcement officer authority under the laws of this state.
  2. These institutional law enforcement officers shall:
    1. Have all the powers provided by law for city police and county sheriffs to be exercised as required for the protection of the respective state institutions and state parks, together with any other duties which may be assigned by the employing institution or department; and
    2. Meet the requirements for certification set out by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in addition to any institution or department requirements.
    1. The present jurisdictional powers or responsibility of the county sheriffs or city police over the land or property of institutions or persons on the land shall not be ceded to the law enforcement officers of state institutions.
    2. The appointment or designation of institutional law enforcement officers does not supersede in any way the authority of the Division of Arkansas State Police or the county sheriffs or that of the law enforcement officers of the jurisdiction within which the institution or portions of it are located.
    1. Institutional law enforcement officers shall be identified by a shield or badge bearing the name of the state institution.
    2. The institution shall issue an identification card bearing the photograph of the institutional law enforcement officer who shall carry it on his or her person at all times when on duty and display it upon request.
    1. An institutional law enforcement officer's authorization to have and to exercise the powers provided by law for law enforcement officers shall be further evidenced by a letter of appointment issued under the seal of the institution.
    2. The executive head of the institution and the executive head of the department or their designees shall maintain a file containing each institutional law enforcement officer's authorization certificate, the certificate of appointment, and all other certificates and information consistent with the rules of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
      1. The executive head of the state institution or the department shall have the authority to remove an employee from the execution of those designated duties, including the authority to revoke in writing the authorization to serve as an institutional law enforcement officer for the institution or department.
      2. Upon termination of that authority, the person shall no longer possess or exercise the authority of an institutional law enforcement officer.
      3. A copy of all revocations shall be placed in the file described in subdivision (e)(2) of this section.
      4. The Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training shall be notified of any change in an institutional law enforcement officer's status.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, §§ 1, 8; 1971, No. 325, § 1; 1981, No. 805, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 7-112, 7-119; Acts 2007, No. 498, § 2; 2009, No. 549, § 4; 2009, No. 1198, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2926; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6036, 6037.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 549 subdivided subsection (c) and made minor stylistic and punctuation changes.

The 2009 amendment by No. 1198 inserted “and the executive head of the Arkansas Forestry Commission” in (a).

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 substituted “rules” for “regulations” in (e)(2).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism” for “executive head of the Department of Parks and Tourism” in (a); and substituted “Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training” for “Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training” in (e)(3)(D).

Case Notes

Certificate of Appointment.

Patrolman's failure to have his certificate of appointment with him was harmless error and not fatal to the arrest. Smith v. City of Little Rock, 305 Ark. 168, 806 S.W.2d 371 (1991).

25-17-305. Institutional law enforcement officer's duties and powers.

  1. An institutional law enforcement officer appointed under the authority of § 25-17-304, except to the extent otherwise limited by the executive head of the state institution or department appointing him or her, shall protect property, preserve and maintain proper order and decorum, prevent unlawful assemblies and disorderly conduct, exclude and eject persons detrimental to the well-being of the institution, prevent trespass, and regulate the operation and parking of motor vehicles upon and in all of the grounds, buildings, improvements, streets, alleys, and sidewalks under the control of the institution employing him or her, which is the institutional law enforcement officer's primary jurisdiction.
    1. An institutional law enforcement officer shall have and exercise police supervision on behalf of the institution and as a law enforcement officer may arrest any person upon or in the institutional law enforcement officer's primary jurisdiction who is committing an offense against any law of the State of Arkansas or against the ordinances of the city in which the institution is located and may deliver that person before any court of competent jurisdiction to be dealt with according to law.
    2. An institutional law enforcement officer may summon a posse comitatus if necessary.
  2. An institutional law enforcement officer may make an arrest for an offense against any law of the State of Arkansas outside his or her primary jurisdiction if the officer:
    1. Is summoned by another law enforcement agency to provide assistance;
    2. Is assisting another law enforcement agency;
      1. Is traveling to or from any location in the state on official business.
      2. Official business includes, but is not limited to:
        1. Engaging in intelligence-gathering activity relating to security on the grounds, buildings, improvements, streets, alleys, and sidewalks under the control of the institution employing him or her;
        2. Investigating a crime committed on the grounds, buildings, improvements, streets, alleys, and sidewalks under the control of the institution employing him or her;
        3. Transporting money, valuables, securities, or other valuables on behalf of the institution;
        4. Providing security or protective services for officials or visiting dignitaries to the institution; or
        5. The continuous and immediate pursuit of a person for an offense committed on the grounds, buildings, improvements, streets, alleys, and sidewalks under the control of the institution employing him or her, or in the officer's view.
    1. When an arrest is made outside the institutional law enforcement officer's primary jurisdiction, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will be notified promptly and a written report forwarded to the agency no later than the next working day.
    2. The agency having jurisdiction may choose to take over the investigation or allow the institution or department law enforcement officer to bring the person before a court of competent jurisdiction to be dealt with according to law.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 2; 1981, No. 805, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-113; Acts 2007, No. 498, § 3; 2009, No. 549, § 5.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “An institutional law enforcement officer” for “He or she” in (b)(1) and (b)(2), and made minor stylistic changes.

Case Notes

Fresh Pursuit.

Where campus patrolman had witnessed traffic offenses and could form a reasonable belief that the defendant was intoxicated, such firsthand information and fact that he began pursuit within his jurisdiction, demonstrated that the patrolman was well within the bounds of his authority when he pursued the defendant for four blocks in the course of fresh pursuit and made the arrest outside the patrolman's jurisdiction. Smith v. City of Little Rock, 305 Ark. 168, 806 S.W.2d 371 (1991).

25-17-306. Institutional law enforcement officers exempt from personal liability.

Any institutional law enforcement officers so appointed and designated and any other institutional employees so authorized executing the duties delegated to them under this subchapter shall not be personally liable for injuries to persons or for damages to property dealt with while acting within the scope of their authorized authority on behalf of the State of Arkansas and its institutions.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 7-120; Acts 2007, No. 498, § 4.

25-17-307. Policies for motor vehicles on institutional grounds.

  1. Each of the institutions described in § 25-17-301 may adopt and amend policies that provide for the operation and parking of motor vehicles upon the grounds, streets, drives, and alleys under its control, including without limitation:
    1. Limiting the rate of speed;
      1. Assigning parking spaces, designating parking areas and their uses, and collecting charges or fees as rent for those parking spaces.
      2. The charges or fees collected under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, other than fees for parking or parking passes for athletic events or other special events, do not constitute payment for the providing of any service to the person paying the charges or fees as rent and are exempt from the tax levied under § 26-52-301(3);
    2. Prohibiting parking;
    3. Removing vehicles parked in violation of institutional policies or city ordinances, at the expense of the violator, who shall pay the expense before the vehicle is released;
    4. Instituting a system of motor vehicle registration for the identification and regulation of vehicles regularly using institutional premises, including without limitation a reasonable charge to defray the cost of the system; and
      1. Collecting, under an established system, administrative charges for violations of institutional policies governing motor vehicles, the operation of motor vehicles, and the parking of motor vehicles.
      2. However, an administrative finding of a violation of policies under this section may be appealed to the appropriate district court where the matter shall be heard de novo.
  2. Policies, together with any amendments, that may be adopted by a state institution to regulate the operation and parking of motor vehicles shall be posted online or printed, with copies available at convenient locations at the institution.
  3. Speed limits shall be posted at reasonable intervals, and traffic and parking directions and prohibitions shall be indicated by signs.
    1. Upon the adoption of policies under this section, it shall be unlawful for a person to operate or to park a motor vehicle in violation of policies adopted under this section.
    2. A person who violates or refuses to comply with the policies adopted under this section, if not otherwise regulated by city ordinance, shall be subjected to a reasonable administrative charge provided in the policies adopted under this section.
      1. A person who violates policies adopted under this section while using a motor vehicle registered with the institution, at the option of the institutional law enforcement officer, shall be charged under the institution's system of charges or summoned to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction.
      2. A person adversely affected by an administrative determination of an institution as described under subdivision (e)(1)(A) of this section may appeal the administrative determination to the appropriate district court where the matter shall be heard de novo.
      1. A person who violates policies adopted under this section while using a motor vehicle not registered with the institution or a person who violates city ordinances shall be summoned to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction.
      2. Notice placed on the vehicle is sufficient as a summons for the purposes of subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section.

History. Acts 1967, No. 328, §§ 4, 5; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 7-115, 7-116; Acts 2005, No. 2162, § 1; 2007, No. 498, § 5; 2019, No. 256, § 8; 2019, No. 315, § 2927.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 256 rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in the section heading, in (a)(4), in (a)(6), in (d) three times, in (e)(1), and in (e)(2); in the introductory language of (a), deleted “and regulations” following the first occurrence of “rules” and substituted the second occurrence of “rules” for “regulations”; substituted “Institutional rules” for “Rules and regulations” in (b); and inserted “institutional” in (d) three times.

Case Notes

Cited: Markham v. State, 303 Ark. 438, 798 S.W.2d 58 (1990).

Chapter 18 Public Records

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 1282, § 1, provided: “Open Data and Transparency Task Force.

“(a) As used in this section, ‘state agency’ means an agency, institution, authority, department, board, commission, bureau, council, or other agency of the State of Arkansas supported by cash funds or the appropriation of state or federal funds.

“(b)(1) The General Assembly finds that:

“(A) State agencies contain great amounts of valuable information and reports on all aspects of life for the citizens of this state, including without limitation health, business, public safety, labor, and transportation data;

“(B) The tremendous amount of data maintained by state agencies can result in the duplication of efforts, data, records, and parts of data and records that may result in the maintenance of inconsistent data and records concerning the same citizen;

“(C) The lack of a quick and efficient delivery system to respond to legislative and executive branch inquiries is harmful to the policy-making process and ultimately costs taxpayers money;

“(D) Progressive states have evolved to become data-driven governments that use data as a strategic asset to improve the delivery of services to the state's citizens and to become more efficient stewards of citizens' data;

“(E) Ensuring the quality and consistency of public data is essential to maintaining the data's value and utility;

“(F) New information technology has fundamentally changed the way people search for and expect to find information and can aggregate large quantities of data to allow the state to provide better information to citizens with increasing efficiency and thoroughness; and

“(G) The state should:

“(i) Evaluate ways to appropriately, efficiently, and securely share data between and within state agencies to allow for quicker, more impactful cross-agency analysis to allow policymakers to make quicker, more informed decisions; and

“(ii) Use the innovations in information technology to enhance public access to public data to make the state more transparent and to promote public trust while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the execution and delivery of government services.

“(2) It is the intent of the General Assembly by this act to enable the Open Data and Transparency Task Force to:

“(A) Evaluate, study, and address the findings contained in subdivision (b)(1) of this section;

“(B) Determine the best practices for the state to achieve the most efficient system for maintaining and delivering the state's public records and data to public officials, government entities, and private citizens; and

“(C) Recommend specific solutions and legislation for an efficient open data and transparency law based upon open data policy principles for state agencies to maintain and share public data that is owned, controlled, collected, or maintained by state agencies.

“(c) The Open Data and Transparency Task Force is created.

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

“(1) One (1) member appointed by the Governor;

“(2) One (1) member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

“(3) One (1) member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

“(4) The Chair of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs or a member of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs designated by the chair;

“(5) The Chair of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs or a member of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs designated by the chair;

“(6) The House Cochair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or a House member of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology designated by the House cochair;

“(7) The Senate Cochair of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or a Senate member of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology designated by the Senate cochair;

“(8) The Director of the Department of Finance and Administration or his or her designee;

“(9) The Director of the Department of Health or his or her designee;

“(10) The Director of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee;

“(11) The Director of the Department of Education or his or her designee;

“(12) The Director of the Department of Higher Education or his or her designee;

“(13) The Director of the Department of Correction or his or her designee;

“(14) The Director of the Department of Community Correction or his or her designee;

“(15) The Director of the Department of Information Systems or his or her designee; and

“(16) The Attorney General or his or her designee.

“(e) A vacancy on the task force shall be filled by the appointing authority for the unexpired portion of the term in which it occurs.

“(f)(1) The Governor shall designate his or her appointee to the task force to:

“(A) Call the first meeting of the task force on or before September 1, 2015; and

“(B) Serve as chair.

“(2) At the first meeting, the members of the task force shall elect from its membership a vice chair.

“(3) The task force shall conduct its meetings in Pulaski County at the State Capitol or via teleconference or web conference as technology permits and as desired to allow for scheduling flexibility for its members.

“(4) The task force shall meet at least bimonthly or as decided upon by the task force.

“(g)(1) A majority of the members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for transacting any business of the task force.

“(2) An affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum present shall be necessary to transact business.

“(h) The Department of Information Systems shall provide staff for the task force.

“(i) The task force shall:

“(1) Evaluate, study, and address the findings contained in subdivision (b)(1) of this section;

“(2) Determine the best practices for the state to achieve the most efficient system for maintaining and delivering the state's public records and data to public officials, government entities, and private citizens; and

“(3) Recommend specific solutions and legislation for an efficient open data and transparency law based upon open data policy principles for state agencies to maintain and share public data that is owned, controlled, collected, or maintained by state agencies.

“(j) The task force shall provide a written report by December 31, 2016, to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives containing the results of its findings and activities and its recommendations, including recommendations for proposed legislation.

“(k) The task force expires on January 1, 2017.”

Research References

Am. Jur. 66 Am. Jur. 2d, Records, § 1 et seq.

C.J.S. 76 C.J.S., Records, § 93 et seq.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Preambles. Acts 1947, No. 281 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the Board of Fiscal Control recognized the necessity of microfilming invaluable state documents and records as a protection against fire and other hazards, to conserve valuable storage space in the State Capitol Building, and to comply with federal statutes allowing such microfilm records and facisimiles to be admitted as evidence in all courts, departments, bureaus, and commissions, on the same status as the original documents or records; and

“Whereas, the board authorized the purchase of initial equipment and the employment of an operator to inaugurate this program so that the members of the General Assembly could visually examine the program thereby being better able to understand the importance and necessity of its continuance; and

“Whereas, the federal government, other states, and many counties in Arkansas are now microfilming their land and other records and it is highly important that state land and other state records and documents be microfilmed for the use of federal, state, and county officials, and employees, and the public generally;

Now therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1947, No. 218, § 6: Mar. 18, 1947. Emergency clause provided: “There being no provision of law whereby photostatic microfilm or photographic reproductions of writings, documents, or records may be admissible in evidence, and because facilities for storage of public records are now taxed to capacity; and because space must be provided for such public records and because it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety of the inhabitants of the state; an emergency exists within the meaning of the Constitution and this act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.”

Research References

ALR.

Privilege accorded state or local governmental administrator of records relating to private individual member of public affecting defamation action. 40 A.L.R.4th 318.

Legitimate research justifying inspection of state or local public records not open to inspection by general public. 40 A.L.R.4th 333.

What constitutes a public record or document within statute making falsification, forgery, mutilation, removal, as other misuse thereof an offense. 75 A.L.R.4th 1067.

25-18-101. Reproduction of records generally.

  1. For the purposes of this section, “business” means and includes business, industry, profession, occupation, and calling of every kind.
    1. The head of any business or head of any state, county, or municipal department, commission, bureau, or board may cause any or all records kept by the official, department, commission, board, or business to be photographed, microfilmed, photostated, or reproduced on film. At the time of reproduction, he or she shall attach his or her certificate to the record certifying that it is the original record, and the certificate shall be reproduced with the original.
    2. The film or reproducing material shall be of durable material, and the device used to reproduce records on the film or material shall be such as to accurately reproduce and perpetuate the original records in all details.
    1. The photostatic copy, photograph, microfilm, or photographic film of the original records shall be deemed to be an original record for all purposes and shall be admissible in evidence in all courts or administrative agencies.
    2. A facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of a record for all purposes recited in this subsection shall be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of the original.
  2. Whenever photostatic copies, photographs, microfilms, or reproductions on films of public records kept by a state official, department, commission, or board shall be placed in conveniently accessible files and provision made for preserving, examining, and using them, the head of the state department, commission, bureau, or board may certify those facts to the Governor, who shall have the power to authorize the disposal, archival storage, or destruction of the records or papers.

History. Acts 1947, No. 218, §§ 1-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 16-501 — 16-504.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1947, No. 218, §§ 1, 2, 4, are also codified as §§ 14-2-20114-2-203.

Cross References. Photographic recording authorized, § 16-46-101.

Research References

ALR.

Disclosure of Electronic Data under State Public Records and Freedom of Information Acts. 54 A.L.R.6th 653.

Ark. L. Rev.

Documentary Evidence — Arkansas, 15 Ark. L. Rev. 79.

Legislation — No. 235 — Photographic Copies of Documents Held in a Custodial or Fiduciary Capacity Admissible as Evidence (Searcy Woods Harrell, Jr.), 18 Ark. L. Rev. 125.

Authentication and Identification, 27 Ark. L. Rev. 332.

Case Notes

Admissibility.

Where photographic copies of an out-of-state marriage license and certificate of marriage were not authenticated they were not admissible. Davis v. Davis, 251 Ark. 423, 473 S.W.2d 172 (1971).

25-18-102. Microfilming of records by Secretary of State.

  1. The Secretary of State is authorized and empowered to proceed to have microfilmed any state records and documents which, in his or her opinion, with the advice of the State Board of Finance and the heads of the various state departments, may be of the most importance from an historical and legal point of view.
  2. The microfilm records shall be properly indexed and placed in a fireproof vault which will be available to all department heads, officials, employees, and the public. The operator and supervisor are directed to place the microfilm record of all state documents or records on the microfilm reader machine for the use of any citizens, officials, or employees of the state at their request.
  3. The Secretary of State is charged with the general direction of this microfilming program, provided that the Governor by proclamation may transfer these duties to some other official or department.

History. Acts 1947, No. 281, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-414.

25-18-103. Fee for facsimile copies.

The fees charged by the Secretary of State for facsimile copies of any state record document shall be the same as is provided by law for certified copies.

History. Acts 1947, No. 281, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-415.

Subchapter 2 — State Publications

Preambles. Acts 1893, No. 85 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, The index to the Acts of the General Assembly is a matter of great convenience and importance to the general public; and

“Whereas, The index to these books is generally so imperfect and inaccurate as to make it very difficult to readily refer to the matters contained therein; therefore….”

Acts 1937, No. 97 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, the Law Library Association, Inc., of Shelby County, Tennessee, an eleemosynary institution of the City of Memphis, County of Shelby, State of Tennessee, organized and supported by the members of the Bar of the City of Memphis, County of Shelby, State of Tennessee, maintains for use of its members a fully equipped law library in the City of Memphis, County of Shelby, State of Tennessee; and

“Whereas, the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee, furnishes without charge quarters for said library in the Shelby County Courthouse; and

“Whereas, the sole and only source of revenue of said association consists of donations from interested persons and dues from its resident members; and

“Whereas, the facilities of said association are open to non-resident lawyers without charge therefor, and said association, through its officers and its members, has consistently urged members of the Bar of Arkansas to make use of its facilities without the slightest charge therefor; and

“Whereas, such privilege is of inestimable benefit to the lawyers practicing in this state because of the fact that the lawyer of a small town cannot maintain or equip a library with the facilities afforded by said association except at an exorbitant cost: Now, Therefore….”

Acts 1951, No. 84 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, there are now only a small number of the justices of the peace in this state conducting justice courts and engaging in the active hearing of cases; and

“Whereas, in a great majority of instances, the duties of hearing and trying cases before justices of the peace have been transferred to municipal courts, and in such cases, the justices of the peace are not actively engaged in hearing either civil or criminal cases;

“Now therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1868, No. 33, § 6: effective on passage.

Acts 1874, No. 6, p. 42, § 27: effective on passage.

Acts 1877, No. 74, § 5: effective on passage.

Acts 1891, No. 124, § 3: effective on passage.

Acts 1891, No. 154, § 8: effective on passage.

Acts 1921, No. 207, § 7: Emergency declared.

Acts 1939, No. 162, § 4: Emergency declared.

Acts 1955, No. 429, § 6: Mar. 30, 1955. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and determined by the General Assembly that the volumes of the Arkansas Reports included in this act are out of print and cannot now be obtained in bound form, resulting in confusion and uncertainty and great inconvenience to a large portion of population and this act being necessary for the immediate correction of this dire situation and for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety of the people of the State of Arkansas, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this act shall be in full force and effect upon its approval.”

Acts 1973, No. 835, § 5: Apr. 16, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential for the administration of justice and for the administration and enforcement of the fiscal laws of this State that early printing and distribution of the Acts of the General Assembly shall be expeditious as possible, in order that the courts, public officials and citizens of this State may be advised of the laws that have been enacted and of the changes made in existing laws; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary in order to provide for the funds whereby the Secretary of State may requisition the printing of the Acts as provided by law without undue delay. 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 after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1975, No. 328, § 3: Mar. 7, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is immediately necessary to increase the charge collected for printed copies of the Arkansas Supreme Court Reports, in order to enable the State of Arkansas to recover the cost of printing said Reports, and that clarification is immediately needed with respect to the procedures to be followed in the sale and distribution of certain copies of said Reports, and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary to correct this situation. 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 1975, No. 831, § 4: Apr. 4, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is essential for the administration of justice and for the administration and enforcement of the fiscal laws of this State; that early printing and distribution of the Acts of the General Assembly shall be expeditious as possible, in order that the courts, public officials and citizens of this State may be advised immediately of the laws that have been enacted and of the changes made in existing laws; and that the immediate passage of this Act is necessary in order to provide for the funds whereby the Secretary of State may requisition the printing or reproduce the Acts as provided by law without undue delay. 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 from and after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1979, No. 664, § 5: Mar. 30, 1979. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Second General Assembly that there is an immediate need to provide qualified interpreters for deaf persons at administrative, civil and criminal proceedings 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 1987, No. 644, § 3: Apr. 4, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that it is immediately necessary that the price to be charged by the Secretary of State for volumes of the Arkansas Supreme Court Reports must be increased to enable the State to recover the costs of printing and binding of the volumes and the postage cost for mailing; that this Act is designed to accomplish this purpose 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 1987, No. 1063, § 4: Apr. 17, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Sixth General Assembly, that sufficient funding was not provided to the Secretary of State to print, mail and distribute the complimentary copies of the Bound Book Report which is an historical report issued every ten years; that the current financial situation will not permit the number of complimentary copies to remain the same nor to provide additional funds to complete the contract; and that this Act will allow the Secretary of State the flexibility in his current operating appropriation to fulfill the State's commitment and to lower the number of required copies to be printed. 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 1995, No. 709, § 21: July 1, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eightieth 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, 1995 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, 1995 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, 1995.”

Acts 1995, No. 879, § 10: Apr. 3, 1995. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the present law concerning the publication and distribution of the acts of Arkansas is in need of modification; that this act provides the necessary modifications; and that this act should go into effect immediately in order to provide for the publication and distribution of the acts of this regular session as soon as possible. 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. 976, § 25: 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 the effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 1997 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, 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 1999, No. 751, § 9: Mar. 22, 1999. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there are presently inadequate statutory guidelines for the codifications of the acts of the General Assembly; this act establishes necessary guidelines; and this act should go into effect immediately in order that the guidelines will be in effect for the codification of the acts of this regular session. 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”.

25-18-201. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the distribution of messages and reports, was repealed by Acts 2001, No. 956, § 1. The section was derived from Acts 1874, No. 6, § 17, p. 42; 1877, No. 74, § 2, p. 77; 1891, No. 154, § 3, p. 262; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9229-9231; Pope's Dig., §§ 11915-11917; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-401.

25-18-202. Messages, reports, and other documents — Number of copies.

If any report, bill, or other document is ordered to be printed by the General Assembly and no number of copies is designated, there shall be printed at the public expense not more than two hundred forty (240) copies.

History. Acts 1874, No. 6, § 22, p. 42; C. & M. Dig., § 9239; Pope's Dig., § 11925; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-402.

25-18-203. Messages, reports, and other documents — Covers and title pages.

In printing messages, reports, and other documents ordered to be printed by the General Assembly or by any officer, in pursuance of law or resolution of either house of the General Assembly, the contractor may attach covers and prefix a title page to each message or report of a state officer or superintendent of a state institution, but the contractor shall dispense with full title pages in reports of committees and other short documents and affix only a half-title at the top of the first page of every document.

History. Acts 1874, No. 6, § 15, p. 42; C. & M. Dig., § 9227; Pope's Dig., § 11913; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-403.

25-18-204. Journals of legislative proceedings.

Whenever any journal of the proceedings of the House of Representatives and Senate for any regular or extraordinary session of those bodies, or either of them, is authorized to be published by any enactment of the General Assembly, publication shall be made and the published journal shall be released for distribution within six (6) months of the date of adjournment of those bodies at any session of the General Assembly.

History. Acts 1949, No. 141, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-439.

25-18-205. Acts of General Assembly — Index — Printing — Certification.

  1. The Secretary of State shall make out true and accurate copies of all the laws, resolutions, and memorials and deliver them to the contractor for printing the acts of the General Assembly as fast as the contractor may need the copies in fulfillment of his or her contract as required by law.
  2. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to have prepared and furnish to the public printer a full, thorough, and complete index with subheads to the acts of the General Assembly.
  3. The Secretary of State shall pay for the copying of the acts by the public printer at the rate of ten cents (10¢) per one hundred (100) words, and for indexing and subheading the acts, a reasonable compensation to be fixed by the State Board of Public Printing not to exceed the customary price paid for such work.
    1. The Acts of Arkansas shall be printed in two (2) volumes.
    2. Volume I shall contain only appropriation acts and the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq., and amendments relative thereto and may be printed in two (2) books if the Secretary of State considers it mechanically expedient.
      1. Volume II shall contain all other acts of the General Assembly and may be printed in two (2) books if the Secretary of State considers it mechanically expedient.
      2. Acts establishing the amount of salary, compensation, or allowances, and the method of payment thereof, for county officers, their deputies and other employees in their offices, deputy prosecuting attorneys, court reporters, court stenographers, and other employees of circuit courts shall be printed in Volume II.
      3. Volume II, or Book 2 of Volume II if there is one, shall also contain the acts of the extraordinary sessions of the General Assembly.
    1. The date of approval by the Governor shall be stated at the end of each act, resolution, and memorial, omitting the name and style of the Governor and presiding officers of the two (2) houses.
    2. At the end of each volume of the acts, there shall be a full and complete index.
  4. The Secretary of State is authorized, if he or she determines it to be in the public interest, to publish and distribute separate acts, or a group of acts dealing with the same or related subjects, in pamphlet form.
  5. The contractor shall furnish to the Secretary of State at his or her office a proof of each form of the laws, in the course of their publication, and a reader to assist in comparing the proof with the original rolls.
  6. It is made the duty of the Secretary of State to insert his or her certificate in the pamphlet containing the printed laws, joint resolutions, memorials, and similar items that the laws thus printed are “correct copies of the original on file in his or her office”.

History. Acts 1852, § 1, p. 43; 1874, No. 6, § 16, p. 42; 1891, No. 154, § 2, p. 262; 1893, No. 85, §§ 1, 2, p. 152; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4394, 4395, 4402, 9228; Pope's Dig., §§ 5409, 5410, 5417, 11914; Acts 1973, No. 835, §§ 3, 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-404, 14-406 — 14-408.

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section may be superseded in whole or in part by § 25-18-225.

Cross References. Initiative and referendum measures approved by people to be printed with general laws, § 7-9-120.

Case Notes

Approval by Governor.

Where the Governor signed a bill with the intent of approving it in the manner provided by the Constitution to make it effective, it became the law and his approval could not be revoked by him or his successor, even though the bill remained in the Governor's office and the time fixed by the Constitution for acting upon the bill had not expired. Powell v. Hayes, 83 Ark. 448, 104 S.W. 177 (1907).

Mandamus.

Mandamus is the proper remedy whereby one specially interested in the enforcement of a statute may compel the Secretary of State to publish an act of the General Assembly under his certificate. Hodges v. Keel, 108 Ark. 184, 159 S.W. 21 (1913).

Cited: Hodges v. Lawyers' Co-op. Publ'g Co., 111 Ark. 571, 164 S.W. 294 (1914).

25-18-206. Digests, acts, and journals — Distribution.

  1. It shall be the Secretary of State's duty to distribute the acts and journals and all laws as are by law required to be distributed among the different counties of this state.
  2. The Secretary of State shall issue his or her requisition for the acts in whatever quantities are necessary to make the distribution required by law.
    1. The Secretary of State shall reserve from sale copies of the acts of the General Assembly for free distribution of one (1) copy of each, as they are published and bound, to the following officers, only upon written request therefor within thirty (30) days following the date of adjournment sine die of any legislative session:
      1. County judges;
      2. County clerks;
      3. Prosecuting attorneys;
      4. District judges;
      5. Circuit judges;
      6. The Supreme Court Reporter;
      7. Supreme Court Justices;
      8. Court of Appeals Judges;
      9. The Supreme Court Librarian;
      10. The Attorney General;
      11. Each state department;
      12. Circuit clerks;
      13. Sheriffs;
      14. Tax collectors;
      15. County treasurers;
      16. Assessors; and
      17. Members of the General Assembly.
    2. However, the Attorney General upon written request within the same time period shall be supplied with two (2) copies of each.
  3. Members of the General Assembly shall be entitled to one (1) copy of the journal of the preceding session and of the session of which they are members.

History. Acts 1849, § 2, p. 75; C. & M. Dig., § 4403; Acts 1921, No. 207, § 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 5418, 5434; Acts 1939, No. 162, § 1; 1951, No. 84, § 1; 1965, No. 405, § 1; 1973, No. 835, § 3; 1975, No. 831, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-415, 14-416, 14-416.1, 14-419; Acts 1995, No. 709, §§ 15, 16; 1995, No. 933, § 1; 1997, No. 976, §§ 16, 17; 2003, No. 1165, § 14[12]; 2003, No. 1185, § 266.

Cross References. Two copies of state publications to be placed at disposal of history commission, § 13-3-108.

Case Notes

Cited: Armco Steel Corp. v. Ford Constr. Co., 237 Ark. 272, 372 S.W.2d 630 (1963).

25-18-207. Digests, acts, and journals — Delivery to successors — Annual settlement.

    1. The officers, except the Clerk of the Supreme Court and the members of the General Assembly, receiving digests, acts, and journals shall keep them in good order and turn over the volumes to their successors in office.
    2. On failure to do so without properly accounting for the books, they shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
    1. All officers, except members of the General Assembly, receiving or having custody of books under §§ 25-18-206 — 25-18-209 and 25-18-220 [repealed] shall be liable under their bonds for the full value of the books.
    2. All officers settling with any courts or other authority shall account for the books at each annual settlement in like manner as for all money and other assets of their office. Those officers shall make good to the State Treasury the value in money of all books not legally accounted for and shall exhibit the State Treasury receipt for the money in the settlement.

History. Acts 1921, No. 207, § 5; Pope's Dig., § 5437; Acts 1939, No. 162, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-417, 14-420.

Cross References. Records, books, and papers to be delivered to successor in office, § 21-12-401 et seq.

25-18-208. Digests, acts, and journals — Lost or destroyed books.

If any of the digests, acts, and journals shall be lost or destroyed, the officer whose books have become lost or destroyed may obtain a duplicate copy from the Secretary of State by furnishing the Secretary of State a statement under oath of the facts in the case, setting out the reason why the books are missing and that the loss is due to no fault or negligence of the officer and whether or not settlement for the books has been made under § 25-18-207.

History. Acts 1921, No. 207, § 6; Pope's Dig., § 5438; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-418.

25-18-209. Sale of digests and acts — Price.

    1. The Secretary of State shall have the authority and power and is required to sell Crawford and Moses' Digest of the Statutes of Arkansas at five dollars ($5.00) per copy and to sell the acts of the General Assembly at the actual pro rata cost to the state for publishing them in order to recover the per volume cost to the state.
    2. This section shall not apply to acts of the General Assembly prior to 1917, which acts shall be sold at one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per set, except those acts which are bound in paper, which shall sell at one dollar ($1.00) per set.
  1. The Secretary of State shall have the authority to make reduction in price of the books when they become damaged, the reduction per set not to be less than one-half (½) the original selling price.
    1. The price of Mansfield's Digest is fixed at one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per copy.
    2. The Secretary of State shall retain five hundred (500) copies for use of the state.

History. Acts 1891, No. 124, § 1, p. 212; 1921, No. 207, § 1; C. & M. Dig., § 4418; Pope's Dig., §§ 5433, 5449; Acts 1973, No. 835, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-412, 14-414.

25-18-210 — 25-18-213. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning distribution of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reports, additional set of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reports for Supreme Court Justices and Court of Appeals Judges, duties of clerks, and annual check of county libraries and clerks' offices, were repealed by Acts 2009, No. 221, §§ 9-12. These sections were derived from the following sources:

25-18-210. Acts 1941, No. 413, §§ 1, 2; 1971, No. 322, § 1; 1975, No. 328, § 2; 1979, No. 223, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-422, 14-423; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 1; 1989, No. 499, § 1; 1991, No. 549, § 1.

25-18-211. Acts 1917, No. 129, § 1, p. 683; 1989, No. 488, § 2; 1991, No. 549, § 2.

25-18-212. Acts 1941, No. 413, § 1; 1971, No. 322, § 1; 1975, No. 328, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-422; Acts 1991, No. 549, § 3.

25-18-213. Acts 1941, No. 413, § 1; 1971, No. 322, § 1; 1975, No. 328, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-422; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 3; 1991, No. 549, § 4.

25-18-214. Clerks — Personal liability.

  1. The clerk and his or her bondsmen shall be personally liable and responsible for the safekeeping of bound volumes of the reports.
  2. The volume shall not be loaned or removed except that the clerk, upon approval of the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, may remove or otherwise dispose of bound volumes if the official reports are available in electronic or other readily accessible medium in each county in the State of Arkansas for the general use of the courts, county officials, and attorneys.

History. Acts 1941, No. 413, § 1; 1971, No. 322, § 1; 1975, No. 328, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-422; Acts 1991, No. 549, § 5; 2009, No. 221, § 13; 2011, No. 1122, § 3; 2019, No. 910, § 3582.

A.C.R.C. Notes. In 2009, the Supreme Court directed that publication of the Arkansas Reports and Arkansas Appellate Reports would be discontinued and that the electronic versions of appellate decisions posted on the Arkansas Judiciary website would be the official report of those decisions. All appellate decisions handed down after February 14, 2009, are officially reported and distributed in electronic form via the Arkansas Judiciary website. § 16-11-202.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section heading; redesignated the section; inserted “bound volumes of” in (a); rewrote (b); and made related changes.

The 2011 amendment substituted “The volume shall not be loaned or removed” for “No volume shall be loaned or removed” in (b).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (b).

25-18-215 — 25-18-217. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning replacement of destroyed volumes of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reports, number of copies of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reports reserved by the Administrative Office of the Courts, and expense of distribution was repealed by Acts 2009, No. 221, § 14-16. These sections were derived from the following sources:

25-18-215. Acts 1941, No. 413, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-424; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 4; 1991, No. 549, § 6.

25-18-216. Acts 1868, No. 33, § 3, p. 110; 1873, No. 91, § 3, p. 225; C. & M. Dig., § 4417; Pope's Dig., § 5432; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-425; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 5; 1991, No. 549, § 7.

25-18-217. Acts 1853, § 3, p. 202; C. & M. Dig., § 4409; Pope's Dig., § 5424; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-426; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 6.

25-18-218. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reports — Medium of publication — Distribution.

    1. The reports of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals shall be published and distributed in such format and medium as the Supreme Court may direct.
    2. The medium shall be a permanent, secure, and unalterable record of the final, official decisions of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
    1. The reports shall be made publicly available for viewing at no charge via the Internet or other medium that is readily accessible by the public.
    2. However, the Administrative Office of the Courts may establish:
      1. A system of subscription-based access to additional features; and
      2. Reasonable charges for the provision of reports on disc or other physical medium.

History. Acts 1925, No. 357, § 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 1616, 13329; Acts 1955, No. 429, § 3; 1975, No. 328, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-421, 14-421.1; Acts 1987, No. 644, § 1; 1989, No. 488, § 7; 1995, No. 549, § 1; 2009, No. 221, § 17.

A.C.R.C. Notes. See note at § 25-18-214.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section.

25-18-219. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the distribution of United States statutes, was repealed by Acts 2001, No. 956, § 2. The section was derived from Acts 1868, No. 33, §§ 4, 5, p. 110; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 14-437, 14-438.

25-18-220, 25-18-221. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning exchange of books with federal, state, and foreign entities, and distribution of reports and proceedings of the General Assembly to the Law Library Association, Inc., Shelby County, Tennessee, was repealed by Acts 2009, No. 221, § 18 and 19. These sections were derived from the following sources:

25-18-220. Acts 1921, No. 207, § 3; 1937, No. 209, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 5435; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-427; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 8; 1991, No. 549, § 8.

25-18-221. Acts 1937, No. 97, § 2; Pope's Dig., § 5440; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-434; Acts 1989, No. 488, § 9.

25-18-222. References to deaf people.

The archaic terms “dumb” and “deaf-mute” that formerly related to deaf people shall be struck from all future state publications that in any way refer to the deaf.

History. Acts 1979, No. 664, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-715.3.

25-18-223. Book report of Secretary of State.

      1. The Secretary of State shall compile, edit, and publish a bound book report of the Secretary of State for the period ending December 31, 2018.
      2. The book report shall pertain to substantially the same subject matter as the earlier biennial reports of the Secretary of State and other data, both historical and contemporary, that in the opinion of the Secretary of State would be of interest to all citizens of Arkansas.
    1. The book report shall be printed under the proper contract for state printing.
  1. The Secretary of State shall distribute the book reports in the following manner:
    1. One (1) copy to each city, county, regional, public school, parochial school, and institution of higher learning library in the State of Arkansas; and
    2. One (1) copy to elected officials upon written request received by the Secretary of State no later than March 31, 2019.

History. Acts 1985, No. 643, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-406n; Acts 1987, No. 1063, § 2; 1997, No. 365, § 1; 2009, No. 192, § 1; 2017, No. 395, § 1.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “2008” for “1997” in (a)(1); substituted “One (1) copy” for “Two (2) copies” in (b)(2), inserted “district judge” in (b)(4), redesignated and rewrote (b)(5), and deleted (b)(6); deleted (c); and made related changes.

The 2017 amendment redesignated (a)(1) as (a)(1)(A) and (B); in (a)(1)(A), substituted “shall compile, edit, and publish” for “is directed to cause to be compiled, edited, and published” and “December 31, 2018” for “December 31, 2008”; substituted “The book report shall pertain to substantially the same” for “and containing the same information and” in (a)(1)(B); in the introductory language of (b), substituted “The” for “Upon receipt of the volumes of the historical bound book report, the” and “the book reports” for “them”; deleted former (b)(1); redesignated former (b)(2) as (b)(1); deleted former (b)(3) through (b)(5); and added present (b)(2).

25-18-224. Distribution of quasijudicial opinions and orders.

      1. Any quasijudicial board, commission, or agency of the state shall, on request, provide copies of its opinions and orders to any publication or reporting service which routinely reports on its opinions and orders.
      2. If such a board, commission, or agency affirms and adopts as its own the opinion or order of a hearing officer, administrative law judge, or referee, a copy of the opinion or order affirmed shall be attached to the order or opinion of the board, commission, or agency.
    1. Such quasijudicial board, commission, or agency may make a charge for providing such opinions and orders, but the charge shall be limited to the actual cost of reproduction and shall be approved by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.
  1. Administrative decisions of the Office of Hearings and Appeals and opinions of the Department of Finance and Administration which contain information which is confidential pursuant to the Arkansas Tax Procedure Act, § 26-18-101 et seq., shall be exempt from the disclosure provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

History. Acts 1993, No. 563, §§ 1, 2; 2019, No. 910, § 3583.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (a)(2).

25-18-225. Publishing and distribution of Arkansas acts.

  1. The Secretary of State shall permanently maintain the original and one (1) copy of all:
    1. Acts of the General Assembly;
    2. Memorials;
    3. Resolutions;
    4. Proposed constitutional amendments, both initiated and referred; and
    5. Proposed initiated acts.
  2. The Secretary of State shall arrange for the printing and distribution of these documents as provided in this section.
    1. The Secretary of State shall:
      1. Make true and accurate reproductions, as technology permits, of the original documents of:
        1. Acts;
        2. Initiated acts;
        3. Resolutions;
        4. Memorials; and
        5. Constitutional amendments, both initiated and referred; and
      2. Deliver them to the contractor for printing as the Acts of Arkansas.
    2. General acts and appropriation acts shall be numbered consecutively as they are approved by the appropriate body.
    3. General acts and appropriation acts shall be printed consecutively.
    1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to have prepared a full, thorough, and complete index.
    2. A general index shall cover:
      1. General acts;
      2. Appropriation acts;
      3. Initiated acts;
      4. Special and local acts;
      5. Memorials; and
      6. Resolutions.
  3. The Secretary of State shall insert his or her certificate in the pamphlet containing the printed laws, resolutions, memorials, and similar items that the laws thus printed are “correct copies of the original on file in the Office of the Secretary of State”.
  4. The Secretary of State is authorized, if that office determines it to be in the public interest, to publish and distribute separate acts, or a group of acts dealing with the same or related subjects, in pamphlet or book form.
  5. The Acts of Arkansas shall be published containing the acts of the General Assembly exactly as enacted by the General Assembly. Acts passed by the General Assembly in markup format shall be published in markup format. No correction, change, renumbering, substitution, redesignation, or rearrangement shall be made to the text of the acts published in the Acts of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1995, No. 879, §§ 1-6; 1999, No. 751, § 5.

Subchapter 3 — Depositories

Cross References. Depositories and clearinghouses, §§ 13-2-21013-2-214.

State and local publications defined, § 13-2-201.

Preambles. Acts 1947, No. 170 contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, it is desirable that there should be a comprehensive collection of public documents for teachers, students, and research workers in the state; and

“Whereas, the General Library of the University of Arkansas is a full depository for the documents of the United States government; and

“Whereas, this library is seriously handicapped in acquiring Arkansas state, municipal and county documents, and the documents of other states for lack of suitable documents to offer in return;

“Now, therefore….”

Effective Dates. Acts 1905, No. 80, § 4: effective on passage.

Acts 1971, No. 163, § 6: Feb. 26, 1971. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that Act 170 of 1947, as amended, requires all state agencies, and all cities and counties, to file copies of various documents and publications with the General Library of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville; and it is further determined by the General Assembly that in order to make documents of the state, cities, and counties more readily accessible to the public at convenient locations throughout the state, and for use by students and the public at state-supported institutions of higher learning, it is essential that all state, city, and county agencies be required to furnish copies of printed publications to the libraries of the various state-supported institutions of higher learning; that only by the immediate passage of this act may prompt implementation of the provisions of this act be carried out. 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. 1224, § 12: July 1, 1993. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Ninth 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, 1993 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, 1993 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, 1993.”

Acts 1993, No. 1224, § 6: repeal effective by its own terms on July 1, 1994.

25-18-301. Designation of official state depository.

The Mullins Library of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville shall be designated as an official state depository of all public documents published by or under the authority of the state or any division thereof.

History. Acts 1947, No. 170, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-428.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1947, No. 170, § 5, provided that the act was cumulative to and did not repeal §§ 13-3-10113-3-108.

25-18-302 — 25-18-304. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning publications, were repealed by Acts 1993, No. 1224, § 6. These sections were derived from the following sources:

25-18-302. Acts 1947, No. 170, § 2; 1955, No. 379, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-429.

25-18-303. Acts 1947, No. 170, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-430.

25-18-304. Acts 1947, No. 170, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-431.

25-18-305. Federal publications.

The Secretary of State is further directed to send to the Mullins Library of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville a copy of all publications of the federal government, where there are duplicate copies in the library of the Secretary of State. This shall include the Congressional Globe, Congressional Record , executive documents, departmental and commercial reports, and any federal documents.

History. Acts 1905, No. 80, § 3, p. 201; C. & M. Dig., § 4405; Pope's Dig., § 5420; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-433.

25-18-306. Selective and partial depositories.

  1. In addition to the Mullins Library of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, which was designated as a depository of all state, city, and county documents under the provisions of § 25-18-301, the library of each of the state-supported institutions of higher learning in this state is designated as a selective or partial depository of state, city, and county documents.
  2. Each department or division of the state, city, and county which is directed to furnish copies of publications to the Mullins Library is authorized and directed to send to the Arkansas State Library a list of all publications published by the department or division during the preceding quarter.
  3. The Arkansas State Library shall prepare a checklist of all publications published by all counties, cities, departments, and agencies of this state and shall furnish quarterly a copy of the checklist to each of the institutions of higher learning in this state.

History. Acts 1971, No. 163, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-440.

25-18-307. Procedure to obtain state and local publications.

  1. Any institution of higher learning desiring to obtain copies of any publication contained in the checklist shall order the number of copies, not to exceed three (3) copies of any one (1) report or publication, desired from the Arkansas State Library.
  2. The Arkansas State Library shall collect the orders and shall periodically obtain from state agencies and departments, and from the various cities and counties, a sufficient number of copies and documents and publications to fill the orders.
  3. The Arkansas State Library shall furnish all institutions of higher learning copies of any documents and publications so ordered without charge or cost.

History. Acts 1971, No. 163, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-441.

25-18-308. State and local publications furnished to Arkansas State Library.

Each department or division of the state, a city, or a county under whose jurisdiction any printed or processed book, pamphlet, report, or other publication is issued at the expense of a municipal corporation or of a county, or of a county and a city, or of the state is directed to furnish without charge to the Arkansas State Library the number of copies of such publications as the library may order.

History. Acts 1971, No. 163, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-442.

Cross References. Annual and biennial reports, § 21-7-402.

Subchapter 4 — Settlement Agreements

Effective Dates. Acts 1991, No. 781, § 7: Mar. 26, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is the public policy of this State that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that electors are advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions reached in public activity. Unless specifically authorized by law, no public official or employee is empowered to promise confidentiality regarding agreements that are in the public domain. To ensure that this public policy is fully carried out, 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 full force 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”.

25-18-401. Disclosure required.

No public official or employee acting in behalf of a governmental agency or another agency wholly or partially supported by or expending public funds shall:

  1. Agree or authorize another to agree that all or part of a litigation settlement agreement to which the agency is a party shall be kept secret, sealed, or otherwise withheld from public disclosure; or
  2. Seek a court order denying public access to any court record or other document containing the terms of a settlement agreement resolving a claim by or against the agency.

History. Acts 1991, No. 781, § 1; 1997, No. 873, § 2.

25-18-402. Exemptions.

This subchapter does not prohibit the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration and his or her authorized agents from entering into agreements with taxpayers pursuant to § 26-18-705 which shall not be subject to public disclosure if the subject matter of the agreement is protected from public disclosure by the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., or § 26-18-303, or other state law.

History. Acts 1991, No. 781, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 3584.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration”.

25-18-403. Penalty.

Any person who violates the provisions of this subchapter shall be guilty of a violation and punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500).

History. Acts 1991, No. 781, § 3; 2005, No. 1994, § 159.

Subchapter 5 — Contracts

A.C.R.C. Notes. References to “this chapter” in subchapter 1 may not apply to this subchapter which was enacted subsequently.

25-18-501. State agency contracts.

When any state agency enters into a contract with any entity, the contract shall be deemed a public record in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1083, § 1.

Subchapter 6 — Retention of Public Records by State Agencies

Effective Dates. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 3: Mar. 18, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is no general records retention law and that this act is immediately necessary to preserve public records that could be lost permanently without 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.”

Acts 2007, No. 751, § 38: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act dissolves and transfers the duties of the Executive Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Office of Information Technology; and that dissolving the offices at the beginning of the state's fiscal year will result in a more efficient transfer of responsibilities and funds. 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.”

25-18-601. Legislative intent.

  1. The General Assembly finds that while the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., provides disclosure guarantees for public records, due to Acts 2001, No. 1252, there is no general requirement for agencies to preserve public records.
  2. Therefore, the State of Arkansas is in need of a general records retention law to preserve records that are commonly found in most state agencies for disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., for historical purposes and for the efficient operation of state government.

History. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1252, referred to in this section, repealed § 13-4-101 et seq. which concerned public records management and archives.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Arkansas's Public Records Retention Program: Finding the FOIA'S Absent Partner, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 175.

25-18-602. Applicability.

  1. This subchapter shall not apply to city, county, or local governmental entities.
  2. This subchapter shall apply only to records created by each state agency after the date the state agency complies with the rules and guidelines promulgated under this subchapter.

History. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 1.

25-18-603. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Public records” means the same as defined in § 25-19-103(5)(A); and
    1. “State agencies” means all state departments, boards, and commissions.
    2. “State agencies” does not include:
      1. The elected constitutional officers and their staffs;
      2. The General Assembly and its committees and staffs;
      3. The Supreme Court;
      4. The Court of Appeals;
      5. The Administrative Office of the Courts; and
      6. Public institutions of higher education with respect to academic, research, health care, and existing information and technology applications and underlying support.

History. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 1; 2007, No. 751, § 20.

25-18-604. Retention requirement.

  1. The Department of Finance and Administration shall direct the development of rules and guidelines for the retention of public records commonly found in most state agencies.
    1. The department shall promulgate pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., rules and guidelines governing the retention and management of public records commonly found in most state agencies, including, but not limited to, electronic records.
    2. The Arkansas General Records Retention Schedule, previously promulgated and adopted as Agency Policy 200.000 of the Office of Information Technology, shall be an official rule of the department subject to revision under subsection (d) of this section.
  2. Each state agency shall comply with the rules and guidelines promulgated under this subchapter by July 1, 2007.
  3. The department shall make periodic updates to the rules governing the retention and management of public records commonly found in most state agencies pursuant to the provisions of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

History. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 1; 2007, No. 751, § 21; 2019, No. 315, § 2928.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rule” for “regulation” in (b)(2).

25-18-605. Conflict with federal or state laws.

  1. If any rule promulgated under this subchapter is found to conflict with current federal or state law for the retention of public records, the federal or state law shall override the rule promulgated under this subchapter.
  2. Rules promulgated under this subchapter shall not require the disclosure of public records otherwise exempt from disclosure by federal or state law.

History. Acts 2005, No. 918, § 1.

Subchapter 7 — Electronic Records and Signatures

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”.

25-18-701. Use of electronic records.

All state agencies shall use or permit the use of electronic records and electronic signatures.

History. Acts 2007, No. 722, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 722, § 2, provided:

“(a) Arkansas Code § 25-18-701 shall be implemented no later than June 30, 2009.

“(b) The initial standards and policies governing the use, management, retention, privacy, and security of electronic signatures and electronic records of state agencies required in Arkansas Code § 25-18-702 shall be established by the Executive Chief Information Officer no later than June 30, 2008.”

25-18-702. Standards and policies.

  1. The Director of the Division of Information Systems shall establish standards and polices governing the use, management, retention, privacy, and security of electronic records of state agencies.
  2. The standards and policies shall address:
    1. The manner and format in which the electronic records must be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, and stored and the systems established for those purposes;
    2. Differing levels of criteria from which state agencies may choose in implementing the most appropriate standard for a particular application;
    3. The use of electronic signatures, including without limitation the type of electronic signature required, the manner and format in which the electronic signature must be affixed to the electronic record, the identification of the author of an electronic record, and the verification or authentication of the signature of the author of an electronic record;
    4. Control processes and procedures as appropriate to ensure adequate preservation, disposition, integrity, security, confidentiality, and auditability of electronic records; and
    5. Any other required attributes for electronic records that are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
  3. The director shall make a monthly report to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology regarding the status of the development of the standards and policies described in this section.

History. Acts 2007, No. 722, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6305, 6306.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 722, § 2, provided:

“(a) Arkansas Code § 25-18-701 shall be implemented no later than June 30, 2009.

“(b) The initial standards and policies governing the use, management, retention, privacy, and security of electronic signatures and electronic records of state agencies required in Arkansas Code § 25-18-702 shall be established by the Executive Chief Information Officer no later than June 30, 2008.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted the (1) designator in (a); and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Services” in (a) and (c).

Research References

ALR.

Disclosure of Electronic Data under State Public Records and Freedom of Information Acts. 54 A.L.R.6th 653.

25-18-703. State agency standards and policies.

A state agency may use the standards and policies developed by the Director of the Division of Information Systems under § 25-18-702, or it may develop its own standards and policies consistent with the requirements established in § 25-18-702(b).

History. Acts 2007, No. 722, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 6307.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems”.

Chapter 19 Freedom of Information Act of 1967

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 186, § 1, provided:

“Legislative findings and intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) On April 3, 2014, in the case of Hopkins v. City of Brinkley, 2014 Ark. 139, 432 S.W.3d 609 (2014), the Supreme Court determined that neither the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., nor federal law currently offers protection for the personal information of customers of municipally owned utility systems;

“(2) Amendments to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., in recent years have provided exceptions to disclosure for personal contact information of state, county, school, and municipal employees, but have provided no such protection for municipal utility customers;

“(3) The Arkansas Public Service Commission has traditionally and consistently protected the personal contact information of public utility customers by exercising its authority under § 23-2-316(b), finding that the protection of such information is in the public interest;

“(4) Smart meters, which can record and transmit detailed data on a customer's use of a utility, present unique privacy concerns, as evidenced by a 2012 report of the United States Department of Energy on smart grid privacy that included recommendations that customer data be protected from release to third parties;

“(5) Recent amendments to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., have also provided disclosure exemptions for sensitive infrastructure information of public water systems;

“(6) The federal government recognizes the importance of critical infrastructure information, and has created special policies to address its protection, including without limitation:

“(A) The Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. § 131 et seq., which prohibits federal agencies from disclosing certain information submitted to the United States Department of Homeland Security; and

“(B) Rules of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission addressing critical energy infrastructure information, which limit access to certain information generated or collected by the commission and require the use of nondisclosure agreements when the information is provided; and

“(7) It is necessary to protect the security of the infrastructure of Arkansas's utility systems, including without limitation electric generation, transmission, and distribution.

“(b) It is the intent of this act to:

“(1) Protect the privacy of Arkansas citizens by exempting from disclosure the personal information of customers of municipally owned utility systems; and

“(2) Ensure the security of Arkansas's infrastructure by exempting utility infrastructure information from mandatory disclosure.”

Acts 2017, No. 1107, § 1, provided: “Legislative findings and intent.

“(a) The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) It is vital to a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that the electors are advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in making public policy;

“(2) Under the current law, state agencies, boards, and commissions must prepare and make available on the internet certain information, free of charge;

“(3) Upon the state agency, board, or commission providing the information on the internet, the information provided is deemed a sufficient response to a request to inspect the materials, unless the requestor specifies another medium or format under § 25-19-105;

“(4) The provisions of § 25-19-105, while ensuring transparency, have the added benefit of diminishing compliance costs associated with large, complicated, and frequent requests for public records, as the state agency, board, or commission is deemed compliant by providing the legally specified information on the internet;

“(5) However, the current law does not afford local governments, including their boards and instrumentalities, the ability to increase transparency and efficiency by the means available to state agencies, boards, and commissions;

“(6) Local governments often receive large, complicated, and frequent requests for public records, requiring additional staff and resources to which the local government must dedicate its limited resources;

“(7) Local governments should have the discretion to make all or part of the information listed under § 25-19-105 available on the internet and, upon publication, be deemed in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., for those records; and

“(8) While not every local government has the resources to comply with all or part of the provisions included under § 25-19-105, allowing local governments the option to comply with all or part of the provisions under § 25-19-105, and be deemed compliant concerning those records, would allow local governments to be more effective stewards of taxpayer dollars.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to allow local governments the opportunity to be more transparent, while reducing the burden on local governments' limited resources, thereby reducing the financial cost to taxpayers of additional staff and other resources.

“(c) It is not the intent of the General Assembly to:

“(1) Allow the custodian or government entity to act in bad faith to avoid transparency; or

“(2) Place an unreasonable burden on local governments.”

Cross References. Records of, and testimony before, committees reviewing and evaluating quality of medical or hospital care, § 16-46-105.

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 10: Feb. 14, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the proper functioning of a democratic society is dependent upon the public being informed at all times with respect to the operations of government, and public officials shall at all times be held accountable for their public actions and conduct; that this state does not now have a law requiring that all public records be open to the public, except in those instances where otherwise specifically provided by law; that many agencies are now holding executive or closed sessions which is contrary to the spirit of the public business being transacted in open public meetings, and that the immediate passage of this act is necessary to correct said situations and to secure to the public their proper right of access to public records and meetings of public agencies, boards, and commissions. 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 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1201, § 3: Feb 11, 1976. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the provisions of Section 5 of Act 93 of 1967 relating to executive sessions of public bodies, as this Section is now written and has been interpreted by certain courts in the State, is very confusing and does not serve as a reliable guideline to public bodies regarding executive sessions; that it is essential to the proper administration of government and public education that the law relating to executive sessions and those who may be present at executive sessions be clarified in order to permit administrative and supervisory personnel to be present at an executive session when personnel matters are being considered; that it is essential to secure and maintain the essential legal rights of various public bodies that such bodies be permitted to hold executive sessions with their attorneys when such body or bodies are parties to litigation pending in the courts; that the law should be clarified further to specifically authorize public school boards to hold executive sessions for the purpose of considering matters involving student discipline if the student or the parent involved so requests; that this Act is designed to clarify the law with respect to executive sessions in the areas described above 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. 652, § 4: Mar. 23, 1977. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the laws of this state are unclear as to the kinds of records which are subject to inspection and copying by citizens and that a clarification will promote the public policy of the State of Arkansas that public business is to be performed in an open and public manner. 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 after its passage and approval.”

Acts 1981, No. 608, § 3: July 1, 1981.

Acts 1985, No. 843, § 3: Apr. 4, 1985. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act require notice of emergency on special meetings of school boards to be given only to those newspapers located in the county in which the meeting is to be held; that in some instances the principal newspaper serving the patrons of the district is printed outside the county in which the district is located; that it is essential to the effective and efficient administration of each school district that notice of such meetings be given to the principal newspaper serving the patrons of the district when the newspaper requests such notice; that this Act requires such notice and should be given effect at the earliest practical date. 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. 49, § 5: Feb. 16, 1987. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that considerable confusion has existed regarding public access to personnel records and employee evaluation records under Act 93 of 1967, as amended; that Act 17 of 1986, Second Extraordinary Session, which exempts employee evaluation records from disclosure, by its own terms ceases to be effective on April 1, 1987; that, as a general matter, the confidentiality of personnel records and employee evaluation records is in the public interest to ensure the privacy of employees and the efficacy of the employee evaluation process; that such records should, however, be open to public inspection in certain circumstances; that guidance from the Attorney General and additional enforcement mechanisms, including attorney fees, litigation costs, and criminal penalties, are necessary to implement the provisions of this Act regarding such records; and that this Act is designed to clarify the law with respect to such records 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. 1001, § 3: 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 1201 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 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. 8, § 4: Nov. 1, 1989. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that present law is unclear concerning the confidentiality of the records obtained by the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission in the recruitment of industry to this State, and the disclosure of such information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act would seriously jeopardize other recruitment efforts of the Commission, since this information is given to the Commission under an agreement of confidentiality. 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 2001, No. 1653, § 5: Apr. 16, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that confusion exists as to the status of electronic records under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, as amended; that the right to obtain copies of public records at a reasonable cost is uncertain; that access to certain electronic records may adversely affect the security of computer systems and networks maintained by public entities; and that access to certain student records maintained in electronic form by school districts, institutions of higher education, and state agencies may jeopardize federal funding. 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. 275, § 3: Feb. 28, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that for many years, veterans were advised to file their military service discharge records or DD Form 214 with the court recorder; that these forms contain sensitive information that can be used by identity thieves to obtain credit in the veteran's name or otherwise defraud the veteran or his or her family; in recent years, the incident of identity theft has increased; that incidents of identity thieves using the military service discharge records or DD Form 214 to obtain credit in the veteran's name or otherwise defraud the veteran or his or her family has occurred; that the effects on the veteran and the veteran's family are devastating; and that this act is immediately necessary to protect veterans and their families from identity theft by making military service discharge records or DD Form 214 filed with the county recorder confidential and not subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information 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 2003, No. 763, § 4: Mar. 27, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that safe and secure water systems are vital to the health and well being of the citizens of this state; that information concerning the safety and security of public water systems subject to disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act could be obtained for terroristic purposes, including contamination and destruction of public water systems; and that this act is immediately necessary to deter these acts, and to protect the security of public water systems. 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. 1214, § 2: Apr. 10, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that certain records of law abiding citizens of this state need further protection from disclosure; that this act provides that protection; and that until this act goes into effect, the law abiding citizens of this state will remain in danger of information being disclosed which is contrary to their best interests. 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 2005, No. 259, § 4: July 1, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that provisions in the Freedom of Information Act concerning records and meetings of public water systems will expire on July 1, 2005; that the continued ability of the public to access records of public water systems is necessary in order to ensure that public water systems are operated and managed safely and effectively; and that this act is immediately necessary in order to provide continuous access to the records. 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. 268, § 4: Mar. 9, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that safe and secure public water systems are vital to the health and public well-being of the citizens of this state; that information pertaining to the vulnerability assessments presently subject to disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act could be obtained for domestic or foreign terroristic purposes, including the contamination and destruction of public water systems; and that the threat of acts of terrorism against public water systems is legitimate and real. To deter such acts, and to protect the security of public water systems, the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act should be amended immediately to exempt vulnerability assessments created on or before June 30, 2004, from disclosure. 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 2007, No. 998, § 4: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that certain provisions in the Freedom of Information Act concerning the records and meetings of public water systems will expire on July 1, 2007; that those provisions are necessary to ensure that public water systems are operated and managed safely and effectively; and that this act is necessary in order to provide security for public water systems. 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. 631, § 4: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that certain provisions in the Freedom of Information Act concerning the records and meetings of the public water systems will expire on July 1, 2009; that those provisions are necessary to ensure that public water systems are operated and managed safely and effectively; and that this act is necessary to provide security for public water systems. 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, 2009.”

Acts 2009, No. 1291, § 2: Apr. 9, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the identities of persons holding concealed weapons licenses should be private; that there are currently insufficient safeguards ensuring that privacy; and that this act is immediately necessary because persons holding concealed weapons licenses are currently at risk of having that privacy exploited. 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 2011, No. 99, § 4: July 1, 2011. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that certain provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 concerning the records and meetings of public water systems will expire on July 1, 2011; that those provisions are necessary to ensure that public water systems are operated and managed safely and effectively; and that this act is necessary to provide security for public water systems. 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 and after July 1, 2011.”

Acts 2013, No. 145, § 2: Feb. 22, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the release of records to the general public concerning persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun is an unwarranted invasion of privacy and threatens the safety and property of the persons identified; and that this act is immediately necessary to prevent harm to citizens and safeguard their property. 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. 186, § 5: Feb. 24, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the public availability of certain information held by municipally owned utility systems jeopardizes the security of the utility system and of the citizens that receive services from the system; and that this act should become effective as soon as possible to safeguard utility services that are critical to Arkansas communities. 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. 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 2017, No. 711, § 14: Mar. 27, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., places undue restrictions on water systems; that, in order to satisfy such restrictions, a water system must forego certain undertakings to the detriment of the water system and its customers; and that this act is immediately necessary so that a water system may provide information to its utility partners, other government offices, and certain members of the public in order for the water system to serve its community as efficiently and effectively 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 2017, No. 1107, § 4: Apr. 7, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that government entities are being overwhelmed by voluminous requests for production of public records under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.; that timely compliance with such requests comes at a great expense to the taxpayers; and that this act is immediately necessary to protect custodians and government entities from criminal and civil liability for violations of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., that cannot be prevented by their good faith efforts to comply. 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”.

Acts 2020, No. 2, § 84: July 1, 2020, except §§ 38-43, effective Apr. 16, 2020. 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, 2020 is essential to the operation of the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided; with the exception that Sections 38-43 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, 2020, with the exception that Sections 38-43 in this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval, 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, 2020; with the exception that Sections 38-43 in this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval”.

Research References

ALR.

Exemption of preliminary drafts or notes provided by or for state or local governmental agency from disclosure of inspection. 26 A.L.R.4th 639.

Exemption of personal matters from disclosure by invasion of privacy exemption under state acts. 26 A.L.R.4th 666.

Patient's right to disclosure of his or her own medical records under state Freedom of Information Act. 26 A.L.R.4th 701.

“Records” of agency which must be made available under state Freedom of Information Act. 27 A.L.R.4th 680.

Legitimate research justifying inspection of state or local public records not open to inspection by general public. 40 A.L.R.4th 333.

State Freedom of Information Act requests: right to receive information in particular medium or format. 86 A.L.R.4th 786.

Attorney-client exception under state law making proceedings by public bodies open to public. 34 A.L.R.5th 591.

Pending or prospective litigation exception under state law making proceedings by public bodies open to the public. 35 A.L.R.5th 113.

Am. Jur. 66 Am. Jur. 2d, Records, § 12 et seq.

Ark. L. Notes.

Watkins, Recent Developments under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 1987 Ark. L. Notes 59.

Watkins, Using the Freedom of Information Act as a Discovery Device, 1994 Ark. L. Notes 59.

Ark. L. Rev.

Watkins, Access to Public Records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 37 Ark. L. Rev. 741.

Watkins, Open Meetings Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 38 Ark. L. Rev. 268.

Rehab. Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc.: Invalidation — An Optional, Judicially Recognized Remedy to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 40 Ark. L. Rev. 899.

Watkins, The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act: Time for a Change, 44 Ark. L. Rev. 535.

Note, Young v. Rice: The Personnel Records Exemption to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 46 Ark. L. Rev. 759.

Note, To Seal or Not to Seal? That is Still the Question: Arkansas Best Corp. v. General Electric Capital Corp., 49 Ark. L. Rev. 325.

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey of Arkansas Law, Public Law, 1 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 230.

Note: The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act: Executive Session Subject Matter, 1 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 381.

Note, Constitutional Law—The Right of Nondisclosure—The Unintended Victim of the Markle Murder, 12 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 423.

Note, Public Law — Arkansas Freedom of Information Act — Working Papers and Litigation Files of Attorneys Hired by Public Entities Are Subject to Disclosure. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990),

Fifteenth Annual Survey of Arkansas Law, 15 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 427.

Note, Public Law — Freedom of Information Act — “Working Papers” Exemption Applies not Only to Officeholder Personally But to Staff Members and Private Consultants as Well. Bryant v. Mars, 309 Ark. 480, 830 S.W.2d 869 (1992), 16 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 313.

Brooks, Adventures in Cyber-Space: Computer Technology and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 17 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 417.

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

State Highway and Transportation Department did not have standing to contest issue of constitutionality of Freedom of Information Act. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

The release of information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act does not constitute a “taking” in the constitutional sense. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

Construction.

The penal nature of § 25-19-104 did not make the entire chapter penal so as to require it to be strictly construed. Laman v. McCord, 245 Ark. 401, 432 S.W.2d 753 (1968).

This chapter is to be liberally interpreted. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

This act should be liberally construed in order to accomplish the act's laudable purposes. Sebastian County Chapter of Am. Red Cross v. Weatherford, 311 Ark. 656, 846 S.W.2d 641 (1993).

The court's policy regarding this chapter has been enunciated clearly in our case law — it will interpret the chapter liberally to accomplish the purpose of promoting free access to public information. Johninson v. Stodola, 316 Ark. 423, 872 S.W.2d 374 (1994).

Applicability.

For a record to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act and available to the public, it must be possessed by an entity covered by the act, fall within the act's definition of public record, and not be exempted by the act or other statutes. Legislative Joint Auditing Comm. v. Woosley, 291 Ark. 89, 722 S.W.2d 581 (1987).

There is no constitutional right of general public access to the disciplinary or investigatory records of a post-secondary educational institution, and any right to such records must arise by virtue of federal or state statutory or common law. Norwood v. Slammons, 788 F. Supp. 1020 (W.D. Ark. 1991).

Request for disclosure of a legal opinion under Gross Receipts Tax Rule G-75 is a request for public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., not an agency action subject to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. Ryan & Co. v. Weiss, 371 Ark. 43, 263 S.W.3d 489 (2007).

Attorney-Client Privilege.

Neither Evid. Rule 502 nor ARCP 26(b)(3) creates an exception to the Freedom of Information Act based on attorney-client privilege. Scott v. Smith, 292 Ark. 174, 728 S.W.2d 515 (1987).

Condemnation.

Order directing disclosure of information related to condemnation was not contrary to the intent of this chapter. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

Federal Law.

A federal law which does not prohibit disclosure, but only provides for the loss of funds if the information is disclosed, does not supersede the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Troutt Bros. v. Emison, 311 Ark. 27, 841 S.W.2d 604 (1992).

Jurisdiction.

Where plaintiff who seeks to have records released under this chapter anticipates that defendants will raise the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g as a defense, plaintiff's claim may not be removed to federal court on the basis of a federal defense. Norwood v. Slammons, 788 F. Supp. 1020 (W.D. Ark. 1991).

Cited: McClain v. Anderson, 246 Ark. 638, 439 S.W.2d 296 (1969); Ark. Gazette Co. v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W.2d 350 (1975); Kreutzer v. Clark, 271 Ark. 243, 607 S.W.2d 670 (1980); Baxter County Newspapers, Inc. v. Medical Staff of Baxter Gen. Hosp., 273 Ark. 511, 622 S.W.2d 495 (1981); Norcross v. Sneed, 573 F. Supp. 533 (W.D. Ark. 1983); Goetz v. Haygood, 602 F. Supp. 1352 (E.D. Ark. 1985); Gannett River States Pub. Co. v. Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Com., 304 Ark. 244, 801 S.W.2d 292 (1990); Furman v. Holloway, 312 Ark. 378, 849 S.W.2d 520 (1993).

25-19-101. Title.

This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Freedom of Information Act of 1967”.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2801.

Cross References. Purpose of Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, § 10-3-402.

Research References

ALR.

Construction and Application of Public Domain Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Law Enforcement Exemption Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 3 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 5 (2016).

Ark. L. Notes.

Watkins, Adventures in FOIA Land, 1999 Ark. L. Notes 111.

Ark. L. Rev.

Article, The Arkansas Proposal on Access to Court Records: Upgrading the Common Law with Electronic Freedom of Information Norms, 59 Ark. L. Rev. 555.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Annual Survey of Caselaw: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, 27 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 727.

Arkansas's Public Records Retention Program: Finding the FOIA's Absent Partner, 28 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 175.

Case Notes

Construction.

Court liberally construes the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., to accomplish its broad and laudable purpose that public business be performed in an open and public manner, and the court broadly construes the Act in favor of disclosure. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Appellate Review.

Circuit court denied appellant's complaint against a police department and its police chief for violation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Upon reviewing the FOIA request that appellant submitted, the appellate court concluded that the circuit court's finding that the police chief acted in good faith was not clearly erroneous. Daugherty v. Sipes, 2012 Ark. App. 233 (2012).

Fees And Costs.

Arkansas Department of Human Services was a department of the State of Arkansas and a suit against a state official in his official capacity was not a suit against that person but, rather, was a suit against that official's office, thus, even though the individual prevailed in obtaining certain public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., under § 25-19-107(d), no award of attorney's fees could be assessed against either the Department or the director, who was acting as a state official in his official capacity; further, as an individual, the director had no administrative control of the public records as he would have had control of the public records only in his official capacity. George v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 88 Ark. App. 135, 195 S.W.3d 399 (2004).

Because an inmate cited no postconviction remedy available to the inmate and otherwise made no showing of compelling need, the inmate failed to show that transcripts of the inmate's trial and appeal should be provided pursuant to §§ 25-19-101 to 109 at no cost. Cox v. State, 2011 Ark. 96 (2011).

Preemption.

Court was not persuaded that the Freedom of Information Act is incompatible with regulations that require the department to implement policies to prevent and mitigate identity theft; the court does not agree that, to prevent and mitigate identity theft, a person's home address is considered within the same family of other items in the definition or that a person's home address is akin to a person's social security number or date of birth, and the Act is not preempted by the Red Flags Rule because the laws do not conflict. Hopkins v. City of Brinkley, 2014 Ark. 139, 432 S.W.3d 609 (2014).

Public Records.

Litigation files prepared by an attorney hired by private medical malpractice liability insurance carriers to represent three doctors who worked for the state university were not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, §§ 25-19-101 to 25-19-110, because the documents were not public records for purposes of subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section. As the doctors were sued in their personal capacity, simply changing the records request to name the doctors in their official capacity did not convert the documents from private to public; the documents were also attorney work-product and subject to the attorney-client privilege. Harrill & Sutter, PLLC v. Farrar, 2012 Ark. 180, 402 S.W.3d 511 (2012).

Standing.

Reviewing court disagreed with the county contractor's assertion that she had standing to raise an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act issue since she had a personal stake in the outcome of the proceeding, because where the messages often contained both business matters and personal issues, the contractor waived any right of privacy she may have had. Pulaski County v. Ark. Democrat-Gazette, Inc., 371 Ark. 217, 264 S.W.3d 465 (2007).

Cited: Cooper, Inc. v. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., 289 Ark. 218, 711 S.W.2d 155 (1986); Morton v. City of Little Rock, 728 F. Supp. 543 (E.D. Ark. 1989); Depoyster v. Cole, 298 Ark. 203, 766 S.W.2d 606 (1989); Martin v. Musteen, 303 Ark. 656, 799 S.W.2d 540 (1990); Byrne v. Eagle, 319 Ark. 587, 892 S.W.2d 487 (1995); Saline Mem. Hosp. v. Berry, 321 Ark. 588, 906 S.W.2d 297 (1995); Ark. Dep't of Health v. Westark Christian Action Council, 322 Ark. 440, 910 S.W.2d 199 (1995); Moore v. State, 324 Ark. 453, 921 S.W.2d 606 (1996); Loveless v. Tucker, 2009 Ark. 424 (2009); Scott v. State, 2009 Ark. 437 (2009).

25-19-102. Legislative intent.

It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that the electors shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in making public policy. Toward this end, this chapter is adopted, making it possible for them or their representatives to learn and to report fully the activities of their public officials.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2802.

Research References

ALR.

Construction and Application of Public Domain or Official Acknowledgment Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Exemption, Other Than Law Enforcement Exemption, Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 17 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 1 (2016).

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Developments, Freedom of Information Act — Public Meetings Requirement, 57 Ark. L. Rev. 1015.

Case Notes

Construction.

The objectives of this chapter are such that whenever the legislature fails to specify that any records in the public domain are to be excluded from inspection, or is less than clear in its intendments, then privacy must yield to openness and secrecy to the public's right to know the status of its own affairs; therefore, the burden of confidentiality rests on the legislation itself, and if the intention is doubtful, openness is the result. Ragland v. Yeargan, 288 Ark. 81, 702 S.W.2d 23 (1986).

After reviewing this section and §§ 25-19-105 and 25-19-106, the court found nothing in the Freedom of Information Act that specifies that the communications media by which the public's business is conducted are limited to publicly owned communications; thus, the court rejected a state employee's claim that the employee was asked to violate the law by communicating with the governor via a private email address and, thus, the employee's subsequent resignation was voluntary without good cause and the employee was not entitled to benefits under § 11-10-513(a)(1). Bradford v. Dir., Empl. Sec. Dep't., 83 Ark. App. 332, 128 S.W.3d 20 (2003).

City administrator's succession of one-on-one conversations with each member of the city's board of directors violated the “open meetings” provision of the Freedom of Information Act, §§ 25-19-10125-19-109; through its conversations the board held a meeting within the intent of the FOIA such that the city's actions resulted in a consensus being reached on a given issue, thus rendering the formal meeting held before the public a mere charade. Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 86 Ark. App. 20, 158 S.W.3d 733 (2004), aff'd, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Delegation of Duties.

The requirements of this chapter cannot be circumvented by delegation of regular duties to one specially retained to perform the same task as the regular employee or official. This would be contrary to the requirements and intent of this chapter. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

Motivation of Persons Seeking Records.

Department claimed the citizen's request for a municipal ratepayer's home address fell outside the stated purpose of the Freedom of Information Act and the address should not be disclosed, but the department pointed to no law that required a citizen to give a reason for his or her request to inspect public records, and the Act does not direct itself to the motivation of the person who seeks public records. Hopkins v. City of Brinkley, 2014 Ark. 139, 432 S.W.3d 609 (2014).

Cited: Ark. State Police Comm'n v. Davidson, 253 Ark. 1090, 490 S.W.2d 788 (1973); Ark. Gazette Co. v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W.2d 350 (1975); Mayor of El Dorado v. El Dorado Broadcasting Co., 260 Ark. 821, 544 S.W.2d 206 (1976); Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988); Depoyster v. Cole, 298 Ark. 203, 766 S.W.2d 606 (1989).

25-19-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

    1. “Custodian”, except as otherwise provided by law and with respect to any public record, means the person having administrative control of that record.
    2. “Custodian” does not mean a person who holds public records solely for the purposes of storage, safekeeping, or data processing for others;
  1. “Disaster recovery system” means an electronic data storage system implemented and maintained solely for the purpose of allowing a governmental unit or agency to recover operational systems and datasets following the occurrence of a catastrophe, including without limitation an act of war, an equipment failure, a cyber-attack, or a natural disaster such as a tornado, earthquake, or fire;
  2. “Format” means the organization, arrangement, and form of electronic information for use, viewing, or storage;
  3. “Medium” means the physical form or material on which records and information may be stored or represented and may include, but is not limited to, paper, microfilm, microform, computer disks and diskettes, optical disks, and magnetic tapes;
    1. “Municipally owned utility system” means a utility system owned or operated by a municipality that provides:
      1. Electricity;
      2. Water;
      3. Wastewater;
      4. Cable television; or
      5. Broadband service.
    2. “Municipally owned utility system” includes without limitation a:
      1. Consolidated waterworks system under the Consolidated Waterworks Authorization Act, § 25-20-301 et seq.;
      2. Utility system managed or operated by a nonprofit corporation under § 14-199-701 et seq.; and
      3. Utility system owned or operated by a municipality or by a consolidated utility district under the General Consolidated Public Utility System Improvement District Law, § 14-217-101 et seq.;
  4. “Public meetings” means the meetings of any bureau, commission, or agency of the state or any political subdivision of the state, including municipalities and counties, boards of education, and all other boards, bureaus, commissions, or organizations in the State of Arkansas, except grand juries, supported wholly or in part by public funds or expending public funds;
    1. “Public records” means writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium required by law to be kept or otherwise kept and that constitute a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions that are or should be carried out by a public official or employee, a governmental agency, or any other agency or improvement district that is wholly or partially supported by public funds or expending public funds. All records maintained in public offices or by public employees within the scope of their employment shall be presumed to be public records.
    2. “Public records” does not mean software acquired by purchase, lease, or license;
  5. “Public water system” means all facilities composing a system for the collection, treatment, and delivery of drinking water to the general public, including without limitation reservoirs, pipelines, reclamation facilities, processing facilities, distribution facilities, and regional water distribution districts under The Regional Water Distribution District Act, § 14-116-101 et seq.; and
  6. “Vulnerability assessment” means an assessment of the vulnerability of a public water system to a terrorist attack or other intentional acts intended to substantially disrupt the ability of the public water system to provide a safe and reliable supply of drinking water as required by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-188.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 3; 1977, No. 652, § 1; 1981, No. 608, § 1; 1985, No. 468, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2803; Acts 2001, No. 1653, § 1; 2003, No. 763, § 1; 2005, No. 259, § 1; 2007, No. 268, § 1; 2007, No. 998, § 1; 2009, No. 631, § 1; 2011, No. 99, § 1; 2011, No. 210, § 2; 2013, No. 235, § 1; 2015, No. 186, § 2; 2015, No. 881, § 1; 2015, No. 999, § 4.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “July 1, 2011” for “July 1, 2009” in (6)(B) and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2011 amendment by No. 99 substituted “July 1, 2013” for “July 1, 2011” in (6)(B).

The 2011 amendment by No. 210 inserted “or improvement district that is” in (5)(A).

The 2013 amendment redesignated former (6)(A) as (6), and deleted (6)(B).

The 2015 amendment by No. 186 inserted the definition for “Municipally owned utility system” and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly; and in (7) [now (8)], substituted “without limitation” for “but not limited to” and added “and regional water distribution districts under The Regional Water Distribution District Act, § 14-116-101 et seq.”

The 2015 amendment by No. 881 added the definition for “Disaster recovery system.”

The 2015 amendment by No. 999 inserted “except as otherwise provided by law and” in (1)(A).

Cross References. Access to criminal history information, § 12-12-1508.

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Developments, Freedom of Information Act — Public Meetings Requirement, 57 Ark. L. Rev. 1015.

Case Notes

Custodian.

Circuit court abused its discretion in issuing a permanent injunction in favor of plaintiff competitor under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., because the plaintiff failed to sue an entity covered under FOIA; the competitor could not sue a private corporation alone under FOIA and direct it to produce public records it possessed by virtue of its contracts with counties because the private corporation was not the custodian of the public records. The circuit court's conclusion that county officials were unnecessary parties to a dispute over access to their public records was clearly erroneous. Apprentice Info. Sys. v. DataScout, LLC, 2018 Ark. 146, 544 S.W.3d 39 (2018).

Public Funds.

A private, nonprofit association of colleges and secondary schools which was composed of public servants and accepted public moneys was subject to this chapter. North Cent. Ass'n of Colleges & Sch. v. Troutt Bros., 261 Ark. 378, 548 S.W.2d 825 (1977).

A ground lease between a city and the American Red Cross, wherein the city charged the Red Cross a one-dollar-per-year lease payment, did not qualify as support by public funds within the meaning of subdivision (1). Sebastian County Chapter of Am. Red Cross v. Weatherford, 311 Ark. 656, 846 S.W.2d 641 (1993).

The plain language of subdivision (1) confirms that the General Assembly intended that direct public funding be required; had the General Assembly intended to extend this act to private organizations that receive any form of government assistance or subsidy, no matter how indirect, it would not have used the words “supported … by public funds” to describe the nature of support necessary to trigger this act. Sebastian County Chapter of Am. Red Cross v. Weatherford, 311 Ark. 656, 846 S.W.2d 641 (1993).

Refusal to read indirect government benefits or subsidies into the term “public funds” is not at odds with a liberal construction of this act. Sebastian County Chapter of Am. Red Cross v. Weatherford, 311 Ark. 656, 846 S.W.2d 641 (1993).

The term “public funds” should be given its plain and ordinary meaning which is best evidenced by Black's Law Dictionary and the definition “moneys belonging to government.” Sebastian County Chapter of Am. Red Cross v. Weatherford, 311 Ark. 656, 846 S.W.2d 641 (1993).

Public Meetings.

Where committee of a state board meets to transact business, such meeting is a public meeting subject to the provisions of this chapter and a newspaper reporter must be permitted to attend. Ark. Gazette Co. v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W.2d 350 (1975).

This section does not encompass staff meetings of the Department of Human Services held to develop a bid solicitation. National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995).

Where city board members held one-on-one meetings discussing the potential purchase of property, the meetings violated § 25-19-106(a) of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., because the members had made up there minds before the public meeting and, thus, the meetings constituted board meetings under subdivision (4) of this section. Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Public Records.

Records of intercollegiate conference on the amount of money that its member institutions disbursed to its student athletes were not “educational” records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and were not closed to the public because they were not individual education or academic records; moreover, the conference was not entitled to exemption from disclosure since it was partially supported by public funds, and the dues paid by some member institutions were from state funds so that the conference records came within the terms of this section. Arkansas Gazette Co. v. Southern State College, 273 Ark. 248, 620 S.W.2d 258 (1981), dismissed, 455 U.S. 931, 102 S. Ct. 1416 (1982).

Recorded votes of individual members of committee constituted a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions carried out by the committee, and where there was testimony that it was the general practice of the committee to retain mailout ballots used in voting on matters coming before the committee then, the vote slips at issue constituted public records which should have been retained. Depoyster v. Cole, 298 Ark. 203, 766 S.W.2d 606 (1989), overruled in part, Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 366 Ark. 277, 234 S.W.3d 875 (2006).

Police crime scene photographs and pathologist photographs are “otherwise kept” for evidence in criminal cases as an “official function” of a police department, and are thus public records subject to the Freedom of Information Act. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

Police investigation file with respect to the charges against defendant constituted “public records” as defined in subdivision (1). Martin v. Musteen, 303 Ark. 656, 799 S.W.2d 540 (1990).

Legal memoranda prepared by outside counsel for the City for litigation purposes are public records within the meaning of this chapter and are open to inspection. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

Inmate records appellee requested were “public records” since they were required to be kept by law. Furman v. Holloway, 312 Ark. 378, 849 S.W.2d 520 (1993).

By requiring audits to be performed by a private auditing firm and not the state auditor, the state, in § 15-5-210, has elected to employ a private firm to perform a task normally carried out by state employees or officials; thus, the audit working papers of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee are considered public records subject to this chapter. Swaney v. Tilford, 320 Ark. 652, 898 S.W.2d 462 (1995).

Definition of “public record” in subdivision (5)(A) of this section does not require that the custodian be the person who actually keeps the document, nor does it say that the custodian must be required to keep the document. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Locus of a record is important only to determine whether the record falls under the presumption in § 25-19-103(5)(A) of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, and the definition of “public record” is not dependent upon who keeps the record or where it is kept, just that it either is required to be kept or is otherwise kept. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Where the records in question are established as “public records” pursuant to subdivision (1) of the this section and not otherwise exempted from disclosure, the appropriate governmental agency shall have the responsibility to provide reasonable access for examination and copying of such public records which are in existence at the time of the request, as provided in § 25-19-105. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Circuit judge's law clerk's personal check was a public record under this section, and the circuit judge was its custodian and had to disclose the check to an attorney and his counsel pursuant to § 25-19-105 where the circuit judge instructed his clerk to obtain copies of certain documents from a federal court for use in contempt proceedings against the attorney, and where the attorney and his counsel sought disclosure of the check under FOIA. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Seed sample did not meet the definition of a “public record” because it could not be said to be an object on which records and information may be stored or represented; the list of items that could be mediums did not contain a seed or any other object, and removal and destructive testing of seed samples went far beyond the inspection and copying of public records. Nolan v. Little, 359 Ark. 161, 196 S.W.3d 1 (2004).

Legal opinions rendered in tax cases under Gross Receipts Tax Rule G-75 are subject to disclosure to a company because they are “otherwise kept” public records under subdivision (5)(A) of this section; however, any and all identifying facts and information have to be fully redacted under § 25-19-105(f)(1)–(3). Moreover, the legal opinions are not confidential because § 26-18-303(a)(1) does not cover Gross Receipts Tax Rule G-75; state law does not require that the opinions be kept by or filed with the Director of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Ryan & Co. v. Weiss, 371 Ark. 43, 263 S.W.3d 489 (2007).

Circuit court did not clearly err in finding that the city clerk's destruction of the adding-machine tape did not amount to a violation of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 where the city clerk testified that the relevant numbers had been recorded on other budget-meeting documents, the adding-machine tape was not meaningful nor was it something the city ever kept, and she gave the plaintiff citizen everything she had when he asked for it; plaintiff failed to prove that the adding-machine tape was required to be kept. Pitchford v. City of Earle, 2019 Ark. App. 251, 576 S.W.3d 103 (2019).

Cited: Legislative Joint Auditing Comm. v. Woosley, 291 Ark. 89, 722 S.W.2d 581 (1987); Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988); Young v. Rice, 308 Ark. 593, 826 S.W.2d 252 (1992); Stilley v. McBride, 332 Ark. 306, 965 S.W.2d 125 (1998); Arkansas Dep't of Fin. v. Pharmacy Assocs., Inc., 333 Ark. 451, 970 S.W.2d 217 (1998).

25-19-104. Penalty.

Any person who negligently violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2807; Acts 1987, No. 49, § 3; 2005, No. 1994, § 413.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

Allowance of punitive damages in state freedom of information actions. 13 A.L.R.6th 721.

Case Notes

In General.

Circuit court's determination that this section and § 25-19-106 were unconstitutional was improper because declaratory relief was inappropriate under this section as appellees did not yet have a case or controversy ready for decision by the courts. Appellees received a legal opinion on the effects of certain provisions of the state's Freedom of Information Act rather than resolution of an actual controversy. McCutchen v. City of Fort Smith, 2012 Ark. 452, 425 S.W.3d 671 (2012).

Construction.

The penal nature of this section does not make the entire chapter penal so as to require it to be strictly construed. Laman v. McCord, 245 Ark. 401, 432 S.W.2d 753 (1968).

No Violation.

Appellees' actions of purging the records did not violate this section because the captain testified that it was police department policy to purge the recordings every 45 days in order to maintain sufficient memory on the server and the driver did not produce any evidence to the contrary. Daugherty v. Jacksonville Police Dep't, 2012 Ark. 264, 411 S.W.3d 196 (2012).

Cited: Saline Mem. Hosp. v. Berry, 321 Ark. 588, 906 S.W.2d 297 (1995).

25-19-105. Examination and copying of public records.

      1. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this section or by laws specifically enacted to provide otherwise, all public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the custodian of the records.
      2. However, access to inspect and copy public records shall be denied to:
        1. A person who at the time of the request has pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of a felony and is incarcerated in a correctional facility; and
        2. The representative of a person under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section unless the representative is the person's attorney who is requesting information that is subject to disclosure under this section.
      1. A citizen may make a request to the custodian to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records.
      2. The request may be made in person, by telephone, by mail, by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail, or by other electronic means provided by the custodian.
      3. The request shall be sufficiently specific to enable the custodian to locate the records with reasonable effort.
    1. If the person to whom the request is directed is not the custodian of the records, the person shall so notify the requester and identify the custodian, if known to or readily ascertainable by the person.
  1. It is the specific intent of this section that the following shall not be deemed to be made open to the public under the provisions of this chapter:
    1. State income tax records;
    2. Medical records, adoption records, and education records as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, unless their disclosure is consistent with the provisions of that act;
    3. The site files and records maintained by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Arkansas Archeological Survey;
    4. Grand jury minutes;
    5. Unpublished drafts of judicial or quasi-judicial opinions and decisions;
    6. Undisclosed investigations by law enforcement agencies of suspected criminal activity;
    7. Unpublished memoranda, working papers, and correspondence of the Governor, members of the General Assembly, Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeals Judges, and the Attorney General;
    8. Documents that are protected from disclosure by order or rule of court;
      1. Files that if disclosed would give advantage to competitors or bidders; and
        1. Records maintained by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission related to any business entity's planning, site location, expansion, operations, or product development and marketing, unless approval for release of those records is granted by the business entity.
        2. However, this exemption shall not be applicable to any records of expenditures or grants made or administered by the commission and otherwise disclosable under the provisions of this chapter;
      1. The identities of law enforcement officers currently working undercover with their agencies and identified in the Arkansas Minimum Standards Office as undercover officers.
      2. Records of the number of undercover officers and agency lists are not exempt from this chapter;
    9. Records containing measures, procedures, instructions, or related data used to cause a computer or a computer system or network, including telecommunication networks or applications thereon, to perform security functions, including, but not limited to, passwords, personal identification numbers, transaction authorization mechanisms, and other means of preventing access to computers, computer systems or networks, or any data residing therein;
    10. Personnel records to the extent that disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
    11. Personal contact information, including without limitation home or mobile telephone numbers, personal email addresses, and home addresses of nonelected state employees, nonelected municipal employees, nonelected school employees, and nonelected county employees contained in employer records, except that the custodian of the records shall verify an employee's city or county of residence or address on record upon request;
    12. Materials, information, examinations, and answers to examinations utilized by boards and commissions for purposes of testing applicants for licensure by state boards or commissions;
    13. Military service discharge records or DD Form 214, the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty of the United States Department of Defense, filed with the county recorder as provided under § 14-2-102, for veterans discharged from service less than seventy (70) years from the current date;
    14. Vulnerability assessments submitted by a public water system on or before June 30, 2004, to the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for a period of ten (10) years from the date of submission;
    15. [Repealed.]
      1. Records, including analyses, investigations, studies, reports, recommendations, requests for proposals, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and plans containing information relating to security for any public water system or municipally owned utility system.
      2. The records under subdivision (b)(18)(A) include:
        1. Risk and vulnerability assessments;
        2. Plans and proposals for preventing and mitigating security risks;
        3. Emergency response and recovery records;
        4. Security plans and procedures;
        5. Plans and related information for generation, transmission, and distribution systems; and
        6. Other records containing information that if disclosed might jeopardize or compromise efforts to secure and protect the public water system or municipally owned utility system;
    16. Records pertaining to the issuance, renewal, expiration, suspension, or revocation of a license to carry a concealed handgun, or a present or past licensee under § 5-73-301 et seq., including without limitation all records provided to or obtained by a local, state, or federal government or their officials, agents, or employees in the investigation of an applicant, licensee, or past licensee, and all records pertaining to a criminal or health history check conducted on the applicant, licensee, or past licensee except that:
      1. Information or other records regarding an applicant, licensee, or past licensee may be released to a law enforcement agency to assist in a criminal investigation or prosecution or to determine the validity of or eligibility for a license; and
      2. The name of an applicant, licensee, or past licensee may be released as contained in investigative or arrest reports of law enforcement that are subject to release as public records;
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(20)(B) of this section, personal information of current and former public water system customers and municipally owned utility system customers, including without limitation:
        1. Home and mobile telephone numbers;
        2. Personal email addresses;
        3. Home and business addressees; and
        4. Customer usage data.
      2. Personal information of a current or former water system customer or municipally owned utility system customer may be disclosed to:
        1. The current or former water system customer, who may receive his or her own information;
        2. A person who serves as the attorney, guardian, or other representative of the current or former water system customer, who may receive the information of his or her client, ward, or principal;
        3. A tenant of the current or former water system customer or municipally owned utility system customer, who may receive notice of pending termination of service;
        4. A federal or state office or agency for the purpose of participating in research being conducted by such federal or state office or agency, if the federal or state office or agency agrees to prohibit disclosure of the personal information;
        5. For the purpose of facilitating a shared billing arrangement, a county, municipality, improvement district, urban service district, public utility, public facilities board, or public water authority that provides or provided a service to the current or former water system customer or municipally owned utility system customer; or
        6. An agent or vendor of the water system or municipally owned utility system that provides a billing or administrative service to the water system or municipally owned utility system provided that the agent or vendor and the water system or municipally owned utility system enter an agreement that prohibits disclosure by the agent or vendor of the water system or municipally owned utility system of the personal information of a current or former water system customer or municipally owned utility system customer to any other person;
    17. Electronic data information maintained by a disaster recovery system;
    18. The date of birth, home address, email address, phone number, and other contact information from county or municipal parks and recreation department records of a person who was under eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the request made under this section;
      1. Information related to taxes collected by particular entities under § 26-74-501 et seq.; the Advertising and Promotion Commission Act, § 26-75-601 et seq.; and § 26-75-701 et seq.
      2. However, this exemption does not apply to information or other records regarding the total taxes collected under § 26-74-501 et seq.; the Advertising and Promotion Commission Act, § 26-75-601 et seq.; and § 26-75-701 et seq. in the county or municipality as a whole;
      1. Undisclosed and ongoing investigations by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, or Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division.
      2. Completed investigations by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, or Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division or investigations by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, or Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Division that have been provided to the person or entity under investigation are subject to disclosure under this section;
      1. When the custodian is a governmental entity that has knowledge of the individual's assistance as described in this subdivision (b)(25)(A), information that could reasonably be used to identify an individual who is assisting or has assisted a governmental entity in one (1) or more investigations, whether open or closed, of matters that are criminal in nature, if disclosure of the individual's identity could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of the individual or a member of the individual's family within the first degree of consanguinity and:
        1. The individual is a confidential informant;
        2. The individual is a confidential source; or
        3. The individual's assistance is or was provided under the assurance of confidentiality.
      2. As used in this subdivision (b)(25), “information that could reasonably be used to identify an individual” includes the following:
        1. The individual's name;
        2. The individual's date of birth;
        3. A physical description of the individual that could reasonably be used to identify him or her;
        4. The individual's Social Security number, driver's license number, or other government-issued number specific to him or her;
        5. The individual's work or personal contact information; and
        6. Any other information about the individual that could reasonably be used to identify the individual; and
      1. Records, including analyses, investigations, studies, reports, recommendations, requests for proposals, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and plans containing information relating to security for any medical marijuana cultivation facility, marijuana dispensary, or marijuana laboratory processor.
      2. The records under subdivision (b)(26)(A) of this section include:
        1. Risk and vulnerability assessments;
        2. Plans and proposals for preventing and mitigating security risks;
        3. Emergency response and recovery records;
        4. Security plans and procedures;
        5. Plans and related information for generation, transmission, and distribution systems; and
        6. Other information that, if disclosed, would jeopardize or compromise efforts to secure and protect the security of a medical marijuana cultivation facility, marijuana dispensary, or marijuana laboratory processor.
    1. Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(12) of this section, all employee evaluation or job performance records, including preliminary notes and other materials, shall be open to public inspection only upon final administrative resolution of any suspension or termination proceeding at which the records form a basis for the decision to suspend or terminate the employee and if there is a compelling public interest in their disclosure.
    2. Any personnel or evaluation records exempt from disclosure under this chapter shall nonetheless be made available to the person about whom the records are maintained or to that person's designated representative.
      1. Upon receiving a request for the examination or copying of personnel or evaluation records, the custodian of the records shall determine within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of the request whether the records are exempt from disclosure and make efforts to the fullest extent possible to notify the person making the request and the subject of the records of that decision.
        1. If the subject of the records cannot be contacted in person or by telephone within the twenty-four-hour period, the custodian shall send written notice via overnight mail to the subject of the records at his or her last known address. Either the custodian, requester, or the subject of the records may immediately seek an opinion from the Attorney General, who, within three (3) working days of receipt of the request, shall issue an opinion stating whether the decision is consistent with this chapter.
        2. In the event of a review by the Attorney General, the custodian shall not disclose the records until the Attorney General has issued his or her opinion.
      2. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the requester or the subject of the records from seeking judicial review of the custodian's decision or the decision of the Attorney General.
    1. Reasonable access to public records and reasonable comforts and facilities for the full exercise of the right to inspect and copy those records shall not be denied to any citizen.
      1. Upon request and payment of a fee as provided in subdivision (d)(3) of this section, the custodian shall furnish copies of public records if the custodian has the necessary duplicating equipment.
      2. A citizen may request a copy of a public record in any medium in which the record is readily available or in any format to which it is readily convertible with the custodian's existing software.
      3. A custodian is not required to compile information or create a record in response to a request made under this section.
        1. Except as provided in § 25-19-109 or by law, any fee for copies shall not exceed the actual costs of reproduction, including the costs of the medium of reproduction, supplies, equipment, and maintenance, but not including existing agency personnel time associated with searching for, retrieving, reviewing, or copying the records.
        2. The custodian may also charge the actual costs of mailing or transmitting the record by facsimile or other electronic means.
        3. If the estimated fee exceeds twenty-five dollars ($25.00), the custodian may require the requester to pay that fee in advance.
        4. Copies may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge if the custodian determines that the records have been requested primarily for noncommercial purposes and that waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest.
      1. The custodian shall provide an itemized breakdown of charges under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section.
  2. If a public record is in active use or storage and therefore not available at the time a citizen asks to examine it, the custodian shall certify this fact in writing to the applicant and set a date and hour within three (3) working days at which time the record will be available for the exercise of the right given by this chapter.
    1. No request to inspect, copy, or obtain copies of public records shall be denied on the ground that information exempt from disclosure is commingled with nonexempt information.
    2. Any reasonably segregable portion of a record shall be provided after deletion of the exempt information.
    3. The amount of information deleted shall be indicated on the released portion of the record and, if technically feasible, at the place in the record where the deletion was made.
    4. If it is necessary to separate exempt from nonexempt information in order to permit a citizen to inspect, copy, or obtain copies of public records, the custodian shall bear the cost of the separation.
  3. Any computer hardware or software acquired by an entity subject to § 25-19-103(7)(A) after July 1, 2001, shall be in full compliance with the requirements of this section and shall not impede public access to records in electronic form.
  4. Notwithstanding any Arkansas law to the contrary, at the conclusion of any investigation conducted by a state agency in pursuit of civil penalties against the subject of the investigation, any settlement agreement entered into by a state agency shall be deemed a public document for the purposes of this chapter. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any investigation or settlement agreement involving any state tax covered by the Arkansas Tax Procedure Act, § 26-18-101 et seq.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 4; 1977, No. 652, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2804; Acts 1987, No. 49, § 1; 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 8, § 1; 1993, No. 895, § 1; 1997, No. 540, § 52; 1997, No. 873, § 1; 1997, No. 1335, § 1; 1999, No. 1093, § 1; 2001, No. 1259, § 1; 2001, No. 1336, § 1; 2001, No. 1653, § 2; 2003, No. 213, § 1; 2003, No. 275, § 2; 2003, No. 763, § 2; 2003, No. 1214, § 1; 2005, No. 259, § 2; 2005, No. 2003, § 1; 2007, No. 268, § 2; 2007, No. 726, §§ 1, 2; 2007, No. 998, § 2; 2009, No. 631, § 2; 2009, No. 1291, § 1; 2011, No. 99, § 2; 2011, No. 168, § 1; 2013, No. 145, § 1; 2013, No. 235, § 2; 2013, No. 411, § 1; 2015, No. 186, § 3; 2015, No. 881, § 2; 2015, No. 1015, § 1; 2015, No. 1102, § 1; 2017, No. 711, § 1; 2019, No. 392, § 6; 2019, No. 568, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 3585; 2019, No. 1012, § 1; 2019, No. 1034, § 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 1137, § 1, provided:

“6-60-108. Audit records.

“(a)(1) After an audit report is presented to the governing board of the institution of higher education, the audit report and copies of any documents contained in the working papers related to the audit report are open to public inspection under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., except:

“(A) Documents specifically exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.; and

“(B) Documents that disclose auditing procedures and techniques, including the following:

“(i) Internal control questionnaires consisting of the checklist of accounting and administrative procedures employed by auditors in the course of performing an audit; and

“(ii) The instructions and guidelines provided by or to the auditors about the examination procedures to be followed in the course of examining records and accounts to verify their accuracy, including verifications that the examination procedures have been followed.

“(2) The documents described in subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.

“(b)(1) Until an audit report has been presented to the governing board of the institution of higher education, all working papers, including without limitation communications, notes, memoranda, preliminary drafts of audit reports, and other data gathered in the preparation of audit reports by auditors employed by or on behalf of a governing board of an institution of higher education, are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.

“(2) The exemption provided under this section applies to all working papers in the custody or possession of any person before presentation of the audit report to the governing board of the institution of higher education regardless of the actual physical location of the report.

“(c) As used in this section, ‘audit’ means a financial audit, performance audit, technology audit, review, report of agreed-upon procedures, compilation, examination, investigation, or other report or procedure approved by the governing board of an institution of higher education.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment by No. 631 substituted “July 1, 2011” for “July 1, 2009” in (b)(18)(C) and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2009 amendment by No. 1291 added (b)(19) and made related changes.

The 2011 amendment by No. 99 substituted “July 1, 2013” for “July 1, 2011” in (b)(18)(C).

The 2011 amendment by No. 168 redesignated former (a)(1)(B)(i)( a ) and ( b ) as (a)(1)(B)(i) and (ii), and deleted former (a)(1)(B)(ii); deleted “of the Department of Correction and the Department of Community Correction” following “public records” in present (a)(1)(B); and substituted “(a)(1)(B)(i)” for “(a)(1)(B)(i)( a )” in present (a)(1)(B)(ii).

The 2013 amendment by No. 145 substituted “government or” for “governments” in the introductory language of (b)(19); in (b)(19)(A), substituted “to assist” for “for the purpose of assisting” and “to determine the” for “for determining”; substituted “The name” for “Names” in (b)(19)(B); and deleted (b)(19)(C).

The 2013 amendment by No. 235 substituted “under (b)(18)(A)” for “shall” in (b)(18)(B); and deleted former (b)(18)(C).

The 2013 amendment by No. 411, in (b)(13), added “Personal contact information, including without limitation home or mobile telephone numbers, personal email addresses, and” at the beginning and inserted “nonelected school employees” following “nonelected municipal employees.”

The 2015 amendment by No. 186 added “or municipally owned utility system” to the end of (b)(18)(A); redesignated former (b)(18)(B)(v) as (b)(18)(B)(vi); inserted present (b)(18)(B)(v); added “or municipally owned utility system” to the end of (b)(18)(B)(vi); and added (b)(20).

The 2015 amendment by No. 881 added (b)(21).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1015 added (b)(22).

The 2015 amendment by No. 1102 added (b)(23).

The 2017 amendment redesignated former (b)(20) as (b)(20)(A); added “Except as provided in subdivision (b)(20)(B) of this section” in (b)(20)(A); and added (b)(20)(B).

The 2019 amendment by No. 392 repealed (b)(17).

The 2019 amendment by No. 568 added (b)(24).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Arkansas Heritage” for “Department of Arkansas Heritage” in (b)(3).

The 2019 amendment by No. 1012 added (b)(25).

The 2019 amendment by No. 1034 added (b)(26).

Cross References. Student competency tests excluded, § 6-15-415.

Confidentiality of military discharge records, § 14-2-102(c)-(e).

Disposition of criminal data to the central repository, § 12-12-1505.

Dissemination of criminal history information, requirements and exceptions, § 12-12-1504.

Research References

ALR.

Disclosure of Electronic Data under State Public Records and Freedom of Information Acts. 54 A.L.R.6th 653.

Construction and Application of Public Domain Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Law Enforcement Exemption Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 3 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 5 (2016).

Construction and Application of Public Domain or Official Acknowledgment Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Exemption, Other Than Law Enforcement Exemption, Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 17 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 1 (2016).

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Survey — Miscellaneous, 10 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 593.

Brooks, Adventures in Cyber-Space: Computer Technology and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 17 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 417.

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, State Government, Freedom of Information Act, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 493.

Survey of Legislation, 2003 Arkansas General Assembly, Local Government, Protection for Veterans, 26 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 433.

J. Lyn Entrikin, The Right of Privacy in Arkansas: A Progressive State, 35 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 439 (2013).

Case Notes

Constitutionality.

There is a rational basis for exempting the working papers of the governor, the legislators, and the supreme court justices from public disclosure. Such protection promotes and encourages free exchange of thought in each of the three branches of government. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

The attorney-client privilege has no application outside of court proceedings and, therefore, cannot create an exception to the Freedom of Information Act. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

Subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section, which permits an incarcerated felon to request information of public record only through an attorney, did not violate the inmate's due process right to access the courts because the inmate suffered no actual injury from the statute, as he had rights available to him through habeas petition. Holt v. Howard, 806 F.3d 1129 (8th Cir. 2015).

Subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section, which permits an incarcerated felon to request information of public record only through an attorney, does not violate the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause because the statute is rationally related to preventing the use of records to harass or threaten victims or witnesses and to conserving government resources. Holt v. Howard, 806 F.3d 1129 (8th Cir. 2015).

In General.

Generally, all public records are available for inspection under the Freedom of Information Act; exceptions are spelled out in this section. City of Fayetteville v. Rose, 294 Ark. 468, 743 S.W.2d 817 (1988)Criticized byArkansas Gazette Co. v. Goodwin, 304 Ark. 204, 801 S.W.2d 284 (Ark. 1990).

This chapter does not require a court to provide, free of charge, a copy of material on file with the court; a petitioner is not entitled to photocopying at public expense unless he demonstrates some compelling need for specific documentary evidence to support an allegation contained in a petition for post-conviction relief. Moore v. State, 324 Ark. 453, 921 S.W.2d 606 (1996).

Construction.

The Freedom of Information Act should be broadly construed in favor of disclosure, and exceptions construed narrowly in order to counterbalance the self-protective instincts of the governmental bureaucracy. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989); Bryant v. Mars, 309 Ark. 480, 830 S.W.2d 869 (1992).

Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 8 was not merely remedial or procedural in nature, but created new exemptions from public disclosure which did not exist before. Statutes which are remedial or procedural generally supply new, different, or more appropriate remedies which relate to existing rights, and do not create new rights or extinguish old ones. Gannett River States Publishing Co. v. Arkansas Indus. Dev. Comm'n, 303 Ark. 684, 799 S.W.2d 543 (1990).

Any exemption from disclosure is to be narrowly construed, and when the scope of an exemption is unclear or ambiguous, the court will interpret it in a manner that favors disclosure. Young v. Rice, 308 Ark. 593, 826 S.W.2d 252 (1992).

Exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act are to be narrowly construed. Troutt Bros. v. Emison, 311 Ark. 27, 841 S.W.2d 604 (1992); Young v. Rice, 308 Ark. 593, 826 S.W.2d 252 (1992).

The court's policy regarding this chapter has been enunciated clearly in our case law — it will interpret it liberally to accomplish the purpose of promoting free access to public information. Johninson v. Stodola, 316 Ark. 423, 872 S.W.2d 374 (1994).

After reviewing §§ 25-19-102, 25-19-106, and this section, the court found nothing in the Freedom of Information Act that specifies that the communications media by which the public's business is conducted are limited to publicly owned communications; thus, the court rejected a state employee's claim that the employee was asked to violate the law by communicating with the governor via a private email address and, thus, the employee's subsequent resignation was voluntary without good cause and the employee was not entitled to benefits under § 11-10-513(a)(1). Bradford v. Dir., Empl. Sec. Dep't., 83 Ark. App. 332, 128 S.W.3d 20 (2003).

Trial court erred by finding that the driver received a timely and compliant response from appellees because the response, refusing to comply with the request on the ground that it was too broad and too burdensome, was in direct conflict with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and with the court's case law interpreting the FOIA. Daugherty v. Jacksonville Police Dep't, 2012 Ark. 264, 411 S.W.3d 196 (2012).

Applicability.

Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 8 contains neither express language nor clear implication mandating retroactive effect, and operates prospectively only. Gannett River States Publishing Co. v. Arkansas Indus. Dev. Comm'n, 303 Ark. 684, 799 S.W.2d 543 (1990).

In order to invoke a narrowly construed exemption under this chapter, the circuit court must peruse the pertinent data in question in order to make an informed decision. Johninson v. Stodola, 316 Ark. 423, 872 S.W.2d 374 (1994).

The circuit court must review the relevant files in camera in order to make its decision that the exemption of subdivision (b)(6) of this section applies across the board to those files. Johninson v. Stodola, 316 Ark. 423, 872 S.W.2d 374 (1994).

Where the records in question are established as “public records” pursuant to § 25-19-103(1) of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and not otherwise exempted from disclosure, the appropriate governmental agency shall have the responsibility to provide reasonable access for examination and copying of such public records which are in existence at the time of the request, as provided in this section. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Circuit judge's law clerk's personal check was a public record under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 25-19-101 et seq., and the circuit judge was its custodian under § 25-19-103(1) and had to disclose the check to an attorney and his counsel pursuant to this section where the circuit judge instructed his clerk to obtain copies of certain documents from a federal court for use in contempt proceedings against the attorney, and where the attorney and his counsel sought disclosure of the check under FOIA. Fox v. Perroni, 358 Ark. 251, 188 S.W.3d 881 (2004).

Seed sample did not meet the definition of a “public record” under § 25-19-103 because it could not be said to be an object on which records and information may be stored or represented; the list of items that could be mediums did not contain a seed or any other object, and removal and destructive testing of seed samples went far beyond the inspection and copying of public records. Nolan v. Little, 359 Ark. 161, 196 S.W.3d 1 (2004).

Because not all of the emails that were requested by a newspaper were “public records” pursuant to subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section, but there was not enough evidence to discern which of them were “public records”, an in camera review was needed to make that determination. The definition of “public records” under the Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., was content-driven, and the only way to determine the content was to examine the emails because an analysis of messages based solely on the context in which they were created, without an examination of the content of the messages, was insufficient to determine whether the messages were “public records”. Pulaski County v. Ark. Democrat-Gazette, Inc., 370 Ark. 435, 260 S.W.3d 718 (2007).

Trial court erred by finding that appellees' requirement that the driver pay a deposit of $2, 475 to obtain the requested records did not violate the Freedom of Information Act because § 25-19-109 did not apply, as the driver stated that she requested only copies of the recordings and did not ask for any type of special conversion or any type of compilation. The applicable provision to the driver's request was subsection (d) of this section, as she simply requested a copy of the files, and therefore appellees could not charge fees that exceeded the cost of reproduction and could not include the hourly rate of a captain in assessing costs to the driver. Daugherty v. Jacksonville Police Dep't, 2012 Ark. 264, 411 S.W.3d 196 (2012).

When a teacher made a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to a school district (district) after the teacher was terminated, and the denial of that request was reviewed in the same case in which the termination was contested, a trial court had no jurisdiction to grant the district's renewed motion for a protective order because (1) the order was sought under Ark. R. Civ. P. 26(c), which was independent of the FOIA, and (2) the renewed motion initiated no FOIA case, as the district was the records custodian and only a citizen could seek review of the denial of an FOIA request, and the motion was litigated while the termination case was on appeal. Hollis v. Fayetteville Sch. Dist. No. 1, 2016 Ark. App. 132, 485 S.W.3d 280 (2016).

Attorney-Client Privilege.

There is no attorney-client privilege or attorney work product exemption under this chapter. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

Litigation files prepared by an attorney hired by private medical malpractice liability insurance carriers to represent three doctors who worked for the state university were not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, §§ 25-19-101 to 25-19-110, because the documents were not public records for purposes of subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section. As the doctors were sued in their personal capacity, simply changing the records request to name the doctors in their official capacity did not convert the documents from private to public; the documents were also attorney work-product and subject to the attorney-client privilege. Harrill & Sutter, PLLC v. Farrar, 2012 Ark. 180, 402 S.W.3d 511 (2012).

Attorney General.

The term “Attorney General” as used in this section refers to the office as opposed to an individual, including not only the individual holding the elective office but also his authorized deputies and representatives. Bryant v. Mars, 309 Ark. 480, 830 S.W.2d 869 (1992).

The working papers of an outside consultant retained by the Attorney General, are also exempt from the Freedom of Information Act as working papers of the Attorney General. Bryant v. Mars, 309 Ark. 480, 830 S.W.2d 869 (1992).

Competitor.

Categorizing members of the public who may wish to learn of, and/or disagree with, actions of public officials, even to the point of litigation, does not make such a person or entity a “competitor” as envisioned by this chapter. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

A state agency can claim the competitive advantage exception on behalf of the person who supplied the information. Arkansas Dep't of Fin. v. Pharmacy Assocs., Inc., 333 Ark. 451, 970 S.W.2d 217 (1998).

The Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A) was not required to fully disclose a company's successful bid proposal to the DF&A since the bid proposal fell under the competitive advantage exception and since disclosure would not only be detrimental to the successful bidder, but also to the DF&A in the quality of information it would receive to requests for proposals in the future. Arkansas Dep't of Fin. v. Pharmacy Assocs., Inc., 333 Ark. 451, 970 S.W.2d 217 (1998).

Defendants.

Circuit court abused its discretion in issuing a permanent injunction in favor of plaintiff competitor under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., because the plaintiff failed to sue an entity covered under FOIA; the competitor could not sue a private corporation alone under FOIA and direct it to produce public records it possessed by virtue of its contracts with counties because the private corporation was not the custodian of the public records. The circuit court's conclusion that county officials were unnecessary parties to a dispute over access to their public records was clearly erroneous. Apprentice Info. Sys. v. DataScout, LLC, 2018 Ark. 146, 544 S.W.3d 39 (2018).

Driver's Privacy Protection Act.

Unredacted access to certain accident reports should have been granted to an attorney seeking clients for his law practice because the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721–2725, did not prohibit information contained in such reports from being released under the Freedom of Information Act. A vehicle accident report is not included in the definition of a “motor vehicle record,” regardless of whether, as a matter of convenience, some of the information included in an accident report may be taken from or verified by a database maintained by the Office of Motor Vehicles. Moreover, “personal information” does not include information on vehicular accidents. Ark. State Police v. Wren, 2016 Ark. 188, 491 S.W.3d 124 (2016), cert. denied, — U.S. —, 137 S. Ct. 623, 196 L. Ed. 2d 515 (2017).

Exempted Records.

Public access must be afforded only to those records statutorily required to be kept by public agencies and lists of recipients of complimentary football tickets kept by state university, since not required by statute, need not be opened to public. McMahan v. Board of Trustees, 255 Ark. 108, 499 S.W.2d 56 (1973).

An order sealing a written pretrial motion was exempted from inspection or copying under this section. Arkansas Newspaper, Inc. v. Patterson, 281 Ark. 213, 662 S.W.2d 826 (1984).

This section does not exempt working papers of employees of a legislative committee, only those of the legislator; therefore, the working papers of an auditor who was a state employee were not exempt. Legislative Joint Auditing Comm. v. Woosley, 291 Ark. 89, 722 S.W.2d 581 (1987).

The law enforcement exception to the Freedom of Information Act includes only agencies which investigate suspected criminal activity under the State Penal Code and have enforcement powers; therefore, the law enforcement exemption does not apply to state auditors working for the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. Legislative Joint Auditing Comm. v. Woosley, 291 Ark. 89, 722 S.W.2d 581 (1987).

Records not of an “undisclosed investigation” are public and available for examination. City of Fayetteville v. Rose, 294 Ark. 468, 743 S.W.2d 817 (1988)Criticized byArkansas Gazette Co. v. Goodwin, 304 Ark. 204, 801 S.W.2d 284 (Ark. 1990).

Real estate appraisals did not amount to working papers, correspondence, and unpublished memoranda of the Attorney General. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

Disclosures requested held not protected by exception in subdivision (b)(8) of this section. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

Exclusion in subdivision (b)(9) is intended to prevent competitors from obtaining information about others seeking the same type of work or furnishing material to the state. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

Attorney-client privilege is not one of exceptions of this section. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

When a criminal case is closed by administrative action, the reason for the exemption under subdivision (b)(6) no longer exists, and statements previously exempted thereby may be released. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

Applying the general rule of prospectivity which governs interpretation of statutes, the application of the May 14, 1990, version of Rule 7 of the Rules of Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission is prospective, and thus the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission is not required to divulge its actions prior to that time which were protected under the former rule and statute. Gannett River States Pub. Co. v. Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Com., 304 Ark. 244, 801 S.W.2d 292 (1990).

Because only the General Assembly can create exceptions to this chapter, a statute must specifically provide for nondisclosure before a court will exempt a public record from the chapter. Troutt Bros. v. Emison, 311 Ark. 27, 841 S.W.2d 604 (1992).

There must be a specific statutory mandate to exempt public records from disclosure. Byrne v. Eagle, 319 Ark. 587, 892 S.W.2d 487 (1995).

The home addresses of 2 police officers, which were sought by the plaintiff in a civil action so as to decrease his cost of service of process, were exempt from disclosure as an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Stilley v. McBride, 332 Ark. 306, 965 S.W.2d 125 (1998).

Circuit court properly denied an attorney's request for information under the employee-evaluation/job-performance exemption in subdivision (c)(1) of this section, because the records of a decision to suspend or terminate a police officer following an investigation into a citizen's complaint by one of the attorney's clients were job-performance records that were not subject to release where the officer was not on duty during the encounters, the client was not arrested, and there was no decision to suspend or terminate the officer. Hyman v. Sadler, 2018 Ark. App. 82, 539 S.W.3d 642 (2018).

School district properly withheld records pertaining to investigations involving two altercations that occurred between a student and teachers where the records fit within the definition of employee-evaluation and job-performance records and the examples provided in attorney general opinions, and there was no evidence that the records were not created by the employer concerning the teachers' performance in regard to the specific incidents. Davis v. Van Buren Sch. Dist., 2019 Ark. App. 157, 572 S.W.3d 466 (2019).

Records pertaining to investigations involving two altercations that occurred between a student and teachers did not fit within the exception in subdivision (c)(1) of this section, as there was no final administrative resolution of any suspension or termination proceeding at which the records formed a basis to suspend or terminate the teachers, it was undisputed that neither teacher was suspended or terminated as a result of the records, and one teacher's resignation occurred before any administrative hearing, resolution, or appeal. Davis v. Van Buren Sch. Dist., 2019 Ark. App. 157, 572 S.W.3d 466 (2019).

Investigation Files.

Where the high level of publicity and media attention threatened to interfere with defendant's right to a fair trial, the closing of the investigation files of the state police and the files of all investigative agencies, including a legislative audit, by the court, was warranted to ensure the defendant's right to a fair trial. Arkansas Gazette Co. v. Goodwin, 304 Ark. 204, 801 S.W.2d 284 (Ark. 1990).

Circuit court properly found that a prison transport manifest did not fall within the scope of the “undisclosed investigation” exception to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 because the manifest was simply a record kept in the regular course of business and was not investigatory in nature such that the exemption would apply. Holladay v. Glass, 2017 Ark. App. 595, 534 S.W.3d 173 (2017).

Medical Records.

Hospital statements taken from witnesses as part of a quality assurance or peer review proceeding were excluded from disclosure and were absolutely privileged communications pursuant to Arkansas statutes. Berry v. Saline Mem. Hosp., 322 Ark. 182, 907 S.W.2d 736 (1995).

Medium and Format.

Circuit court did not err in ordering a school district to provide electronic copies of paper records at no charge under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967; the school district could scan the paper records and provide them electronically, and the circuit court did not clearly err in finding in this case that the records were “readily available” in an electronic medium. Pulaski Cty. Special Sch. Dist. v. Delaney, 2019 Ark. App. 210, 575 S.W.3d 420 (2019).

School district could not refuse a request under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 to be provided 1,816 pages of records in an electronic format on the ground that the request was too voluminous or burdensome due to the scanning process. In addition, there is no provision in this section that permits a custodian to decide what medium it will provide records to a citizen based on the number of records the school district must redact or the school district's preference to have a hard copy of the documents. Pulaski Cty. Special Sch. Dist. v. Delaney, 2019 Ark. App. 210, 575 S.W.3d 420 (2019).

Ongoing Investigations.

If a law enforcement investigation remains open and ongoing it is one meant to be protected as “undisclosed” under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Martin v. Musteen, 303 Ark. 656, 799 S.W.2d 540 (1990).

The trial court will have to decide, as a matter of fact in each case, whether investigations are ongoing or not for purposes of applying the exemption provided in subdivision (b)(6). Martin v. Musteen, 303 Ark. 656, 799 S.W.2d 540 (1990).

In ordering the Arkansas State Police to release case file records to a murder victim's family pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, the circuit court did not clearly err when it found that the investigation into the victim's murder in 1963 was not open and ongoing, as no charges had been brought or appeared to be imminent. The victim's family and the public were entitled to know how law enforcement officials performed their duties. Dep't of Ark. State Police v. Keech Law Firm, P.A., 2017 Ark. 143, 516 S.W.3d 265 (2017).

Exemption from disclosure under subdivision (b)(6) of this section requires an investigation to be open and ongoing to qualify for nondisclosure. Whether an investigation is open and ongoing is by necessity a question of fact to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Dep't of Ark. State Police v. Keech Law Firm, P.A., 2017 Ark. 143, 516 S.W.3d 265 (2017).

Parties Entitled.

Intent of Freedom of Information Act includes a corporation doing business in this state as being a party entitled to information. Hence, representative of corporation is entitled to receive any information that any other person would be entitled to receive pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Ark. Hwy. & Transp. Dep't v. Hope Brick Works, Inc., 294 Ark. 490, 744 S.W.2d 711 (1988).

The public, for whose benefit this chapter was enacted, includes both those who support and those who oppose the actions or inactions of public officials, employees or agencies, as well as those who wish to merely learn of and evaluate the actions of public officials. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

The Attorney General, acting in his official capacity and using the resources of his office, possesses standing to appeal the denial of his request pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Bryant v. Weiss, 335 Ark. 534, 983 S.W.2d 902 (1998).

Pursuant to this section, while the contractor possessed the records requested, it was not an entity covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 25-19-101 et seq., which would render it subject to suit under the FOIA; therefore, the association's suit was reversed and dismissed. Nabholz Constr. Corp. v. Contrs. for Pub. Prot. Ass'n, 371 Ark. 411, 266 S.W.3d 689 (2007).

Personnel Records.

Subdivision (b)(10) requires that the public's right to knowledge of records be weighed against an individual's right to privacy, so that when the public's interest is substantial, it will usually outweigh any individual privacy interests, and disclosure will be favored. Young v. Rice, 308 Ark. 593, 826 S.W.2d 252 (1992).

Where the release of records could subject candidates for police lieutenant to embarrassment, and perhaps threaten their future employment, release would result in a clearly unwarranted invasion of the candidates' personal privacy; although the public's interest in knowing that its safety is protected by the best-qualified police lieutenant is also substantial, it was served by the release of the report forms, even though the candidates' identities remained unknown. Young v. Rice, 308 Ark. 593, 826 S.W.2d 252 (1992).

Ratepayer's Address.

In connection with the claim that the home address of a ratepayer should not be disclosed, the department made a policy argument that since a public employee's personal contact information was exempted from disclosure, so should that of a private customer, but it was the job of the General Assembly to establish exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act, and arguments for additional exemptions had to be addressed to the General Assembly, not the court. Hopkins v. City of Brinkley, 2014 Ark. 139, 432 S.W.3d 609 (2014).

Records Subject to Inspection.

The books and records of a city collector's office are at all times available to the public. Pointer v. State, 248 Ark. 710, 454 S.W.2d 91 (1970), cert. denied, Pointer v. Arkansas, 400 U.S. 959, 91 S. Ct. 359 (1970).

Records of intercollegiate conference on the amount of money that its member institutions disbursed to its student athletes records were not “educational” records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and were not closed to the public because they were not individual education or academic records. Arkansas Gazette Co. v. Southern State College, 273 Ark. 248, 620 S.W.2d 258 (1981), dismissed, 455 U.S. 931, 102 S. Ct. 1416 (1982).

Information stored on computer tapes is a public record, and the public is entitled to have it in the form in which it is kept. Blaylock v. Staley, 293 Ark. 26, 732 S.W.2d 152 (1987).

Committee violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act when it used unsigned written ballots which were disposed of in a manner making their review impossible. Depoyster v. Cole, 298 Ark. 203, 766 S.W.2d 606 (1989), overruled in part, Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 366 Ark. 277, 234 S.W.3d 875 (2006).

While items obtained by police in the course of a criminal investigation involve personal matters, the governmental interest in disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act may outweigh the privacy interest in the nondisclosure of personal matters. McCambridge v. City of Little Rock, 298 Ark. 219, 766 S.W.2d 909 (1989).

Legal memoranda prepared by outside counsel for the City for litigation purposes are public records within the meaning of this chapter and are open to inspection, and, the enhanced risk that the City may lose litigation does not constitute an exemption. City of Fayetteville v. Edmark, 304 Ark. 179, 801 S.W.2d 275 (1990).

The jail log, arrest records and shift sheet requested from the police department by a news reporter were not records containing undisclosed law enforcement investigations and were subject to disclosure pursuant to this section. Hengel v. City of Pine Bluff, 307 Ark. 457, 821 S.W.2d 761 (1991).

There is no statute that specifically provides for the exemption of the names of juveniles arrested for felonies but not charged as delinquent juveniles, thus, detention facility logs and booking sheets of juvenile detention facilities are not exempt. Troutt Bros. v. Emison, 311 Ark. 27, 841 S.W.2d 604 (1992).

By requiring audits to be performed by a private auditing firm and not the state auditor, the state, in § 15-5-210, has elected to employ a private firm to perform a task normally carried out by state employees or officials; thus, the audit working papers of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee are considered public records subject to this chapter. Swaney v. Tilford, 320 Ark. 652, 898 S.W.2d 462 (1995).

Judgment was properly awarded to appellee in an action against a police chief, in the chief's capacity as the custodian of records for the police department, for violation of the Arkansas FOIA because an officer's use-of-force reports describing an incident with appellee did not fall within the exemption in subdivision (c)(1) of this section for employee evaluation or job performance records. Thomas v. Hall, 2012 Ark. 66, 399 S.W.3d 387 (2012).

Redaction.

Legal opinions rendered in tax cases under Gross Receipts Tax Rule G-75 are subject to disclosure to a company because they are “otherwise kept” public records under § 25-19-103(5)(A); however, any and all identifying facts and information have to be fully redacted under subdivision (f)(1)–(3) of this section. Moreover, the legal opinions are not confidential because § 26-18-303(a)(1) does not cover Gross Receipts Tax Rule G-75; state law does not require that the opinions be kept by or filed with the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration. Ryan & Co. v. Weiss, 371 Ark. 43, 263 S.W.3d 489 (2007).

Regular Business Hours.

As the police department operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the absence of some showing to the contrary those were its regular business hours. Hengel v. City of Pine Bluff, 307 Ark. 457, 821 S.W.2d 761 (1991).

Cited: Baxter County Newspapers, Inc. v. Medical Staff of Baxter Gen. Hosp., 273 Ark. 511, 622 S.W.2d 495 (1981); Morton v. City of Little Rock, 728 F. Supp. 543 (E.D. Ark. 1989); Ark. Dep't of Health v. Westark Christian Action Council, 322 Ark. 440, 910 S.W.2d 199 (1995); Hamilton v. Simpson, 67 Ark. App. 173, 993 S.W.2d 501 (1999); Jegley v. Picado, 349 Ark. 600, 80 S.W.3d 332 (2002); Watkins v. Dale, 2011 Ark. App. 385 (2011).

25-19-106. Open public meetings. [Effective until emergency ends or December 31, 2020.]

  1. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all meetings, formal or informal, special or regular, of the governing bodies of all municipalities, counties, townships, and school districts and all boards, bureaus, commissions, or organizations of the State of Arkansas, except grand juries, supported wholly or in part by public funds or expending public funds, shall be public meetings.
    1. The time and place of each regular meeting shall be furnished to anyone who requests the information.
    2. In the event of emergency or special meetings, the person calling the meeting shall notify the representatives of the newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, if any, located in the county in which the meeting is to be held and any news media located elsewhere that cover regular meetings of the governing body and that have requested to be so notified of emergency or special meetings of the time, place, and date of the meeting. Notification shall be made at least two (2) hours before the meeting takes place in order that the public shall have representatives at the meeting.
      1. Except as provided under subdivision (c)(6) of this section, an executive session will be permitted only for the purpose of considering employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any public officer or employee.
      2. The specific purpose of the executive session shall be announced in public before going into executive session.
      1. Only the person holding the top administrative position in the public agency, department, or office involved, the immediate supervisor of the employee involved, and the employee may be present at the executive session when so requested by the governing body, board, commission, or other public body holding the executive session.
      2. Any person being interviewed for the top administrative position in the public agency, department, or office involved may be present at the executive session when so requested by the governing board, commission, or other public body holding the executive session.
    1. Executive sessions must never be called for the purpose of defeating the reason or the spirit of this chapter.
    2. No resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation, or motion considered or arrived at in executive session will be legal unless, following the executive session, the public body reconvenes in public session and presents and votes on the resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation, or motion.
      1. Boards and commissions of this state may meet in executive session for purposes of preparing examination materials and answers to examination materials that are administered to applicants for licensure from state agencies.
      2. Boards and commissions are excluded from this chapter for the administering of examinations to applicants for licensure.
    3. Subject to the provisions of subdivision (c)(4) of this section, a public agency may meet in executive session for the purpose of considering, evaluating, or discussing matters pertaining to public water system security or municipally owned utility system security as described in § 25-19-105(b)(18).
    4. An executive session held by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under § 10-3-3201 et seq. is exempt from this section.
    1. All officially scheduled, special, and called open public meetings shall be recorded in a manner that allows for the capture of sound, including without limitation:
      1. A sound-only recording;
      2. A video recording with sound and picture; or
      3. A digital or analog broadcast capable of being recorded.
    2. A recording of an open public meeting shall be maintained by a public entity for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the open public meeting.
    3. The recording shall be maintained in a format that may be reproduced upon a request under this chapter.
    4. Subdivisions (d)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to:
      1. Executive sessions; or
      2. Volunteer fire departments.
    5. Cities of the second class and incorporated towns are exempt from subdivisions (d)(1) and (2) of this section until July 1, 2020.
    1. If the Governor declares a disaster emergency under the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973, § 12-75-101 et seq., a public entity may assemble, gather, meet, and conduct an open public meeting through electronic means, including without limitation by:
      1. Telephone;
      2. Video conference; or
      3. Video broadcast.
    2. If an open public meeting is held under subdivision (e)(1) of this section:
      1. The public may attend the open public meeting using electronic means; and
      2. Notice of the method the public may attend the open public meeting shall be published with the notice of the open public meeting.
    3. Physical presence of the public or of an individual member of the public entity at the open public meeting is not required under this subsection.
    4. The open public meeting shall be recorded in the format in which it is conducted, including without limitation:
      1. A sound-only recording;
      2. A video recording with sound and picture; or
      3. A digital or analog broadcast capable of being recorded.
    5. A public entity shall maintain the records of an open public meeting held under this subsection for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the open public meeting.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 5; 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1201, § 1; 1985, No. 843, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2805; reen. Acts 1987, No. 1001, § 1; 1999, No. 1589, § 1; 2001, No. 1259, § 2; 2003, No. 763, § 3; 2005, No. 259, § 3; 2007, No. 268, § 3; 2007, No. 998, § 3; 2009, No. 631, § 3; 2011, No. 99, § 3; 2013, No. 235, § 3; 2015, No. 186, § 4; 2017, No. 713, § 11; 2019, No. 1028, § 1; 2020, No. 2, § 42.

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section was reenacted by Acts 1987, No. 1001, § 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.

Acts 2020, No. 2, § 43, provided: “TEMPORARY LANGUAGE AND SUSPENSION OF CURRENT LAW.

“(a) Section 42 of this act is cumulative of existing laws and suspends, but does not repeal, any law in conflict with Section 74 of this act.

“(b)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, Section 42 of this act is temporary and expires on the date that the Governor determines that the emergency under Arkansas Code §§ 12-75-101 et seq, and § 20-7-110 in response to an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has ended.

“(2) If the Governor has not determined by December 31, 2020, that the emergency under Arkansas Code §§ 12-75-101 et seq, and § 20-7-110 in response to an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has ended, Section 42 of this act shall expire on December 31, 2020.

“(c) On the expiration of Section 42, the provisions of law suspended by Section 42 of this act are in full force and effect.

“(d) The expiration of Section 42 of this act does not affect rights acquired under this act or affect suits then pending”.

Publisher's Notes. For text of section effective when emergency ends or December 31, 2020, see the following version.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “July 1, 2011” for “July 1, 2009” in (c)(6)(B) and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2011 amendment substituted “July 1, 2013” for “July 1, 2011” in (c)(6)(B).

The 2013 amendment redesignated former (c)(6)(A) as (c)(6), and deleted (c)(6)(B).

The 2015 amendment inserted “or municipally owned utility system security” in (c)(6).

The 2017 amendment redesignated (c)(1) as (c)(1)(A) and (B); substituted “Except as provided under subdivision (c)(6) of this section, an executive session” for “Executive sessions” in (c)(1)(A); and added (c)(7).

The 2019 amendment added (d).

The 2020 amendment added (e).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Developments, Freedom of Information Act — Public Meetings Requirement, 57 Ark. L. Rev. 1015.

Note, Harris v. City of Fort Smith: Arkansas's Sunshine Clouds Over, 59 Ark. L. Rev. 147.

Bobbi J. Boyd, Do It in the Sunshine: A Comparative Analysis of Rulemaking Procedures and Transparency Practices of Lawyer-Licensing Entities, 70 Ark. L. Rev. 609 (2017).

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Brooks, Adventures in Cyber-Space: Computer Technology and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 17 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 417.

Case Notes

In General.

The legislature, in this section, has provided for both the public's right to know and protection of the individual's rights from unwarranted adverse publicity and ensuing damage to his reputation. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

Circuit court's determination that § 25-19-104 and this section were unconstitutional was improper because declaratory relief was inappropriate under § 16-111-104 as appellees did not yet have a case or controversy ready for decision by the courts. Appellees received a legal opinion on the effects of certain provisions of the state's Freedom of Information Act rather than resolution of an actual controversy. McCutchen v. City of Fort Smith, 2012 Ark. 452, 425 S.W.3d 671 (2012).

Construction.

After reviewing §§ 25-19-102, 25-19-105, and this section, the court found nothing in the Freedom of Information Act that specifies that the communications media by which the public's business is conducted are limited to publicly owned communications; thus, the court rejected a state employee's claim that the employee was asked to violate the law by communicating with the governor via a private email address and, thus, the employee's subsequent resignation was voluntary without good cause and the employee was not entitled to benefits under § 11-10-513(a)(1). Bradford v. Dir., Empl. Sec. Dep't., 83 Ark. App. 332, 128 S.W.3d 20 (2003).

Applicability.

The Freedom of Information Act applies to formal and informal meetings alike, not just to meetings of officially designated committees, and applies to informal but unofficial group meetings for the discussion of governmental business. Mayor of El Dorado v. El Dorado Broadcasting Co., 260 Ark. 821, 544 S.W.2d 206 (1976).

This section does not encompass staff meetings of the Department of Human Services held to develop a bid solicitation. National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995).

City administrator's succession of one-on-one conversations with each member of the city's board of directors violated the “open meetings” provision of the Freedom of Information Act, §§ 25-19-10125-19-109; through its conversations the board held a meeting within the intent of the FOIA such that the city's actions resulted in a consensus being reached on a given issue, thus rendering the formal meeting held before the public a mere charade. Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 86 Ark. App. 20, 158 S.W.3d 733 (2004), aff'd, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Open-meeting provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 apply to email and other forms of electronic communication between governmental officials just as surely as they apply to in-person or telephonic conversations. City of Fort Smith v. Wade, 2019 Ark. 222, 578 S.W.3d 276 (2019).

Committee Meetings.

Where committee of a state board meets to transact business, such meeting is a public meeting subject to the provisions of this chapter and a newspaper reporter must be permitted to attend, and may seek a declaratory judgment if refused admission. Ark. Gazette Co. v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W.2d 350 (1975).

Emergency or Special Meetings.

This chapter repealed former open meetings law by implication and thus, since no advance notice of emergency meetings of school board were required unless requested by the news media under this section, approval of $150,000 bond issue by electors of school district was not void for failure to give notice of meetings. Nance v. Williams, 263 Ark. 237, 564 S.W.2d 212 (1978).

The allegation that a special meeting had been called without notice to the press states a cause of action at law for a declaratory judgment. Yandell v. Havana Bd. of Educ., 266 Ark. 434, 585 S.W.2d 927 (1979).

Subsection (b)(2) of this section provides that the news media located in the county where the meeting is held and those located elsewhere that cover regular meetings of the body may request that they be notified of special and emergency meetings; absent such a request, no notice to them is required. Elmore v. Burke, 337 Ark. 235, 987 S.W.2d 730 (1999).

Executive Sessions.

It was a violation of this section for a city council to go into an executive session with the mayor and city attorney to discuss a Public Service Commission proceeding to which the city was a party. Laman v. McCord, 245 Ark. 401, 432 S.W.2d 753 (1968).

This section required that the hearing of testimony concerning reinstatement of a discharged officer, as distinguished from a discussion or consideration by the State Police Commission, be held in public. Ark. State Police Comm'n v. Davidson, 253 Ark. 1090, 490 S.W.2d 788 (1973).

This section makes it mandatory for the commissioners to reassemble in public session for the purpose of voting on the matter which they have discussed or considered in executive session. Ark. State Police Comm'n v. Davidson, 253 Ark. 1090, 490 S.W.2d 788 (1973).

Once an executive session had been called for a proper purpose, the subsequent discussion could of necessity deal with several areas which, taken out of the context of the total discussion, might be construed as improper subject matter for an executive session. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

It is not the bare decision whether or not to discipline an employee that the executive session provision allows to be made in privacy, but rather the discussion or consideration of particular acts or omissions of the employee whose conduct has been called into question so as to avoid adverse publicity and unjustified damage to the reputation of individuals, allegations against whom later prove unwarranted. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

Once a decision has been made in executive session that discipline or other action is needed, all further acts of the board should be public, and the public officials accountable and answerable for their actions. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

A resolution or motion actually considered or arrived at in executive session must be publicly ratified if it is to be legal. Yandell v. Havana Bd. of Educ., 266 Ark. 434, 585 S.W.2d 927 (1979).

A meeting of the credentials committee of the medical staff of a county hospital for the hearing of testimony and a vote on whether the staff privileges of a doctor should be continued was required to be held in public, since the doctor's status was that of an individual who has certain privileges extended to him by a publicly owned, operated and supported county hospital; however, the discussion or consideration of the specific issue by the committee members could be conducted in executive session. Baxter County Newspapers, Inc. v. Medical Staff of Baxter Gen. Hosp., 273 Ark. 511, 622 S.W.2d 495 (1981).

Informal Meetings.

Where city board members held one-on-one meetings discussing the potential purchase of property, the meetings violated subsection (a) of this section because the members had made up there minds before the public meeting and, thus, the meetings constituted board meetings under § 25-19-103(4). Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Injunction.

In an action to enjoin purchase of voting machines for noncompliance with this chapter, where plaintiffs testified that the general public was expelled from the meeting of the election commissioners to open and consider bids, but election commissioners and others testified that, when representatives of voting machine companies were asked to step outside, others left voluntarily, it was not error to deny the injunction. Davis v. Jerry, 245 Ark. 500, 432 S.W.2d 831 (1968).

Invalidation of Action.

Before invalidation of decision made in violation of this section is sought the board or agency must be given the opportunity to address the issue. Rehab Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc., 285 Ark. 397, 687 S.W.2d 840 (1985).

No Violation.

In circumstances in which a city administrator, prior to a board study session, prepared a memorandum and draft ordinance and provided the documents to individual board members, no violation of this section of the state FOIA occurred because only information was provided; no solicitation of votes for the proposal took place. McCutchen v. City of Fort Smith, 2012 Ark. 452, 425 S.W.3d 671 (2012).

Circuit court erred in granting a petitioner's motion for summary judgment and finding that a city violated the open-meeting provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 when city directors and the city administrator exchanged emails relating to the police chief's proposed change to civil service commission rules to permit appointment of external candidates for the rank of sergeant and higher. No decision was made through the use of email; the emails contained information, a recommendation, and unsolicited responses with no decision, and the city board of directors discussed the proposed rule change at a public meeting. City of Fort Smith v. Wade, 2019 Ark. 222, 578 S.W.3d 276 (2019).

Notice.

When notice of a school board meeting was provided, but during the meeting five school board members decided to hold a “Committee of the Whole” meeting to discuss a controversial subject while they were waiting for another school board member to arrive, appellant's claim that a separate notice was required for the committee meeting failed. The required statutory notice of the school board meeting was provided to media outlets, and the media was present before the committee began its discussion. Bradshaw v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2017 Ark. App. 196, 519 S.W.3d 344 (2017).

Appellant failed to show prejudice as she had not requested personal notice of any board meetings, and nothing in this section required notice to the general public. Bradshaw v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2017 Ark. App. 196, 519 S.W.3d 344 (2017).

Publicly Funded Agencies.

A private, nonprofit association of colleges and secondary schools which was composed of public servants and accepted public moneys was subject to this chapter. North Cent. Ass'n of Colleges & Sch. v. Troutt Bros., 261 Ark. 378, 548 S.W.2d 825 (1977).

A nonprofit regional health planning corporation which received its primary funding from the federal government was subject to this chapter and violated its open public meeting requirements when it reconsidered the granting of a certificate of need to construct a hospital after conducting a telephone poll of members of the executive committee. Rehab Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc., 285 Ark. 397, 687 S.W.2d 840 (1985).

Cited: Wright v. South Ark. Regional Health Ctr., Inc., 800 F.2d 199 (8th Cir. 1986).

25-19-106. Open public meetings. [Effective when emergency ends or on December 31, 2020.]

  1. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all meetings, formal or informal, special or regular, of the governing bodies of all municipalities, counties, townships, and school districts and all boards, bureaus, commissions, or organizations of the State of Arkansas, except grand juries, supported wholly or in part by public funds or expending public funds, shall be public meetings.
    1. The time and place of each regular meeting shall be furnished to anyone who requests the information.
    2. In the event of emergency or special meetings, the person calling the meeting shall notify the representatives of the newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, if any, located in the county in which the meeting is to be held and any news media located elsewhere that cover regular meetings of the governing body and that have requested to be so notified of emergency or special meetings of the time, place, and date of the meeting. Notification shall be made at least two (2) hours before the meeting takes place in order that the public shall have representatives at the meeting.
      1. Except as provided under subdivision (c)(6) of this section, an executive session will be permitted only for the purpose of considering employment, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any public officer or employee.
      2. The specific purpose of the executive session shall be announced in public before going into executive session.
      1. Only the person holding the top administrative position in the public agency, department, or office involved, the immediate supervisor of the employee involved, and the employee may be present at the executive session when so requested by the governing body, board, commission, or other public body holding the executive session.
      2. Any person being interviewed for the top administrative position in the public agency, department, or office involved may be present at the executive session when so requested by the governing board, commission, or other public body holding the executive session.
    1. Executive sessions must never be called for the purpose of defeating the reason or the spirit of this chapter.
    2. No resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation, or motion considered or arrived at in executive session will be legal unless, following the executive session, the public body reconvenes in public session and presents and votes on the resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation, or motion.
      1. Boards and commissions of this state may meet in executive session for purposes of preparing examination materials and answers to examination materials that are administered to applicants for licensure from state agencies.
      2. Boards and commissions are excluded from this chapter for the administering of examinations to applicants for licensure.
    3. Subject to the provisions of subdivision (c)(4) of this section, a public agency may meet in executive session for the purpose of considering, evaluating, or discussing matters pertaining to public water system security or municipally owned utility system security as described in § 25-19-105(b)(18).
    4. An executive session held by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under § 10-3-3201 et seq. is exempt from this section.
    1. All officially scheduled, special, and called open public meetings shall be recorded in a manner that allows for the capture of sound, including without limitation:
      1. A sound-only recording;
      2. A video recording with sound and picture; or
      3. A digital or analog broadcast capable of being recorded.
    2. A recording of an open public meeting shall be maintained by a public entity for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the open public meeting.
    3. The recording shall be maintained in a format that may be reproduced upon a request under this chapter.
    4. Subdivisions (d)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to:
      1. Executive sessions; or
      2. Volunteer fire departments.
    5. Cities of the second class and incorporated towns are exempt from subdivisions (d)(1) and (2) of this section until July 1, 2020.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 5; 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1201, § 1; 1985, No. 843, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2805; reen. Acts 1987, No. 1001, § 1; 1999, No. 1589, § 1; 2001, No. 1259, § 2; 2003, No. 763, § 3; 2005, No. 259, § 3; 2007, No. 268, § 3; 2007, No. 998, § 3; 2009, No. 631, § 3; 2011, No. 99, § 3; 2013, No. 235, § 3; 2015, No. 186, § 4; 2017, No. 713, § 11; 2019, No. 1028, § 1; 2020, No. 2, § 42.

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section was reenacted by Acts 1987, No. 1001, § 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. For text of section effective until emergency ends or December 31, 2020, see the preceding version.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “July 1, 2011” for “July 1, 2009” in (c)(6)(B) and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2011 amendment substituted “July 1, 2013” for “July 1, 2011” in (c)(6)(B).

The 2013 amendment redesignated former (c)(6)(A) as (c)(6), and deleted (c)(6)(B).

The 2015 amendment inserted “or municipally owned utility system security” in (c)(6).

The 2017 amendment redesignated (c)(1) as (c)(1)(A) and (B); substituted “Except as provided under subdivision (c)(6) of this section, an executive session” for “Executive sessions” in (c)(1)(A); and added (c)(7).

The 2019 amendment added (d).

Research References

Ark. L. Rev.

Recent Developments, Freedom of Information Act — Public Meetings Requirement, 57 Ark. L. Rev. 1015.

Note, Harris v. City of Fort Smith: Arkansas's Sunshine Clouds Over, 59 Ark. L. Rev. 147.

Bobbi J. Boyd, Do It in the Sunshine: A Comparative Analysis of Rulemaking Procedures and Transparency Practices of Lawyer-Licensing Entities, 70 Ark. L. Rev. 609 (2017).

U. Ark. Little Rock L.J.

Brooks, Adventures in Cyber-Space: Computer Technology and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, 17 U. Ark. Little Rock L.J. 417.

Case Notes

In General.

The legislature, in this section, has provided for both the public's right to know and protection of the individual's rights from unwarranted adverse publicity and ensuing damage to his reputation. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

Circuit court's determination that § 25-19-104 and this section were unconstitutional was improper because declaratory relief was inappropriate under § 16-111-104 as appellees did not yet have a case or controversy ready for decision by the courts. Appellees received a legal opinion on the effects of certain provisions of the state's Freedom of Information Act rather than resolution of an actual controversy. McCutchen v. City of Fort Smith, 2012 Ark. 452, 425 S.W.3d 671 (2012).

Construction.

After reviewing §§ 25-19-102, 25-19-105, and this section, the court found nothing in the Freedom of Information Act that specifies that the communications media by which the public's business is conducted are limited to publicly owned communications; thus, the court rejected a state employee's claim that the employee was asked to violate the law by communicating with the governor via a private email address and, thus, the employee's subsequent resignation was voluntary without good cause and the employee was not entitled to benefits under § 11-10-513(a)(1). Bradford v. Dir., Empl. Sec. Dep't., 83 Ark. App. 332, 128 S.W.3d 20 (2003).

Applicability.

The Freedom of Information Act applies to formal and informal meetings alike, not just to meetings of officially designated committees, and applies to informal but unofficial group meetings for the discussion of governmental business. Mayor of El Dorado v. El Dorado Broadcasting Co., 260 Ark. 821, 544 S.W.2d 206 (1976).

This section does not encompass staff meetings of the Department of Human Services held to develop a bid solicitation. National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995).

City administrator's succession of one-on-one conversations with each member of the city's board of directors violated the “open meetings” provision of the Freedom of Information Act, §§ 25-19-10125-19-109; through its conversations the board held a meeting within the intent of the FOIA such that the city's actions resulted in a consensus being reached on a given issue, thus rendering the formal meeting held before the public a mere charade. Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 86 Ark. App. 20, 158 S.W.3d 733 (2004), aff'd, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Open-meeting provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 apply to email and other forms of electronic communication between governmental officials just as surely as they apply to in-person or telephonic conversations. City of Fort Smith v. Wade, 2019 Ark. 222, 578 S.W.3d 276 (2019).

Committee Meetings.

Where committee of a state board meets to transact business, such meeting is a public meeting subject to the provisions of this chapter and a newspaper reporter must be permitted to attend, and may seek a declaratory judgment if refused admission. Ark. Gazette Co. v. Pickens, 258 Ark. 69, 522 S.W.2d 350 (1975).

Emergency or Special Meetings.

This chapter repealed former open meetings law by implication and thus, since no advance notice of emergency meetings of school board were required unless requested by the news media under this section, approval of $150,000 bond issue by electors of school district was not void for failure to give notice of meetings. Nance v. Williams, 263 Ark. 237, 564 S.W.2d 212 (1978).

The allegation that a special meeting had been called without notice to the press states a cause of action at law for a declaratory judgment. Yandell v. Havana Bd. of Educ., 266 Ark. 434, 585 S.W.2d 927 (1979).

Subsection (b)(2) of this section provides that the news media located in the county where the meeting is held and those located elsewhere that cover regular meetings of the body may request that they be notified of special and emergency meetings; absent such a request, no notice to them is required. Elmore v. Burke, 337 Ark. 235, 987 S.W.2d 730 (1999).

Executive Sessions.

It was a violation of this section for a city council to go into an executive session with the mayor and city attorney to discuss a Public Service Commission proceeding to which the city was a party. Laman v. McCord, 245 Ark. 401, 432 S.W.2d 753 (1968).

This section required that the hearing of testimony concerning reinstatement of a discharged officer, as distinguished from a discussion or consideration by the State Police Commission, be held in public. Ark. State Police Comm'n v. Davidson, 253 Ark. 1090, 490 S.W.2d 788 (1973).

This section makes it mandatory for the commissioners to reassemble in public session for the purpose of voting on the matter which they have discussed or considered in executive session. Ark. State Police Comm'n v. Davidson, 253 Ark. 1090, 490 S.W.2d 788 (1973).

Once an executive session had been called for a proper purpose, the subsequent discussion could of necessity deal with several areas which, taken out of the context of the total discussion, might be construed as improper subject matter for an executive session. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

It is not the bare decision whether or not to discipline an employee that the executive session provision allows to be made in privacy, but rather the discussion or consideration of particular acts or omissions of the employee whose conduct has been called into question so as to avoid adverse publicity and unjustified damage to the reputation of individuals, allegations against whom later prove unwarranted. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

Once a decision has been made in executive session that discipline or other action is needed, all further acts of the board should be public, and the public officials accountable and answerable for their actions. Commercial Printing Co. v. Rush, 261 Ark. 468, 549 S.W.2d 790 (1977).

A resolution or motion actually considered or arrived at in executive session must be publicly ratified if it is to be legal. Yandell v. Havana Bd. of Educ., 266 Ark. 434, 585 S.W.2d 927 (1979).

A meeting of the credentials committee of the medical staff of a county hospital for the hearing of testimony and a vote on whether the staff privileges of a doctor should be continued was required to be held in public, since the doctor's status was that of an individual who has certain privileges extended to him by a publicly owned, operated and supported county hospital; however, the discussion or consideration of the specific issue by the committee members could be conducted in executive session. Baxter County Newspapers, Inc. v. Medical Staff of Baxter Gen. Hosp., 273 Ark. 511, 622 S.W.2d 495 (1981).

Informal Meetings.

Where city board members held one-on-one meetings discussing the potential purchase of property, the meetings violated subsection (a) of this section because the members had made up there minds before the public meeting and, thus, the meetings constituted board meetings under § 25-19-103(4). Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 359 Ark. 355, 197 S.W.3d 461 (2004).

Injunction.

In an action to enjoin purchase of voting machines for noncompliance with this chapter, where plaintiffs testified that the general public was expelled from the meeting of the election commissioners to open and consider bids, but election commissioners and others testified that, when representatives of voting machine companies were asked to step outside, others left voluntarily, it was not error to deny the injunction. Davis v. Jerry, 245 Ark. 500, 432 S.W.2d 831 (1968).

Invalidation of Action.

Before invalidation of decision made in violation of this section is sought the board or agency must be given the opportunity to address the issue. Rehab Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc., 285 Ark. 397, 687 S.W.2d 840 (1985).

No Violation.

In circumstances in which a city administrator, prior to a board study session, prepared a memorandum and draft ordinance and provided the documents to individual board members, no violation of this section of the state FOIA occurred because only information was provided; no solicitation of votes for the proposal took place. McCutchen v. City of Fort Smith, 2012 Ark. 452, 425 S.W.3d 671 (2012).

Circuit court erred in granting a petitioner's motion for summary judgment and finding that a city violated the open-meeting provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 when city directors and the city administrator exchanged emails relating to the police chief's proposed change to civil service commission rules to permit appointment of external candidates for the rank of sergeant and higher. No decision was made through the use of email; the emails contained information, a recommendation, and unsolicited responses with no decision, and the city board of directors discussed the proposed rule change at a public meeting. City of Fort Smith v. Wade, 2019 Ark. 222, 578 S.W.3d 276 (2019).

Notice.

When notice of a school board meeting was provided, but during the meeting five school board members decided to hold a “Committee of the Whole” meeting to discuss a controversial subject while they were waiting for another school board member to arrive, appellant's claim that a separate notice was required for the committee meeting failed. The required statutory notice of the school board meeting was provided to media outlets, and the media was present before the committee began its discussion. Bradshaw v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2017 Ark. App. 196, 519 S.W.3d 344 (2017).

Appellant failed to show prejudice as she had not requested personal notice of any board meetings, and nothing in this section required notice to the general public. Bradshaw v. Fort Smith Sch. Dist., 2017 Ark. App. 196, 519 S.W.3d 344 (2017).

Publicly Funded Agencies.

A private, nonprofit association of colleges and secondary schools which was composed of public servants and accepted public moneys was subject to this chapter. North Cent. Ass'n of Colleges & Sch. v. Troutt Bros., 261 Ark. 378, 548 S.W.2d 825 (1977).

A nonprofit regional health planning corporation which received its primary funding from the federal government was subject to this chapter and violated its open public meeting requirements when it reconsidered the granting of a certificate of need to construct a hospital after conducting a telephone poll of members of the executive committee. Rehab Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc., 285 Ark. 397, 687 S.W.2d 840 (1985).

Cited: Wright v. South Ark. Regional Health Ctr., Inc., 800 F.2d 199 (8th Cir. 1986).

25-19-107. Appeal from denial of rights — Attorney's fees.

  1. Any citizen denied the rights granted to him or her by this chapter may appeal immediately from the denial to the Pulaski County Circuit Court or to the circuit court of the residence of the aggrieved party, if the State of Arkansas or a department, agency, or institution of the state is involved, or to any of the circuit courts of the appropriate judicial districts when an agency of a county, municipality, township, or school district, or a private organization supported by or expending public funds, is involved.
  2. Upon written application of the person denied the rights provided for in this chapter, or any interested party, it shall be mandatory upon the circuit court having jurisdiction to fix and assess a day the petition is to be heard within seven (7) days of the date of the application of the petitioner, and to hear and determine the case.
  3. Those who refuse to comply with the orders of the court shall be found guilty of contempt of court.
    1. In any action to enforce the rights granted by this chapter, or in any appeal therefrom, the court shall assess against the defendant reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation expenses reasonably incurred by a plaintiff who has substantially prevailed unless the court finds that the position of the defendant was substantially justified .
    2. If the defendant has substantially prevailed in the action, the court may assess expenses against the plaintiff only upon a finding that the action was initiated primarily for frivolous or dilatory purposes.
    1. Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1) of this section, the court shall not assess reasonable attorney's fees or other litigation expenses reasonably incurred by a plaintiff against the State of Arkansas or a department, agency, or institution of the state.
      1. A plaintiff who substantially prevailed in an action under this section against the State of Arkansas or a department, agency, or institution of the state may file a claim with the Arkansas State Claims Commission to recover reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation expenses reasonably incurred.
      2. A claim for reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses reasonably incurred in an action against the State of Arkansas or a department, agency, or institution of the state shall be filed with the commission pursuant to § 19-10-201 et seq. within sixty (60) days of the final disposition of the appeal under subsection (a) of this section.

History. Acts 1967, No. 93, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 12-2806; Acts 1987, No. 49, § 2; 2009, No. 440, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “the State of Arkansas or a department, agency, or institution” for “an agency” in (a); subdivided (d) and deleted “or that other circumstances make an award of these expenses unjust. However, no expense shall be assessed against the State of Arkansas or any of its agencies or departments” following “substantially justified” in (d)(1); and added (e).

Research References

ALR.

Exhaustion of administrative remedies as prerequisite to judicial action to compel disclosure under state freedom of information acts. 114 A.L.R.5th 283.

Construction and application of state freedom of information act provisions concerning award of attorney's fees and other litigation costs. 118 A.L.R.5th 1.

Case Notes

Fees and Costs.

Where the circumstances do not suggest either arbitrary or bad faith conduct, an award of fees and costs is not warranted. Depoyster v. Cole, 298 Ark. 203, 766 S.W.2d 606 (1989), overruled in part, Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 366 Ark. 277, 234 S.W.3d 875 (2006).

The trial court need not make a fee award in every Freedom of Information Act case; the purpose of the fee-shifting provision is to assess fees and costs where public officials have acted arbitrarily or in bad faith in withholding records. Burke v. Strange, 335 Ark. 328, 983 S.W.2d 389 (1998).

The appellant was properly denied attorneys' fees where (1) the record indicated that he was never denied access to the documents requested, and that the appellee voluntarily provided the requested documents when he became aware of their location and status, and (2) the appellant filed his action for attorneys' fees only one business day after filing his FOIA request, in violation of § 25-19-105(e). Hamilton v. Simpson, 67 Ark. App. 173, 993 S.W.2d 501 (1999).

The trial court's finding that a volunteer fire department had substantial justification for refusing disclosure of requested records was clearly erroneous and, therefore, the trial court abused its discretion in denying the appellant's petition for attorney's fees, notwithstanding the fire department's assertion that it was justified in believing that it was not subject to the FOIA because its only connection to public funding was indirect support via state and federal loans, where the fire department performed public safety and utility functions traditionally performed by governmental entities by providing fire protection and water service pursuant to its contractual arrangement with a fire protection district and received funding from a public source. Kristen Inc. Props., LLC v. Faulkner County Waterworks, 72 Ark. App. 37, 32 S.W.3d 60 (2000).

Arkansas Department of Human Services was a department of the State of Arkansas, and a suit against a state official in his official capacity was not a suit against that person but, rather, was a suit against that official's office, thus, even though the individual prevailed in obtaining certain public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, § 25-19-101 et seq., under subsection (d) of this section, no award of attorney's fees could be assessed against either the Department or the director, who was acting as a state official in his official capacity; further, as an individual, the director had no administrative control of the public records as he would have had control of the public records only in his official capacity. George v. Ark. Dep't of Human Servs., 88 Ark. App. 135, 195 S.W.3d 399 (2004).

Circuit court did not abuse its discretion in denying the citizen an award of attorneys' fees where there was substantial justification in appellees' position that their actions did not constitute a violation of the Freedom of Information Act and that their actions were not undertaken in bad faith. Harris v. City of Fort Smith, 366 Ark. 277, 234 S.W.3d 875 (2006).

Circuit court abused its discretion in awarding attorney fees under subsection (d) of this section because the mother of a decedent who died in police custody did not even partially prevail on her FOIA claim, let alone substantially prevail, where the circuit court's order specifically found that the city police department had responded promptly and provided public records as quickly as possible but that the records of its internal affairs department were not subject to disclosure. City of Little Rock v. Carpenter, 374 Ark. 511, 288 S.W.3d 647 (2008).

There was no abuse of discretion on the part of the circuit court in awarding an inmate's aunt attorney's fees under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 because the aunt substantially prevailed, and the fact that the sergeant believed that the manifest was investigatory and, therefore, exempt did not mean that the sergeant was justified in so believing. Holladay v. Glass, 2017 Ark. App. 595, 534 S.W.3d 173 (2017).

Circuit court's denial of attorney's fees was proper because the current version of this section does not allow the court to assess fees or expenses against the State; instead, this section requires plaintiff to file a claim with the Arkansas State Claims Commission. Hyman v. Sadler, 2018 Ark. App. 82, 539 S.W.3d 642 (2018).

Hearings.

An inmate was entitled to a hearing on her request for documents from her prison file since the file was a public record and the Department of Correction was an agency of the state and denied her FOIA request for the documents. Orsini v. State, 340 Ark. 665, 13 S.W.3d 167 (2000).

Invalidation of Agency Action.

Before invalidation of agency decision is sought on grounds of violation of this chapter, the board or agency must be given the opportunity to address the issue. Rehab Hospital Services Corp. v. Delta-Hills Health Systems Agency, Inc., 285 Ark. 397, 687 S.W.2d 840 (1985).

Jurisdiction.

When a city or other local agency is involved in a suit under this chapter, the aggrieved person should bring suit in the local judicial district where the parties and witnesses are apt to reside and not, despite the wording of this section, in Pulaski County where most state agencies have their principal offices. Acorn v. Jackson, 263 Ark. 67, 562 S.W.2d 589 (1978).

When there is a complaint against a state agency under this chapter, the aggrieved person can appeal either to the Pulaski Circuit Court, where most state agencies have their principal office, or to the corresponding court in the county of his residence. Acorn v. Jackson, 263 Ark. 67, 562 S.W.2d 589 (1978).

When a teacher made a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to a school district (district) after the teacher was terminated, and the denial of that request was reviewed in the same case in which the termination was contested, a trial court had no jurisdiction to grant the district's renewed motion for a protective order because (1) the order was sought under Ark. R. Civ. P. 26(c), which was independent of the FOIA, and (2) the renewed motion initiated no FOIA case, as the district was the records custodian and only a citizen could seek review of the denial of an FOIA request, and the motion was litigated while the termination case was on appeal. Hollis v. Fayetteville Sch. Dist. No. 1, 2016 Ark. App. 132, 485 S.W.3d 280 (2016).

Cited: Furman v. Holloway, 312 Ark. 378, 849 S.W.2d 520 (1993); Saline Mem. Hosp. v. Berry, 321 Ark. 588, 906 S.W.2d 297 (1995); National Park Medical Ctr. v. Arkansas Dep't of Human Servs., 322 Ark. 595, 911 S.W.2d 250 (1995).

25-19-108. Information for public guidance.

  1. Each state agency, board, and commission shall prepare and make available:
    1. A description of its organization, including central and field offices, the general course and method of its operations, and the established locations, including, but not limited to, telephone numbers and street, mailing, electronic mail, and internet addresses and the methods by which the public may obtain access to public records;
    2. A list and general description of its records, including computer databases;
      1. Its regulations, rules of procedure, any formally proposed changes, and all other written statements of policy or interpretations formulated, adopted, or used by the agency, board, or commission in the discharge of its functions.
        1. Rules, regulations, and opinions used in this section shall refer only to substantive and material items that directly affect procedure and decision-making.
        2. Personnel policies, procedures, and internal policies shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.
        3. Surveys, polls, and fact-gathering for decision-making shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.
        4. Statistical data furnished to a state agency shall be posted only after the agency has concluded its final compilation and result;
    3. All documents composing an administrative adjudication decision in a contested matter, except the parts of the decision that are expressly confidential under state or federal law; and
    4. Copies of all records, regardless of medium or format, released under § 25-19-105 which, because of the nature of their subject matter, the agency, board, or commission determines have become or are likely to become the subject of frequent requests for substantially the same records.
    1. All materials made available by a state agency, board, or commission pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and created after July 1, 2003, shall be made publicly accessible, without charge, in electronic form via the internet.
    2. It shall be a sufficient response to a request to inspect or copy the materials that they are available on the internet at a specified location, unless the requester specifies another medium or format under § 25-19-105(d)(2)(B).
    1. An entity that is subject to this chapter that is not included in subsection (a) of this section may opt in to any provision under subdivisions (a)(1)-(5) of this section through ordinance or resolution enacted by its governing body.
    2. The ordinance or resolution under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall comply with subdivision (b)(1) of this section.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1653, § 3; 2017, No. 1107, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2017, No. 1107, § 3, provided: “Applicability. This act does not apply to a request for a public record that is received by the government entity before the effective date of this act [April 7, 2017].”

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (c).

25-19-109. Special requests for electronic information.

    1. At his or her discretion, a custodian may agree to summarize, compile, or tailor electronic data in a particular manner or medium and may agree to provide the data in an electronic format to which it is not readily convertible.
    2. Where the cost and time involved in complying with the requests are relatively minimal, custodians should agree to provide the data as requested.
    1. If the custodian agrees to a request, the custodian may charge the actual, verifiable costs of personnel time exceeding two (2) hours associated with the tasks, in addition to copying costs authorized by § 25-19-105(d)(3).
    2. The charge for personnel time shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid employee or contractor who, in the discretion of the custodian, has the necessary skill and training to respond to the request.
  1. The custodian shall provide an itemized breakdown of charges under subsection (b) of this section.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1653, § 4.

Case Notes

Fees.

Trial court erred by finding that appellees' requirement that the driver pay a deposit of $2, 475 to obtain the requested records did not violate the Freedom of Information Act because this section did not apply, as the driver stated that she requested only copies of the recordings and did not ask for any type of special conversion or any type of compilation. The applicable provision to the driver's request was § 25-19-105(d), as she simply requested a copy of the files, and therefore appellees could not charge fees that exceeded the cost of reproduction and could not include the hourly rate of a captain in assessing costs to the driver. Daugherty v. Jacksonville Police Dep't, 2012 Ark. 264, 411 S.W.3d 196 (2012).

25-19-110. Exemptions.

  1. Beginning July 1, 2009, in order to be effective, a law that enacts a new exemption to the requirements of this chapter or that substantially amends an existing exemption to the requirements of this chapter shall state that the record or meeting is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
  2. For purposes of this section:
    1. An exemption from the requirements of this chapter is substantially amended if the amendment expands the scope of the exemption to include more records or information or to include meetings as well as records; and
    2. An exemption from the requirements of this chapter is not substantially amended if the amendment narrows the scope of the exemption.

History. Acts 2009, No. 184, § 1.

Research References

ALR.

Construction and Application of Public Domain Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Law Enforcement Exemption Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 3 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 5 (2016).

Construction and Application of Public Domain or Official Acknowledgment Doctrine Allowing Courts to Disregard FOIA Exemption, Other Than Law Enforcement Exemption, Based on Prior Public Release of Requested Records. 17 A.L.R. Fed. 3d Art. 1 (2016).

25-19-111. Arkansas Freedom of Information Task Force.

    1. There is created the Arkansas Freedom of Information Task Force for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating, and approving proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
    2. No later than the first day of November in each even-numbered year preceding a regular legislative session, the task force shall:
      1. Complete a study of proposed exemptions from or additions to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.; and
      2. Report to the General Assembly its recommendations concerning proposed exemptions from or additions to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq.
    1. The task force shall consist of nine (9) members as follows:
      1. One (1) member appointed by the Governor;
      2. One (1) member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
      3. One (1) member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
      4. One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Press Association, Inc.;
      5. One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Coalition;
      6. One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists;
      7. One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Broadcasters Association;
      8. One (1) member appointed by the Association of Arkansas Counties; and
      9. One (1) member appointed by the Arkansas Municipal League.
      1. Each member of the task force shall serve a term of four (4) years.
      2. A member of the task force shall not serve more than two (2) terms.
    2. A vacancy on the task force shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.
    3. The task force shall elect from its membership:
      1. A chair; and
      2. Other officers deemed necessary by the task force.
    1. Five (5) members of the task force shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business.
    2. A majority vote of the total membership of the task force is required for any action of the task force.
  1. The members of the task force shall meet at their own expense and shall not be entitled to reimbursement for mileage or per diem.
    1. The initial members of the task force shall be appointed within thirty (30) days of August 1, 2017.
      1. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall call the first meeting of the task force, which shall occur within sixty (60) days of August 1, 2017.
      2. The task force shall begin its review under subdivision (a)(2) of this section within thirty (30) days of the call of the first meeting.

History. Acts 2017, No. 923, § 1.

Chapter 20 Interlocal Cooperation Act

A.C.R.C. Notes. Due to the addition of Subchapter 2 of this chapter by Acts 1995, No. 813, the preexisting provisions of this chapter have been designated as Subchapter 1.

Cross References. County interlocal agreements, § 14-14-910.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

Effective Dates. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 10: Mar. 16, 1967. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that there is currently no general authority for interlocal cooperation among the various political subdivisions of this state and between political subdivisions of this state and other states, and that such authority will make it possible for such subdivision to perform local functions and provide local services much more efficiently. 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. 415, § 2: Mar. 21, 1973. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Act 430 of 1967, was intended to permit local governmental units to make the most efficient uses of the powers and resources by enabling them to cooperate together with other local governmental units on a basis of mutual advantage, and that in many instances school districts of this state, and city and county governments, could provide and share facilities, employees, and services that would provide mutual benefits to their respective advantages and enable them thereby to perform their respective responsibilities with maximum efficiencies; and that the immediate passage of this act is necessary to enable school districts to participate in the Interlocal Cooperation Act. 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 1975, No. 208, § 6: Feb. 18, 1975. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that water districts created under Act 114 of 1957 are authorized to individually undertake projects to utilize a water supply available as a result of multi-purpose reservoirs constructed by the United States Corps of Engineers; that it would be mutually beneficial to permit water districts created under Act 114 of 1957 to jointly and cooperatively undertake such projects and that this Act is immediately necessary to permit such cooperative or joint action by such water districts. 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 2001, No. 982, § 3: June 30, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the Arkansas laws for the operation and management of municipal waterworks are inadequate to accommodate the merger of two (2) or more large municipal waterworks; that a new law is needed to protect the financial and governmental interests of the various municipalities involved in consolidating the various municipal waterworks systems; that the financial savings and economies of scale which are anticipated from the merger will make the consolidation in the best interest of the citizens of the merging municipalities; that the consolidation agreement was achieved through persistent and complex negotiations balancing the various municipal interests involved and it is therefore necessary that the law take effect at a time prescribed by that agreement. 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 June 30, 2001.”

Acts 2017, No. 711, § 14: Mar. 27, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., places undue restrictions on water systems; that, in order to satisfy such restrictions, a water system must forego certain undertakings to the detriment of the water system and its customers; and that this act is immediately necessary so that a water system may provide information to its utility partners, other government offices, and certain members of the public in order for the water system to serve its community as efficiently and effectively 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.”

25-20-101. Title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Interlocal Cooperation Act”.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-902.

Case Notes

Cited: City of Maumelle v. Jeffrey Sand Co., 353 Ark. 686, 120 S.W.3d 55 (2003).

25-20-102. Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to permit local governmental units to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate with other localities on a basis of mutual advantage and thereby to provide services and facilities in a manner and pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population, and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-901.

25-20-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Public agency” means any:
    1. School district;
    2. Political subdivision of this state;
    3. Agency of the state government or of the United States;
    4. Political subdivision of another state;
    5. Water district created under the provisions of The Regional Water Distribution District Act, § 14-116-101 et seq.;
    6. Governing body of a municipal electric utility as defined in § 25-20-402; and
    7. Fire department organized under the laws of this state if the fire department:
      1. Offers fire protection services to unincorporated areas; and
      2. Has received approval by its quorum court for participation in an interlocal cooperation agreement;
  2. “Retail customer” means a person other than a municipality, improvement district, or other entity that sells and distributes water subject to regulation by the Department of Health who:
    1. Maintains a service account with a public body formed under the Consolidated Waterworks Authorization Act, § 25-20-301 et seq., for the provision of water to a person or the occupants of a single-family dwelling, multi-tenant dwelling, business premises, or government facility; and
    2. Is not explicitly permitted to resell potable water to another person;
  3. “State” means a state of the United States and the District of Columbia;
  4. “Storm water system” means all or any portion of the collective facilities and parts designed, organized, and implemented for the collection, storage, transmission, and disposition of excess storm water runoff in its entirety, or any integral parts thereof, that is formed under the authority of state law and includes without limitation inlets, street gutters, roadway gutters, roadside ditches, channels, swales, above-ground drain pipes, underground drain pipes, natural waterways, conduits, and water impoundments;
  5. “Surplus water” means water available for distribution or sale aside from water necessarily required of the public body for distribution to its existing retail customers;
  6. “Wastewater system” means a wastewater and collection system formed under state law that includes without limitation land, mains, interceptors, collector lines, manholes, force mains, valves, pumping stations, pumps, treatment and pretreatment plants and units thereof, other real and personal property, buildings, structures, other improvements, and facilities as necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the wastewater system; and
  7. “Water system” means and includes a waterworks and distribution system in its entirety, or any integral parts thereof, which is formed under state law and includes without limitation land, mains, pipelines, hydrants, meters, valves, standpipes, storage tanks, storage basins, pumping tanks, intakes, wells, clear water wells, impounding reservoirs, lakes, watercourses, pumps, purification plants and units thereof, filtration plants and units thereof, as well as all other real and personal property, buildings, structures, and other improvements or facilities as necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the water system.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 3; 1973, No. 415, § 1; 1975, No. 208, § 4; 1983, No. 180, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-903; Acts 2003, No. 366, § 2; 2017, No. 711, § 2; 2019, No. 392, § 7; 2019, No. 613, § 1.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment inserted (2) and redesignated former (2) as (3); and added (4) through (6).

The 2019 amendment by No. 392 deleted the former (2)(A) designation following “or other entity that”; redesignated former (2)(B) and (2)(C) as (2)(A) and (2)(B); added “who” following “Department of Health” in the introductory language of (2); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment by No. 613 added the definition for “Storm water system”.

25-20-104. Agreements for joint or cooperative action — Authority to make — Requirements generally.

  1. Any governmental powers, privileges, or authority exercised or capable of exercise by a public agency of this state alone may be exercised and enjoyed jointly with any other public agency of this state which has the same powers, privileges, or authority under the law and jointly with any public agency of any other state of the United States which has the same powers, privileges, or authority, but only to the extent that laws of the other state or of the United States permit the joint exercise or enjoyment.
  2. Any two (2) or more public agencies may enter into agreements with one another for joint cooperative action pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Appropriate action by ordinance, resolution, or otherwise pursuant to law of the governing bodies of the participating public agencies shall be necessary before the agreement may enter into force.
  3. Any agreement for joint or cooperative action shall specify the following:
    1. Its duration;
    2. The precise organization, composition, and nature of any separate legal or administrative entity created thereby, together with the powers delegated to it, provided that the entity may be legally created;
    3. Its purposes;
    4. The manner of financing the joint or cooperative undertaking and of establishing and maintaining a budget therefor;
    5. The permissible methods to be employed in accomplishing the partial or complete termination of the agreement and for disposing of property upon the partial or complete termination; and
    6. Any other necessary and proper matters.
  4. In the event that the agreement does not establish a separate legal entity to conduct the joint or cooperative undertaking, in addition to the items enumerated in subdivisions (c)(1) and (c)(3)-(6) of this section, the agreement shall contain the following:
    1. Provisions for an administrator or a joint board responsible for administering the joint or cooperative undertaking. In the case of a joint board, public agencies party to the agreement shall be represented; and
    2. The manner of acquiring, holding, and disposing of real and personal property used in the joint or cooperative undertaking.
  5. No agreement made pursuant to this chapter shall relieve any public agency of any obligation or responsibility imposed upon it by law, except that, to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by a joint board or other legal or administrative entity created by an agreement made hereunder, performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility.
    1. Every agreement made under this section prior to and as a condition precedent to its entry into force shall be submitted to the Attorney General, who shall determine whether the agreement is in proper form and compatible with the laws of this state.
    2. The Attorney General shall approve any agreement submitted to him or her under this section unless he or she finds that it does not meet the conditions set forth in this section and shall detail, in writing addressed to the governing bodies of the public agencies concerned, the specific respects in which the proposed agreement fails to meet the requirements of law.
    3. Failure to disapprove an agreement submitted hereunder within sixty (60) days of its submission shall constitute approval thereof.
  6. Financing of joint projects by agreement shall be as provided by law.
  7. In addition to other specific grants of authority as provided in the Arkansas Constitution and statutes and in addition to the formal cooperation authorized by this chapter, cities, towns, counties, and other units of government are authorized to associate and cooperate with one another on an informal basis without complying with the detailed procedure set out in this section.
  8. In addition to the legal or administrative entities which may otherwise be legally created under Arkansas statutes, public agencies may create a separate legal entity in the form of a public body corporate and politic pursuant to:
    1. Section 25-20-201 et seq. for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a public library system;
    2. The Consolidated Waterworks Authorization Act, § 25-20-301 et seq., for the purpose of constructing, owning, operating, financing, and maintaining a consolidated waterworks system; or
    3. The Consolidated Wastewater Systems Act, § 25-20-501 et seq., for the purpose of constructing, operating, financing, and maintaining a consolidated wastewater system.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 4; 1979, No. 52, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-904; Acts 1995, No. 813, § 1; 2001, No. 982, § 2; 2009, No. 1371, § 2.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1979, No. 52, § 2, provided that it was the purpose of the act to further authorize and encourage association and cooperation between governmental units which had existed in this state for many years and that the act was necessary for efficient and economical government.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment added (i)(3) and made related changes.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Agencies, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 601.

25-20-105. Agreements for joint or cooperative action — Filing — Interstate compacts — Liability for damages.

  1. Prior to its entry into force, an agreement made pursuant to this chapter shall be filed with the county clerk and with the Secretary of State.
    1. In the event that an agreement entered into pursuant to this chapter is between or among one (1) or more public agencies of this state and one (1) or more public agencies of another state or of the United States, the agreement shall have the status of an interstate compact, but in any case or controversy involving performance or interpretation thereof or liability thereunder, the public agencies party thereto shall be real parties in interest.
      1. The state may maintain an action to recoup or otherwise make itself whole for any damages or liability which it may incur by reason of being joined as a party therein.
      2. The action shall be maintained against any public agencies whose default, failure of performance, or other conduct caused or contributed to the incurring of damage or liability by the state.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-905.

25-20-106. Agreements for joint or cooperative action — Submission to and approval by state officer or agency controlling services or facilities.

  1. In the event that an agreement made pursuant to this chapter shall deal in whole or in part with the provision of services or facilities with regard to which an officer or agency of the state government has constitutional or statutory powers of control, the agreement, as a condition precedent to its entry into force, shall be submitted to the state officer or agency having the power of control and shall be approved or disapproved by him or her or it as to all matters within his or her or its jurisdiction in the same manner and subject to the same requirements governing the action of the Attorney General pursuant to § 25-20-104(f).
  2. This requirement of submission and approval shall be in addition to and not in substitution for the requirement of submission to and approval by the Attorney General.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-906.

25-20-107. Appropriation of funds — Supplying of personnel or services.

Any public agency entering into an agreement pursuant to this chapter may appropriate funds and may sell, lease, give, or otherwise supply the administrative joint board or other legal or administrative entity created to operate the joint or cooperative undertaking by providing personnel or services therefor which may be within its legal power to furnish.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-907.

25-20-108. Contract for services from another agency — Requirements — Limitations.

  1. Any one (1) or more public agencies may contract with any one (1) or more other public agencies to perform any governmental service, activity, or undertaking which each of the public agencies entering into the contract is authorized by law to perform alone, provided that the contract shall be authorized by the governing body of each party to the contract. The contract shall set forth fully the purpose, powers, rights, objectives, and responsibilities of the contracting parties.
  2. However, nothing in this chapter authorizes or shall be construed to authorize any public agency to enter into any contract, agreement, or undertaking with any other public agency to purchase, condemn, or otherwise acquire any plant, property, facilities, or business owned or operated by any regulated public utility or pipeline company or to jointly construct or operate any such plant, property, or facility.

History. Acts 1967, No. 430, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 14-908.

Subchapter 2 — Public Bodies Corporate and Politic

Cross References. County libraries, § 13-2-401 et seq.

Municipal Libraries and Reading Rooms, § 13-2-501 et seq.

25-20-201. Creation.

  1. Any two (2) or more public agencies are hereby authorized to create a public body corporate and politic as a separate legal entity for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a public library system.
  2. The governing body of each public agency wishing to form a public body corporate and politic shall, by ordinance or resolution, or otherwise pursuant to law, of the governing body of each participating public agency:
    1. Determine that it is in the best interest of the public agency in accomplishing the purposes of this subchapter to create a public body;
    2. Set forth the names of the public agencies which are proposed to form the public body;
    3. Specify any limitations on the exercise of the public body's powers;
    4. Specify the number of directors of the public body, the number of directors required from each public agency, and the voting rights of each director, which number and voting rights may vary by agency and director; and
    5. Approve the filing of an application with the Secretary of State to create the public body corporate and politic.
    1. An application to create a public body corporate and politic shall then be prepared, setting forth:
      1. A request that a public body corporate and politic be created under this subchapter;
      2. The proposed name for the public body;
      3. The names of the participating public agencies;
      4. Any limitations on the exercise of the public body's powers;
      5. The number of directors of the public body;
      6. The number of directors required from each public agency; and
      7. The voting rights of each director.
    2. The application shall be deemed signed and approved by each public agency by attaching thereto a certified copy of the ordinance, resolution, or other action of each participating public agency.
    1. The Secretary of State shall examine the application, and, if the Secretary of State finds that the name proposed for the public body is not identical with that of any other corporation, agency, or instrumentality of this state, so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, or otherwise deceptively misleading, the Secretary of State shall:
      1. Receive and file the application;
      2. Record it in an appropriate book of record in his or her office;
      3. Make and issue a certificate of incorporation under the seal of the state setting forth the names of the participating public agencies; and
      4. Record the certificate in an appropriate book of record in his or her office.
    2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State, shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to, any contract of the public body and shall be conclusive proof of the filing and contents of the certificate and the effective creation of the public body corporate and politic, absent fraud in the premises being established.
    1. Any application filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter may be amended from time to time with the unanimous consent of the directors of the public body corporate and politic who are entitled to vote.
    2. The amendment shall be signed and filed with the Secretary of State in the manner provided in this section, whereupon the Secretary of State shall make and issue an amendment to the certificate of incorporation.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

25-20-202. Board of directors — Executive director.

      1. Each public body corporate and politic shall be administered and governed by a board of directors, with each director residing within the jurisdiction of the public agency which he or she represents.
      2. Each director shall be appointed by the governing body of the public agency which he or she represents, with all vacancies being likewise filled within forty-five (45) days.
      1. The directors shall receive no compensation for their services, but they shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
      2. No director may serve more than six (6) consecutive years.
    1. Before entering upon their duties, the directors shall take and subscribe to an oath of office swearing to discharge faithfully their duties in the manner provided by law.
    1. The board of directors shall appoint a paid executive director, who shall be in charge of the daily operations of the public body and shall be responsible for submitting a budget to the board of directors for approval and the hiring, dismissal, and compensation of other staff.
    2. The board of directors shall have final approval of all budgets.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. The operation of this section may be affected by the enactment of Acts 1995, No. 1211, codified as § 25-16-90 et seq.

25-20-203. Powers.

  1. Unless its application provides otherwise, each public body shall have the power to:
    1. Have perpetual succession;
    2. Maintain such offices as it may deem appropriate;
    3. Execute and perform contracts;
    4. Apply for and receive permits, licenses, certificates, and approvals as may be necessary and construct, maintain, and operate facilities in accordance therewith;
    5. Employ the services of professionals;
    6. Purchase insurance;
    7. Purchase, receive, own, hold, improve, use, lease, sell, convey, exchange, transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise acquire, dispose of, or deal with, real or personal property or any legal or equitable interest therein in its own name;
    8. Apply for, receive, and use loans, grants, taxes, donations, and contributions from any public agency or other lawful source, including any taxes levied pursuant to any authority granted by the Arkansas Constitution or statutes, and amendments thereto, and any proceeds from the sale of bonds;
    9. Acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any real property which it may deem necessary for its purposes, in the manner prescribed in §§ 18-15-1202 — 18-15-1207 or in the manner provided by any other statutory provisions for the exercise of the power of eminent domain; and
    10. Do any and all other acts and things necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out the purposes of and to exercise the powers granted to the public body by this subchapter.
  2. A public body corporate and politic created as provided by this subchapter shall constitute an independent legal entity, and, notwithstanding any other provision of state law or any ordinance, resolution, or other action of any participating public agency to the contrary, none of the powers granted to a public body under the provisions of this subchapter or in its application for incorporation shall be subject to the further supervision or regulation or require the further approval or consent of any participating public agency.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

25-20-204. Tax exempt status of property and income.

  1. Each public body corporate and politic created pursuant to this subchapter will be performing functions and will be a public instrumentality of the participating public agencies.
  2. Accordingly, all properties at any time owned by the public body and the income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the state.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

25-20-205. Immunity.

  1. This subchapter does not abrogate or in any other manner affect the immunity of the participating public agencies.
  2. Such immunity extends also to any public body corporate and politic created pursuant to this subchapter and to each director thereof.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

25-20-206. Construction.

This subchapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent and purposes and shall be the sole authority required for the accomplishment of its purposes. To this end it shall not be necessary to comply with the general provisions of other laws dealing with public facilities, their acquisition, construction, equipping, maintenance, operation, leasing, encumbering, or disposition.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

25-20-207. Withdrawal.

    1. If any public agency participating in a public body corporate and politic wishes to withdraw therefrom, the governing body of that public agency shall determine by ordinance or resolution, or otherwise pursuant to law, of the governing body, that it is in the best interest of the public agency to withdraw from the public body and give notice thereof to all directors of the public body and to the mayor, county judge, president, chair, or other chief executive of the governing body of each of the other public agencies.
    2. Each such governing body shall have ninety (90) days in which to determine, by ordinance or resolution, or otherwise pursuant to law, of the governing body, whether to dissolve the public body or continue without the withdrawing public agency.
  1. The notice of withdrawal shall become effective upon the earlier of:
    1. The date each public agency participating in the public body makes its determination, as provided in subsection (a) of this section; or
    2. The expiration of ninety (90) days.

History. Acts 1995, No. 813, § 2.

Subchapter 3 — Consolidated Waterworks Systems

Effective Dates. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 3: June 30, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that the Arkansas laws for the operation and management of municipal waterworks are inadequate to accommodate the merger of two (2) or more large municipal waterworks; that a new law is needed to protect the financial and governmental interests of the various municipalities involved in consolidating the various municipal waterworks systems; that the financial savings and economies of scale which are anticipated from the merger will make the consolidation in the best interest of the citizens of the merging municipalities; that the consolidation agreement was achieved through persistent and complex negotiations balancing the various municipal interests involved and it is therefore necessary that the law take effect at a time prescribed by that agreement. 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 June 30, 2001.”

Acts 2017, No. 711, § 14: Mar. 27, 2017. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., places undue restrictions on water systems; that, in order to satisfy such restrictions, a water system must forego certain undertakings to the detriment of the water system and its customers; and that this act is immediately necessary so that a water system may provide information to its utility partners, other government offices, and certain members of the public in order for the water system to serve its community as efficiently and effectively 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.”

25-20-301. Title.

This subchapter may be referred to and cited as the “Consolidated Waterworks Authorization Act”.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Agencies, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 601.

25-20-302. Creation.

  1. Any two (2) or more public agencies entering into an interlocal agreement under the Interlocal Cooperation Act, § 25-20-101 et seq., for the purpose of consolidating their waterworks systems are hereby authorized to create a public body corporate and politic as a separate legal entity for the purpose of constructing, owning, managing, operating, financing, improving, extending, acquiring, reconstructing, equipping, selling, leasing, contracting concerning, dealing in, disposing of, and maintaining the consolidated waterworks system.
  2. The governing body of each public agency wishing to create a public body under this subchapter shall approve, by ordinance or resolution or otherwise pursuant to law, the filing of an application with the Secretary of State to create a public body under this subchapter and approve an interlocal agreement specifying the matters set forth in § 25-20-104. Additionally, the interlocal agreement shall:
    1. Specify any limitations on the exercise of the public body's powers, including such matters, if any, as to which the participating public agencies reserve rights to approve, disapprove, or otherwise participate in any exercise of the public body's powers;
    2. Provide for such reasonable franchise fees, payments in lieu of taxes, or other payments by the public body to the participating public agencies as the public agencies may deem appropriate;
    3. Specify the number of commissioners of the public body, the terms of office of the commissioners, the manner of appointing or electing the commissioners, the residency requirements, if any, applicable to commissioners in addition to those set forth in this subchapter, and the voting rights of each commissioner. The voting rights may vary by commissioner; and
    4. Set forth such other matters, not inconsistent with this subchapter, with respect to the creation and operation of the public body as the participating public agencies may deem necessary or appropriate.
    1. An application to create a public body under this subchapter shall then be prepared, setting forth:
      1. A request that a public body corporate and politic be created under this subchapter;
      2. The proposed name for the public body;
      3. The names of the participating public agencies;
      4. The number of commissioners of the public body;
      5. The manner in which commissioners of the public body will be appointed or elected and the residency requirements, if any, applicable to commissioners in addition to those set forth in this subchapter;
      6. The voting rights of each commissioner;
      7. Special procedures for amending the certificate of incorporation, if any; and
      8. Such other matters, not inconsistent with this subchapter, with respect to the creation and operation of the public body as the participating public agencies may deem necessary or appropriate.
    2. The application shall be signed on behalf of each participating public agency by an authorized official of the public agency.
    1. The Secretary of State shall examine the application and, if the Secretary of State finds that the name proposed for the public body is not identical with that of any other corporation, agency, or instrumentality of this state, so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, or otherwise deceptively misleading, the Secretary of State shall:
      1. Receive and file the application;
      2. Record it in an appropriate book of record in his or her office;
      3. Make and issue a certificate of incorporation under the seal of the state setting forth the name of the public body and the names of the participating public agencies; and
      4. Record the certificate in an appropriate book of record in his or her office.
    2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State, shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to, any contract of the public body and shall be conclusive proof of the filing and contents of the certificate and the effective creation of the public body under this subchapter, absent fraud in the premises being established.
    1. Any certificate of incorporation issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter may be amended from time to time in the manner provided in the certificate of incorporation then existing or, if the certificate of incorporation does not specify a procedure for its amendment, with the consent of a majority of the commissioners of the public body who are entitled to vote.
      1. The amendment shall be signed by an officer or other authorized person of the public body, who shall certify that the certificate of incorporation has been duly amended in accordance with the procedures of this subchapter and, as applicable, in the manner prescribed in the then-existing certificate of incorporation.
      2. Upon filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State in the manner provided in this section, the Secretary of State shall make and issue an amendment to the certificate of incorporation.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-303. Contributions of public agency properties.

    1. Participating public agencies are authorized to contribute to a public body created under this subchapter such real and personal property of the participating public agencies as the participating public agencies shall deem necessary or appropriate to the ownership and operation of a consolidated waterworks system by the public body.
    2. However, any contributions of reserve funds held in trust under § 14-73-101 et seq. shall be made on the condition that the funds may be used only for the purposes described in the trust agreement and until so used shall remain in a trust fund complying with the requirements of § 14-73-101 et seq.
    3. Contributions of properties under this section shall be upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the participating public agencies may determine to be just and proper, it being within the participating public agencies' discretion to contribute property with or without monetary consideration.
  1. Participating public agencies shall have the power to execute any and all contracts, leases, deeds, bills of sale, easements, assignments, and other instruments of conveyance as may be required or convenient to exercise the powers granted in this section.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-304. Board of commissioners.

    1. Each public body created under this subchapter shall have a board of commissioners consisting of at least three (3) commissioners, with each commissioner residing within the jurisdiction of one (1) of the participating public agencies and otherwise meeting any residency requirements set forth in the public body's certificate of incorporation.
    2. Each commissioner shall be appointed or elected in the manner set forth in the public body's certificate of incorporation and shall serve a term of office as specified in the interlocal agreement.
  1. The commissioners shall receive no compensation for their services, but they shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
  2. Before entering upon their duties, the commissioners shall take and file with the Secretary of State an oath of office swearing to discharge faithfully their duties in the manner provided by law.
    1. The board of commissioners shall meet and organize by electing one (1) of their number as chair, one (1) as vice chair, one (1) as secretary, and one (1) as treasurer, and those officers shall be elected annually thereafter in like manner.
    2. The duties of secretary and treasurer may be performed by the same commissioner.
    3. The secretary may cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records and documents of the public body. The secretary may give certificates under the official seal of the public body to the effect that the copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the public body may rely upon the certificates.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-305. Powers and duties of board of commissioners.

All powers of any public body created under this subchapter shall be exercised by, or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the public body managed under the direction of, its board of commissioners, subject to any limitation set forth in the public body's certificate of incorporation or interlocal agreement. The duties of the board of commissioners shall include, but not be limited to:

  1. Appointing a chief executive officer, who shall not be a member of the board of commissioners, and shall set compensation and other terms of employment for the chief executive officer;
  2. Approving all budgets of the public entity;
  3. Adopting such rules and bylaws as the board of commissioners may deem necessary and expedient for the proper ownership and operation of the consolidated waterworks system, and altering, changing, or amending the rules and bylaws at its discretion; and
  4. Performing such other duties as shall be set forth in the interlocal agreement.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2929.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulations” following “rules” twice in (3).

25-20-306. General powers of public body.

  1. In addition to exercising the powers set forth elsewhere in this subchapter, and unless its certificate of incorporation or interlocal agreement provides otherwise, each public body created under this subchapter shall have the power to:
    1. Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate;
    2. Maintain such offices as it may deem appropriate;
    3. Execute and perform contracts;
    4. Sue and be sued;
    5. Apply for and receive permits, licenses, certificates, and approvals as may be necessary and own and operate facilities in accordance therewith;
    6. Employ the services of all personnel necessary to its operations and, in connection therewith, adopt and implement such healthcare, disability, bonus, retirement, and other employee benefit plans as the board of commissioners shall deem appropriate;
    7. Employ the services of professionals;
    8. Purchase insurance, maintain reserves for self-insurance, and become self-insured for the payment of compensation under the Workers' Compensation Law, § 11-9-101 et seq., by compliance with the requirements of § 11-9-404(a)(2), provided that deposit of an indemnity bond, letter of credit, or securities shall not be required;
    9. Purchase, receive, own, hold, improve, use, lease, sell, convey, exchange, transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, and otherwise acquire, dispose of, and deal with real and personal property and any legal or equitable interest therein in its own name;
    10. Apply for, receive, and use loans, grants, taxes, donations, and contributions from any public agency or other lawful source, including any proceeds from the sale of bonds;
    11. Borrow money on a secured or unsecured basis, and in connection therewith, issue bonds, promissory notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and make and deliver indentures, mortgages, pledges, security agreements, financing statements, and other instruments encumbering assets of the public body;
    12. Pay reasonable franchise fees, make payments in lieu of taxes, or otherwise make payments to the participating public agencies in such amounts as may be required or permitted by the participating public agencies;
    13. Exercise such other powers, privileges, and authorities as the participating public agencies shall have delegated to the public body by their interlocal agreement, subject to any restrictions imposed thereon by the interlocal agreement or applicable law;
    14. Have such other and further powers relating to the ownership and operation of a water system, a wastewater system, and a storm water system as are now by law given to the governing body of any participating public agency and do any and all other acts and things necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out the purposes of, and to exercise the powers granted to, the public body by this subchapter;
    15. Own and operate, or operate on behalf of a municipality, county, corporation, organization, other public body, or entity authorized by law, any one (1) or more of the following:
      1. A storm water system;
      2. A water system; or
      3. A wastewater system;
    16. Purchase goods and services under applicable law for the public body; and
    17. Purchase professional services under § 19-11-801 et seq. or by any method of competitive bidding including without limitation reverse auctions.
  2. A public body created under this subchapter shall constitute a separate legal entity, but to the extent provided by state law or set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the public body or the interlocal agreement of the participating public agencies, shall be subject to the further supervision or regulation of, or require the further approval or consent of, any participating public agency.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2017, No. 711, § 3; 2019, No. 613, § 2.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment added (a)(15) through (18).

The 2019 amendment substituted “a water system, a wastewater system, and a storm water system” for “waterworks systems” in (a)(14); in the introductory language of (a)(15), inserted “or operate on behalf of”, deleted “wastewater system that the public body acquires from a” preceding “municipality”, and substituted “authorized by law, any one (1) or more of the following” for “from which the public body simultaneously acquires or previously acquired a water system”; added (a)(15)(A) through (C); and deleted former (a)(16) and redesignated the remaining subdivisions accordingly.

25-20-307. Operation of consolidated waterworks system — Definition.

  1. “Consolidated waterworks system” means and includes real property, personal property, buildings, structures, improvements, equipment, and facilities of a system or systems of a public body formed under this subchapter.
    1. Unless the interlocal agreement provides otherwise, a public body created under this subchapter shall have full authority to construct, own, manage, operate, finance, improve, extend, acquire, reconstruct, equip, sell, lease, contract concerning, deal in, dispose of, and maintain a consolidated waterworks system.
    2. The assets of the public body may be located inside and outside the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies.
    1. Unless the interlocal agreement provides otherwise, a public body created under this subchapter shall have full authority to fix, charge, and collect and from time to time change the rates for water, wastewater service, storm water service, and other goods and services provided by the public body.
    2. A public body shall have a reasonable time after its creation or after its expansion by the addition of a new participating public agency to equalize any differentials in rates among similarly situated classes of customers.
    3. It shall be a complete defense to any suit or claim based on the charging of differential rates for similarly situated classes of customers that:
      1. Within one (1) year of the creation or expansion of the public body, an independent expert completes a study of rates charged customers that shows a differential in rates among similarly situated classes of customers located within the jurisdictions of the participating public agencies, and the public body equalizes rates among similarly situated classes of customers within ten (10) years of the date of the rate study; or
      2. Within one (1) year of the creation or expansion of the public body, an independent expert completes an engineering study of the related infrastructure located within the jurisdiction of each participating public agency that identifies improvements needed to create a uniform infrastructure quality throughout the jurisdictions, rate differentials among otherwise similarly situated classes of customers are reasonably calculated to recover from customers located in the respective jurisdictions in which the improvements are made the costs incurred in making the improvements in such jurisdictions, and the public body equalizes rates among similarly situated classes of customers within ten (10) years after the date of the engineering study.
  2. The inability of a public body to rely upon either safe harbor defense set out in subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (B) of this section shall not create any implication that the public body has failed to equalize any differentials in rates among similarly situated classes of customers within a reasonable period of time after its creation or expansion.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2017, No. 711, §§ 4-7; 2019, No. 613, §§ 3, 4.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment redesignated former (a) as (a)(1); added (a)(2); deleted “water” preceding “rates” in (c)(2) and (d); substituted “related infrastructure” for “water system infrastructure” in (c)(3)(B); and made stylistic changes.

The 2019 amendment rewrote (a); and inserted “wastewater service, storm water service” in (c)(1).

25-20-308. Out-of-area sales and services.

  1. Any public body created under this subchapter may:
    1. Extend its distribution system and provide water, wastewater service, storm water service, and other goods and services to any consumer located outside the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies; and
    2. Sell surplus water to any municipality, improvement district, or other entity that sells and distributes water subject to regulation of the Department of Health, whether the municipality, improvement district, or other entity is located within or outside the jurisdictions of the public body's participating agencies.
  2. Sales of water, wastewater service, storm water service, and other goods and services authorized under this section may be made at rates and on other terms as the board of commissioners deems just and reasonable, and the rates need not be the same as the rates charged customers within the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2017, No. 711, § 8; 2019, No. 613, § 5.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “entity that sells and distributes water subject to regulation of the Department of Health, whether the municipality, improvement district, or other entity” for “person engaged in the business of selling and distributing water to consumers, whether the municipality, improvement district, or other person” in (a)(2).

The 2019 amendment inserted “wastewater service, storm water service, and other goods”in (a)(1) and (b); and, in (b), deleted “extensions of” preceding “services” and made stylistic changes.

25-20-309. Eminent domain.

  1. Any public body created under this subchapter may acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any real property that it may deem necessary for its purposes, in the manner prescribed in § 18-15-301 et seq. or § 18-15-401 et seq., or in the manner provided by any other statutory provisions under which one (1) of the public body's participating public agencies may exercise a power of eminent domain.
  2. In exercising the power of eminent domain, the public body shall have the right by its agents or employees to peacefully enter upon any lands, structures, or rights-of-way to make surveys, tests, and measurements thereon, but is liable for any damage that may result by reason of its acts.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-310. Improvements — Financing with bonds.

  1. Whenever any public body created under this subchapter shall own or operate a consolidated waterworks system and shall desire to acquire, construct, or equip improvements, betterments, and extensions thereto, it may issue revenue bonds under the provisions of this section to pay for them. The procedure for issuance of bonds shall be as provided in this section.
    1. Bonds issued in accordance with this section shall be authorized by resolution of the board of commissioners.
    2. The bonds may be issued as registered bonds and may be exchangeable for bonds of another denomination or in another form.
    3. The bonds may:
      1. Be in such form and denominations;
      2. Have such date or dates;
      3. Be stated to mature at such time or times;
      4. Bear interest payable at such times and at such rate or rates;
      5. Be payable at such places within or without the state;
      6. Be subject to such terms of redemption in advance of maturity at such prices; and
      7. Contain such terms and conditions,
    4. The bonds shall have all the qualities of and shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State of Arkansas, subject to provisions as to registration as set forth in this subsection.
    5. The authorizing resolution may contain any other terms, covenants, and conditions that the board of commissioners deems reasonable and desirable, including, without limitation, those pertaining to the:
      1. Maintenance of various funds and reserves;
      2. Nature and extent of any security for payment of the bonds;
      3. Custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds;
      4. Collection and disposition of revenues;
      5. Investing for authorized purposes; and
      6. Rights, duties, and obligations of the public body and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    1. The authorizing resolution may provide for the execution of a trust indenture between the public body and any financial institution within or without the State of Arkansas.
    2. The trust indenture may contain any terms, covenants, and conditions that are deemed desirable by the board of commissioners, including, without limitation, those pertaining to the:
      1. Maintenance of various funds and reserves;
      2. Nature and extent of any security for the payment of the bonds;
      3. Custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds;
      4. Collection and disposition of revenues;
      5. Investing and reinvesting of any moneys during periods not needed for authorized purposes; and
      6. Rights, duties, and obligations of the public body and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    1. Any authorizing resolution and trust indenture relating to the issuance and security of the bonds shall constitute a contract between the public body and holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    2. The contract and all covenants, agreements, and obligations therein, shall be promptly performed in strict compliance with the terms and provisions of the contract, and the covenants, agreements, and obligations of the public body may be enforced by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding at law or in equity.
    1. The resolution shall fix the minimum rate or rates for water or other services provided by the consolidated waterworks system to be collected before the payment of all of the bonds, with exceptions as may be provided in the resolution, and shall pledge the revenues derived from the consolidated waterworks system or any specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system for the purpose of paying the bonds and interest.
    2. The rates to be charged for the water or other services of the consolidated waterworks system or the specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds shall be sufficient to provide:
      1. For the payment of all principal of and interest on all bonds as and when due;
      2. For the operation and maintenance of the consolidated waterworks system or the specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds; and
      3. An adequate depreciation account for the consolidated waterworks system or the specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds.
    1. The proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds shall be used solely for the purpose of:
      1. Making betterments, improvements, and extensions to the consolidated waterworks system owned and operated by the public body;
      2. Paying interest on the bonds during the period of construction of the betterments, improvements, and extensions;
      3. Establishing any necessary reserves for the bonds;
      4. Paying the costs of issuing the bonds; and
      5. Paying any other costs and expenditures of whatever nature incidental to the accomplishment of the betterments, improvements, and extensions.
    2. The terms “betterments”, “improvements”, and “extensions” include all real property, personal property, buildings, structures, improvements, equipment, and facilities.
    1. Bonds issued under the provisions of this section shall be payable solely from revenues derived from the consolidated waterworks system or any specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system.
    2. The bonds shall not in any event constitute an indebtedness of, nor pledge the faith and credit of, the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies within the meaning of any constitutional provisions or limitations.
    3. It shall be plainly stated on the face of each bond that it:
      1. Is issued under the provisions of this subchapter;
      2. Does not constitute an indebtedness of the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies within any constitutional provisions or limitations; and
      3. Is not backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies.
    4. The bonds and the interest thereon shall be exempt from all taxation, state, county, and municipal. This exemption includes income taxation and inheritance taxation.
    1. The bonds may be sold in such manner, either at public or private sale, and upon such terms as the board of commissioners shall determine to be reasonable and expedient for effectuating the purposes of the public body.
    2. The bonds may be sold at a price the board of commissioners may accept, including sale at discount.
    1. The bonds shall be executed by manual or facsimile signature of the chair of the board of commissioners and the manual or facsimile signature of the secretary of the board of commissioners or any other officer of the public body authorized to do so by resolution of the board of commissioners.
    2. In case any of the officers whose signatures appear on the bonds shall cease to be the officers before delivery of the bonds, their signatures nevertheless shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes.
    3. Each bond shall be impressed or imprinted with the seal of the public body.
      1. Prior to a proposed issuance of revenue bonds by a public body, the public body shall publish one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the participating public agencies:
        1. Notice of the proposed issuance of bonds;
        2. The maximum principal amount of bonds contemplated to be sold;
        3. A general description of the project contemplated to be financed or refinanced with bond proceeds; and
        4. The date, time, and location of a public meeting at which members of the public may obtain further information regarding the bonds and the project.
      2. Notice under subdivision (j)(1)(A) of this section shall be published at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing described in subdivision (j)(1)(A)(iv) of this section.
    1. The chief executive officer of the public body or his or her designee shall be responsible for conducting the hearing and shall request all public comments that might pertain to the proposed issuance of bonds by the public body.
      1. Upon compliance with the provisions of this section, other notice, hearing, or approval by the public body, any participating public agency or any governmental unit shall not be required as a condition to the issuance by a public body of its contemplated bonds or any interim financing with respect thereto.
      2. The provisions of the Revenue Bond Act of 1987, § 19-9-601 et seq., do not apply to this section and revenue bonds or interim financing issued hereunder.
      3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (j)(3)(A) of this section, the participating public agencies that have entered into the interlocal agreement forming the public body may, in the interlocal agreement, impose additional procedural requirements as a precedent for the issuance of revenue bonds by a public body, and if that is the case, the public body shall comply with those requirements prior to the issuance of the bonds and any interim financing.

all as the board of commissioners shall determine.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2017, No. 711, §§ 9-11; 2019, No. 613, § 6.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment, in (a), inserted “acquire” and “or equip”; inserted “or other services provided by the consolidated water system” in (e)(1); inserted “water or other” in the introductory language of (e)(2); and added (j).

The 2019 amendment, in (e)(1), substituted “waterworks” for “water”, substituted “before” for “prior to” and deleted “thereon” following “interest”; and rewrote (f)(2).

25-20-311. Lien in favor of bondholders.

  1. The payment of the principal of bonds issued under this subchapter and the interest thereon may be secured by a lien on and security interest in the consolidated waterworks system or any specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system.
  2. It shall not be necessary to the perfection of the lien and pledge for such purposes that the trustee in connection with the bond issue or the holders of the bonds take possession of the collateral security.
  3. Subject to whatever restrictions may be contained in the resolution or indenture governing the bonds, any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this subchapter may enforce either at law or in equity the mortgage lien and may compel by proper suit the performance of the duties of the officers of the issuing public body set forth in this subchapter.
  4. If there be default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the bonds, any court having jurisdiction in any proper action may appoint a receiver to administer the consolidated waterworks system or the specified portion of the consolidated waterworks system pledged to the payment of the bonds on behalf of the public body, with power to charge and collect rates sufficient to provide for the payment of the bonds and the interest thereon and for the payment of the operating expenses and to apply the income and revenues in conformity with this subchapter and the resolution or indenture providing for the issuance of the bonds.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-312. Refunding bonds.

  1. Bonds may be issued for the purpose of refunding any obligations issued under this subchapter or otherwise. The refunding bonds may be combined with bonds issued under the provisions of § 25-20-310 into a single issue.
  2. When bonds are issued under this section for refunding purposes, the bonds may either be sold or delivered in exchange for the outstanding obligations. If sold, the proceeds may be either applied to the payment of the obligations refunded or deposited in escrow for the retirement thereof either at maturity or upon any authorized redemption date.
    1. All bonds issued under this section shall in all respects be authorized, issued, and secured in the manner provided for other bonds issued under this subchapter and shall have all the attributes of such bonds.
    2. The resolution or indenture under which the refunding bonds are issued may provide that any of the refunding bonds shall have the same priority of lien on the revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the obligations refunded thereby.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-313. Securing deposit of public funds.

Bonds issued under this subchapter shall be eligible to secure the deposit of public funds.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-314. No personal liability.

No commissioner or officer of the public body shall be liable personally for any reason arising from the issuance of bonds under this subchapter unless he or she shall have acted with a corrupt intent.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-315. Recreational use of property.

Any public body created under this subchapter shall have the same powers as a municipally owned waterworks system to use its properties for recreational purposes, subject to any restrictions applying to a municipally owned waterworks system, as set forth in § 14-234-401 et seq. Consequently, the board of commissioners of a public body created under this subchapter shall be an “operating authority” as defined in § 14-234-401, and any summons issued under § 14-234-401 et seq. shall be returnable to the municipal court of any municipality that is a participating public agency or is a municipality located within the jurisdiction of any participating public agency.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-316. Zoning exemption.

Any public body maintaining facilities in an area zoned subsequent to the construction of the facilities may add to, alter, expand, or change the facilities upon that land, or upon lands immediately adjacent thereto, without regard to the zoning regulation for the area, if the board of commissioners deems the action necessary for the proper operation of its consolidated waterworks system.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-317. Tax exempt status of property owned and income.

Each public body created under this subchapter will be performing functions and will be a public instrumentality of the participating public agencies. Accordingly, all properties at any time owned by the public body, and the income therefrom, shall be exempt from all taxation in the state.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-318. Immunity.

This subchapter does not abrogate or in any other manner affect the immunity of the participating public agencies. The immunity shall extend also to any public body created under this subchapter and to each commissioner, officer, and employee thereof.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-319. Franchise fees.

  1. Any participating public agency that is an Arkansas municipality or county, acting by ordinance or resolution of its governing body, may require a public body created under this subchapter to pay a reasonable franchise fee, upon which the public body may be permitted to occupy the streets, highways, or other public places within the jurisdiction of the public agency. The ordinance or resolution shall be deemed prima facie reasonable, provided that no franchise fee shall exceed ten percent (10%) of the public body's operating revenues that are attributable to gross income from water sales within the public agency's jurisdiction, unless agreed to by the public body or approved by the voters of the public agency.
  2. A participating public agency shall not require a public body created under this subchapter to pay a franchise fee under authority of other law.
  3. Any franchise fees charged under authority of this section shall be in addition to payments in lieu of taxes permitted by this subchapter.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2019, No. 241, § 3.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment rewrote (b).

25-20-320. Payments in lieu of taxes.

    1. A public body created under this subchapter shall make annual payments to the general fund of each participating public agency that is an Arkansas municipality or county, in lieu of taxes, in return for police, fire, and health protection and in return for administrative and other services furnished by the public agency. The payments shall be an operation and maintenance expense of the public body.
    2. In each calendar year the payments shall equal the amount the public agency would have received from the public body as real property taxes for the preceding calendar year, if the public body's real property located in the public agency's jurisdiction, whether owned or leased by the public body, had been privately owned and subject to tax by the public agency. For purposes of this computation, the public body's real property shall be deemed to have an assessed value equal to twenty percent (20%) of book value as reflected by the public body's usual accounting procedures.
  1. Payments in lieu of taxes made under authority of this section shall be in addition to any franchise fees permitted by this subchapter.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-321. Annual report and audit.

  1. Within the first one hundred eighty (180) days of each calendar year, each public body created under this subchapter shall make a written report to the governing bodies of the participating public agencies concerning its activities for the preceding calendar year.
  2. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operation during the year, including, without limitation, an audit of the public body's revenues and expenses performed by an independent certified public accountant.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1; 2017, No. 711, § 12.

Amendments. The 2017 amendment substituted “one hundred eighty (180)” for “ninety (90)” in (a).

25-20-322. Provisions supplemental and controlling.

This subchapter shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for the doing of the things authorized hereby and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-323. Construction.

This subchapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent and purposes and shall be the sole authority required for the accomplishment of its purposes, and to this end it shall not be necessary to comply with the provisions of other laws relating to the issuance and sale of the bonds authorized by this subchapter. This subchapter shall be construed as an additional and alternative method for the issuance and sale of bonds.

History. Acts 2001, No. 982, § 1.

25-20-324. Interim financing.

  1. If the issuance of revenue bonds is authorized by resolution of the board of commissioners, any public body created under this subchapter is authorized to obtain interim financing pending the delivery of all or any part of the bonds from such sources and upon such terms as the board of commissioners of the public body shall determine.
    1. As evidence of any indebtedness so incurred, the public body may execute and deliver its promissory note or notes and pledge to the payment thereof any revenues authorized by this subchapter to be pledged to revenue bonds and the proceeds of the revenue bonds when issued.
    2. The public body may secure the notes in the same manner as revenue bonds issued under this subchapter.
  2. The notes shall not in any event constitute an indebtedness of, nor pledge the faith and credit of, the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies of the public body within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.
  3. The public body may use, as distinguished from pledge, any available revenues to pay or to apply to the payment of the principal of and interest on the notes and may use the proceeds of revenue bonds, either alone or with other available revenues, to pay the principal and interest on the notes.
  4. The notes may bear such date or dates, may mature at such time or times, not exceeding thirty-six (36) months from their respective dates, may bear interest at such rate or rates, may be in such form, may be executed in such manner, may be payable at such place or places, may contain such provisions for prepayment prior to maturity and may contain such other terms, covenants, and conditions as the resolution may provide, not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter pertaining to revenue bonds.

History. Acts 2017, No. 711, § 13.

Subchapter 4 — Arkansas Municipal Electric Utility Interlocal Cooperation Act of 2003

25-20-401. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Municipal Electric Utility Interlocal Cooperation Act of 2003”.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-402. Definitions.

As used in this subchapter:

  1. “Authority” means a municipal electric consolidated authority created pursuant to this subchapter;
  2. “Electric project” means any:
    1. Plant, works, system, or facilities and real and personal property of any nature associated therewith, together with all parts thereof and appurtenances thereto, that are used or useful in the generation, transmission, coordination, purchase, sale, exchange, or interchange of electric capacity and energy, and provision of ancillary services, including facilities and property for the acquisition, extraction, conversion, transportation, storage, reprocessing, or disposal of fuel and other materials of any kind for such purposes or that may be necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the authority's facilities;
    2. Interest in or right to the use, services, or electric capacity and energy of any such plant, works, system, or facilities;
    3. Study to determine the feasibility or costs of any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, engineering, legal, financial, and other services necessary to determine the legality and financial and engineering feasibility of any electric project; and
    4. Contract or agreement associated with generation, transmission, coordination, purchase, sale, exchange, or interchange of electric capacity and energy or ancillary services;
  3. “Electric transmission system” and “electric transmission facility” mean electric utility properties and facilities necessary for transmitting electricity at sixty-nine kilovolts (69 kV) phase-to-phase or higher and not for service to a directly tapped, retail, end-use customer or customers;
  4. “Governing body of a municipal electric utility” means the city council, board of directors, improvement district commissioners, or other elected or appointed authority having the rate-making and debt-issuance authority for the municipal electric utility;
  5. “Municipality” means any city of the first class or city of the second class incorporated under the laws of the State of Arkansas or any commission or agency thereof, including any municipally owned or municipally controlled corporation, any improvement district, consolidated public or municipal utility system improvement district, or nonprofit corporation lessee of such an entity;
  6. “Municipal electric utility” means any electric generation, transmission, or distribution system owned or operated on July 16, 2003, by any city of the first class, city of the second class, or a town incorporated under the laws of the State of Arkansas or any commission, department, division, or agency thereof, including any municipally owned or municipally controlled corporation, improvement district, consolidated public or municipal utility system improvement district, or nonprofit corporation lessee of such an entity;
  7. “Person” means any natural person, firm, corporation, electric cooperative corporation, energy service provider, nonprofit corporation, association, or improvement district; and
  8. “Public utility” means any person or entity engaged in the generation or sale of electric power and energy that is subject to regulation by the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-403. Creation.

    1. The governing bodies of any two (2) or more municipal electric utilities entering into an interlocal agreement under the Interlocal Cooperation Act, § 25-20-101 et seq., are authorized to create an authority as a separate legal entity for the purposes set forth in this subchapter.
    2. For the purposes of this section, a rural electric cooperative corporation that is not a member of a generation or transmission cooperative or a municipal electric utility system in another state may join in the formation of an authority.
  1. An authority created under this subchapter shall be referenced as an Arkansas Municipal Electric Utility Consolidated Authority # 1, #2, #3, and so forth as determined by the Secretary of State.
    1. The governing body of a municipal electric utility wishing to create an authority under this subchapter shall approve by ordinance or resolution or otherwise pursuant to law an interlocal agreement specifying the matters set forth in § 25-20-104.
    2. An application shall be filed with the Secretary of State.
    3. Review by the Secretary of State as contemplated by this section shall be in addition to those filings required by §§ 25-20-104(f) and 25-20-105(a).
  2. An interlocal agreement shall:
    1. Specify any limitations on the exercise of the authority's powers, including such matters, if any, as to which the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities reserve rights to approve, disapprove, or otherwise participate in any exercise of the authority's powers;
    2. Provide for reasonable payments in lieu of taxes or other payments by the authority to the participating governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities, as the governing bodies may deem appropriate;
    3. Specify the:
      1. Number of commissioners of the authority;
      2. Terms of office of the commissioners;
      3. Manner of appointing or electing the commissioners;
      4. Residency requirements applicable to commissioners; and
      5. Voting rights of each commissioner. The voting rights may vary by commissioner; and
    4. Set forth other matters not inconsistent with this subchapter with respect to the creation and operation of the authority as the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities may deem necessary or appropriate.
    1. An application to create an authority under this subchapter shall then be prepared, setting forth:
      1. A request that an authority be created under this subchapter;
      2. The proposed name for the authority;
      3. The names of the participating governing bodies of municipal electric utilities;
      4. The number of commissioners of the authority;
      5. The manner in which commissioners of the authority will be appointed or elected and the residency requirements applicable to commissioners;
      6. The voting rights of each commissioner;
      7. Special procedures for amending the certificate of incorporation, if any; and
      8. Other matters not inconsistent with this subchapter with respect to the creation and operation of the authority as the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities may deem necessary or appropriate.
    2. The application shall be signed on behalf of each governing body of municipal electric utilities by an authorized official thereof.
    1. In addition to the filing requirements contained in §§ 25-20-104(f) and 25-20-105(a), the Secretary of State shall examine the application and, if the Secretary of State finds that the name proposed for the authority is not identical with that of any other corporation, agency, or instrumentality of the State of Arkansas, so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, or otherwise deceptively misleading, the Secretary of State shall:
      1. Receive and file the application;
      2. Record the application in an appropriate book of record in his or her office;
      3. Make and issue a certificate of incorporation under the seal of the State of Arkansas setting forth the name of the authority and the names of the participating municipal electric utilities; and
      4. Record the certificate in an appropriate book of record in his or her office.
    2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation certified by the Secretary of State shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority and shall be conclusive proof of the filing and contents of the certificate and the effective creation of the authority, absent fraud in the premises being established.
    1. Any certificate of incorporation issued by the Secretary of State under this subchapter may be amended from time to time:
      1. In the manner provided in the certificate of incorporation then existing; or
      2. If the certificate of incorporation does not specify a procedure for its amendment, with the consent of a majority of the commissioners of the authority who are entitled to vote.
      1. The amendment shall be signed by an officer or other authorized person of the authority who shall certify that the certificate of incorporation has been amended in accordance with the procedures of this subchapter and, as applicable, in the manner prescribed in the then-existing certificate of incorporation.
      2. Upon filing the amendment with the Secretary of State in the manner provided in this section, the Secretary of State shall make and issue an amendment to the certificate of incorporation.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-404. Powers and duties of board of commissioners.

  1. All powers of an authority created under this subchapter shall be exercised by, or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the authority managed under the direction of, its board of commissioners, subject to any limitation set forth in the authority's interlocal agreement.
  2. The duties of the board shall be stated in the interlocal agreement and may include, but shall not be limited to:
    1. Appointing a chief executive officer who shall not be a member of the board and setting compensation and other terms of employment for the chief executive officer;
    2. Approving all budgets of the authority;
    3. Adopting such rules and bylaws as the board may deem necessary and expedient for the proper ownership and operation of its electric projects. The rules and bylaws may be altered, changed, or amended at the board's discretion; and
    4. Performing other duties as set forth in the interlocal agreement.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1; 2019, No. 315, § 2930.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulations” following “rules” twice in (b)(3).

25-20-405. Powers of authority.

Each authority created under this subchapter shall have the power to:

  1. Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate;
  2. Maintain offices as it may deem appropriate;
  3. Execute and perform contracts;
  4. Sue and be sued;
  5. Apply for and receive permits, licenses, certificates, and approvals as may be necessary and own and operate facilities in accordance with this subchapter and the interlocal agreement;
  6. Employ the services of all personnel necessary to its operations and, in connection therewith, adopt and implement such healthcare, disability, bonus, retirement, and other employee benefit plans as the board of commissioners shall deem appropriate;
  7. Employ the services of professionals;
  8. Purchase insurance, maintain reserves for self-insurance, and become self-insured for the payment of compensation under the Workers' Compensation Law, § 11-9-101 et seq., and in compliance with the requirements of § 11-9-404(a)(2), provided that deposit of an indemnity bond, letter of credit, or securities shall not be required;
  9. Plan, purchase, receive, own, hold, improve, use, repair, lease, sell, convey, exchange, transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, and otherwise acquire, dispose of, and deal with real and personal property and any legal or equitable interest therein in its own name;
  10. Apply for, receive, and use loans, grants, taxes, donations, and contributions from any public agency or other lawful source, including any proceeds from the sale of bonds;
  11. Borrow money on a secured or unsecured basis, and in connection therewith, issue bonds, promissory notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and make and deliver indentures, mortgages, pledges, security agreements, financing statements, and other instruments encumbering assets of the authority;
  12. Make payments to the governing body of the municipal electric utilities in such amounts as may be required or permitted by the authority's interlocal agreement and to any political subdivision in which an electric project is situated in such amounts as may be agreed to by the authority and the political subdivision;
  13. Exercise other powers, privileges, and authorities as the participating municipal electric utilities shall have delegated to the authority by their interlocal agreement, subject to restrictions of applicable law;
  14. Plan, construct, own, manage, operate, repair, finance, improve, extend, acquire, reconstruct, equip, sell, lease, contract concerning, deal in, dispose of, and maintain electric projects, as specified in the interlocal agreement between the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities forming an authority;
  15. Fix, charge, collect, and, from time to time, change the rates for electricity and other goods and services provided by the authority, as specified in the interlocal agreement between the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities forming an authority; and
  16. To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, have other and further powers relating to the ownership and operation of an electric project as are now by law given to the governing body of any municipal electric utility and do all other acts and things necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out the purposes of, and to exercise the powers granted to, the authority by this subchapter.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-406. Operation.

  1. It is the purpose of this subchapter to allow municipal electric utilities to utilize the provisions of the Interlocal Cooperative Act, § 25-20-101 et seq., for the purpose of planning, developing, and operating electric projects.
    1. Participating municipal electric utilities are authorized to contribute to an authority such real and personal property as the governing body of the municipal electric utility deems necessary or appropriate to the ownership and operation of an electric project, or as otherwise allowed by law.
    2. However, any contributions of reserve funds held in trust under § 14-73-101 et seq. or any official action of the governing body of a municipal electric utility or other trust-related agreements shall be made on the condition that the funds may be used only for the purposes described in the applicable trust agreement and until so used shall remain in a trust fund complying with the requirements of § 14-73-101 et seq. or any applicable official action of the governing body of a municipal electric utility or any other trust-related agreements.
  2. Governing bodies of municipal electric utilities shall have the power to execute all contracts, leases, deeds, bills of sale, easements, assignments, and other instruments of conveyance as may be required or convenient to exercise the powers granted in this subchapter.
  3. No authority shall provide electric service at retail nor enter into contracts for the sale of energy or capacity to another party, other than the authority's participating municipal electric utilities, for a term of more than one (1) year, except in the event the Arkansas Public Service Commission authorizes a longer period pursuant to § 23-18-531[repealed].

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-407. Eminent domain.

    1. Any authority may acquire any private property that it may deem necessary for its purposes by exercising the power of eminent domain in the manner prescribed in § 18-15-301 et seq.
    2. However, power of eminent domain shall not apply to any personal or real property that may be owned or leased by a public utility or any personal or real property used to generate electric energy or sell electric energy at wholesale that is owned or leased by an exempt wholesale generator, as defined in § 23-1-101.
    1. An authority shall not be authorized to acquire through condemnation procedures any plant, property, facility, or business owned or operated by any public utility or pipeline company subject to the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Public Service Commission or any personal or real property used to generate electric energy or to sell at wholesale electric energy owned or leased by an exempt wholesale generator, as defined in § 23-1-101.
    2. Notwithstanding § 25-20-108 and subsection (a) of this section, an authority shall be authorized to enter into any contract, agreement, or undertaking to purchase or otherwise acquire and to jointly construct or operate the plant, property, or facility.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-408. Financing.

    1. An authority is authorized to use any available funds, revenues, and long-term or short-term debt to pay and provide for the costs and expenses of accomplishing the purposes authorized by this subchapter.
    2. For the purposes of paying the costs of any electric project or the portion thereof pertaining to its interest in the electric project, an authority may issue revenue bonds as provided in this subchapter.
    1. Whenever any authority elects, consistent with this subchapter, to plan, purchase, construct, acquire, operate, or otherwise participate in an electric project or desires to construct improvements, betterments, repairs, and extensions thereto, it may issue revenue bonds under the provisions of this section to pay the costs thereof.
    2. The procedure for issuance of bonds shall be as provided in this section.
    1. Bonds issued in accordance with this section shall be authorized by resolution of the board of commissioners.
    2. The bonds may be issued as registered bonds and may be exchangeable for bonds of another denomination or in another form.
    3. The bonds may:
      1. Be in such form and denominations as the board determines;
      2. Have such date or dates as the board determines;
      3. Be stated to mature at such time or times as the board determines;
      4. Bear interest payable at such times and at such rate or rates as the board determines;
      5. Be payable at such places within or without the State of Arkansas as the board determines;
      6. Be subject to such terms of redemption in advance of maturity at such prices as the board determines; and
      7. Contain such terms and conditions as the board determines.
    4. The bonds shall have all the qualities of and shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State of Arkansas, subject to provisions of registration set forth in this subsection.
    5. The authorizing resolution may contain any other terms, covenants, and conditions that the board deems reasonable and desirable, including, without limitation, those pertaining to the:
      1. Maintenance of various funds and reserves;
      2. Nature and extent of any security for payment of the bonds;
      3. Priority among successive issues of bonds;
      4. Custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds;
      5. Collection and disposition of revenues;
      6. Investing and reinvesting of any moneys during periods not needed for authorized purposes; and
      7. Rights, duties, and obligations of the authority and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    1. The authorizing resolution may provide for the execution of a trust indenture between the authority and any financial institution or trust company within or without the State of Arkansas.
    2. The trust indenture may contain any terms, covenants, and conditions that are deemed desirable by the board, including, without limitation, those pertaining to the:
      1. Maintenance of various funds and reserves;
      2. Nature and extent of any security for the payment of the bonds;
      3. Priority among successive issues of bonds;
      4. Custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds;
      5. Collection and disposition of revenues;
      6. Investing and reinvesting of any moneys during periods not needed for authorized purposes; and
      7. Rights, duties, and obligations of the authority and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    1. Any authorizing resolution and any trust indenture relating to the issuance and security of the bonds shall constitute a contract between the authority and holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    2. The contract and all covenants, agreements, and obligations therein shall be promptly performed in strict compliance with the terms and provisions of the contract, and the covenants, agreements, and obligations of the authority may be enforced by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding at law or in equity.
  1. The rates, rents, fees, and other charges to be charged for the services of the electric project or the specified portion of the electric project with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds shall be sufficient to provide for:
    1. The payment of all principal of and interest on all bonds as and when due; and
    2. Renewals and replacements and other appropriate costs for the electric project or the specified portion of the electric project with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds.
    1. The proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds shall be used solely for the purpose of:
      1. Planning, purchasing, constructing, acquiring, or participating in an electric project and making betterments, improvements, repairs, and extensions to an electric project;
      2. Paying interest on the bonds during or after the period of acquisition and construction or establishment of an electric project or betterments, improvements, and extensions thereto;
      3. Establishing any necessary reserves for the bonds;
      4. Paying the costs of issuing or refunding bonds; and
      5. Paying any other costs and expenditures of whatever nature incidental to the planning, construction, acquisition, establishment, or operation of an electric project or improvements, repairs, and betterments thereto.
    2. The terms “betterments”, “improvements”, and “extensions” include land that may be necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the authority's electric project.
    1. Bonds issued under the provisions of this subchapter shall be payable solely from revenues derived from the electric project or any specified portion of the electric project.
    2. The bonds shall not in any event constitute an indebtedness of, nor pledge of the faith and credit of, the State of Arkansas or the participating municipal electric utilities or governing bodies of municipal electric utilities within the meaning of any constitutional provisions or limitations.
    3. It shall be plainly stated on the face of each bond that it:
      1. Is issued under the provisions of this subchapter;
      2. Does not constitute an indebtedness of the State of Arkansas or the participating municipal electric utilities or governing bodies of municipal electric utilities within the meaning of any constitutional provisions or limitations; and
      3. Is not backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas or the participating municipal electric utilities or governing bodies of municipal electric utilities.
    4. Bonds issued under the provisions of this subchapter and the income from the bonds shall be exempt from all state, county, and municipal taxes, including, without limitation, all income, property, and inheritance taxes.
    1. The bonds may be sold in the manner, either at public or private sale, and upon such terms as the board determines to be reasonable and expedient for effectuating the purposes of the authority.
    2. The bonds may be sold at any price the board may accept, including sale at discount.
  2. The bonds shall be executed in the manner provided for by the Registered Public Obligations Act of Arkansas, § 19-9-401 et seq.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-409. Lien in favor of bond holders.

  1. The payment of the principal of bonds issued under this subchapter and the interest on the bonds may be secured by a lien on and security interest in an electric project or any specified portion of an electric project.
  2. It shall not be necessary to the perfection of the lien and pledge for such purposes that the trustee in connection with the bond issue or the holders of the bonds take possession of the collateral security.
  3. Subject to whatever restrictions may be contained in the resolution or indenture governing the bonds, any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this subchapter may enforce either at law or in equity the mortgage lien and may compel by proper suit the performance of the duties of the officers of the issuing authority set forth in this subchapter.
  4. If default occurs in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the bonds, any court having jurisdiction in any proper action may appoint a receiver to administer the electric project or the specified portion of the electric project pledged to the payment of the bonds on behalf of the authority, with the power to:
    1. Charge and collect rates sufficient to provide for the payment of the:
      1. Bonds and the interest on the bonds; and
      2. Operating expenses of the electric project; and
    2. Apply the income and revenues in conformity with this subchapter and the resolution or indenture providing for the issuance of the bonds.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-410. Refunding bonds.

    1. Bonds may be issued for the purpose of refunding any obligations issued under this subchapter.
    2. The refunding bonds may be combined with bonds issued under § 25-20-408 into a single issue.
    1. When bonds are issued under this section for refunding purposes, the bonds may be either sold or delivered in exchange for the outstanding obligations.
    2. If sold, the proceeds may be either:
      1. Applied to the payment of the obligations refunded; or
      2. Deposited in escrow for the retirement thereof either at maturity or upon any authorized redemption date.
    1. All bonds issued under this section in all respects shall be authorized, issued, and secured in the manner provided for other bonds issued under this subchapter and shall have all the attributes of those bonds.
    2. The resolution or indenture under which the refunding bonds are issued may provide that any of the refunding bonds shall have the same priority of lien on the revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the obligations refunded thereby.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-411. Security deposit of public funds.

Bonds issued under this subchapter shall be eligible to secure the deposit of public funds.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-412. No personal liability.

No commissioner or officer of the authority shall be liable personally for any reason arising from the issuance of bonds under this subchapter, unless he or she has acted with a willful and wanton intent.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-413. Zoning exemption.

Any authority maintaining facilities in an area zoned subsequent to the construction of the facilities may add to, alter, expand, or change the facilities upon that land or upon lands immediately adjacent thereto without regard to the zoning regulation for the area, if the board of commissioners deems the action necessary for the proper operation of an electric project.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-414. Tax-exempt status of property owners and income.

  1. Each authority created under this subchapter will be performing public functions and will be a public instrumentality of the participating municipal electric utilities.
  2. Accordingly, all properties at any time owned by the authority and the income from the properties, shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Arkansas.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-415. Immunity.

  1. This subchapter does not abrogate or in any other manner affect the immunity under existing law of the participating municipal electric utilities.
  2. The immunity shall extend also to any authority created under this subchapter and to each commissioner, officer, and employee thereof.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-416. No public utility status.

No authority created under this subchapter shall be a:

  1. “Public utility” within the meaning of either §§ 14-200-101 — 14-200-105 or §§ 23-1-101 — 23-4-509; or
  2. “Person, company, or corporation that has secured a franchise from any municipality” within the meaning of § 14-200-102.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-417. Annual report and audit.

  1. During each calendar year, each authority shall make a public, written report to the governing bodies of the municipal electric utilities concerning its activities for the preceding calendar year.
  2. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operation during the year, including, without limitation, an audit of the authority's revenues and expenses performed by an independent certified public accountant.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-418. Provisions supplemental and controlling.

This subchapter shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for the doing of the things authorized in this subchapter and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-419. Construction.

    1. This subchapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent and purposes and shall be the sole authority required for the accomplishment of its purposes, and to this end it shall not be necessary to comply with the provisions of other laws relating to the issuance and sale of the bonds authorized by this subchapter.
    2. This subchapter shall be construed as an additional and alternative method for the issuance and sale of bonds.
  1. An authority shall not be subject to Arkansas Public Service Commission regulatory authority.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1; 2007, No. 475, § 4.

25-20-420. Use of revenue.

This subchapter does not modify the existing right of a governing body of a municipal electric utility to use available funds generated by its electric utility operations for other municipal purposes.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-421. Effect of other laws.

The provisions of any other law, except as expressly provided in this subchapter or in the other law by way of express reference to this subchapter, shall not limit or restrict the operation of this subchapter in any manner.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-422. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning reliability rules and transmission upgrades, was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 475, § 5. The section was derived from Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-423. Termination or dissolution.

The governing bodies of the municipal electric utility forming an authority shall include in their interlocal agreement a provision allowing for:

  1. The termination or dissolution of the authority;
  2. The winding up of the authority's affairs; and
  3. Appropriate disposal or distribution of the authority's property.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-424. Control of electric transmission facilities.

  1. An authority created pursuant to this subchapter shall be authorized to and shall join or contract for the control of its electric transmission facilities with an independent transmission system operator, independent transmission company, regional transmission organization, or other independent transmission entity approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for this state or a larger region of which this state is a part as, if, and when other similarly situated electric transmission systems are so required to join or contract.
  2. However, any authority established under this subchapter shall be authorized to and shall join the appropriate reliability council responsible for operations in its geographic area as appropriate.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

25-20-425. Sham transactions prohibited.

  1. An authority created pursuant to this subchapter shall be prohibited from engaging in any sham transaction.
  2. For the purposes of this section, a “sham transaction” means the acquisition or construction of an electric project authorized by this subchapter for the purpose of:
    1. A subsequent sale or transfer of the electric project to any municipal electric utility, public utility, or other person engaged in the selling or distributing of electricity to consumers other than a municipal electric utility, public utility, or other person engaged in selling or distributing electricity to consumers that was selling or distributing electricity to consumers on July 16, 2003; or
    2. Providing electric service directly to an end user.

History. Acts 2003, No. 366, § 1.

Subchapter 5 — Consolidated Wastewater Systems

25-20-501. Title.

This subchapter may be referred to and cited as the “Consolidated Wastewater Systems Act”.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-502. Creation.

  1. Any two (2) or more public agencies entering into an interlocal agreement under the Interlocal Cooperation Act, § 25-20-101 et seq., for the purpose of consolidating wastewater systems may create a public body corporate and politic as a separate legal entity for the purpose of constructing, owning, managing, operating, financing, mortgaging, granting security interests in, improving, extending, acquiring, reconstructing, equipping, selling, leasing, contracting concerning, dealing in, disposing of, and maintaining a consolidated wastewater system.
  2. The governing body of each public agency wishing to create a public body under this subchapter shall approve by ordinance or resolution or otherwise the filing of an application with the Secretary of State to create a public body under this subchapter and approve an interlocal agreement specifying the matters set forth in § 25-20-104. The interlocal agreement shall:
    1. Specify limitations on the exercise of the public body's powers, including without limitation matters in which the participating public agencies reserve rights to approve, disapprove, or otherwise participate in any exercise of the public body's powers;
    2. Provide for reasonable franchise fees, payments in lieu of taxes, or other payments by the public body to the participating public agencies as the public agencies find appropriate;
    3. Specify the number of commissioners of the public body, the terms of office of the commissioners, the manner of appointing or electing the commissioners, the residency requirements, if any, applicable to commissioners in addition to those set forth in this subchapter, and the voting rights of each commissioner, which voting rights may vary by commissioner; and
    4. Set forth other matters consistent with this subchapter concerning the creation and operation of the public body as the participating public agencies find necessary or appropriate.
    1. An application to create a public body under this subchapter shall set forth:
      1. A request that a public body corporate and politic be created under this subchapter;
      2. The proposed name for the public body;
      3. The names of the participating public agencies;
      4. The number of commissioners of the public body;
      5. The manner in which commissioners of the public body will be appointed or elected and the residency requirements, if any, applicable to commissioners in addition to those set forth in this subchapter;
      6. The voting rights of each commissioner;
      7. Special procedures for amending the certificate of incorporation, if any; and
      8. Other matters consistent with this subchapter concerning the creation and operation of the public body as the participating public agencies find necessary or appropriate.
    2. The application shall be signed on behalf of each participating public agency by an authorized official of the public agency.
    1. The Secretary of State shall examine the application, and if the Secretary of State finds that the name proposed for the public body is not identical with that of any other corporation, agency, or instrumentality of this state, so nearly similar as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, or otherwise deceptively misleading, the Secretary of State shall:
      1. Receive and file the application;
      2. Record the application in an appropriate book of record in his or her office;
      3. Make and issue a certificate of incorporation under the seal of the state setting forth the name of the public body and the names of the participating public agencies; and
      4. Record the certificate in an appropriate book of record in his or her office.
    2. A copy of the certificate of incorporation certified by the Secretary of State shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the public body and shall be conclusive proof of the filing and contents of the certificate and the effective creation of the public body under this subchapter, absent fraud in the premises being established.
    1. Any certificate of incorporation issued by the Secretary of State under this subchapter may be amended from time to time in the manner provided in the certificate of incorporation then existing or, if the certificate of incorporation does not specify a procedure for its amendment, with the consent of a majority of the commissioners of the public body who are entitled to vote.
      1. The amendment shall be signed by an officer or other authorized person of the public body, who shall certify that the certificate of incorporation has been amended in accordance with this subchapter and, as applicable, in the manner prescribed in the then-existing certificate of incorporation.
      2. On the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State under this section, the Secretary of State shall make and issue an amendment to the certificate of incorporation.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-503. Contributions of public agency properties.

  1. Participating public agencies are authorized to contribute to a public body created under this subchapter such real and personal property of the participating public agencies as the participating public agencies find necessary or appropriate to the ownership and operation of a consolidated wastewater system by the public body, provided that:
    1. Any contributions of reserve funds held in trust under § 14-73-101 et seq. shall be made on the condition that the funds may be used only for the purposes described in the trust agreement and until so used shall remain in a trust fund that complies with the requirements of § 14-73-101 et seq.; and
    2. Any contribution of sales or use tax proceeds held or to be collected by participating public agencies for wastewater uses shall be used only for the uses designated in the ordinance providing for the approval of those funds.
  2. Contributions of properties under this section shall be on the terms and conditions and for consideration as the participating public agencies find just and proper, it being within the participating public agencies' discretion to contribute property with or without monetary consideration.
  3. Participating public agencies may execute contracts, leases, deeds, bills of sale, easements, assignments, and other instruments of conveyance as may be required or convenient to exercise the powers granted in this section.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-504. Board of commissioners.

    1. Each public body created under this subchapter shall have a board of commissioners consisting of at least three (3) commissioners, with each commissioner residing within the jurisdiction of one (1) of the participating public agencies and otherwise meeting any residency requirements under the public body's certificate of incorporation.
    2. Each commissioner shall be appointed or elected in the manner set forth in the public body's certificate of incorporation and shall serve a term of office as specified in the interlocal agreement.
  1. The commissioners shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
  2. Before entering upon their duties, the commissioners shall take and file with the Secretary of State an oath of office swearing to discharge faithfully their duties in the manner provided by law.
      1. The board of commissioners shall meet and organize by electing one (1) of their number as chair, one (1) as vice chair, one (1) as secretary, and one (1) as treasurer.
      2. Officers shall be elected annually thereafter in like manner.
    1. The duties of secretary and treasurer may be performed by the same commissioner.
      1. The secretary may cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records and documents of the public body.
      2. The secretary may certify under the official seal of the public body that the copies are true copies, and persons dealing with the public body may rely upon the certification.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-505. Powers and duties of board of commissioners.

  1. All powers, business, and affairs of any public body under this subchapter shall be exercised and managed under the direction of its board of commissioners, subject to any limitation under the public body's certificate of incorporation or interlocal agreement.
  2. The duties of the board of commissioners include without limitation:
    1. Appointing a chief executive officer, who shall not be a member of the board of commissioners, and setting compensation and other terms of employment for such officer;
    2. Approving all budgets of the public entity;
    3. Adopting rules and by-laws that the board of commissioners find necessary and expedient for the proper ownership and operation of the consolidated wastewater system, including adopting such rules and by-laws as the commissioners find necessary and expedient regarding the discharge by any person or entity of any wastewater into the consolidated wastewater system, and altering, changing, or amending the rules and by-laws at its discretion; and
    4. Performing other duties under the interlocal agreement.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-506. General powers of public body.

  1. In addition to other powers under this subchapter and unless the certificate of incorporation or interlocal agreement provides otherwise, each public body under this subchapter shall have the power to:
    1. Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate;
    2. Maintain offices it finds appropriate;
    3. Execute and perform contracts;
    4. Sue and be sued;
    5. Apply for and receive permits, licenses, certificates, and approvals as may be necessary and own and operate facilities in accordance therewith;
    6. Employ the services of all personnel necessary to its operations and, in connection therewith, adopt and implement such healthcare, disability, bonus, retirement, and other employee benefit plans as the board of commissioners find appropriate;
    7. Employ the services of professionals;
    8. Purchase insurance, maintain reserves for self-insurance, and become self-insured for the payment of workers' compensation under § 11-9-404(a)(2), provided that the deposit of an indemnity bond, letter of credit, or securities shall not be required;
    9. Purchase, receive, own, hold, improve, use, lease, sell, convey, exchange, transfer, assign, mortgage, pledge, and otherwise acquire, dispose of, and deal with real and personal property and any legal or equitable interest therein in its own name;
    10. Apply for, receive, and use loans, grants, taxes, donations, and contributions from any public agency or other lawful source, including any proceeds from the sale of bonds;
    11. Borrow money on a secured or unsecured basis, and in connection therewith issue bonds, promissory notes, or other evidence of indebtedness, and make and deliver indentures, mortgages, pledges, security agreements, financing statements, and other instruments encumbering assets of the public body;
    12. Pay reasonable franchise fees, make payments in lieu of taxes, or otherwise make payments to the participating public agencies in such amounts as may be required or permitted by the participating public agencies;
    13. Exercise such other powers, privileges, and authorities as the participating public agencies have delegated to the public body by the public agency interlocal agreement, subject to any restrictions imposed thereon by the interlocal agreement or applicable law; and
    14. Have such other and further powers relating to the ownership and operation of wastewater systems as are now by law given to the governing body of any participating public agency and do all other acts and things necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out the purposes of and to exercise the powers granted to the public body by this subchapter.
  2. A public body created under this subchapter shall constitute a separate legal entity, but to the extent provided by state law or set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the public body or the interlocal agreement of the participating public agencies, shall be subject to the further supervision or regulation or require the further approval or consent of any participating public agency.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1; 2011, No. 1122, § 4.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment substituted “the public agency interlocal agreement” for “their interlocal agreement” in (a)(13).

25-20-507. Operation of consolidated wastewater system.

  1. “Consolidated wastewater system” means and includes a wastewater and collection system in its entirety, or any integral part thereof, including land, mains, interceptors, collector lines, manholes, force mains, valves, pumping stations, pumps, treatment and pretreatment plants and units thereof, as well as all other real and personal property, buildings, structures, or other improvements or facilities as may be necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the public body's facilities.
  2. Unless the interlocal agreement provides otherwise, a public body under this subchapter shall have full authority to construct, own, manage, operate, finance, improve, extend, acquire, reconstruct, equip, sell, lease, contract concerning, deal in, dispose of, and maintain a consolidated wastewater system. The assets of the public body may be located inside and outside the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies.
    1. Unless the interlocal agreement provides otherwise, a public body under this subchapter shall have full authority to fix, charge, and collect and from time to time change the rates or charges for the use of and the service rendered by the consolidated wastewater system and other goods and services provided by the public body.
    2. A public body shall have a reasonable time after its creation or after its expansion by the addition of a new participating public agency to equalize any differentials in sewer rates or charges among similarly situated classes of customers.
    3. It shall be a complete defense to any suit or claim based on the charging of differential rates or charges for similarly situated classes of customers that:
      1. Within one (1) year of the creation or expansion of the public body, an independent expert completes a study of rates or charges charged to customers that shows a differential in rates or charges among similarly situated classes of customers located within the jurisdictions of the participating public agencies, and the public body equalizes rates or charges among similarly situated classes of customers within ten (10) years of the date of the rate study; or
        1. Within one (1) year of the creation or expansion of the public body, an independent expert completes an engineering study of the consolidated wastewater system infrastructure located within the jurisdiction or jurisdictions of the participating public agencies that identifies improvements needed to create a uniform infrastructure quality throughout the jurisdictions, rate differentials among otherwise similarly situated classes of customers are reasonably calculated to recover from customers located in the jurisdictions in which the improvements are made the costs incurred in making the improvements, and the public body equalizes rates or charges among similarly situated classes of customers within ten (10) years of the date of the engineering study.
        2. The inability of a public body to rely upon either safe harbor defense under subdivisions (c)(3)(A) and (c)(3)(B)(i) of this section shall not create any implication that the public body has failed to equalize any differentials in wastewater rates or charges among similarly situated classes of customers within a reasonable period of time after its creation or expansion.
  3. If any rate or charge established is not paid within thirty (30) days after it is due, the amount of the rate or charge together with a penalty of ten percent (10%) and a reasonable attorney's fee may be:
    1. Charged by the public body; and
    2. Recovered by the public body in a suit filed in the circuit court where any part of the consolidated wastewater system is located.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-508. Out-of-area sales and services.

  1. A public body under this subchapter may extend its collection system and provide wastewater services to any customer located outside the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies.
  2. Use of the consolidated wastewater system and extensions of services under this section may be made at such rates and charges and on such other terms as the board of commissioners finds just and reasonable, and the rates and charges need not be the same as the rates and charges charged customers within the jurisdictions of the public body's participating public agencies.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-509. Eminent domain.

  1. A public body under this subchapter may acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any real property, rights, easements, franchises, and other property that it finds necessary for its purposes under § 18-15-301 et seq. or § 18-15-401 et seq. or in the manner provided by law under which one (1) of the public body's participating public agencies may exercise a power of eminent domain.
  2. In exercising the power of eminent domain, a public body shall have the right by its agents or employees to peacefully enter upon any lands, structures, or rights-of-way to make surveys, tests, and measurements thereon but is liable for any damage that may result by reason of its actions.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-510. Improvements — Financing with bonds.

  1. If a public body under this subchapter owns or operates a consolidated wastewater system and desires to construct improvements, betterments, and extensions thereto, it may issue revenue bonds under this section for the payment thereof.
  2. The issuance of bonds shall be authorized by resolution of the board of commissioners.
  3. The bonds may be issued as registered bonds and may be exchangeable for bonds of another denomination or in another form.
  4. The bonds may be in such form and denominations, may have such date or dates, may be stated to mature at such time or times, may bear interest payable at such times and at such rate or rates, may be payable at such places within or without the state, may be subject to such terms of redemption in advance of maturity at such prices, and may contain such terms and conditions as the board of commissioners determines.
  5. The bonds shall have all the qualities of and shall be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State of Arkansas, subject to provisions as to registration under this section.
  6. The authorizing resolution may contain other terms, covenants, and conditions that the board of commissioners finds reasonable and desirable, including without limitation conditions concerning the maintenance of various funds and reserves, the nature and extent of any security for payment of the bonds, the custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds, the collection and disposition of revenues, the investing for authorized purposes, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the public body and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
    1. The authorizing resolution may provide for the execution of a trust indenture between the public body and any financial institution within or without the State of Arkansas.
    2. The trust indenture may contain any terms, covenants, and conditions found desirable by the board of commissioners, including without limitation conditions concerning the maintenance of various funds and reserves, the nature and extent of any security for the payment of the bonds, the custody and application of the proceeds of the bonds, the collection and disposition of revenues, the investing and reinvesting of any moneys during periods not needed for authorized purposes, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the public body and the holders and registered owners of the bonds.
  7. An authorizing resolution and trust indenture relating to the issuance and security of the bonds shall constitute a contract between the public body and holders and registered owners of the bonds, which contract and all covenants, agreements, and obligations therein shall be promptly performed in strict compliance with the terms and provisions of the contract, and the covenants, agreements, and obligations of the public body may be enforced by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding in a court of proper jurisdiction.
    1. The resolution shall fix the minimum rate or rates for the use of and the service rendered by the consolidated wastewater system to be collected prior to the payment of all of the bonds, with exceptions as may be provided in the resolution, and shall pledge the revenues derived from the consolidated wastewater system or any specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system for the purpose of paying the bonds and interest thereon.
    2. The rates to be charged for the services of the consolidated wastewater system or the specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds shall be sufficient to provide for the payment of all principal of and interest on all bonds when due, to provide for the operation and maintenance of the consolidated wastewater system or the specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds, and to provide an adequate depreciation account for the consolidated wastewater system or the specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system with revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds.
    1. The proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds shall be used solely for the purpose of making betterments, improvements, and extensions to the consolidated wastewater system owned and operated by the public body, paying interest on the bonds during the period of construction of the betterments, improvements, and extensions, establishing any necessary reserves for the bonds, paying the costs of issuing the bonds, and paying any other costs and expenditures of whatever nature incidental to the accomplishment of the betterments, improvements, and extensions.
    2. The terms “betterments”, “improvements”, and “extensions” include a wastewater and collection system, including land, mains, interceptors, collector lines, manholes, force mains, valves, pumping stations, pumps, treatment and pretreatment plants and units thereof, as well as all other real and personal property, buildings, structures, or other improvements or facilities that may be necessary or advisable for the proper and efficient operation of the public body's consolidated wastewater system.
    1. Bonds issued under this section shall be payable solely from revenues derived from the consolidated wastewater system or any specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system.
    2. The bonds shall not constitute in any event an indebtedness of nor pledge the faith and credit of the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies within the meaning of any constitutional provisions or limitations.
    3. It shall be stated plainly on the face of each bond that:
      1. It is issued under this subchapter;
      2. It does not constitute an indebtedness of the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies within any constitutional provisions or limitations; and
      3. It is not backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas or the participating public agencies.
    4. The bonds and the interest thereon shall be exempt from all state, county, and municipal taxation, including income taxation and inheritance taxation.
    1. The bonds may be sold in such manner, either at public or private sale, and upon such terms as the board of commissioners finds reasonable and expedient for effectuating the purposes of the public body.
    2. The bonds shall be sold at a price the board of commissioners accepts, including sale at discount.
    1. The bonds shall be executed by manual or facsimile signature of the chair of the board of commissioners and the manual or facsimile signature of the secretary of the board of commissioners or any other officer of the public body authorized to do so by resolution of the board of commissioners.
    2. In case any of the officers whose signatures appear on the bonds cease to be such officers before delivery of the bonds, their signatures shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes.
    3. Each bond shall be impressed or imprinted with the seal of the public body.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1; 2011, No. 1122, § 5.

Amendments. The 2011 amendment subdivided (k)(3).

25-20-511. Lien in favor of bondholders.

  1. The payment of the principal of bonds issued under this subchapter and the interest thereon may be secured by a lien on and security interest in the consolidated wastewater system or any specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system.
  2. It shall not be necessary to the perfection of the lien and pledge for such purposes that the trustee in connection with such bond issue or the holders of the bonds take possession of the collateral security.
  3. Subject to whatever restrictions may be contained in the resolution or indenture governing the bonds, any holder of bonds issued under this subchapter may enforce in a court of proper jurisdiction the mortgage lien and may compel the performance of the duties of the officers of the issuing public body under this subchapter.
  4. If there is default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the bonds, a court of proper jurisdiction may appoint a receiver to administer the consolidated wastewater system or the specified portion of the consolidated wastewater system pledged to the payment of the bonds on behalf of the public body with power to charge and collect rates sufficient to provide for the payment of the bonds and interest thereon and for the payment of the operating expenses, and to apply the income and revenues under this subchapter and the resolution or indenture providing for the issuance of the bonds.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-512. Refunding bonds.

  1. Bonds may be issued for the purpose of refunding any obligations issued under this subchapter or otherwise. Such refunding bonds may be combined with bonds issued under § 25-20-510 into a single issue.
  2. When bonds are issued under this section for refunding purposes, the bonds may either be sold or delivered in exchange for the outstanding obligations. If sold, the proceeds may be applied to the payment of the obligations refunded or deposited into escrow for the retirement thereof either at maturity or upon any authorized redemption date.
    1. All bonds issued under this section shall be authorized, issued, and secured in the manner provided for other bonds issued under this subchapter and shall have all the attributes of such bonds.
    2. The resolution or indenture under which the refunding bonds are issued may provide that any of the refunding bonds shall have the same priority of lien on the revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the obligations refunded thereby.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-513. Securing deposit of public funds.

Bonds issued under this subchapter shall be eligible to secure the deposit of public funds.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-514. No personal liability.

A commissioner or officer of the public body shall not be liable personally for any reason arising from the issuance of bonds under this subchapter unless he or she acted with a corrupt intent.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-515. Sewer payments by public agencies.

The public agencies shall be subject to the same rates and charges established by the public body for services rendered to the public agencies and shall pay the rates and charges when due.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-516. Zoning exemption.

A public body maintaining facilities in an area zoned after the construction of the facilities may add to, alter, expand, or change the facilities upon that land or upon lands immediately adjacent thereto without regard to the zoning regulation for the area if the board of commissioners finds the action necessary for the proper operation of its consolidated wastewater system.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-517. Tax-exempt status of property owned and income.

Each public body under this subchapter is performing functions as and is a public instrumentality of the participating public agencies, and all properties at any time owned by the public body and the income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the state.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-518. Immunity.

  1. This subchapter does not affect the immunity of the participating public agencies.
  2. Immunity extends to any public body created under this subchapter and to each commissioner, officer, and employee thereof.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-519. Franchise fees.

  1. A participating public agency that is an Arkansas municipality or county, acting by ordinance or resolution of its governing body, may require a public body under this subchapter to pay a reasonable franchise fee by which the public body may be permitted to occupy the streets, highways, or other public places within the jurisdiction of such public agency, and the ordinance or resolution is prima facie reasonable, provided that a franchise fee shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the public body's operating revenues that are attributable to gross income from wastewater services within the public agency's jurisdiction unless agreed to by the public body or approved by the voters of the public agency.
  2. A public body created under this subchapter is not a public utility under § 14-200-101 et seq. or a person, company, or corporation that has secured a franchise from any municipality under § 14-200-102.
  3. Any franchise fees charged under this section shall be in addition to payments in lieu of taxes permitted under this subchapter.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-520. Payments in lieu of taxes.

  1. A public body under this subchapter shall make annual payments to the general fund of each participating public agency that is an Arkansas municipality or county in lieu of taxes in return for police, fire, and health protection and in return for administrative and other services furnished by the public agency.
  2. The payments shall be an operation and maintenance expense of the public body.
    1. In each calendar year, the payments shall equal the amount the public agency would have received from the public body as real property taxes for the preceding calendar year if the public body's real property located in the public agency's jurisdiction, whether owned or leased by the public body, had been privately owned and subject to tax by the public agency.
    2. For purposes of this computation, the public body's real property shall be deemed to have an assessed value equal to twenty percent (20%) of book value as reflected by the public body's usual accounting procedures.
  3. Payments in lieu of taxes under this section shall be in addition to any franchise fees permitted under this subchapter.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-521. Annual report and audit.

  1. Within the first ninety (90) days of each calendar year, each public body under this subchapter shall make a written report to the governing bodies of the participating public agencies concerning its activities for the preceding calendar year.
  2. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operation during the year, including without limitation an audit of the public body's revenues and expenses performed by an independent certified public accountant.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-522. Provisions supplemental and controlling.

This subchapter provides an additional and alternative method for the doing of the things authorized hereby and is supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-523. Construction.

This subchapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent and purposes and shall be the sole authority required for the accomplishment of its purposes, and to this end it shall not be necessary to comply with the provisions of other laws relating to the issuance and sale of the bonds authorized by this subchapter, and this subchapter shall be construed as an additional and alternative method for the issuance and sale of bonds.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

25-20-524. Property of public body.

  1. Regardless of the beginning date thereof, adverse possession or adverse use of lands or easements owned by a public body created hereunder shall not ripen into title or permanent right.
  2. This section shall have no application to any possession or use which ripened into title or permanent right before the enactment of this section.

History. Acts 2009, No. 1371, § 1.

Chapter 21 Uniform Law To Oppose Federal Encroachment On State Rights

Preambles. Acts 1943, No. 166, contained a preamble which read:

“Whereas, there has been, and is, a definite trend on the part of numerous federal bureaus to invade state boundaries and assume authority not provided in the federal laws which created them;

“Whereas, encroachments on the part of certain federal bureaus are being made under the guise of war measures, when they have no direct connection with the war effort, but are merely creating a greater centralization of government and minimizing government by states;

“And, whereas, throughout the nation there is a rising resentment against unwarranted federal invasion of state boundaries and encroachment on state rights by federal bureaus and bureaucrats, contrary to the spirit and the principles of the Constitution of the United States….”

25-21-101. Study of existing federal legislation.

In order to secure concerted action among the states to oppose federal encroachments upon the state powers, and to expedite the proper execution of the responsibility of the government in the war effort, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to cooperate with the attorneys general of other cooperating states in making a study of existing federal legislation to determine whether, by the establishment of federal bureaus, boards, or commissions, or otherwise, such legislation has resulted in objectionable or harmful encroachments upon the normal field of state functions and powers, and, except during the war and insofar as the legislation is reasonably related to the conduct of the war to call to the attention of this state's Senators and Representatives in Congress all legislation which, in his opinion, is objectionable or harmful in this respect. He shall also furnish each such Senator and Representative a written statement of the reasons for his belief that such legislation is objectionable or harmful to the state, together with his suggestions for appropriate congressional legislation to remedy same.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-401.

25-21-102. Study of proposed federal legislation.

It shall also be the duty of the Attorney General to likewise cooperate with such other attorneys general in making studies and examinations of all now pending or hereafter proposed congressional legislation to determine whether the same may result in federal encroachments into the normal field of state legislation or state functions, or whether same is harmful or beneficial to the interests of the state or its citizens, and to advise the Senators and Representatives in writing of his opinion and views with respect thereto, together with his reasons therefor; and to suggest any amendments to any such pending or proposed legislation which the Attorney General deems appropriate or necessary to protect the interests of the state and its citizens.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-402.

25-21-103. Investigation of federal legislation on request of Senators or Representatives.

The Attorney General shall also make any reasonable or appropriate investigation or study of any existing or proposed federal legislation to determine its effect upon the state and its citizens whenever he is requested so to do by any of this state's Senators or Representatives in Congress and report the result of such investigation or study.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-403.

25-21-104. Appointment of Deputy or Assistant Attorney General.

The Attorney General shall appoint a Deputy or Assistant Attorney General whose principal duty shall be to assist in the performance of the duties imposed by this chapter. The compensation of the Deputy or Assistant shall be paid out of the appropriation for the Attorney General's Office contained in the general appropriation act.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-404.

25-21-105. Membership in interstate organization.

The Attorney General and/or his said Deputy or Assistant is authorized to become a member of an organization now existing or hereafter formed, the membership consisting of the attorneys general of the various states, and/or their deputies or assistants, and the purpose of said organization being to bring about the joint or concerted action of said states to preserve in the states their normal powers, obligations, and functions, as provided by the Constitution of the United States. The Attorney General is authorized to pay, out of the bill of appropriations for conducting his office, this state's fair part or proportion of any proper expenses incurred by said organization in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-405.

25-21-106. Title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Law to Oppose Federal Encroachments”.

History. Acts 1943, No. 166, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-406.

Chapter 22 Governmental Waste Elimination

25-22-101 — 25-22-108. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter was repealed by Acts 1991, No. 343, § 7. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-22-101. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 1.

25-22-102. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 2.

25-22-103. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 5.

25-22-104. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 3.

25-22-105. Acts 1987, No. 526, §§ 3, 5, 7.

25-22-106. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 4.

25-22-107. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 6.

25-22-108. Acts 1987, No. 526, § 7.

Chapter 23 Quality Management Board

Effective Dates. Acts 1991, No. 1166, § 13: Apr. 10, 1991. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Seventy-Eighth General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that there is a need to implement quality management in state government and provide a method to document and analyze quality management projects. Therefore, to ensure that state government services are provided in an efficient manner, 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.”

25-23-101 — 25-23-104. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning the Quality Management Board, were repealed by Acts 2001, No. 783, § 2. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-23-102. Acts 1991, No. 1166, § 2.

25-23-103. Acts 1991, No. 1166, §§ 3, 4; 1993, No. 1038, § 1; 2001, No. 1288, § 23.

25-23-104. Acts 1991, No. 1166, § 4.

Chapter 24 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission

Effective Dates. 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 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 2009, No. 309, § 5: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission serves an important and valuable role in this state, that the commission requires restructuring to fulfill its functions and advance its goals, and that the ideal time to commence this restructuring 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, 2009.”

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”.

25-24-101. Creation — Members.

  1. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the “Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission”.
  2. The commission shall consist of thirteen (13) members as follows:
      1. Five (5) members appointed by the Governor.
      2. The Governor shall appoint one (1) member from each congressional district;
      1. Four (4) members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
      2. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint one (1) member from each congressional district; and
      1. Four (4) members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
      2. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one (1) member from each congressional district.
    1. Of the initial appointments by the Governor:
      1. One (1) member shall serve a term of one (1) year;
      2. One (1) member shall serve a term of two (2) years;
      3. One (1) member shall serve a term of three (3) years; and
      4. Two (2) members shall serve terms of four (4) years;
    2. Of the initial appointments by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate:
      1. One (1) member shall serve a term of one (1) year;
      2. One (1) member shall serve a term of two (2) years;
      3. One (1) member shall serve a term of three (3) years; and
      4. One (1) member shall serve a term of four (4) years.
    3. Of the initial appointments by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:
      1. One (1) member shall serve a term of one (1) year;
      2. One (1) member shall serve a term of two (2) years;
      3. One (1) member shall serve a term of three (3) years; and
      4. One (1) member shall serve a term of four (4) years.
    4. The appointing authority shall determine the lengths of terms of his or her initial appointees.
    5. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, all succeeding appointments shall be for terms of four (4) years.
    6. The Governor shall select annually a chair from the membership of the commission.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (d)(2) of this section, no member of the commission subject to a term limit shall serve more than two (2) terms.
    2. Upon the conclusion of his or her initial appointment, an initial appointee to the commission subject to a term limit shall serve no more than two (2) additional terms.
  3. Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term by the appointing authority.
    1. Members of the commission shall be subject to removal from office by the appointing authority when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as good cause for removal.
    2. “Good cause” means the same as defined in § 25-16-804.
  4. A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
  5. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 1; 1997, No. 250, § 242; 1997, No. 968, § 1; 2001, No. 1288, § 24; 2009, No. 309, § 1.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 1, provided, in part:

“At the first meeting of the commission, the members of the general public shall draw lots for terms so that four (4) members will serve for a term of one (1) year; four (4) members will serve for a term of two (2) years; and four (4) members will serve for a term of three (3) years.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section.

25-24-102. Duties.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission shall have the following duties:

  1. To promote racial harmony, understanding, respect, and goodwill among all citizens;
  2. To promote principles of nonviolence, peace, and social justice;
  3. To promote among the people of Arkansas, by appropriate activities, both awareness and appreciation of the civil rights movement and advocacy of the principles and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.;
  4. To develop, coordinate, and advise the Governor and the General Assembly of appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the state relating to the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, including without limitation providing advice and assistance to local governments and private organizations with respect to the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday;
  5. To receive donations and contributions from individuals and public and private organizations in order to carry out its responsibilities;
    1. To establish a Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Commission to educate young persons on the principles and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    2. Members of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Commission may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.; and
  6. To enable the people of Arkansas to reflect on the life and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. through educational endeavors, cultural performances, exhibitions, and events that are multiethnic and family oriented.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 2; 2009, No. 309, § 2.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted “peace, and social justice” in (2); inserted “including without limitation ... Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday” in (4); added (6) and (7); and made related changes.

25-24-103. Staff of commission.

    1. The Governor shall appoint the Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.
    2. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Education.
  1. The Department of Education may employ staff and consultants on behalf of the commission as authorized by law and fix their compensation, duties, authority, and responsibilities.

History. Acts 1993, No. 1216, § 3; 2009, No. 309, § 3; 2019, No. 910, § 2387.

Amendments. The 2009 amendment inserted (a), redesignated the remaining text accordingly, and made a minor stylistic change.

The 2019 amendment substituted “the Director” for “an executive director” in (a)(1); deleted “executive” preceding “director” in (a)(2); added (a)(3); and, in (b), substituted “Department of Education” for “commission” and inserted “on behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission”.

Chapter 25 Commission for Arkansas' Future

25-25-101 — 25-25-104. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 250, § 243 and No. 914, § 31. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-25-101. Acts 1989, No. 810, §§ 1, 5; 1993, No. 488, §§ 1, 2; 1997, No. 1357, § 4.

25-25-102. Acts 1989, No. 810, §§ 6, 10; 1993, No. 488, §§ 3, 5.

25-25-103. Acts 1989, No. 810, §§ 7, 9; 1993, No. 488, § 4.

25-25-104. Acts 1989, No. 810, § 8.

Chapter 26 Information Technology

Subchapter 1 — Information Systems

25-26-101 — 25-26-106. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This subchapter was repealed by Acts 1997, No. 914, § 31. The subchapter was derived from the following sources:

25-26-101. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 1.

25-26-102. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 2.

25-16-103. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 8; 1997, No. 250, § 244; 1997, No. 1354, § 44.

25-26-104. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 9.

25-26-105. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 11.

25-26-106. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 12.

Acts 1995, No. 737, § 1, is also codified as § 10-3-1701.

For present law, see § 25-4-101 et seq.

As to the resolution of conflicting legislation affecting a section, see §§ 1-2-207 and 1-2-303.

Subchapter 2 — Information Technology Access for the Blind

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 308, § 6, provided: “This act applies retroactively to the following:

“(1) Information technology procured on or after July 30, 1999; and

“(2) Any upgrades or modifications to or replacement of information technology procured on or after July 30, 1999.”

Effective Dates. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 7: effective and in force from the date of enactment. Acts 1999, No. 1227 was signed by the Governor on Apr. 8, 1999, and became effective July 30, 1999.

Acts 2013, No. 308, § 8: Mar. 11, 2013. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that because of current limitations in the commercial availability of information technology supporting accessibility for the blind or visually impaired, the strict limitations of Act 1227 of 1999 have unreasonably hindered or delayed the acquisition of information technology, which has resulted in an undue burden on state agencies; and that this act is immediately necessary because the efficient installation, upgrading, and modification of information technology is essential to the functioning 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: (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”.

25-26-201. Findings and policy.

  1. The General Assembly finds that:
    1. The advent of the information age throughout the United States and around the world has resulted in lasting changes in information technology;
    2. Use of interactive visual display devices by state and state-assisted organizations has become a widespread means of access for employees and the public to obtain information available electronically, but nonvisual access by speech, braille, or other appropriate means has been overlooked in the development of the latest information technology;
    3. Presentation of electronic data solely in a visual format is a barrier to access by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, preventing them from participating on equal terms in crucial areas of life such as education and employment;
    4. Alternatives, including both software and hardware adaptations, have been created so that interactive control of computers and use of the information presented is more likely to be available by both visual and nonvisual means; and
    5. The goals of the state in obtaining and deploying the most advanced forms of information technology properly include universal access so that segments of society with particular needs, including without limitation individuals unable to use visual displays, will not be left out of the information age.
  2. It is the policy of the State of Arkansas that all programs and activities that are supported in whole or in part by public funds shall be conducted in accordance with the following principles:
    1. To the extent provided in this subchapter, individuals who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided access to the advanced technology that is provided to other employees, program participants, and members of the general public;
    2. To the extent provided in this subchapter, technology purchased in whole or in part with funds provided by the state to be used for the creation, storage, retrieval, or dissemination of information and intended for use by employees, program participants, and members of the general public shall be accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and
    3. If technology that allows access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired is not reasonably available, individuals who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided a reasonable accommodation as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 12111(9), as it existed on January 1, 2013.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 1; 2013, No. 308, § 1.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment, in (a)(2), substituted “devices” for “terminals,” “has become” for “is becoming” and “the deployment of” for “purchasing and deploying” and deleted “whether” following “nonvisual access”; substituted “more likely to be available” for “possible” in (a)(4); substituted “without limitation” for “but not limited to” in (a)(5); rewrote (b)(1); added “To the extent provided in this subchapter” at the beginning of (b)(2); and added (b)(3).

25-26-202. Definitions.

For purposes of this subchapter:

  1. “Access” means the ability to receive, use, and manipulate data and operate controls included in information technology;
  2. “Blind or visually impaired individual” means an individual who:
    1. Has a visual acuity of twenty/two hundred (20/200) or less in the better eye with correcting lenses or has a limited field of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees (20°);
    2. Has a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration; or
    3. Has a medically diagnosed limitation in visual functioning that restricts the individual's ability to read and write standard print at levels expected of individuals of comparable ability;
  3. “Covered entity” means the state or any state-assisted organization;
  4. “Information technology” means all electronic information processing hardware and software, including telecommunications;
  5. “Nonvisual” means synthesized speech, braille, and other output methods not requiring sight;
  6. “Reasonably available” means developed and available for purchase for a price as provided in this subchapter from:
    1. The vendor that provided the product that is to be used by visual users; or
    2. Another vendor if the technology is available from more than one (1) vendor in the marketplace;
  7. “State” means the state or any of its departments, agencies, public bodies, or other instrumentalities;
  8. “State-assisted organization” means a college, nonprofit organization, person, political subdivision, school system, or other entity supported in whole or in part by state funds; and
  9. “Telecommunications” means the transmission of information, images, pictures, voice or data by radio, video, or other electronic or impulse means.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 2; 2013, No. 308, § 2.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment added (6) and redesignated the following subdivisions accordingly.

25-26-203. Assurance of nonvisual access.

In general, the head of each covered entity shall ensure that information technology equipment and software used by employees, program participants, or members of the general public:

  1. Provide blind or visually impaired individuals with access, to the extent provided in this subchapter, to interactive use of the equipment and services that is equivalent to that provided to individuals who are not blind or visually impaired;
  2. Are designed to present information, including, but not limited to, prompts used for interactive communications in formats intended for both visual and nonvisual use; and
  3. Have been purchased under a contract which includes the technology access clause required pursuant to § 25-26-204.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 3; 2013, No. 308, § 3.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “to the extent provided in this subchapter” for “including, but not limited” in (a).

25-26-204. Procurement requirements.

    1. The technology access clause specified in § 25-26-203 shall be developed by the Division of Information Systems and shall require compliance with nonvisual access standards established by the division.
    2. The technology access clause shall be included in all contracts for the procurement of information technology by or for the use of entities covered by this subchapter on or after July 30, 1999.
  1. The nonvisual access standards established by the division under subsection (a) of this section shall:
    1. Include the specifications necessary to fulfill the assurances in § 25-26-203;
    2. Follow the standards for software applications and operating systems provided by 36 C.F.R. § 1194.21, as it existed on January 1, 2019, subject to the provisions of 36 C.F.R. §§ 1194.1 — 1194.4, as they existed on January 1, 2019;
    3. Follow the standards for web-based intranet and internet information and applications provided by 36 C.F.R. § 1194.22, as it existed on January 1, 2019, subject to the provisions of 36 C.F.R. §§ 1194.1 — 1194.4, as they existed on January 1, 2019; and
    4. Include the following minimum specifications:
      1. That, to the extent provided in this subchapter, effective, interactive control and use of the technology, including without limitation the operating system, software applications , and format of the data presented is readily achievable by nonvisual means;
      2. That, to the extent provided in this subchapter, the technology equipped for nonvisual access is compatible with information technology used by other individuals with whom the blind or visually impaired individual interacts;
      3. That, to the extent provided in this subchapter, nonvisual access technology is integrated into networks used to share communications among employees, program participants, and the public; and
      4. That, to the extent provided in this subchapter, the technology for nonvisual access has the capability of providing equivalent access by nonvisual means to telecommunications or other interconnected network services used by persons who are not blind or visually impaired.
  2. The minimum specifications under subsection (b) of this section do not prohibit the purchase or use of an information technology product that does not meet these standards if the information manipulated or presented by the product is inherently visual in nature so that its meaning cannot be conveyed nonvisually.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 4; 2003, No. 1301, § 1; 2011, No. 750, § 1; 2013, No. 308, § 4; 2019, No. 218, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6308, 6309.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2013, No. 308, § 7, provided: “The Department of Information Systems shall modify the existing technology access clause required under § 25-26-204 and any related nonvisual access standards to conform to this act.”

Amendments. The 2011 amendment subdivided (a) as present (a)(1) and (2); substituted “department” for “state” in (a)(1); and inserted “technology access” in (a)(2); subdivided (b) as present (b) and (b)(4); substituted “department under” for “state pursuant to” in the introductory paragraph of (b); inserted (b)(2) and (3); substituted “is compatible” for “must be compatible” in (b)(4)(B); substituted “is integrated” for “must be integrated” in (b)(4)(C); and substituted “has” for “must have” in (b)(4)(D).

The 2013 amendment rewrote (b)(2) and (b)(3); inserted “to the extent provided in this subchapter” in (b)(4)(A) through (b)(4)(D); and substituted “software applications” for “applications programs” in (b)(4)(A).

The 2019 amendment by No. 218 substituted “January 1, 2019” for “January 1, 2013” twice in (b)(2) and twice in (b)(3).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(1); and substituted “division” for “department” in (a)(1) and in the introductory language of (b).

25-26-205. Implementation.

  1. For the purpose of assuring the effective phasing in of nonvisual access technology procurement, the head of any covered entity:
    1. May not approve exclusion of the technology access clause from any contract with respect to:
      1. The compatibility of standard operating systems and software with nonvisual access software and peripheral devices; or
      2. The initial design, development, and installation of information systems, including the design and procurement of interactive equipment and software; or
    2. May approve, with respect to nonvisual access software or peripheral devices obtained during the three-year period beginning upon the date of enactment of this act, exclusion of such technology access clause to the extent that the cost of such software or devices for the covered entity exceeds:
      1. Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the first year;
      2. One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the second year; and
      3. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the third year.
  2. Nothing in this section requires the installation of software or peripheral devices used for nonvisual access when the information technology is being used by individuals who are not blind or visually impaired.
  3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the applications programs and underlying operating systems, including without limitation the format of the data used for the manipulation and presentation of information, shall permit, to the extent provided in this subchapter, the installation and effective use of nonvisual access software and peripheral devices.
  4. Compliance with this subchapter in regard to information technology purchased prior to July 30, 1999, shall be achieved at the time of procurement of an upgrade or replacement of the existing equipment or software.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 5; 2013, No. 308, § 5.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment inserted “to the extent provided in this subchapter” and made stylistic changes in (c).

Meaning of “this act”. Acts 1999, No. 1227, codified as §§ 25-26-20125-26-206.

Publisher's Notes. In reference to the phrase “upon the date of enactment of this act” in subdivision (a)(2) of this section, Acts 1999, No. 1227, was signed by the Governor on Apr. 8, 1999, and became effective on July 30, 1999.

25-26-206. Action for injunction.

  1. A person injured by a violation of this subchapter may maintain an action for injunctive relief to enforce the terms of this subchapter.
  2. The limitation period for civil action is as follows:
    1. Any such action shall be commenced within four (4) years after the cause of action accrues; and
    2. For the purposes of this subsection, a cause of action for a continuing violation accrues at the time of the latest violation.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1227, § 6.

Subchapter 3 — Arkansas Cyber Initiative Act

25-26-301. Title.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Cyber Initiative Act”.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

25-26-302. Legislative intent.

The General Assembly finds that:

  1. Malicious cyber activity continues to grow rapidly;
  2. Critical infrastructure and state networks are primary targets for hackers, including transnational organized crime and national and state actors;
  3. Arkansas is home to national and global private-sector companies that are considerable targets in the financial services, food and supply chain, and electric grid sectors;
  4. As the private sector owns and operates the vast majority of the critical infrastructure in the United States, including Arkansas, it is critical that a cyber-capability response involve private sector companies;
  5. The Arkansas Cyber Initiative will be part of the newly formed American Cyber Alliance and will develop cyber capacity in Arkansas with regard to innovation, workforce development, and intelligence and operations; and
  6. The Arkansas Cyber Initiative will help mitigate cyber risks in Arkansas, develop educational best practices, provide enhanced threat assessment and response capabilities for public and private sectors in Arkansas, and advance opportunities for economic development in Arkansas.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

25-26-303. Arkansas Cyber Initiative — Creation — Powers and duties.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may work with universities, colleges, government agencies, and the private business sector to establish a cyber alliance to be known as the “Arkansas Cyber Initiative” that will support collaborations for the purpose of improving cybersecurity and the economy of the state through:

  1. Improving cyber infrastructure;
  2. Increasing the focus on cyber job-creating research activities; and
  3. Expanding cyber job-creating research activities toward producing more knowledge-based and high-technology cyber jobs in this state.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

25-26-304. Areas of collaboration.

The Arkansas Cyber Initiative may:

  1. Identify specific areas where scientific research and innovation may contribute to the creation and growth of knowledge-based and high-technology cyber jobs in Arkansas;
  2. Determine specific areas in which financial investment and engagement from government agencies or private businesses located in Arkansas could be enhanced or increased if resources were made available to assist in developing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure;
  3. Advise universities of the cyber-related talent needs of Arkansas businesses;
  4. Improve the exchange of innovation and workforce collaboration for the mutual benefit of universities, government agencies, and private businesses;
  5. Encourage collaborations between private businesses or private business sector representatives and universities in the areas of research identified by the alliance;
  6. Recommend government investments in cyber infrastructure for the reduction of cyber risks and enhancement of economic development opportunities;
  7. Hold an annual cyber summit to engage corporate leadership and academia;
  8. Facilitate economic development activities relating to cybersecurity;
  9. Pursue funding from public and private sources to facilitate the work of the initiative;
  10. Facilitate outreach to rural communities and municipalities; and
  11. Provide operational cyber support for government agencies and private business located in Arkansas by:
    1. Implementing enhanced cyber-threat assessment and mitigation capability at unclassified and classified levels;
    2. Assessing the cyber networks and infrastructure of this state;
    3. Providing best practices and professional development training for people employed in cybersecurity;
    4. Assisting with responses to critical cyber incidents in this state;
    5. Developing uncleared and cleared apprenticeship programs related to cybersecurity; and
    6. Fostering collaboration with the State Cyber Security Office for the ongoing improvement of cybersecurity efforts across government entities.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

25-26-305. Contracts on behalf of the Arkansas Cyber Initiative.

  1. In order to assist the Arkansas Cyber Initiative in achieving the objectives identified in this subchapter, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may contract with a person or an entity recommended by the initiative for activities consistent with the purpose of this subchapter.
  2. When contracting with a person or an entity under this subchapter, the commission shall not be bound by the provisions of the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., requiring competitive bids if compliance with the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., creates a security risk.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

25-26-306. Freedom of Information Act of 1967 — Exemption.

The Arkansas Cyber Initiative is exempt from complying with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., if compliance with the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., creates a security risk.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1085, § 1.

Chapter 27 Arkansas Information Network

Effective Dates. Acts 1997, No. 914, § 35: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the Eighty-First General Assembly that continuing advances in the field of communications and information technology make it necessary to establish a Department of Information Systems within the Executive Department of Government to better coordinate and utilize such technology; 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 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 153: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Building Authority, the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Department of Rural Services, and the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department are inefficiently structured; that this inefficient structuring causes an excessive and unnecessary cost to the taxpayers of the this state; and that this act is essential to alleviating that financial burden. 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 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”.

Acts 2019, No. 1069, § 2: Apr. 16, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the inability to procure a network manager is harmful to multiple systems in current use throughout the state; and that this act is immediately necessary to avoid harm to the multiple systems throughout 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: (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”.

25-27-101. Title.

This chapter may be cited as and shall be known as the “Information Network of Arkansas Act”.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1139, § 1.

25-27-102. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Agency” means any agency, board, commission, public instrumentality, political subdivision, or any of the foregoing entities acting on behalf of the State of Arkansas which store, gather, or generate public information;
  2. “Gateway system” means any centralized electronic information system by which public information shall be disseminated or collected via the Internet, dial-in modem, continuous link, or other electronic medium;
  3. “I.N.A.” means the Information Network of Arkansas, or, if the Information Network of Arkansas shall be abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by this chapter to the Information Network of Arkansas shall be given by law;
  4. “Network manager” means the entity or person designated by contractual obligation to establish, develop, operate, maintain, and expand the gateway system on behalf of the Information Network of Arkansas;
  5. “Public information” means any information stored, gathered, or generated in electronic or magnetic form by an agency, its agencies, or instrumentalities, which is included within the information deemed to be public pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., and other provisions of the Arkansas Code providing for release of information to the public at large to specified groups or recipients; and
  6. “User association” means an association:
    1. Whose membership is identifiable by regular payment of association dues and regularly maintained membership lists;
    2. Which is registered with the Secretary of State as an Arkansas corporation;
    3. Which exists for the purpose of advancing the common occupation or profession of its membership; and
    4. Which, after the appointment of the initial board of the Information Network of Arkansas, regularly promotes and encourages the subscription of its members to the gateway system developed by the Information Network of Arkansas.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1139, § 2; 1999, No. 538, § 1.

25-27-103. Board.

  1. There is created the Information Network of Arkansas, a public instrumentality carrying out an essential government function, which shall be governed by a board consisting of twelve (12) voting members, as follows:
    1. The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission or his or her designee;
    2. The Secretary of State, or the Secretary of State's designee;
    3. The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, or his or her designee;
    4. Two (2) members, or their designees, who are chief executive officers of agencies of the executive branch other than the Department of Finance and Administration and the Division of Information Systems, shall be appointed by the Governor;
        1. (a) Four (4) members from user associations initially selected by the Governor shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting each user association.
        2. No two (2) members appointed pursuant to this subdivision (a)(5) shall be members of the same user association.
      1. Such members shall serve staggered three-year terms;
  2. Members appointed by the Governor under subdivision (a)(5)(A)(i)(a) of this section shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
    1. Six (6) members of the board shall constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of six (6) members shall be necessary for any action taken by the board.
    2. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all rights and perform all the duties of the board.
  3. The board shall meet at least semiannually.
  4. Members of the board shall serve without compensation but shall be eligible to receive reimbursement for mileage and reimbursement for expenses in accordance with § 25-16-902.

(6)(A) One (1) member who is a public library director appointed by the Governor after consulting the President of the Arkansas Library Association and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(B) The member shall serve a three-year term;

(7)(A) One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Bar Association and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(B) The member shall serve a three-year term; and

(8) The Director of the Division of Information Systems, or the director's designee.

(b)(1) The board shall annually elect one (1) member from the board as chair of the board.

(2) The board may also elect a vice chair and a secretary.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1139, § 3; 1997, No. 914, § 25; 1999, No. 538, § 2; 2015, No. 1100, § 62; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 7, § 115; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 8, § 115; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6310-6312.

A.C.R.C. Notes. As enacted, subdivision (b)(1) began: “The Governor shall select the initial chairperson from the board membership. Thereafter … .”

Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 62, provided:

“Transfer of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority is transferred to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the commission is the principal department under Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) The statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, of the authority are transferred to the commission, except as specified in this act.

“(c) The prescribed powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing; promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards; and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudication of the authority are transferred to the executive director of the commission, except as specified in this act.

“(d) The members of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the board except as specified in this act.”

Publisher's Notes. Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 115 specifically amended this section as amended by Acts 2015, No. 1100, § 62.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment by No. 1100 substituted “after consulting” for “from a list of three (3) names submitted by” in (a)(5)(A)(i) (a) ; rewrote (a)(5)(A)(i) (b) ; redesignated former (a)(6)(A)(i) as (a)(6)(A); in (a)(6)(A), inserted “who is a public library director,” substituted “after consulting” for “from a list of three (3) names of public library directors submitted by,” and added “and subject to confirmation by the Senate”; deleted (a)(6)(A)(ii); and in (a)(7)(A), substituted “after consulting” for “from a list of three (3) names submitted by” and added “and subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

The 2015 amendment by Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8 substituted “Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission or his or her designee” for “President of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, or the president’s designee” in (a)(1).

The 2019 amendment deleted “Executive” preceding “Director” in (a)(1); rewrote (a)(3); and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(4) and (8).

25-27-104. Duties.

  1. The Information Network of Arkansas shall have the following duties:
    1. To develop and implement an electronic gateway system to provide electronic access to members of the public to public information and to develop, implement, and promote the use of electronic commerce and digital signature applications within the state in cooperation with the Division of Information Systems;
    2. To provide appropriate oversight of the network manager;
      1. To establish charges for the services provided by the Information Network of Arkansas.
      2. The Information Network of Arkansas shall on a quarterly basis submit a report of any change in charges for services to the:
        1. Legislative Council; and
        2. Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology;
    3. To explore ways of expanding the amount and kind of public information provided, increasing the utility and form of the public information provided, and implement such changes as required to be consistent with the provisions of this chapter;
    4. To explore ways of improving citizen and business access to public information and, where appropriate, implementing such changes;
    5. To explore ways of expanding a gateway system and its services to citizens and businesses by providing add-on services to the public, such as access to other for-profit information databases, electronic mail, and calendaring;
    6. To serve in an advisory capacity to the Department of Finance and Administration, the division, and other state agencies regarding the dissemination to and collection of state data for the citizens and businesses of Arkansas;
    7. To seek advice from the general public, its subscribers, professional associations, academic groups, and institutions and individuals with knowledge or interest in computer networking, electronic mail, public information access, gateway services, add-on services, and electronic filing of information; and
    8. To accept gifts, donations, and grants for the support of a gateway system in Arkansas.
    1. All state agencies shall participate with the Information Network of Arkansas in providing assistance as may be requested for the achievement of its purpose.
    2. Services and information to be provided by any agency shall be specified pursuant to a contract between the Information Network of Arkansas and such an agency.
    3. Agencies may contract to recover from the Information Network of Arkansas costs incurred by providing such assistance to the Information Network of Arkansas.
    4. The Information Network of Arkansas shall cooperate with the division to fulfill the purposes of the Arkansas Information Systems Act of 1997, § 25-4-101 et seq.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1139, § 4; 1999, No. 538, § 3; 2015, No. 550, § 1; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6313-6315.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment added (a)(3)(B); and redesignated former (a)(3) as (a)(3)(A).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(1) and (7); and substituted “division” for “Department of Information Systems” in (b)(4).

Cross References. Release of criminal history information, authorization of, § 12-12-1507.

25-27-105. Network manager.

    1. The Information Network of Arkansas shall procure a network manager after developing, in consultation with the Division of Information Systems, criteria and specifications for such a network manager and his or her duties.
      1. The Information Network of Arkansas may negotiate and enter into a contract with the network manager.
      2. The contract shall specify the duties and responsibilities of the network manager and shall also include any other terms necessary to the agreement.
  1. The network manager shall:
    1. Direct and supervise the day-to-day operations and expansion of the gateway system, including the initial phase of operations necessary to make the gateway system operational;
    2. Attend meetings of the Information Network of Arkansas;
    3. Keep a record of all gateway, network, and related operations of the Information Network of Arkansas. The records shall be the property of the Information Network of Arkansas;
    4. Maintain and be a custodian of all financial and operational records, documents, and papers filed with the Information Network of Arkansas;
    5. Update and revise on a yearly basis the business plan of the Information Network of Arkansas in consultation with and under the direction of the Information Network of Arkansas;
    6. Submit to the Information Network of Arkansas quarterly financial reports, an annual audit, an annual report, and any other information requested by the Board of the Information Network of Arkansas; and
    7. Perform other such activities or services as requested or authorized by the Information Network of Arkansas consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
  2. The division may provide to the Information Network of Arkansas such staff and other assistance under contract.

History. Acts 1995, No. 1139, § 5; 1999, No. 538, § 4; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6316, 6317; 2019, No. 1069, § 1.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (a)(1), substituted “may” for “shall” and “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems”; and substituted “division” for “Department of Information Systems” in (c).

The 2019 amendment by No. 1069 substituted “shall procure a network manager” for “shall contract with a network manager and shall use a competitive bid process” in (a)(1).

Chapter 28 Assessment Coordination Division

A.C.R.C. Notes. References to “this chapter” in §§ 25-28-10125-28-107 may not apply to § 25-28-108 which was enacted subsequently.

Effective Dates. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 10: July 1, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the duties of the Assessment Coordination Division are of critical importance to the administration of the Arkansas ad valorem tax system, that these duties may be performed more efficiently within a separate Department which is responsible only for the administration of ad valorem taxes and that the provisions of this Act are of critical importance to preserve and improve the efficient administration of the tax laws of the State of Arkansas. 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 1999, No. 1377, § 12: 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 2005, No. 1417, § 2: Mar. 30, 2005. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Assessment Coordination Department needs to adopt and implement by rules final specifications for computer assisted mass appraisal software; that the rules need to be in place to protect counties conducting reappraisals; and that this act is immediately necessary because delaying implementation would cause irreparable delays in the proper assessments for property. 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 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 26 and 27, § 4: Apr. 11, 2006. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Supreme Court declared the public school funding system to be inadequate and that the public schools are operating under a constitutional infirmity which must be corrected immediately; that to correct the constitutional infirmity and to ensure adequate funding for public education, the General Assembly must have more accurate and timely information regarding the assessment, settlement, and collection of property taxes by the counties; and that this act is necessary to allow the Assessment Coordination Department, the Department of Education, and the counties sufficient time to make all necessary rules, adjustments, calculations, and reports that will be necessary prior to the convening of the 86th General Assembly. 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 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”.

25-28-101. Creation — Director — Organization — Personnel.

  1. There is created the Assessment Coordination Division.
    1. The executive head of the Assessment Coordination Division shall be the Director of the Assessment Coordination Division.
    2. The director shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.
  2. The Assessment Coordination Division shall consist of the divisions which may be necessary to fulfill its purposes and which may be created by law and placed under the Assessment Coordination Division.
    1. The director, in consultation with the secretary, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions.
    2. All personnel of the Assessment Coordination Division shall be employed by the Department of Finance and Administration and shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary.
    3. However, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right which an employee of the Assessment Coordination Division shall have under any civil service or merit system.
    1. Each division of the Assessment Coordination Division shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director.
    2. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to the various divisions of the Assessment Coordination Division as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Assessment Coordination Division.

History. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 3574.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “Assessment Coordination Department” in (a); in (b)(1), substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “department” and substituted “Director of the Assessment Coordination Division” for “Director of the Assessment Coordination Department”; added (b)(3); substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “department” twice in (c); inserted “in consultation with the secretary” in (d)(1); rewrote (d)(2); substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “department” in (d)(3) and (e)(1); and, in (e)(2), inserted the first occurrence of “Assessment Coordination Division” and substituted the second occurrence of “Assessment Coordination Division” for “department”.

25-28-102. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning transfer, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3575, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1997, No. 436, § 2.

25-28-103. Other authority.

  1. The Arkansas Public Service Commission shall retain all of its statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions regarding assessment and equalization of properties of public utilities and public carriers.
  2. The Tax Division of the Arkansas Public Service Commission shall retain all of the statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions conferred on the division by law or assigned to the division by the commission.
  3. [Repealed.]
  4. [Repealed.]
  5. [Repealed.]

History. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 3; 2019, No. 315, § 2931; 2019, No. 910, § 3576.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 315 deleted “regulation” following “rates” in (e).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 repealed (c)-(e).

25-28-104. Administrative Procedure Act.

The Assessment Coordination Division shall be subject to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

History. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 4; 2019, No. 910, § 3577.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “Assessment Coordination Department” and inserted “Arkansas” preceding “Administrative Procedure Act”.

25-28-105. Compliance with other laws.

Disbursement of funds authorized by this chapter shall be limited to the appropriation for the agency being transferred and funds made available by law for the support of such appropriations. The restrictions of the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201, the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, § 19-4-101, the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq., the Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act, § 21-5-101, or their successors, and other fiscal control laws of this state, where applicable, and rules promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration, as authorized by law, shall be strictly complied with in disbursement of those funds.

History. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 5; 2019, No. 315, § 2932.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “rules” for “regulations”.

25-28-106. Legislative intent.

It is the intent of the General Assembly that any funds disbursed under the authority of the appropriations transferred or referred to in this subchapter shall be in compliance with the stated reasons for which this subchapter was adopted, as evidenced by the agency requests, executive recommendations and legislative recommendations contained in the budget manuals prepared by the Department of Finance and Administration, letters, or summarized oral testimony in the official minutes of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee which relate to its passage and adoption.

History. Acts 1997, No. 436, § 6.

25-28-107. Requirements of Director of the Assessment Coordination Division.

The Director of the Assessment Coordination Division shall meet the qualifications required for certification or licensure as a Level 4 Appraiser in Arkansas, provided that the formal course work was or is satisfactorily completed in another state. At the time of appointing the director, the Governor shall include in the appointment document a statement that the appointee meets the qualifications prescribed by law.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1377, § 6; 2019, No. 910, § 3578.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “Assessment Coordination Department” in the section heading and in text of the section; and deleted “From and after July 1, 2000” from the beginning of the section.

25-28-108. Specifications for computer-assisted mass appraisal software.

  1. By July 1, 2005, the Assessment Coordination Division shall adopt and implement by rules final specifications for computer-assisted mass appraisal software.
    1. The rules may provide a procedure by which the division may directly compensate computer-assisted mass appraisal software providers who are in compliance with requirements set forth in the final specifications for computer-assisted mass appraisal software.
    2. The division shall require computer-assisted mass appraisal software providers to comply with requirements set forth in the final specifications for computer-assisted mass appraisal software.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1417, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 3579.

A.C.R.C. Notes. References to “this chapter” in §§ 25-28-10125-28-107 may not apply to this section which was enacted subsequently.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Assessment Coordination Division” for “Assessment Coordination Department” in (a); and substituted “division” for “department” in (b)(1) and (2).

25-28-109. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning additional authority, was repealed by Acts 2011, No. 633, § 4. The section was derived from Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 26, § 3; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 3.

Chapter 29 Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation

Cross References. Telecommunications devices, § 20-79-401 et seq.

Effective Dates. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 15: Apr. 3, 1997. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly that the deaf and hearing impaired citizens of this state have inadequate access to telecommunications services; that this act will enhance the delivery of telecommunications services to the deaf and hearing impaired citizens of this state, and that this act should go into effect 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 2007, No. 102, § 2: Sept. 1, 2007. Effective date clause provided: “This act is effective September 1, 2007.”

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”.

Case Notes

Cited: GTE Ark., Inc. v. Arkansas Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 60 Ark. App. 288, 961 S.W.2d 792 (1998).

25-29-101. Creation — Board of directors.

  1. There is hereby created the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation.
  2. The corporation shall be governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Governor as follows:
    1. Three (3) shall be representatives of the deaf and hearing-impaired community; and
    2. Four (4) shall be representatives of Arkansas local exchange carriers.
    1. The Governor shall appoint one (1) member after consulting representatives of the deaf and hearing-impaired community and one (1) member after consulting representatives of Arkansas local exchange carriers.
    2. Members appointed by the Governor under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall be subject to confirmation of the Senate.
  3. The initial appointments shall be for such terms as will result in two (2) serving a one-year term, two (2) serving a two-year term, and three (3) serving a three-year term. All successors shall serve three-year terms.
  4. The Governor shall designate one (1) of the board members to preside over the initial meeting of the board, at which meeting the board shall elect a president, a secretary, and such other officers as it deems appropriate.
  5. Members of the board shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, except that no corporate money shall be used for out-of-state travel expenses.
  6. All vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 1; 1999, No. 1583, § 1; Acts 2015, No. 1100, § 63.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 1100 added the language at § 25-29-101(c)(2) “Members appointed by the Governor under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall be subject to confirmation of the Senate.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment rewrote and redesignated former (c) as (c)(1); and added (c)(2).

25-29-102. Board of directors — Attendance at meetings required.

  1. In order to ensure broad representation and a quorum, all members of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation have a responsibility to attend all regular or special meetings of the board.
  2. A board member shall be subject to removal from the board in the event the member shall fail to present to the Governor a satisfactory excuse for his or her absence. Unexcused absences from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings shall constitute sufficient cause for removal.
  3. Removal of board members shall be in accordance with the following:
      1. Within thirty (30) days after each regular board meeting, the secretary of the board shall give written notice to the Governor of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.
      2. The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year.
      3. Failure by the secretary to submit the notices and documentation required by this chapter shall be considered cause for removal by the Governor in accordance with the procedures set forth at § 25-17-210;
    1. Within sixty (60) days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the secretary, the Governor shall notify, in writing, the board member of his or her intent to remove the member for cause. This notice shall suffice for the notice required in § 25-17-210(a);
    2. Within twenty (20) days after the date of the Governor's notice, the board member may request an excused absence as provided by this chapter or may file with the Governor's office notice that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons therefor;
    3. The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when verified by a written sworn statement by the attending physician or other proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and
    4. If no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation submitted within twenty (20) days after the date of the Governor's notice, the board member may be removed in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 25-17-210.
  4. Any board member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provisions of this chapter shall not be entitled to any expense reimbursement for travel to or attendance at any subsequent meeting until the board receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 2.

25-29-103. Assessment on local exchange service providers.

  1. In order to fund the services provided by the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall levy assessments on all providers of:
    1. Local l exchange service not to exceed ten cents (10¢) per subject access line per month in order to fund the services provided by the corporation; and
      1. Commercial mobile radio service not to exceed ten cents (10¢) per customer account or number.
      2. As used in this section, “commercial mobile radio service” means the same as defined in § 12-10-303.
  2. The board may adjust the assessment no more than once in a calendar year quarter, but at no time shall the assessment exceed the amount set in subsection (a) of this section.
  3. The assessment under subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall not be levied on more than one hundred (100) lines at any single customer location.
  4. The assessments levied under subsection (a) of this section may be collected by the providers of local exchange service or commercial mobile radio service from their customers and transmitted monthly to the board, and the board shall deposit the assessments into a financial institution authorized to accept public funds.
  5. The assessments levied under subsection (a) of this section by the corporation shall not be considered a tax and shall not be affected by any laws of this state governing taxation, nor shall the assessments be subject to any state or local tax or franchise fee.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 3; 2007, No. 102, § 1.

Effective Dates. Acts 2007, No. 102, § 2, provided: “This act is effective September 1, 2007.”

25-29-104. Powers and duties.

The Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall:

  1. Provide telecommunications relay services, including, but not limited to, services that enable two-way communication between an individual who uses a TDD or other nonvoice terminal device and an individual who does not use such a device, for persons who are deaf, hearing impaired, deaf and blind, or severely speech impaired;
  2. Take other actions necessary and proper to provide telecommunications services to persons who are deaf, hearing impaired, deaf and blind, or severely speech impaired;
  3. Have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate, adopt bylaws for the regulation of the affairs and the conduct of its business, and prescribe rules and policies in connection with the performance of its functions and duties;
  4. Adopt an official seal and alter it at pleasure;
  5. Sue and be sued in its own name and plead and be impleaded;
  6. Make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers and functions of the authority under this chapter, including contracts with persons, firms, corporations, and others;
  7. Purchase insurance; and
  8. Do any and all other acts and things necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out the purposes of this chapter and to exercise the powers granted to it by this chapter.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 4; 2019, No. 315, § 2933.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment deleted “regulations” following “rules” in (3).

25-29-105. Staff — Real property — Debt.

  1. The Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall not employ any person as a salaried employee but shall rely upon volunteers and professional services obtained by contract.
  2. No corporate asset may be used to purchase or lease any real property, nor is the corporation authorized to incur any indebtedness.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 5.

25-29-106. Corporate offices.

The Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation may maintain an office at such location as it deems suitable.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 6.

25-29-107. Annual audit.

The Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall be audited annually in accordance with generally accepted accounting procedures and file a copy of the audit with the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 7.

25-29-108. Articles of incorporation.

Within thirty (30) days after the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation, it shall cause articles of incorporation be filed with the Secretary of State.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 8.

25-29-109. Purchase of telecommunications services.

The purchase of telecommunications services by the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall be by competitive bid using procedures substantially similar to the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 9.

25-29-110. Annual report.

The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation shall transmit to the Legislative Council, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, and the Arkansas Public Service Commission an annual report of its activities. The annual report shall be filed by March 31 of each year.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 10; 2019, No. 910, § 622.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Secretary of the Department of Commerce” for “Governor”.

25-29-111. Section 12 companies.

  1. The provisions of this section apply only to telecommunications corporations with fewer than ten thousand (10,000) access lines which have elected to become Section 12 companies pursuant to § 23-17-412.
    1. All telecommunications companies currently making contributions which affect the Arkansas Intrastate Carrier Common Line Pool (AICCLP) or the Arkansas IntraLATA Toll Pool, or both, due to prior review shall not be required to continue making the contributions effective upon the companies' election as Section 12 companies, pursuant to § 23-17-412.
    2. Provided, if the companies discontinue making contributions to the Arkansas Intrastate Carrier Common Line Pool (AICCLP) or the Arkansas IntraLATA Toll Pool, or both, one percent (1%) of contributions that would have been made to the Arkansas Intrastate Carrier Common Line Pool (AICCLP) or the Arkansas IntraLATA Toll Pool, or both, for ten (10) months will be paid for start-up costs to the corporation provided for in this chapter.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 11.

25-29-112. Effect of chapter on Acts 1995, No. 501.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this chapter are hereby repealed. However, to the extent any provisions of this chapter conflict with any provisions of Acts 1995, No. 501, the provisions of Acts 1995, No. 501, shall prevail.

History. Acts 1997, No. 1080, § 14.

Publisher's Notes. As to the codification of Acts 1995, No. 501, please consult Tables Volume B.

Chapter 30 Career and Technical Education

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 176, § 9, provided:

“COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT. Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including VR counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Career Education-Arkansas Rehabilitation Services a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for any eligible employees selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S.D.O.E. Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. The waiver applies to federal financial participation (FFP), state general revenue share, and program income.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Subchapter 1 — Career Education and Workforce Development

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 787, § 5, provided:

“(a) This act shall not be construed as impairing the continued effectiveness of any rules or orders promulgated or issued by the Department of Workforce Education or the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities before the effective date of this act.

“(b) This act shall not be construed as extinguishing or otherwise affecting the unexpired terms of any current members of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities.”

Acts 2015, No. 892, § 1, provided:

“Findings.

“(1) Occupational, technical, and industrial training provides unique opportunities to improve the lives of Arkansans while advancing the state's economic development;

“(2) Businesses seeking to begin operations in Arkansas look to the level of education and skills in the workforce as a key factor in making investment decisions;

“(3) Currently, Arkansas workforce education proceeds in a variety of agencies, without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming and from important programs being overlooked as presumably covered by another program; and

“(4) Bringing coordination of all state and federal career education and workforce development programs will:

“(A) Reduce duplication of programming;

“(B) Ensure that every Arkansan who seeks occupational, technical, and industrial training will find an appropriate education program in this state;

“(C) Bring consistency and efficiency to the state's career education and workforce development efforts; and

“(D) Alert industry to the commitment of the State of Arkansas to economic development through career education and workforce education.”

Acts 2015, No. 892, § 7, provided:

“(a) The Governor shall call the first meeting of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board within ninety (90) days after the appointment of the industry members.

“(b) The Governor shall appoint a voting member as chair of the board to serve a one-year term.”

Acts 2015, No. 920, §§ 1-3, provided:

“SECTION 1. Legislative intent.

“The purpose of this act is to identify administrative and legislative action that can be used to encourage professionals of necessity to reside and work in every Arkansas community, especially those that are underprivileged and underserved.”

“SECTION 2. Definitions.

“As used in this act:

“(1) ‘Professional board’ means a board, agency, committee, commission, department, office, or other authority of the Arkansas state government that is charged with the duty, power, or responsibility to license, register, certify, or otherwise permit the practice of professionals to work in a designated field; and

“(2) ‘Professional of necessity’ means a professional who:

“(A) Renders specialized services;

“(B) Has specialized knowledge or skill in a degreed field of study; or

“(C) Has derived specialized knowledge or skill from formal education or research.”

“SECTION 3. Duties of the Department of Workforce Services.

“(a) The Department of Workforce Services shall conduct meetings with or gather information from the various professional boards to achieve the following:

“(1) Identify the communities of this state that are underserved by professionals of necessity;

“(2) Assess the need for professionals of necessity to reside and work in underprivileged and underserved Arkansas communities;

“(3) Explore strategies to encourage professionals of necessity to live and work in underprivileged and underserved Arkansas communities; and

“(4) Recommend administrative and legislative action that may be taken to encourage professionals of necessity to live and work in underprivileged and underserved Arkansas communities.

“(b) No later than November 15, 2016, the Department of Workforce Services shall report its findings under subsection (a) of this section to the:

“(1) House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs;

“(2) House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development;

“(3) President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and

“(4) Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“(c) Upon request, a professional board shall cooperate and assist the Department of Workforce Services in furtherance of this act.”

Acts 2019, No. 1079, § 1, provided: “Legislative intent.

The General Assembly finds that:

“(1) Occupational, technical, and industrial training provides unique opportunities to improve the lives of Arkansans while advancing the state's economic development;

“(2) Businesses seeking to begin operations in Arkansas look to the level of education and skills in the workforce as a key factor in making investment decisions;

“(3) Currently, Arkansas workforce education operates within a variety of agencies, without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming and from important programs being overlooked as presumably covered by another program; and

“(4) Bringing coordination of all state and federal career education and workforce development programs will:

“(A) Reduce unnecessary duplication of programming;

“(B) Ensure that every Arkansan who seeks occupational, technical, and industrial training will find an appropriate education program in the state;

“(C) Bring consistency, efficiency, and rigor, as established by applicable industry and accreditation standards to the state's career education and workforce development efforts; and

“(D) Alert industry to the commitment of the State of Arkansas to economic development through career workforce education”.

Publisher's Notes. Acts 2015, No. 892, § 5 added “and Workforce Development” to the subchapter heading.

Effective Dates. Acts 2009, No. 787, § 7: July 1, 2009. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act renames the Department of Workforce Education and the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities and that the ideal time to implement these name changes 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, 2009.”

Acts 2015, No. 892, § 8: Apr. 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas workforce education operates within a variety of agencies without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming; that this act will bring workforce education programs together under a single umbrella agency; and that this act is immediately necessary because the effectiveness of this act is essential to the operation of the programs for which appropriations will be provided, and 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 and provision 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”.

Acts 2019, No. 1079, § 4: Apr. 17, 2019. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas workforce education operates within a variety of agencies without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming; that this act will bring workforce education programs together under a single umbrella agency and uniform access to information; and that this act is immediately necessary because the effectiveness of this act is essential to the operation of the programs for which appropriations will be provided. 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”.

25-30-101. Career Education and Workforce Development Board — Creation — Membership.

  1. The Career Education and Workforce Development Board is created.
  2. The board shall consist of the following members, to be appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate:
      1. As voting members, from a list of recommendations by industry and business associations:
        1. One (1) member to represent the agriculture industry;
        2. One (1) member to represent the construction industry;
        3. One (1) member to represent the energy industry;
        4. One (1) member to represent the healthcare industry;
        5. One (1) member to represent the information technology industry;
        6. One (1) member to represent the manufacturing industry;
        7. One (1) member to represent the financial services industry;
        8. One (1) member to represent the hospitality industry;
        9. One (1) member to represent the transportation-logistics industry;
        10. One (1) member to represent the rehabilitation services industry; and
        11. At the discretion of the Governor, up to three (3) members representing industries not represented in subdivisions (b)(1)(A)(i)-(x) of this section.
      2. A voting member under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section may establish a subcommittee that includes nonboard members from the voting member's relevant industry in order to discuss and develop the list of recommendations developed by certain individuals as required under § 25-30-102(a)(1)(C) for the strategic plan required under § 25-30-102(a)(1)(A); and
    1. As nonvoting members:
      1. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education;
      2. The Director of the Division of Higher Education;
      3. The Director of the Arkansas Community Colleges;
      4. The Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
      5. The Director of the Division of Workforce Services;
      6. One (1) member to represent the four-year state-supported institutions of higher education;
      7. One (1) member to represent the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators;
      8. One (1) member to represent the Department of Human Services;
      9. One (1) member to represent the Department of Corrections;
      10. One (1) member to represent the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives;
      11. The Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education; and
      12. One (1) member to represent the Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise.
    1. The industry members shall serve three-year terms, except that the initial appointees shall serve staggered terms determined by the Governor so that two (2) members serve a one-year term, three (3) members serve a two-year term, and two (2) members serve a three-year term.
    2. A voting member may not serve more than two (2) consecutive three-year terms.
    1. A majority of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum.
    2. A majority vote of those members present shall be required for any action of the board.
  3. A vacancy on the board due to death, resignation, removal, or other cause shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.
  4. The Governor may remove a voting member of the board before the expiration of his or her term for cause only, after notice and hearing in accordance with §§ 25-17-210 and 25-17-211.
  5. Voting members of the board may receive expense reimbursement and stipends under § 25-16-902.
  6. The board shall elect from its own number a chair and other officers necessary to carry on its business.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2001, No. 1288, § 25; 2009, No. 787, § 3; 2011, No. 1122, § 6; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 369, § 5; 2019, No. 910, §§ 623, 624; 2019, No. 1079, § 2.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 787, § 2, provided:

“State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities renamed State Board of Career Education.

“(a)(1) The State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities, as it is referred to or empowered through the Arkansas Code, is renamed.

“(2) In its place, the State Board of Career Education is established, succeeding to the general powers and responsibilities previously assigned to the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities.

“(3) The Chair of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities shall identify and revise all interagency agreements, financial instruments, funds, and other necessary legal documents in order to effect this change.

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed as impairing the powers and authority of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities before the effective date of the name change.

“(c) Appropriations authorized for the personal services and operating expenses of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities may be utilized for the personal services and operating expenses of the State Board of Career Education.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment substituted “State Board of Career Education” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities” throughout the section; and substituted “Career” for “Workforce” in (m) and (n).

The 2011 amendment substituted “A person may not serve” for “No person may serve” in (e); and, in (f), substituted “A candidate” for “No candidate” and inserted “not” preceding “serve.”

The 2015 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment by No. 369 substituted “four-year state supported institutions of higher education” for “Arkansas Association of Public Universities” in (b)(2)(F).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Commissioner of Education” in (b)(2)(A); substituted “Director of the Division of Higher Education” for “Director of the Department of Higher Education” in (b)(2)(B); substituted “Director of the Arkansas Community Colleges” for “Executive Director of the Arkansas Community Colleges” in (b)(2)(C); and substituted “Director of the Division of Workforce Services” for “Director of the Department of Workforce Services” in (b)(2)(E).

The 2019 amendment by No. 1079 redesignated (b)(1) as (b)(1)(A) and former (b)(1)(A)-(b)(1)(K) as (b)(1)(A)(i)-(b)(1)(A)(xi); added (b)(1)(B); added (b)(2)(H) through (L); and updated an internal reference.

25-30-102. Powers and duties of Office of Skills Development and Career Education and Workforce Development Board.

  1. The Office of Skills Development and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board, in coordination with the Division of Higher Education, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Department of Education, shall:
      1. Bring together business leaders, industry leaders, education leaders, state agencies, training providers, and other workforce development stakeholders in order to develop a strategic plan and road map for meeting current and future workforce demands.
      2. The plan required under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall:
        1. Assist state agencies in better understanding the changing economy;
        2. Promote alignment of workforce education, higher education, skills, and training with present and future career opportunities;
        3. Identify the estimated costs associated with implementing the required plan under this section;
        4. Identify potential new revenue streams to fund recommendations that are supplemental to existing education funding sources; and
        5. Identify areas of high unemployment in the state where increased efforts can stimulate job growth and employment attainment.
      3. A preliminary plan and recommendations shall be presented to the Governor, the Senate Committee on Education, and the House Committee on Education by July 2020;
    1. Develop and oversee a comprehensive apprenticeship office that serves as the center point for business, industry, and education leaders that want to establish an earn-to-learn apprenticeship program;
    2. Design and create a website that exhibits all aspects of workforce development education, programs, and employment opportunities in the state, and includes without limitation information and opportunities for students, educators, industry leaders, and employers;
    3. Develop a catalogue of nationally recognized credentials that are widely adopted by the respective industries and related to the applicable programs of instruction at each high school, community college, or technical institute or vocational-technical school;
      1. Report on the status of programs of instruction related to the catalogue of nationally recognized credentials developed under subdivision (a)(4) of this section on an annual basis to the Senate Committee on Education and the House Committee on Education beginning January 1, 2020.
      2. The report required under subdivision (a)(5)(A) of this section shall include without limitation related costs associated with seeking and maintaining identified national credentials;
    4. Establish an asset map to identify all state and federal dollars and programs that are intended for workforce education and training from kindergarten through career levels in order to promote alignment of all resources utilized towards the development of an educated and skilled workforce in this state;
    5. Establish an industry sector-led review of related industry-specific programs that are delivered by two-year institutions of higher education and, if applicable, four-year institutions of higher education that includes without limitation:
      1. Curriculum;
      2. Instruction;
      3. Equipment, tools, and technology utilized in instruction;
      4. Employment outcomes;
      5. Partner engagement; and
      6. Program and instructional alignment with widely accepted industry standards or applicable national credentials referenced under subdivision (a)(4) of this section;
    6. Submit a report on the findings of industry-led reviews conducted under subdivision (a)(7) of this section upon completion to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education;
    7. Adopt rules to administer the office and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the programs developed by the office and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board, including without limitation the creation and election of officers subsequent to the initial chairs;
    8. Oversee the office; and
    9. Address other items relative to the quality and operation of workforce development efforts, opportunities, and programs under this subchapter.
  2. The office and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board shall be industry-driven in membership and duties.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2007, No. 617, § 45; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 2388; 2019, No. 1079, § 3.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Career Education” in the section heading and throughout the section and for “board” in present (b)(2); deleted former (a); redesignated former (b) as (a)(1) and (2); inserted “at least” in (a)(1); redesignated former (c) as (b)(1) and (2) and former (d) as (c); substituted “all vocational, technical, and occupational education, including without limitation” for “but not be limited to” in (c)(1); inserted present (c)(2) and redesignated and rewrote present (c)(3); and deleted former (e) and (f).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910, in (a)(2), deleted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board after consultation with the” preceding “State Board of Education” and substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education”.

The 2019 amendment by No. 1079 rewrote the section.

25-30-103. Adult education funds.

The Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the State Board of Education shall remain the sole state agencies to administer any and all state and federal adult education funds.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 787, 2, provided:

“State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities renamed State Board of Career Education.

“(a)(1) The State Board of Workforce Eduction and Career Opportunities, as it is referred to or empowered through the Arkansas Code, is renamed.

“(2) In its place, the State Board of Career Education is established, succeeding to the general powers and responsibilities previously assigned to the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities.

“(3) The Chair of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities shall identify and revise all interagency agreements, financial instruments, funds, and other necessary legal documents in order to effect this change.

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed as impairing the powers and authority of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities before the effective date of the name change.

“(c) Appropriations authorized for the personal services and operating expenses of the State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities may be utilized for the personal services and operating expenses of the State Board of Career Education.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities” in the first sentence; and deleted the former second sentence.

25-30-104. Coordination with State Board of Education and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The State Board of Education shall coordinate its activities to ensure that academic, workplace, and technical skills create opportunities for a strong comprehensive education regardless of the student's ultimate career choice.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 2389.

A.C.R.C. Notes. See note at § 25-30-103.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities.”

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education” for “Department of Education” in the section heading; and deleted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the” preceding “State Board of Education” in the text of the section.

25-30-105. Coordination between Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Career Education and Workforce Development Board.

  1. The Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall coordinate their activities to ensure that secondary and postsecondary career preparation is connected to create opportunities for a strong comprehensive education regardless of the student's ultimate career choice.
  2. In addition, the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall participate in a collaborative planning process annually for the distribution of federal funds for workforce education activities, including vocational-technical education.
  3. The distribution shall be pursuant to written agreement between the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. See note at § 25-30-103.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment added the subsection designations; and substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities.”

25-30-106. Division of Career and Technical Education.

There is created the Division of Career and Technical Education within the Department of Education.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2009, No. 787, § 4; 2013, No. 1438, § 1; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 2390.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2009, No. 787, § 1, provided:

“Department of Workforce Education renamed Department of Career Education.

“(a)(1) The Department of Workforce Education, as it is referred to or empowered through the Arkansas Code, is renamed.

“(2) In its place, the Department of Career Education is established, succeeding to the general powers and responsibilities previously assigned to the Department of Workforce Education.

“(3) The Director of the Department of Workforce Education shall identify and revise all interagency agreements, financial instruments, funds, and other necessary legal documents in order to effect this change.

“(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed as impairing the powers and authority of the Department of Workforce Education before the effective date of the name change.

“(c) Appropriations authorized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Workforce Education may be utilized for the personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Career Education.”

Amendments. The 2009 amendment rewrote the section heading; substituted “Department of Career Education” for “Department of Workforce Education” in four places; and substituted “State Board of Career Education” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities” in (c).

The 2013 amendment substituted “shall” for “must be a person of” in (g); subdivided part of (g) into (g)(1), (g)(2) and (g)(4); and inserted (g)(3).

The 2015 amendment rewrote (a); deleted former (b) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; added designations (b)(1) and (2); substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Career Education” in (b)(1); and substituted “The Governor” for “The board” in the introductory language of (c).

The 2019 amendment rewrote the section.

25-30-107. Powers and duties of Division of Career and Technical Education.

    1. All personnel of the Division of Career and Technical Education shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Department of Education.
    2. However, this section does not reduce any rights or benefits of employees, including retirement benefits, that they had when employed by the Department of Career Education.
    1. The authority and responsibility of the State Board of Education and the division shall include general control and supervision of all programs of vocational, technical, and occupational education in secondary institutions.
    2. This authority shall apply to programs in:
      1. State area vocational high school centers;
      2. State public schools; and
      3. Any other public educational facility or institution now in existence or hereafter established in the state with the exception of technical colleges, community colleges, universities, and colleges.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 910, § 2391.

A.C.R.C. Notes. See note at § 25-30-103.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “Department of Career Education” for “department” in the section heading; and rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Career and Technical Education” for “Department of Career Education” in the section heading and in (a)(1); substituted “Secretary of the Department of Education” for “Director of the Department of Career Education” in (a)(1); in (b)(1), substituted “State Board of Education” for “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” and substituted “division” for “department”; and, in (b)(2), deleted former (A) and (B) and redesignated former (C)-(E) as present (A)-(C).

25-30-108. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning the authority of the Director of the Department of Career Education to enter into contracts, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2392, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5.

25-30-109. Office of Skills Development — Created — Duties.

    1. There is created within the Department of Commerce the Office of Skills Development.
      1. The Director of the Office of Skills Development shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Commerce in consultation with the Career Education and Workforce Development Board.
      2. The director may hire personnel necessary to carry out the duties of the office.
    2. The office shall have exclusive authority to award grants under this section.
  1. The office shall:
      1. Award grants to public and private organizations for the development and implementation of workforce training programs.
      2. An organization that is awarded a grant under this section may use the grant for the training of both new and incumbent employees of businesses in this state.
      3. As a condition for receiving a grant under this subsection, the office may require a public or private organization to provide matching funds at a percentage to be determined by the office;
    1. Design procedures and criteria for awarding grants under this section;
    2. Receive and review applications for grants under this section;
    3. Prescribe the form, nature, and extent of the information that shall be contained in an application for a grant under this section;
    4. Audit and inspect the records of grant recipients;
    5. Require reports from grant recipients; and
      1. Use available labor market information systems to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on current and projected employment opportunities in this state and other appropriate information relating to labor market dynamics as determined by the office.
      2. The office shall make the information contained in the labor market information system available on the office's website.
  2. On or before October 1 of each year, the office shall submit a report to the Governor and the cochairs of the Legislative Council providing an account of the activities and expenditures of the office during the preceding calendar year.
  3. The office shall consult with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in reviewing applications for workforce training grants under this section.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 5; 2019, No. 910, §§ 625, 626.

A.C.R.C. Notes. See note at § 25-30-103.

Acts 2015, No. 985, § 25, provided: “FUND TRANSFER — SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FUND.

Immediately upon the effective date of this Act, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall transfer on his or her books and those of the State Treasurer and the Auditor of the State an amount up to fifteen million, five hundred thirty-four thousand, two hundred fifty-six dollars ($15,534,256) from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Fund Account to the Skills Development Fund at the Department of Career Education for the Office of Skills Development.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment rewrote the section.

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Commerce the” for “Department of Career Education under the oversight of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board an” in (a)(1); substituted “Secretary of the Department of Commerce” for “Director of the Department of Career Education” in (a)(2)(A); substituted “Office of Skills Development” for “Department of Career Education” in (a)(2)(B); deleted “the Department of Career Education and other” following “Use” in (b)(7)(A); and substituted “Office of Skills Development's website” for “Department of Career Education's website” in (b)(7)(B).

Subchapter 2 — Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 867, § 10, provided:

“COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT. Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including VR counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Career Education-Arkansas Rehabilitation Services a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for any eligible employees selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S.D.O.E. Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. The waiver applies to federal financial participation (FFP), state general revenue share, and program income.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 89, § 4, provided: “COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), requires State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to establish qualified personnel standards for rehabilitation personnel, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, that are consistent with any national or State-approved or recognized certification, licensing, or registration that apply to a particular profession. In order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act and its State Plan requirements, there is hereby authorized for the Department of Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind a general waiver of the Financial Management Guide, R1-19-4-522 Continuing Professional Education. This waiver allows the agency to provide college level coursework in degree programs for Rehabilitation Counselors selected by the agency. This provision covers any and all formula and discretionary grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, now or in the future, including, but not limited to, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Supported Employment, Independent Living, and the Staff Development Grant. No state general revenue shall be expended for the tuition in pursuit of a degree authorized herein.

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

Effective Dates. Acts 2015, No. 892, § 8: Apr. 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that Arkansas workforce education operates within a variety of agencies without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming; that this act will bring workforce education programs together under a single umbrella agency; and that this act is immediately necessary because the effectiveness of this act is essential to the operation of the programs for which appropriations will be provided, and 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 and provision 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 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 153: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Building Authority, the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Department of Rural Services, and the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department are inefficiently structured; that this inefficient structuring causes an excessive and unnecessary cost to the taxpayers of the this state; and that this act is essential to alleviating that financial burden. 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 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”.

25-30-201. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

  1. The policy and scope of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be to provide increased employment of individuals with disabilities through the provision of individualized training, independent living services, educational and support services, and meaningful opportunities for employment in integrated work settings to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society.
  2. Pursuant to that policy, rehabilitation services shall be provided to citizens throughout the state, and the rehabilitation plan adopted pursuant to this subchapter shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of the state.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58.

25-30-202. Scope of authority.

  1. All authorities and responsibilities defined in the Rehabilitation Act of Arkansas, § 20-79-201 et seq., shall be administered by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services under the direction of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board, except those transferred to the Division of State Services for the Blind of the Department of Human Services by § 25-10-201 et seq.
  2. Any and all statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, authorized positions, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, or other funds transferred from the Division of Rehabilitation Services to the Department of Human Services by Acts 1985, No. 348, are hereby transferred to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2015, No. 892, § 6; 2019, No. 910, § 627.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015, No. 892, § 1, provided:

“Findings.

“(1) Occupational, technical, and industrial training provides unique opportunities to improve the lives of Arkansans while advancing the state's economic development;

“(2) Businesses seeking to begin operations in Arkansas look to the level of education and skills in the workforce as a key factor in making investment decisions;

“(3) Currently, Arkansas workforce education proceeds in a variety of agencies, without coordination, often with significant inefficiencies arising from overlapping and repeated programming and from important programs being overlooked as presumably covered by another program; and

“(4) Bringing coordination of all state and federal career education and workforce development programs will:

“(A) Reduce duplication of programming;

“(B) Ensure that every Arkansan who seeks occupational, technical, and industrial training will find an appropriate education program in this state;

“(C) Bring consistency and efficiency to the state's career education and workforce development efforts; and

“(D) Alert industry to the commitment of the State of Arkansas to economic development through career education and workforce education.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment substituted “Career Education and Workforce Development Board” for “State Board of Workforce Education and Career Opportunities” in (a); and substituted “Department of Career Education” for “Department of Workforce Education” in (b).

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Career Education” following “Arkansas Rehabilitation Services” in (b).

25-30-203. Powers and duties.

  1. The Division of Workforce Services, through Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, shall provide the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter to eligible physically or mentally disabled individuals and those who can benefit from vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, as determined by the agency to be eligible therefor.
  2. In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized, among other things:
    1. To be the sole state agency to supervise and administer the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter except such part or parts as may be administered by a local agency in a political subdivision of the state, in which case the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be the sole agency to supervise such a local agency in the administration of such part or parts;
    2. To conduct research and compile statistics relative to the provision of services or the need of services of disabled individuals; and
    3. To administer the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Forgiveness of Student Loan Program.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2007, No. 1207, §§ 1, 3; 2019, No. 910, § 628.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 1207, § 3, provided: “This Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Forgiveness of Student Loan Program expires on June 30, 2009.”

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (a), substituted “Division of Workforce Services” for “State Board of Career Education” and “Arkansas Rehabilitation Services” for “the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Career Education”.

25-30-204. Eligibility for retirement systems.

All employees of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as of July 1, 1993, shall be eligible for membership in the Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, or alternate retirement systems.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58.

25-30-205. Office facilities.

The Building Authority Division shall ensure that all offices of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services are exemplary models of accessibility and conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., accessibility guidelines.

History. Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 58; 2007, No. 186, § 12; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 7, § 61; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 8, § 61; 2019, No. 910, §§ 629, 3586.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 1, provided:

“Transfer of the Arkansas Building Authority to the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(a)(1) The Arkansas Building Authority is transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration by a type 2 transfer under § 25-2-105.

“(2) For the purposes of this act, the Department of Finance and Administration shall be considered a principal department established by Acts 1971, No. 38.

“(b) All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds, including the functions of budgeting or purchasing, are transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration, except as specified by this act.

“(c) All powers, duties, and functions, including rulemaking, regulation, and licensing, promulgation of rules, rates, regulations, and standards, and the rendering of findings, orders, and adjudications are transferred to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(d) The members of the Arkansas Building Authority Council, and their successors, shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to the council except as specified in this act.

“(e) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall make appropriate name changes in the Arkansas Code to implement this act.”

Amendments. The 2015 amendment by Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8 substituted “Building Authority Division of the Department of Finance and Administration” for “Arkansas Building Authority.”

The 2019 amendment deleted “of the Department of Finance and Administration” following “Building Authority Division” and “of the Department of Career Education” following “Arkansas Rehabilitation Services”.

25-30-206. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Forgiveness of Student Loan Program.

  1. There is established the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Forgiveness of Student Loan Program to assist counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services with the repayment of student loans.
    1. The program shall be administered by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
    2. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall promulgate rules for determining: a counselor's eligibility for a loan under the program that shall include the following requirements:
      1. Satisfactory completion of any probationary employment period;
      2. Proof of a student loan that remains unpaid, including the name and address of the creditor; and
      3. An executed employment contract in which the counselor agrees to:
        1. Work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for a term that equals two (2) years for each year that the program makes a payment on the counselor's student loan; and
        2. Reimburse the program the full amount of any loan payments made under the program if the counselor resigns or is terminated for cause before the term of the contract terminates.
    3. The amount of the payment to be made directly to the counselor's student loan creditor may not exceed:
      1. Two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year; or
      2. Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per employee.

History. Acts 2007, No. 1207, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 630.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 176, § 10, provided:

“FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. The Forgiveness of Student Loan Program shall be available to counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that have been determined eligible by rules promulgated by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as required by Arkansas Code § 25-30-206. These rules shall be submitted to the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council and receive prior review. These rules must include the following eligibility requirements:

“(1) Satisfactory completion of any probationary period;

“(2) Proof of a student loan that remains unpaid, including the name and address of the creditor;

“(3) An executed employment contract in which the counselor agrees to the following:

“(a) work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for a term that equals two (2) years for each year that the program makes a payment on the counselor's student loan and

“(b) reimburse the program the full amount of any loan payments made under this program in the event that the counselor resigns or is terminated for cause before the term of the contract terminates.

“The amount of payment to be made directly to the counselor's student loan creditor may not exceed:

“(1) Two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year; or

“(2) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per employee.

“The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall pay for the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program from the Rehabilitation Program Grants — Grants and Aid line item authorized for the appropriation entitled Rehabilitation Services — Operations in an amount not to exceed eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per fiscal year.

“In addition, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall provide a formal, written notification to all counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the availability of the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program by July 1 of each fiscal year. The agency shall include with the notification, the promulgated rules which shall outline the eligibility requirements for participation.

“The agency shall submit a copy of this notification to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee by July 1 of each fiscal year. In addition, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall report bi-annually, by the 15th day of the month following the end of each six month period, to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee the number of employees participating in the program.”

Acts 2015, No. 867, § 11, provided:

“FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. The Forgiveness of Student Loan Program shall be available to counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that have been determined eligible by rules promulgated by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as required by Arkansas Code § 25-30-206. These rules shall be submitted to the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council and receive prior review. These rules must include the following eligibility requirements:

“(1) Satisfactory completion of any probationary period;

“(2) Proof of a student loan that remains unpaid, including the name and address of the creditor;

“(3) An executed employment contract in which the counselor agrees to the following:

“(a) work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for a term that equals two (2) years for each year that the program makes a payment on the counselor's student loan and

“(b) reimburse the program the full amount of any loan payments made under this program in the event that the counselor resigns or is terminated for cause before the term of the contract terminates.

“The amount of payment to be made directly to the counselor's student loan creditor may not exceed:

“(1) Two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year; or

“(2) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per employee.

“The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall pay for the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program from the Rehabilitation Program Grants — Grants and Aid line item authorized for the appropriation entitled Rehabilitation Services — Operations in an amount not to exceed eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per fiscal year.

“In addition, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall provide a formal, written notification to all counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the availability of the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program by July 1 of each fiscal year. The agency shall include with the notification, the promulgated rules which shall outline the eligibility requirements for participation.

“The agency shall submit a copy of this notification to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee by July 1 of each fiscal year. In addition, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall report bi-annually, by the 15th day of the month following the end of each six month period, to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee the number of employees participating in the program.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Acts 2016, No. 120, § 11, provided:

“FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. The Forgiveness of Student Loan Program shall be available to counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services that have been determined eligible by rules promulgated by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as required by Arkansas Code § 25-30-206. These rules shall be submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee under § 10-3-309 and receive review and approval. These rules must include the following eligibility requirements:

“(1) Satisfactory completion of any probationary period;

“(2) Proof of a student loan that remains unpaid, including the name and address of the creditor;

“(3) An executed employment contract in which the counselor agrees to the following:

“(a) work for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for a term that equals two (2) years for each year that the program makes a payment on the counselor's student loan and

“(b) reimburse the program the full amount of any loan payments made under this program in the event that the counselor resigns or is terminated for cause before the term of the contract terminates.

“The amount of payment to be made directly to the counselor's student loan creditor may not exceed:

“(1) Two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year; or

“(2) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per employee.

“The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall pay for the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program from the Rehabilitation Program Grants — Grants and Aid line item authorized for the appropriation entitled Rehabilitation Services — Operations in an amount not to exceed eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per fiscal year.

“In addition, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services agency shall provide a formal, written notification to all counselors employed by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the availability of the Forgiveness of Student Loan Program by July 1 of each fiscal year. The agency shall include with the notification, the promulgated rules which shall outline the eligibility requirements for participation.

“The agency shall submit a copy of this notification to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee by July 1 of each fiscal year. In addition, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall report bi-annually, by the 15th day of the month following the end of each six month period, to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee the number of employees participating in the program.

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

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Arkansas Rehabilitation Services” for “the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Career Education” in (b)(1).

Chapter 31 Electronic Records and Signatures

25-31-101. Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Electronic Records and Signatures Act”.

History. Acts 1999, No. 718, § 1.

25-31-102. Construction.

The provisions of this chapter shall be construed to promote the development of electronic government and electronic commerce. The Secretary of State shall develop guidelines for the use of electronic signatures and provide a register of electronic signature verification companies.

History. Acts 1999, No. 718, § 2.

25-31-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter the term:

  1. “Electronic signature” means an electronic or digital method executed or adopted by a party with the intent to be bound by or to authenticate a record, which is:
    1. Unique to the person using it;
    2. Capable of verification;
    3. Under the sole control of the person using it; and
    4. Linked to data in such a manner that if the data are changed the electronic signature is invalidated;
  2. “Electronic signature verification company” means a company providing verification of an electronic signature. An electronic signature verification company shall obtain a surety bond in the amount of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000);
  3. “Person” means a natural person, corporation, trust, partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, or any other legal entity and also includes any department, agency, authority, or instrumentality of the state or its political subdivisions; and
  4. “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. “Record” includes both electronic records and printed, typewritten, and tangible records.

History. Acts 1999, No. 718, § 3.

25-31-104. Agreement to electronic record or signature.

  1. Any person may, but shall not be required to, accept or agree to be bound by an electronic record which is:
    1. Executed or adopted with an electronic signature; and
    2. Witnessed or notarized using an electronic signature, when that acceptance or agreement is otherwise required to be witnessed or notarized.
  2. When a person or other entity accepts or agrees to be bound by an electronic record as provided in this section, then any rule of law which requires:
    1. A record of that type to be in writing, shall be deemed satisfied;
    2. A signature, shall be deemed satisfied; and
    3. A witness or notary, shall be deemed satisfied by the electronic signature of the witness or notary.

History. Acts 1999, No. 718, § 4.

25-31-105. Unauthorized use of electronic signature.

  1. A person whose electronic signature is used in an unauthorized fashion may recover or obtain any or all of the following against the person who engaged in such an unauthorized use, provided that the use of the electronic signature in an unauthorized fashion was negligent, reckless, or intentional:
    1. Actual damages;
    2. Equitable relief, including, but not limited to, an injunction or restitution of money or property;
    3. Punitive damages under the circumstances set forth in Arkansas law;
    4. Reasonable attorney's fees and expenses; and
    5. Any other relief which the court deems proper.
  2. Nothing in this section shall preclude criminal sanctions.
  3. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to waive the sovereign immunity otherwise provided by law to the state or any of its political subdivisions.

History. Acts 1999, No. 718, § 5.

Chapter 32 Uniform Electronic Transactions Act

Effective Dates. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 21: Mar. 19, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly that modern commerce in this State requires the use of, and will be facilitated by electronic signatures and electronic transactions, that presently Arkansas law is preempted by federal law concerning that subject matter by the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act; that under the federal act the federal preemption may be largely and immediately be displaced by the enactment of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; that the latter act contains provisions not contained in the current act and the additional provisions would be of immediate advantage to electronic commerce in Arkansas; and the latter act has already been adopted in over two-dozen states, resulting in potential economic advantage to those states over Arkansas. 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. 751, § 38: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act dissolves and transfers the duties of the Executive Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Office of Information Technology; and that dissolving the offices at the beginning of the state's fiscal year will result in a more efficient transfer of responsibilities and funds. 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 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

ALR.

Construction and Application of Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. 4 A.L.R.7th Art. 2 (2015).

25-32-101. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act”.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 1.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 603.

25-32-102. Definitions.

In this chapter:

  1. “Agreement” means the bargain of the parties in fact, as found in their language or inferred from other circumstances and from rules, regulations, and procedures given the effect of agreements under laws otherwise applicable to a particular transaction.
  2. “Automated transaction” means a transaction conducted or performed, in whole or in part, by electronic means or electronic records, in which the acts or records of one or both parties are not reviewed by an individual in the ordinary course in forming a contract, performing under an existing contract, or fulfilling an obligation required by the transaction.
  3. “Computer program” means a set of statements or instructions to be used directly or indirectly in an information processing system in order to bring about a certain result.
  4. “Contract” means the total legal obligation resulting from the parties' agreement as affected by this chapter and other applicable law.
  5. “Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
  6. “Electronic agent” means a computer program or an electronic or other automated means used independently to initiate an action or respond to electronic records or performances in whole or in part, without review or action by an individual.
  7. “Electronic record” means a record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.
  8. “Electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
  9. “Governmental agency” means an executive, legislative, or judicial agency, department, board, commission, authority, institution, or instrumentality of the federal government or of a State or of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of a State.
  10. “Information” means data, text, images, sounds, codes, computer programs, software, databases, or the like.
  11. “Information processing system” means an electronic system for creating, generating, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, or processing information.
  12. “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, governmental agency, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.
  13. “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
  14. “Security procedure” means a procedure employed for the purpose of verifying that an electronic signature, record, or performance is that of a specific person or for detecting changes or errors in the information in an electronic record. The term includes a procedure that requires the use of algorithms or other codes, identifying words or numbers, encryption, or callback or other acknowledgment procedures.
  15. “State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan native village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a State.
    1. “State agency” means all state departments, boards, and commissions.
    2. “State agency” does not mean elected constitutional officers and their employees, members of the General Assembly and their staff, the Supreme Court, or the Administrative Office of the Courts.
  16. “Transaction” means an action or set of actions occurring between two or more persons relating to the conduct of business, commercial, or governmental affairs.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 2.

25-32-103. Scope.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), this chapter applies to electronic records and electronic signatures relating to a transaction.
  2. This chapter does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by:
    1. a law governing the creation and execution of wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts; and
    2. the Uniform Commercial Code other than §§ 4-1-107 and 4-1-206, Chapter 2, and Chapter 2A.
  3. This chapter applies to an electronic record or electronic signature otherwise excluded from the application of this chapter under subsection (b) to the extent it is governed by a law other than those specified in subsection (b).
  4. A transaction subject to this chapter is also subject to other applicable substantive law.
  5. This chapter is an enactment of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as approved and recommended for enactment in all the States by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 1999 and therefore, pursuant to Section 102(a) of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, modifies, limits, or supercedes the provisions of Section 101 of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act to the extent therein authorized.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 3.

U.S. Code. Sections 102(a) and 101 of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act referred to in this section are codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 7002(a) and 7001, respectively.

25-32-104. Prospective application.

This chapter applies to any electronic record or electronic signature created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored on or after March 19, 2001.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 4.

25-32-105. Use of electronic records and electronic signatures — Variation by agreement.

  1. This chapter does not require a record or signature to be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, stored, or otherwise processed or used by electronic means or in electronic form.
  2. This chapter applies only to transactions between parties each of which has agreed to conduct transactions by electronic means. Whether the parties agree to conduct a transaction by electronic means is determined from the context and surrounding circumstances, including the parties' conduct.
  3. A party that agrees to conduct a transaction by electronic means may refuse to conduct other transactions by electronic means. The right granted by this subsection may not be waived by agreement.
  4. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the effect of any of its provisions may be varied by agreement. The presence in certain provisions of this chapter of the words “unless otherwise agreed”, or words of similar import, does not imply that the effect of other provisions may not be varied by agreement.
  5. Whether an electronic record or electronic signature has legal consequences is determined by this chapter and other applicable law.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 5.

25-32-106. Construction and application.

This chapter must be construed and applied:

  1. to facilitate electronic transactions consistent with other applicable law;
  2. to be consistent with reasonable practices concerning electronic transactions and with the continued expansion of those practices; and
  3. to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this chapter among States enacting it.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 6.

25-32-107. Legal recognition of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts.

  1. A record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.
  2. A contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because an electronic record was used in its formation.
  3. If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law.
  4. If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 7.

Case Notes

Signature.

Insured's wife completed an online application expressly rejecting medical benefits coverage, as under subsection (c) of this section the record of the wife's electronic signature that memorialized the wife's rejection of coverage qualified as a written rejection of benefits under § 23-89-203. Barwick v. Government Employee Ins. Co., 2011 Ark. 128 (2011).

25-32-108. Provision of information in writing — Presentation of records.

  1. If parties have agreed to conduct a transaction by electronic means and a law requires a person to provide, send, or deliver information in writing to another person, the requirement is satisfied if the information is provided, sent, or delivered, as the case may be, in an electronic record capable of retention by the recipient at the time of receipt. An electronic record is not capable of retention by the recipient if the sender or its information processing system inhibits the ability of the recipient to print or store the electronic record.
  2. If a law other than this chapter requires a record (i) to be posted or displayed in a certain manner, (ii) to be sent, communicated, or transmitted by a specified method, or (iii) to contain information that is formatted in a certain manner, the following rules apply:
    1. The record must be posted or displayed in the manner specified in the other law.
    2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(2), the record must be sent, communicated, or transmitted by the method specified in the other law.
    3. The record must contain the information formatted in the manner specified in the other law.
  3. If a sender inhibits the ability of a recipient to store or print an electronic record, the electronic record is not enforceable against the recipient.
  4. The requirements of this section may not be varied by agreement, but:
    1. to the extent a law other than this chapter requires information to be provided, sent, or delivered in writing but permits that requirement to be varied by agreement, the requirement under subsection (a) that the information be in the form of an electronic record capable of retention may also be varied by agreement; and
    2. a requirement under a law other than this chapter to send, communicate, or transmit a record by first-class mail, postage prepaid or regular United States mail, may be varied by agreement to the extent permitted by the other law.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 8.

25-32-109. Attribution and effect of electronic record and electronic signature.

  1. An electronic record or electronic signature is attributable to a person if it was the act of the person. The act of the person may be shown in any manner, including a showing of the efficacy of any security procedure applied to determine the person to which the electronic record or electronic signature was attributable.
  2. The effect of an electronic record or electronic signature attributed to a person under subsection (a) is determined from the context and surrounding circumstances at the time of its creation, execution, or adoption, including the parties' agreement, if any, and otherwise as provided by law.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 9.

25-32-110. Effect of change or error.

If a change or error in an electronic record occurs in a transmission between parties to a transaction, the following rules apply:

  1. If the parties have agreed to use a security procedure to detect changes or errors and one party has conformed to the procedure, but the other party has not, and the nonconforming party would have detected the change or error had that party also conformed, the conforming party may avoid the effect of the changed or erroneous electronic record.
  2. In an automated transaction involving an individual, the individual may avoid the effect of an electronic record that resulted from an error made by the individual in dealing with the electronic agent of another person if the electronic agent did not provide an opportunity for the prevention or correction of the error and, at the time the individual learns of the error, the individual:
    1. promptly notifies the other person of the error and that the individual did not intend to be bound by the electronic record received by the other person;
    2. takes reasonable steps, including steps that conform to the other person's reasonable instructions, to return to the other person or, if instructed by the other person, to destroy the consideration received, if any, as a result of the erroneous electronic record; and
    3. has not used or received any benefit or value from the consideration, if any, received from the other person.
  3. If neither paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) applies, the change or error has the effect provided by other law, including the law of mistake, and the parties' contract, if any.
  4. Paragraphs (2) and (3) may not be varied by agreement.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 10.

25-32-111. Notarization and acknowledgment.

If a law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified, or made under oath, the requirement is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform those acts, together with all other information required to be included by other applicable law, is attached to or logically associated with the signature or record.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 11.

25-32-112. Retention of electronic records — Originals.

  1. If a law requires that a record be retained, the requirement is satisfied by retaining an electronic record of the information in the record which:
    1. accurately reflects the information set forth in the record after it was first generated in its final form as an electronic record or otherwise; and
    2. remains accessible for later reference.
  2. A requirement to retain a record in accordance with subsection (a) does not apply to any information the sole purpose of which is to enable the record to be sent, communicated, or received.
  3. A person may satisfy subsection (a) by using the services of another person if the requirements of that subsection are satisfied.
  4. If a law requires a record to be presented or retained in its original form, or provides consequences if the record is not presented or retained in its original form, that law is satisfied by an electronic record retained in accordance with subsection (a).
  5. If a law requires retention of a check, that requirement is satisfied by retention of an electronic record of the information on the front and back of the check in accordance with subsection (a).
  6. A record retained as an electronic record in accordance with subsection (a) satisfies a law requiring a person to retain a record for evidentiary, audit, or like purposes, unless a law enacted after March 19, 2001, specifically prohibits the use of an electronic record for the specified purpose.
  7. This section does not preclude a governmental agency of this State from specifying additional requirements for the retention of a record subject to the agency's jurisdiction.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 12.

25-32-113. Admissibility in evidence.

In a proceeding, evidence of a record or signature may not be excluded solely because it is in electronic form.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 13.

25-32-114. Automated transaction.

In an automated transaction, the following rules apply:

  1. A contract may be formed by the interaction of electronic agents of the parties, even if no individual was aware of or reviewed the electronic agents' actions or the resulting terms and agreements.
  2. A contract may be formed by the interaction of an electronic agent and an individual, acting on the individual's own behalf or for another person, including by an interaction in which the individual performs actions that the individual is free to refuse to perform and which the individual knows or has reason to know will cause the electronic agent to complete the transaction or performance.
  3. The terms of the contract are determined by the substantive law applicable to it.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 14.

25-32-115. Time and place of sending and receipt.

  1. Unless otherwise agreed between the sender and the recipient, an electronic record is sent when it:
    1. is addressed properly or otherwise directed properly to an information processing system that the recipient has designated or uses for the purpose of receiving electronic records or information of the type sent and from which the recipient is able to retrieve the electronic record;
    2. is in a form capable of being processed by that system; and
    3. enters an information processing system outside the control of the sender or of a person that sent the electronic record on behalf of the sender or enters a region of the information processing system designated or used by the recipient which is under the control of the recipient.
  2. Unless otherwise agreed between a sender and the recipient, an electronic record is received when:
    1. it enters an information processing system that the recipient has designated or uses for the purpose of receiving electronic records or information of the type sent and from which the recipient is able to retrieve the electronic record; and
    2. it is in a form capable of being processed by that system.
  3. Subsection (b) applies even if the place the information processing system is located is different from the place the electronic record is deemed to be received under subsection (d).
  4. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the electronic record or agreed between the sender and the recipient, an electronic record is deemed to be sent from the sender's place of business and to be received at the recipient's place of business. For purposes of this subsection, the following rules apply:
    1. If the sender or recipient has more than one place of business, the place of business of that person is the place having the closest relationship to the underlying transaction.
    2. If the sender or the recipient does not have a place of business, the place of business is the sender's or recipient's residence, as the case may be.
  5. An electronic record is received under subsection (b) even if no individual is aware of its receipt.
  6. Receipt of an electronic acknowledgment from an information processing system described in subsection (b) establishes that a record was received but, by itself, does not establish that the content sent corresponds to the content received.
  7. If a person is aware that an electronic record purportedly sent under subsection (a), or purportedly received under subsection (b), was not actually sent or received, the legal effect of the sending or receipt is determined by other applicable law. Except to the extent permitted by the other law, the requirements of this subsection may not be varied by agreement.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 15.

25-32-116. Transferable records.

  1. In this section, “transferable record” means an electronic record that:
    1. would be a note under Chapter 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code or a document under Chapter 7 of the Uniform Commercial Code if the electronic record were in writing; and
    2. the issuer of the electronic record expressly has agreed is a transferable record.
  2. A person has control of a transferable record if a system employed for evidencing the transfer of interests in the transferable record reliably establishes that person as the person to which the transferable record was issued or transferred.
  3. A system satisfies subsection (b), and a person is deemed to have control of a transferable record, if the transferable record is created, stored, and assigned in such a manner that:
    1. a single authoritative copy of the transferable record exists which is unique, identifiable, and, except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), unalterable;
    2. the authoritative copy identifies the person asserting control as:
      1. the person to which the transferable record was issued; or
      2. if the authoritative copy indicates that the transferable record has been transferred, the person to which the transferable record was most recently transferred;
    3. the authoritative copy is communicated to and maintained by the person asserting control or its designated custodian;
    4. copies or revisions that add or change an identified assignee of the authoritative copy can be made only with the consent of the person asserting control;
    5. each copy of the authoritative copy and any copy of a copy is readily identifiable as a copy that is not the authoritative copy; and
    6. any revision of the authoritative copy is readily identifiable as authorized or unauthorized.
  4. Except as otherwise agreed, a person having control of a transferable record is the holder, as defined in § 4-1-201 of the Uniform Commercial Code, § 4-1-101 et seq., of the transferable record and has the same rights and defenses as a holder of an equivalent record or writing under the Uniform Commercial Code, § 4-1-101 et seq., including, if the applicable statutory requirements under § 4-3-302(a), § 4-7-501, or § 4-9-308 of the Uniform Commercial Code, § 4-1-101 et seq., are satisfied, the rights and defenses of a holder in due course, a holder to which a negotiable document of title has been duly negotiated, or a purchaser, respectively. Delivery, possession, and indorsement are not required to obtain or exercise any of the rights under this subsection.
  5. Except as otherwise agreed, an obligor under a transferable record has the same rights and defenses as an equivalent obligor under equivalent records or writings under the Uniform Commercial Code, § 4-1-101 et seq.
  6. If requested by a person against which enforcement is sought, the person seeking to enforce the transferable record shall provide reasonable proof that the person is in control of the transferable record. Proof may include access to the authoritative copy of the transferable record and related business records sufficient to review the terms of the transferable record and to establish the identity of the person having control of the transferable record.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 16.

25-32-117. Creation and retention of electronic records and conversion of written records by governmental agencies.

  1. Each governmental agency of this State shall determine whether and the extent to which it will create and retain electronic records and convert written records to electronic records.
  2. Each state agency shall comply with applicable standards and policies adopted or established by the Department of Transformation and Shared Services with advice and review from the Division of Information Systems to determine whether and the extent to which it will retain and convert written records to electronic records.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 17; 2007, No. 751, § 23; 2019, No. 910, § 6318.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (b), substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems”.

25-32-118. Acceptance and distribution of electronic records by governmental agencies.

    1. Except as otherwise provided in § 25-32-112(f), each governmental agency of this state shall determine whether and the extent to which it will send and accept electronic records and electronic signatures to and from other persons and otherwise create, generate, communicate, store, process, use, and rely upon electronic records and electronic signatures.
    2. For state agencies, the determinations shall be consistent with applicable standards and policies adopted or established by the Department of Transformation and Shared Services with advice and review from the Division of Information Systems.
  1. To the extent that a governmental agency uses electronic records and electronic signatures under subsection (a), the governmental agency, giving due consideration to security, may specify:
    1. The manner and format in which the electronic records must be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, and stored and the systems established for those purposes;
    2. If electronic records must be signed by electronic means, the type of electronic signature required, the manner and format in which the electronic signature must be affixed to the electronic record, and the identity of, or criteria that must be met by, any third party used by a person filing a document to facilitate the process;
    3. Control processes and procedures as appropriate to ensure adequate preservation, disposition, integrity, security, confidentiality, and auditability of electronic records; and
    4. Any other required attributes for electronic records which are specified for corresponding nonelectronic records or reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
  2. Except as otherwise provided in § 25-32-112(f), this chapter does not require a governmental agency of this State to use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 18; 2007, No. 751, § 24; 2019, No. 910, § 6319.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment, in (a)(2), substituted “Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Department of Finance and Administration” and substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems”.

25-32-119. Interoperability.

With respect to standards adopted pursuant to § 25-32-118, the Department of Finance and Administration may encourage and promote consistency and interoperability with similar requirements adopted by other governmental agencies of this and other states and the federal government and nongovernmental persons interacting with governmental agencies of this state. If appropriate, those standards may specify differing levels of standards from which governmental agencies of this State may choose in implementing the most appropriate standard for a particular application.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 19; 2007, No. 751, § 25.

25-32-120. Severability clause.

If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

History. Acts 2001, No. 905, § 20.

Meaning of “this act”. Acts 2001, No. 905, codified as §§ 25-32-101—25-32-120.

25-32-121. [Reserved.]

A.C.R.C. Notes. This section of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, an effective date provision, was not adopted in Arkansas. For the effective date of Acts 2001, No. 905, see the note at the beginning of this chapter.

25-32-122. Signatures and records secured through blockchain technology — Definitions.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Blockchain distributed ledger technology” means technology that uses a distributed, decentralized, shared, and replicated ledger that is:
      1. Either:
        1. Public; or
        2. Private;
      2. Either:
        1. Permissioned; or
        2. Permissionless; and
      3. Contains data that is:
        1. Securely protected with cryptography;
        2. Immutable;
        3. Auditable; and
        4. Provides an uncensored truth;
    2. “Blockchain technology” means a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording one (1) or more transactions and tracking one (1) or more tangible or intangible assets in a business network; and
    3. “Smart contract” means:
      1. Business logic that runs on a blockchain; or
      2. A software program that stores rules on a shared and replicated ledger and uses the stored rules for:
        1. Negotiating the terms of a contract;
        2. Automatically verifying the contract; and
        3. Executing the terms of a contract.
  2. A signature that is secured through blockchain technology shall be considered to be in electronic form and an electronic signature.
  3. A record or contract that is secured through blockchain technology shall be considered to be in electronic form and an electronic record.
    1. A smart contract shall be considered a commercial contract.
    2. A contract that contains a smart contract term and relates to a transaction shall not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability.

History. Acts 2019, No. 1061, § 1.

Chapter 33 State Technology Council

Effective Dates. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 9: Mar. 22, 2001. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby found and determined by the Eighty-third General Assembly that the position of the Executive Chief Information Officer and CIO Council are needed immediately to undertake the technology initiatives set before them. 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.”

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

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”.

25-33-101. State Technology Council.

  1. There is created the State Technology Council to consist of the following members:
    1. The Director of the Division of Information Systems or his or her designee who shall act as chair of the council;
    2. The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services or his or her designee;
    3. Two (2) members from the private sector appointed by the Governor with knowledge and experience in the management and implementation of information technology; and
    4. Two (2) members from state agencies appointed by the Governor who have knowledge and experience in the management and implementation of information technology.
  2. The council shall be responsible for developing:
    1. The information technology standards and specifications for state agencies;
    2. A state information technology plan that shall establish state-level mission, goals, and objectives for the use of information technology; and
    3. Technical standards and specifications to support the state's shared enterprise architecture.
  3. The council may meet as deemed necessary by the chair of the council.
  4. A quorum of the council shall consist of three (3) members.
  5. Members of the council shall serve without compensation.
  6. The chair of the council shall file a quarterly status report with the Governor and the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 1; 2007, No. 751, § 26; 2019, No. 910, § 6320.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Information Systems” for “Department of Information Systems” in (a)(1); and substituted “Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services” for “Director of the Department of Finance and Administration” in (a)(2).

25-33-102 — 25-33-107. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning definitions, the duties of the Executive Chief Information Officer, the CIO Council, and Information Technology Oversight Committee, were repealed by Acts 2007, No. 751, §§ 27-32. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-33-102. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 2.

25-33-103. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 3; 2001, No. 1722, § 16.

25-33-104. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 4; 2001, No. 1722, § 17; 2005, No. 918, § 2.

25-33-105. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 5.

25-33-106. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 6.

25-33-107. Acts 2001, No. 1042, § 7; 2001, No. 1722, § 18.

Subchapter 2 — Arkansas Technology Infrastructure Fund

25-33-201 — 25-33-205. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. These sections, concerning findings and purpose, the Arkansas Technology Infrastructure Fund creation, project standards and methodologies, project funding, and applicability, were repealed by Acts 2007, No. 751, §§ 33-37. The sections were derived from the following sources:

25-33-201. Acts 2005, No. 2248, § 1.

25-33-202. Acts 2005, No. 2248, § 1.

25-33-203. Acts 2005, No. 2248, § 1.

25-33-204. Acts 2005, No. 2248, § 1.

25-33-205. Acts 2005, No. 2248, § 1.

Chapter 34 Arkansas Computer and Electronic Solid Waste Management

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 11, provided:

“Long Term Options.

  1. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is directed to study the current and future solutions for long term disposal options for the entire state to include: (1) Parts Harvesting; (2) Reuse; (3) Donation; (4) Demanufacturing; and (5) New and emerging technology solutions.

“(b) This report is to be submitted to the Legislative Council for review upon completion.”

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”.

25-34-101. Title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Arkansas Computer and Electronic Solid Waste Management Act”.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 1.

Research References

U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev.

Survey of Legislation, 2001 Arkansas General Assembly, Public Agencies, 24 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 601.

25-34-102. Findings and purpose.

  1. The General Assembly finds that:
    1. Computer and electronic solid waste is among the fastest growing and most toxic segments of Arkansas' solid waste stream;
      1. The state must frequently upgrade and replace computers, telecommunications devices, and other technologically sophisticated equipment necessary to the efficient operation of state government.
        1. The necessary purchase of up-to-date computers, telecommunications devices, and other technological equipment for state government use often results in a surplus of existing equipment that, while unfit for state government purposes, is still useful and marketable for less complex and less high-speed dependent use.
        2. Surplus equipment is generally stored by the owner agency until the equipment is cleared of all government software and files.
        3. By the time surplus computer equipment is delivered to the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration, it is generally technologically obsolete and has lost considerable value, resulting in a significant waste of potential revenue to the State of Arkansas;
    2. Computers and electronic equipment not sold by the Marketing and Redistribution Section may be disposed of in state landfill space until January 1, 2008; and
    3. There are disposal and recycling options other than landfill disposal to address this problem, including:
      1. Parts harvesting;
      2. Reuse;
      3. Resale;
      4. Donation; and
      5. Demanufacturing.
  2. This chapter is intended to:
    1. Achieve the maximum possible benefit from use of state agency-owned computers, electronics, and peripherals;
    2. Achieve maximum benefit from sale of surplus state agency assets; and
    3. Protect the public health, safety, and the environment by mandating that steps be taken to address the solid waste management of computers and other electronic solid waste statewide.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 2; 2005, No. 970, § 1.

25-34-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Agency” means every department, division, office, board, commission, and institution of this state, including state-supported institutions of higher education;
  2. “Computer” means a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information;
    1. “Consumer electronic item” means a personal computer, computer component, audio player, stereo player, videocassette player, facsimile machine, copy machine, cellular telephone, wireless paging device, video game console, or any electronic item containing an intact or broken cathode ray tube.
    2. An electronic item containing a cathode ray tube includes a television, computer monitor, or any other cathode ray tube monitor or display device;
  3. “Degauss” means the complete removal of information from the hard drive of a computer;
    1. “Demanufacturing” means end-of-life disposition of electronic devices and computers.
    2. “Demanufacturing” includes recovery of hard drives and chips with resale value, the removal of commodities such as copper, aluminum, and gold for sale to scrap consumers, the removal and hazardous-waste disposal of toxins and heavy metals, and the shredding or melting of materials that can be sold and manufactured into new products;
  4. “Disposal” means the discharge, deposit, injection, spilling, leaking, placing, or dumping of any computer or electronic waste into or on any land or water in whatever manner so that the waste or any constituent thereof might enter the environment or be emitted into the air or be discharged into the waters of the state, including groundwaters;
  5. “Electronics” means devices utilizing electrons and electric circuits, including household appliances, televisions, recording and playing devices for music or video tapes, compact discs, and digital technology;
  6. “Fugitive amounts of consumer electronic items” means small quantities that escape the approved methods of usage, reduction, reuse, or recycling;
  7. “Fund” means the Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund established by this chapter;
  8. “Recycle” means the use of previously manufactured materials including metals, glass, and plastics in the manufacture of new products;
  9. “Reuse” means use of electronics, computers, and equipment for harvesting of spare parts, resale, or donation; and
  10. “Surplus computer equipment” means computer components no longer in use in an agency and which have residual market value.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 3; 2005, No. 970, § 2.

25-34-104. Agency policy.

    1. Each agency shall prepare and implement an agency-wide policy for the management and sale of agency surplus computer equipment and electronics in accord with the Director of the Division of Information Systems policies for review and replacement of computer and electronic equipment.
    2. The policy shall mandate that all hard drives of surplus computer equipment be degaussed, cleared of all data and software, and be otherwise prepared for sale within ninety (90) days after replacement.
    3. The policy may provide that computers and electronic equipment first be offered for sale to agency personnel after degaussing of the hard drive.
      1. The policy shall allow each agency to keep a back stock of computer hardware and electronics for the purpose of parts harvesting for the repair, maintenance, and upgrade of computers in use.
      2. Back stock shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the number of state employee computers in the agency.
    4. The policy shall include a provision that state employees purchasing state agency computers and electronic equipment accept the computer or equipment on an “as-is” basis, without any warranty of any kind by the agency.
  1. The policy shall be presented to the director and the Legislative Council for review.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 4; 2005, No. 970, § 3; 2019, No. 910, §§ 6321, 6322.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Director of the Division of Information Systems” for “Director of the Department of Information Systems” in (a)(1) and (b); and deleted “Within sixty (60) days after August 12, 2005” from the beginning of (b).

25-34-105. Agency authority and accounting.

  1. Each agency shall apply the administrative procedures of the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration to the sale.
  2. Within sixty (60) days after August 13, 2001, each agency shall prepare a plan to account for the sale of used equipment and present that plan for review to the Department of Finance and Administration, the Executive Chief Information Officer, and the Legislative Council.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 5.

25-34-106. Sale of surplus computer equipment and electronics.

  1. If an agency policy established under § 25-34-104 provides for the preferential sale of surplus computer and electronic equipment to agency employees, that computer and electronic equipment shall be sold at a price determined by the Department of Finance and Administration.
  2. If an agency policy established under § 25-34-104 provides for the preferential sale of surplus computer and electronic equipment to Arkansas public schools or local governments, that computer and electronic equipment shall be sold at a price determined by the Department of Finance and Administration.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 6; 2005, No. 970, § 4.

25-34-107. Surplus equipment not sold.

    1. Unsold surplus computer and electronic equipment may be donated by the owning agency to Arkansas public schools or local governments if the agency policy so provides.
    2. Arkansas public schools and local governments are not required but may choose to accept unsold surplus computer and electronic equipment donated by the owning agency.
    1. Unsold surplus computer and electronic equipment may be donated by the owning agency to law enforcement agencies if the agency policy so provides.
    2. Law enforcement agencies are not required but may choose to accept unsold surplus computer and electronic equipment donated by the owning agency.
    1. Unsold surplus computer equipment may be sent to the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration for sale, auction, recycling, donation, demanufacturing, or disposal.
    2. Alternatively, the agency may maintain possession of computers and electronics and allow the Marketing and Redistribution Section to sell or auction the computer or electronic equipment via an Internet website.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 7; 2003, No. 1028, § 1; 2005, No. 970, § 5.

25-34-108. Disbursement of revenues.

Funds generated from the sale of agency surplus computer and electronic equipment to state employees, public schools, or by other sale shall be allocated as follows:

  1. If the sale of surplus computer or electronic equipment is made within the agency:
    1. Sixty percent (60%) of the proceeds shall be returned to the owning agency;
    2. Fifteen percent (15%) of the proceeds shall be deposited with the Marketing and Redistribution Section of the Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration; and
    3. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the proceeds shall be deposited in the Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund established by this chapter;
  2. If the sale of surplus computer or electronic equipment is outside the agency and conducted by the Marketing and Redistribution Section:
    1. Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds shall be returned to the owning agency;
    2. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the proceeds shall be deposited with the Marketing and Redistribution Section; and
    3. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the proceeds shall be deposited in the Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund established by this chapter and § 19-5-1217.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 8.

25-34-109. Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund.

  1. There is established on the books of the Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a fund to be known as the “Computer and Electronic Recycling Fund”.
  2. The fund shall be administered by the Division of Environmental Quality and may be used to:
    1. Promote market research and development grants to determine the most efficient means of collecting, transporting, and processing scrap electronic equipment;
    2. Work with the Department of Finance and Administration and the Marketing and Redistribution Section to establish statewide contracts for computer and electronics recycling and demanufacturing businesses; and
    3. Support and fund other measures necessary to implement and promote the recycling, donation, demanufacturing, or disposal options for computers and electronic equipment.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 9; 2019, No. 910, § 3251.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 9, is also codified as § 19-5-1217.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Environmental Quality” for “Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality” in (b).

25-34-110. Computer and electronic equipment recycling grants.

  1. Electronic equipment recycling grants must be awarded on the basis of written grant-request proposals submitted to and approved by the Division of Environmental Quality.
  2. Grant requests shall be considered based upon the following criteria:
    1. The development of sustained processes for recovery, recycling, and demanufacturing of scrap computers and electronics;
    2. Minimization and elimination of substantial volumes of this material as waste;
    3. Creation of Arkansas jobs;
    4. Return of investment analysis; and
    5. Available funds.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 10; 2019, No. 910, § 3252.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Environmental Quality” for “Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality” in (a).

25-34-111. Computer and electronic equipment landfill ban.

Effective January 1, 2010, the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission may establish and implement rules banning the disposal of all computer and electronic equipment in Arkansas landfills.

History. Acts 2001, No. 1410, § 12; 2005, No. 970, § 6; 2007, No. 512, § 3.

Chapter 35 Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund Act

Effective Dates. Acts 2003, No 1762, § 2: Apr. 22, 2003. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the insurance market is volatile and that insurance costs are increasing; that assistance is immediately necessary to minimize insurance costs; that establishment of a trust fund is immediately necessary to protect state agency budgets from insurance market volatility; and that this subchapter is designed to provide property, inland marine, boiler and machinery, and automobile liability and physical damage coverage for state agencies participating in the trust fund. 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 1188, § 3: Apr. 7, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that cyber incidents, including data breaches, business interruption, and network damage, present an immediate and ongoing threat to the efficient operation of state government; that obtaining cybersecurity insurance and contributing to a more robust cybersecurity insurance market will facilitate the adoption of appropriate preventative measures and best practices to guard against this threat; and that this act is immediately necessary to protect the state and its computer networks from cyber attacks that may interrupt the provision of state services or damage computer networks at great expense to 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: (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”.

25-35-101. Title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund Act”.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

25-35-102. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter:

  1. “Annual aggregate deductible” means the maximum amount payable annually from the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund for covered losses;
  2. “Insurance Commissioner” means the Insurance Commissioner of the State Insurance Department or the commissioner's successor;
  3. “Risk manager” means the Administrator of the Risk Management Division of the State Insurance Department;
  4. “State agency” means any state agency, board, bureau, commission, council, department, institution, or other similar entity; and
  5. “Trust fund” means the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

25-35-103. Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance 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 “Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund”.
  2. No money shall be appropriated from the trust fund for any purpose except to pay:
    1. Insurance and reinsurance premiums;
    2. Loss adjustment expenses;
    3. Related educational and training expenses;
    4. Insured claims falling below the annual aggregate deductible level;
    5. Expenses including actuarial, consultant, and service contract fees; and
    6. Cybersecurity risk insurance premiums and expenses.
    1. The assets of the trust fund may be invested and reinvested as the Insurance Commissioner may determine.
    2. All income derived through investment of the trust fund as established under this chapter shall be credited as investment income to the trust fund.
    3. For the purposes of investment, trust fund moneys invested and interest earned thereon shall be administered as trust funds.
    4. All moneys deposited to the trust fund shall not be subject to any deduction, tax, levy, or any other type of assessment.
  3. All moneys received by the risk manager, including, but not limited to, the premiums collected and any insured loss or loss expenses paid by insurance or reinsurance companies shall be deposited in the trust fund created in this section.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1; Acts 2015, No. 1188, § 1.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment added (b)(6).

25-35-104. Participation.

  1. The following agencies shall participate in the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund:
    1. State agencies participating in the State Master Property Policy as of June 30, 2003;
    2. The Division of Correction;
    3. The Division of Community Correction; and
    4. State agencies participating in the Arkansas State Master Vehicle Policy as of June 30, 2003.
  2. Upon approval by the State Risk Manager, other state agencies may participate in the trust fund.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1; 2015, No. 1188, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 1025.

Amendments. The 2015 amendment deleted “Effective July 1, 2003” at the beginning of the introductory language of (a); and substituted “State Risk Manager” for “risk manager” in (b).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Division of Correction” for “Department of Correction” in (a)(2); and substituted “Division of Community Correction” for “Department of Community Correction” in (a)(3).

25-35-105. Administration.

  1. The Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund shall be administered by the Insurance Commissioner.
  2. At the discretion of the commissioner, the risk manager may:
    1. Enter into contracts;
    2. Purchase insurance and reinsurance in accordance with the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq.;
    3. Adjust, settle, and pay or deny claims with notice to a claimant;
    4. Pay expenses and costs;
    5. Study the risks of all participating state agencies and their properties;
    6. Promulgate the form for insurance and reinsurance policies and other forms;
    7. Issue certificates of coverage to state agencies for any risks covered by the trust fund;
    8. Make recommendations about risk management and risk reduction strategies to participating state agencies;
    9. Review participating state agency building construction, major remodeling plans, program plans, and make recommendations to the participating state agency about needed changes to address risk considerations;
    10. Utilize underwriting discretion and authority to deny coverage of any risk deemed to adversely affect the financial stability of the trust fund;
    11. Establish values for participating state agency buildings and structures to be insured;
    12. Attend state agency planning and management meetings;
    13. Review any proposed legislation and communicate with members of the General Assembly and legislative committees about the liability or risk management issues connected with any legislation; and
    14. Solicit any needed information about state agency plans, state agency programs, or state agency risks necessary to perform the responsibilities under this chapter.
    1. The risk manager may expend moneys from the trust fund to procure and provide coverage to all participating state agencies and their indemnified employees except those agencies or employees specifically exempted by statute or elsewhere in this chapter.
    2. The risk manager shall apportion the costs of coverage under subdivision (c)(1) of this section consistent with this chapter.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

25-35-106. Premiums and schedules of coverage and endorsements.

    1. Premiums shall be charged to each agency based on the rates established by the risk manager that include all costs associated with the operation of the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund, based upon sound rating techniques.
    2. The risk manager shall provide premium billings to participating state agencies for each renewal and for participating agency changes occurring during the policy year.
    3. If any participating state agency fails to pay its premium charges within thirty (30) days after the due date, the risk manager shall notify the delinquent state agency that coverage will be cancelled due to nonpayment of premium unless the delinquent payment is made within thirty (30) days of the notice.
    4. Funds appropriated or otherwise made available to participating state agencies for payment of premium shall not be reduced as a result of any shortfall of projected revenues.
  1. The risk manager will provide each agency with a renewal schedule of coverage and an endorsement for each participating state agency change occurring during the policy year.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

25-35-107. Payment of losses.

The risk manager shall establish:

  1. Appropriate policies and procedures governing the payment of losses from the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund, including notice or proof of loss by any participating state agency; and
  2. Policies and procedures governing disputes that may arise between the risk manager and any person having charge over the property in question concerning the extent of loss or damage.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

25-35-108. Limits on use of risk management data as evidence.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any report, recommendation, survey, schedule, list, or data compiled, or action taken or not taken by or at the request of the risk manager to identify, evaluate, or plan the safety enhancement or risk reduction of any potential accident sites or other hazards related to any entity covered by the Arkansas Multi-Agency Insurance Trust Fund may not be admitted into evidence in any court or used for any other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location mentioned or addressed in the reports, recommendation, survey, schedule, list, or data.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1762, § 1.

Chapter 36 Arkansas Economic Opportunity Expansion Act

25-36-101. Findings — Purpose.

  1. The General Assembly finds:
    1. To the extent minority-owned businesses are given fair opportunities to compete, all Arkansans benefit;
    2. During 2002, the State of Arkansas spent nine hundred million four hundred thousand dollars ($900,400,000) procuring goods and services;
    3. Although the state possesses more than seven thousand (7,000) minority-owned businesses, less than three-tenths of one percent (0.03%) of state expenditures on goods and services was spent with minority-owned businesses in 2002;
    4. Small and minority-owned businesses employ forty-eight and nine-tenths percent (48.9%) of the state's total employment;
    5. Seventy-two percent (72%) of all current jobs in the Delta Region of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are provided through small and minority-owned businesses;
    6. An increase of four thousand (4,000) jobs in small, minority-owned, and medium-sized businesses would radiate through the state to result in the creation of forty-eight thousand (48,000) new jobs;
    7. Expanding the profitability and spending power of these businesses will allow them to provide employment opportunities and to increase economic growth and development within Arkansas communities;
    8. Expansion of economic opportunity will reduce unemployment and the need for state-supported social welfare programs, while increasing the state tax base and the appeal to minority-owned businesses from other businesses within their industry for raw materials and production support; and
    9. Increased economic output and employment by minority-owned businesses will have a positive rippling impact throughout the state.
  2. This chapter is intended to expand economic opportunities for Arkansas' minority communities but is not intended to establish any quota system or program.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1814, § 1.

25-36-102. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter:

  1. “Minority” means the same as in § 1-2-503; and
  2. “State agency” means any office, department, board, commission, bureau, division, public corporation, agency, institution of higher learning, or instrumentality of this state.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1814, § 1.

25-36-103. Agency contracting — Diversity.

  1. A state agency shall include in all requests for proposals and requests for qualifications, language that encourages minority participation in each request for proposals and request for qualifications issued by the state agency.
    1. State agency requests for proposals and requests for qualifications shall take into consideration minority inclusion in the proposed project.
    2. Requests for proposals and requests for qualifications shall provide that an applicant unable to include minority-owned businesses may explain the circumstances preventing minority inclusion.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1814, § 1.

25-36-104. Data recording and tracking.

    1. The State Procurement Director shall track data regarding minority participation in state contracts that exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
    2. The data shall include, but not be limited to, information regarding:
      1. The dollar amount for each contract awarded to a minority-owned business;
      2. The total dollar amount spent on contracts by each state agency; and
      3. The number and percentage of minority-owned businesses awarded contracts by the agency.
  1. The director shall report the data required under subsection (a) of this section semiannually to the Governor and to the cochairs of the Legislative Council and to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and the Minority and Women-owned Business Advisory Council.
    1. Each state agency shall include in its budget report to the Joint Budget Committee a listing of all contracts in amounts exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) awarded to minority-owned businesses.
    2. The vice president or vice chancellor for finance of each state college and university shall include in his or her budget report to the Joint Budget Committee a listing of all contracts in amounts exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) awarded to minority-owned businesses.
  2. The director shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation of this chapter.

History. Acts 2003, No. 1814, § 1; 2005, No. 1962, § 113; 2013, No. 1189, § 6; 2019, No. 315, § 2934.

Amendments. The 2013 amendment substituted “fifty thousand dollars ($50,000)” for “twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)” in (a)(1), (c)(1) and (c)(2).

The 2019 amendment deleted “and regulations” following “rules” in (d).

Chapter 37 Biobased Products Act of 2005

25-37-101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Biobased product” means a product determined by the United States Secretary of Agriculture to be a commercial or industrial product, other than food or feed, that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials, including plant, animal, and marine materials or forestry materials;
    1. “Biomass” means any organic material that is available on a renewable or recurring basis.
    2. “Biomass” includes:
      1. Agricultural crops;
      2. Trees grown for energy production;
      3. Wood waste and wood residues;
      4. Plants, including aquatic plants and grasses;
      5. Residues;
      6. Fibers;
      7. Animal wastes and other waste materials; and
      8. Fats, oils, and greases, including recycled fats, oils, and greases.
    3. “Biomass” does not include:
      1. Paper that is commonly recycled; or
      2. Unsegregated solid waste; and
  2. “State agency” means any agency, institution, authority, department, board, commission, bureau, council, or other agency of the state supported by appropriation of state or federal funds, including, but not limited to:
    1. The constitutional departments of the state;
    2. The elected constitutional offices of the state;
    3. The General Assembly, including, but not limited to:
      1. The Legislative Council;
      2. The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; and
      3. Any supporting agencies and bureaus of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee;
    4. The Supreme Court;
    5. The Court of Appeals;
    6. The circuit courts;
    7. The prosecuting attorneys; and
    8. The Administrative Office of the Courts.

History. Acts 2005, No. 542, § 1.

25-37-102. Procurement of biobased products.

  1. After the date specified in the guidelines prepared under subsection (b) of this section, each state agency that procures any items designated in the guidelines shall give preference in making procurement decisions to the items composed of the highest percentage of biobased products that are:
    1. Practicable; and
    2. Consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition.
      1. The Office of State Procurement of the Department of Finance and Administration shall prepare and, from time to time, revise guidelines for the use of procuring agencies in complying with the requirements of this section.
      2. The guidelines shall:
        1. Be developed using federal guidelines that designate biobased products that qualify for preferred procurement as authorized by section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, 7 U.S.C. § 8102, as those federal guidelines and that federal law existed on January 1, 2005;
        2. Provide direct or indirect access to information regarding items identified or certified by federal rules, as they existed on January 1, 2005, that are or can be produced with biobased products and whose procurement by procuring agencies will carry out the objectives of this section;
        3. Set forth recommended practices with respect to the procurement of biobased products and items containing biobased materials; and
        4. Provide direct or indirect access to information on availability, relative price, performance, and environmental and public health benefits of biobased materials and items.
    1. The office shall prepare final procurement guidelines under this section within one hundred eighty (180) days based on the federal regulations pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 8102 as they existed on January 1, 2005.
    1. The office shall implement the requirements of this section.
    2. Every two (2) years beginning on or before June 30, 2006, the office shall report to the Joint Budget Committee during each regular session of the General Assembly on:
      1. Actions taken by state agencies with regard to purchases of biobased products; and
      2. Progress made in the implementation of this section, including agency compliance with subsection (b) of this section.
      1. Every two (2) years, on or before March 31, each state agency shall report to the office on the effectiveness of the agency's procurement program.
      2. The office shall prepare and make available to each state agency a procedure for presenting the report required under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section.

History. Acts 2005, No. 542, § 1.

Chapter 38 Department of Agriculture

Subchapter 1

[Reserved]

Subchapter 2 — Department of Agriculture

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2014, No. 59, § 47, provided:

“ALLOCATION RESTRICTIONS. The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture shall at no time designate general revenue allocations to the State Plant Board, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission and the Arkansas Forestry Commission at a level less than the revenue distribution provided in the Official Forecast of state general revenue in effect for each of those agencies.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.”

Acts 2015, No. 890, § 46, provided:

“ALLOCATION RESTRICTIONS. The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture shall at no time designate general revenue allocations to the State Plant Board, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission and the Arkansas Forestry Commission at a level less than the revenue distribution provided in the Official Forecast of state general revenue in effect for each of those agencies.

“The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.”

Effective Dates. Acts 2007, No. 533, § 2: Mar. 28, 2007. 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 two (2) year period; that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 2007, is essential to the operations of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the Arkansas Agriculture Department both of whose fiscal years begin on July 1, and that in the event of an extension of the Regular Session, the delay in the effective date of this act beyond July 1, 2007, could work irreparable harm upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental 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: (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 2007, No. 752, § 6: July 1, 2007. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act transfers the Division of Land Surveys in the Office of Commissioner of State Lands to the Arkansas Agriculture Department; that to effectively administer this act the transition should occur at the beginning of the next fiscal year; and that the effectiveness of this act on July 1, 2007, is essential to the operation of the agencies. 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 2015, No. 1060, § 20: Apr. 4, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the efficient administration of the programs and functions conducted by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority is critical to the economic well-being of the state; that it is vital that business and citizens are immediately encouraged to the full extent possible to use the authority's programs and thereby help the economic development of state resources; and that this act is immediately necessary to ensure that the authority's programs are operated efficiently and in a manner that does not hinder participation or negatively impact program applicants. 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.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 153: July 1, 2015. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Arkansas Building Authority, the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Department of Rural Services, and the Division of Land Surveys of the Arkansas Agriculture Department are inefficiently structured; that this inefficient structuring causes an excessive and unnecessary cost to the taxpayers of the this state; and that this act is essential to alleviating that financial burden. 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.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 129: May 23, 2016. Emergency clause provided: “It is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that this act revises the membership and duties of certain agencies, task forces, committees, and commissions and repeals other governmental entities; that these revisions and repeals of governmental entities impact the expenses and operations of state government; and that the provisions of this act should become effective as soon as possible to allow for implementation of the new provisions in advance of the upcoming 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”.

25-38-201. Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds that:

  1. Agriculture accounts for thirteen billion dollars ($13,000,000,000) or one-fifth (1/5) of the gross state product of Arkansas;
  2. Two hundred ninety-one thousand (291,000) Arkansas jobs directly involve or operate in support of agriculture;
  3. Agriculture and agriculture-related jobs account for twenty-three percent (23%) of all employment in Arkansas;
  4. Responsibility for supporting agriculture in Arkansas is spread across six (6) state agencies;
  5. Marketing of the agricultural products of Arkansas is made extremely difficult by the diffusion of responsibility across six (6) state agencies; and
  6. Marketing of the agricultural products of Arkansas would be vastly improved if a central office were devoted to creating, publicizing, and sustaining an information network for Arkansas farmers and ranchers.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 1.

25-38-202. Creation — Appointment of secretary — Definition.

  1. There is created the Department of Agriculture as a cabinet-level department under § 25-43-201.
    1. The executive head of the department shall be the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
    2. The secretary shall be selected by the Arkansas Agriculture Board, and the name shall be submitted to the Governor and the Senate for confirmation. The secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The secretary may:
      1. Delegate to the employees of the Department of Agriculture any of the powers or duties of the department required to administer the:
        1. Statutory duties; and
        2. Rules, orders, or directives promulgated or issued by the:
          1. Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board;
          2. Arkansas Agriculture Board;
          3. Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Committee;
          4. Arkansas Bureau of Standards;
          5. Arkansas Farm Mediation Office;
          6. Arkansas Fire Ant Advisory Board;
          7. Arkansas Forestry Commission;
          8. Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission;
          9. Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board;
          10. Arkansas Natural Resources Commission;
          11. Arkansas Seed Arbitration Committee;
          12. Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters;
          13. Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers;
          14. Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program;
          15. Commission on Water Well Construction;
          16. Litter Utilization Committee;
          17. Ouachita River Commission;
          18. Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee;
          19. Red River Compact Commission;
          20. State Plant Board;
          21. Veterinary Medical Examining Board;
          22. Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee; or
          23. Other state entities under the Department of Agriculture;
      2. Hire department personnel, unless otherwise provided by law; and
      3. Perform or assign duties assigned to the Department of Agriculture.
      1. When exercising his or her duties with regards to the State Plant Board, the secretary shall work in consultation with the Director of the State Plant Board and the State Plant Board.
      2. As used in subdivision (b)(4)(A) of this section, “consultation” means coordinating with, giving input, reviewing, and recommending, but shall not require approval or consent.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 4.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Agriculture as a cabinet-level department under § 25-43-201” for “Arkansas Agriculture Department” in (a); substituted “Secretary of the Department of Agriculture” for “Secretary of the Arkansas Agriculture Department” in (b)(1), inserted “and the Senate” in (b)(2); and added (b)(3) and (b)(4).

25-38-203. Department of Agriculture — Powers and duties.

  1. The Department of Agriculture shall:
    1. Administer the departments, institutions, other agencies, or parts of departments, institutions, or other agencies transferred to the department under § 25-38-211;
    2. Coordinate all existing programs and create any new programs that will enhance the marketing of the state's agricultural products to intrastate, national, and international markets;
    3. Establish a clearinghouse for collecting, correlating, analyzing, and interpreting marketing and educational information and data concerning the needs of and resources for agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, and kindred industries;
    4. Develop a website devoted to marketing and education concerning agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, and kindred industries, including a distinctive logo publicizing products as “Grown in Arkansas”;
    5. Encourage the organization of neighborhood and county agricultural clubs and associations;
    6. Coordinate the various activities of the department with those of the federal government and other states on matters pertaining to agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, and kindred industries and enter into agreements for that purpose;
    7. Coordinate with existing programs concerning agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, and kindred industries with the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas;
    8. Make all contracts and grants and employ, to the extent funds are available, such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
    9. Assist other departments, agencies, and institutions of the state and federal governments, when so requested, by performing services in conformity with the purposes of this chapter;
    10. Establish a uniform allowance program for certain staff and field employees;
    11. Prepare and submit annually to the Governor a report of the department’s expenditures and accomplishments, including information from all entities administered by the department; and
    12. Designate employees who shall have the powers of peace officers or institutional law enforcement officers in the enforcement of the criminal laws of this state.
  2. The department may:
    1. Promulgate rules regarding the labeling of horticultural, viticultural, livestock, and poultry products that are edible by humans, including without limitation rice;
    2. Receive and investigate complaints regarding alleged violations of the rules promulgated under subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
      1. Assess a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation of the rules promulgated under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
      2. A civil penalty assessed and collected under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section shall be deposited into the Plant Board Fund.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2019, No. 741, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 5.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 741, § 1, provided: “Legislative intent. It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect consumers from misleading and false labeling of agricultural products that are edible by humans by initiating this act”.

Publisher's Notes. See also § 2-1-301 et seq., enacted by Acts 2019, No. 501, concerning labeling of agricultural products that are edible by humans and providing for civil penalties.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment by No. 741 added the (a) designation; and added (b).

The 2019 amendment by No. 910 substituted “Department of Agriculture” for “Arkansas Agriculture Department” in the section heading and the introductory language of (a); substituted “§ 25-38-211” for “§§ 25-38-204 and 25-38-205” in (a)(1); substituted “Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas” for “University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture” in (a)(7); and added (a)(10) through (12).

25-38-204. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning type 1 transfers of various agricultural agencies, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6, effective July 1, 2019. The section was derived from Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2007, No. 533, § 1.

25-38-205. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Note. This section, concerning the Division of Agricultural Development of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and coordination of marketing programs, was repealed by Acts 2015, No. 1060, § 19. The section was derived from Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2.

25-38-206. Transfer of personnel, administrative functions, human resources, and accounting offices.

  1. All administrative functions, including without limitation the human resource and accounting operations, of the following boards, commissions, bureaus, committees, programs, and offices shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the Department of Agriculture:
    1. The State Plant Board;
    2. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission;
    3. The Arkansas Forestry Commission;
    4. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission;
    5. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters;
    6. The Veterinary Medical Examining Board;
    7. The Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board;
    8. The Commission on Water Well Construction;
    9. The Red River Compact Commission;
    10. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards;
    11. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers;
    12. The Arkansas Farm Mediation Office;
    13. The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Committee;
    14. The Arkansas Fire Ant Advisory Board;
    15. The Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board;
    16. The Arkansas Seed Arbitration Committee;
    17. The Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program;
    18. The Litter Utilization Committee;
    19. The Ouachita River Commission;
    20. The Arkansas Agriculture Board;
    21. The Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee; and
    22. The Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee.
  2. The boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, and offices subject to transfer of the administrative functions under subsection (a) of this section shall make available to the department all records of whatever type concerning the administrative functions of the boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, or offices.
    1. All employees of the boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, or offices transferred under § 25-38-211 and subsection (a) of this section shall be employees of the department, unless otherwise provided by law.
    2. All job descriptions, duties, salaries, and benefits shall be determined by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as consistent with Arkansas law, unless otherwise provided by law.
    3. All programs and positions funded by special funds allocated by law to the boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, or offices subject to the transfer under § 25-38-211 and subsection (a) of this section shall continue to be used for the designated purposes of the programs and positions.
    4. The department shall provide all administrative support, employment needs, and staff to carry out the rules, directives, and orders promulgated or issued by the state entities transferred under subsection (a) of this section and § 25-38-211, unless otherwise provided by law.
  3. “Administrative functions” does not include the promulgation of rules or issuance of orders on behalf of any of the entities transferred under subsection (a) of this section and § 25-38-211.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 7.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment inserted “personnel, administrative functions” in the section heading; rewrote the introductory language of (a); added (a)(4) through (a)(22); in (b), inserted “committees, bureaus, programs, and offices”, substituted “administrative functions under subsection (a)” for “administration of human resource and accounting operations under subsection (a)”, and substituted “the administrative functions of the boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, or offices” for “their human resource and accounting operations”; and added (c) and (d).

25-38-207. Arkansas Agriculture Board — Creation — Members — Organization — Duties.

  1. The Arkansas Agriculture Board is created to consist of twenty (20) voting members and eight (8) nonvoting ex officio members, as follows:
    1. Nine (9) members, appointed by their respective boards, who sit on one (1) of the following boards or commissions:
      1. Two (2) members, at least one (1) of whom shall be actively engaged in farming, from the State Plant Board;
      2. Two (2) members, at least one (1) of whom shall be actively engaged in farming, from the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission;
      3. Two (2) members from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission;
      4. Two (2) members from the Arkansas Forestry Commission; and
      5. One (1) member actively engaged in farming from the Arkansas Rural Development Commission.
    2. Eleven (11) members, appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate as follows:
      1. Three (3) members who are actively engaged in growing rice, cotton, or small grains, including, but not limited to, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat;
      2. Three (3) members who are actively involved in at least one (1) of the following areas of the agricultural industry:
        1. Plant food, agricultural chemicals, or seed merchandising;
        2. Meat processing;
        3. Grain processing;
        4. Domestic food products, processing, and global marketing;
        5. Aquaculture; and
        6. The Arkansas Livestock Marketing Association; and
      3. Five (5) members as follows:
        1. One (1) member who is actively engaged in producing beef;
        2. One (1) member who is actively engaged in producing swine;
        3. One (1) member who is actively engaged in dairy farming;
        4. One (1) member who is actively engaged in producing poultry; and
        5. One (1) member who is actively engaged in producing wine, grapes, fruits, or vegetables; and
    3. Eight (8) nonvoting ex officio members, as follows:
      1. The Vice President for Agriculture of the University of Arkansas System;
      2. The Dean of Agriculture and Technology of Arkansas State University;
      3. The Dean of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;
      4. A representative of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences who is actively involved in nutrition teaching or research, or both;
      5. A representative of the University of Arkansas at Monticello;
      6. The President of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts;
      7. A representative of Southern Arkansas University; and
      8. A representative of Arkansas Tech University.
  2. The Arkansas Agriculture Board shall advise the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture on all matters concerning agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, and kindred industries.
  3. The Arkansas Agriculture Board shall meet at least quarterly and shall fix a regular date for the quarterly meeting.
    1. The members of the Arkansas Agriculture Board appointed by the Governor shall serve staggered terms of four (4) years, to be determined at the first meeting of the Arkansas Agriculture Board by lot in a manner to result, as far as possible, in an equal number of terms expiring each year.
    2. The members appointed by the Governor shall serve no more than two (2) terms.
    1. Vacancies due to death, resignation, refusal to serve, or other causes among members of the Arkansas Agriculture Board appointed by the Governor shall be filled by appointment by the Governor of a qualified person to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
    2. A person so appointed is eligible for appointment to a subsequent full term on the Arkansas Agriculture Board.

(g)(1) State agency members of the Arkansas Agriculture Board shall receive no additional salary or compensation for their services as members of the Arkansas Agriculture Board, but they may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902, to the extent funds are available.

(2) The members appointed by the Governor may receive expense reimbursement from funds made available for that purpose in accordance with § 25-16-902, to the extent funds are available.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2007, No. 469, § 1; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 2, § 88; 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 3, § 88; 2019, No. 910, § 122.

A.C.R.C. Notes. 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.”

Identical Acts 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.), Nos. 2 and 3, § 126, provided:

“(a) Except as provided in this section, provisions of this act altering the appointment structure of a task force, commission, committee, or other governmental entity shall not shorten the term of any member of the task force, commission, committee, or other governmental entity but shall be implemented by the filling of vacancies.

“(b) The Governor may remove a member of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Commission who was appointed to the commission before the effective date [May 23, 2016] of Section 85 of this act.”

Amendments. The 2016 (3rd Ex. Sess.) amendment by identical acts Nos. 2 and 3 substituted “twenty (20)” for “twenty-one (21)” in the introductory language of (a); substituted “Nine (9)” for “Ten (10)” in (a)(1); and deleted (a)(1)(F).

The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Agriculture” for “Arkansas Agriculture Department” in (b).

25-38-208. Agencies not affected.

The establishment of the Department of Agriculture shall in no way affect the duties, powers, or operations of the following boards and councils:

  1. Arkansas Beef Council;
  2. Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board;
  3. Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board;
  4. Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board;
  5. Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board; or
  6. Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board.

History. Acts 2005, No. 1978, § 2; 2019, No. 910, § 123.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Agriculture” for “Arkansas Agriculture Department” in the introductory language.

25-38-209. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This section, concerning transfer of the Division of Land Surveys, was repealed by Acts 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), Nos. 7 and 8, § 150. The section was derived from Acts 2007, No. 752, § 1.

25-38-210. Agricultural exchanges.

The Department of Agriculture shall:

  1. Evaluate the potential economic benefits to Arkansas and Arkansas farmers of entering into agricultural exchanges with Israel and other countries that will foster the development of trade, mutual assistance, and business relations between Arkansas and the other country; and
  2. Annually report the department's findings under subdivision (1) of this section to the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development.

History. Acts 2013, No. 1501, § 1; 2019, No. 910, § 124.

Amendments. The 2019 amendment substituted “Department of Agriculture” for “Arkansas Agriculture Department” in the introductory language.

25-38-211. Transfers of certain agricultural boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, and offices.

  1. As provided in this section and in §§ 25-38-206 and 25-43-202, the following boards, commissions, committees, bureaus, programs, or offices, or parts thereof, are transferred by a cabinet-level department transfer under § 25-43-103(3) to the Department of Agriculture:
    1. The Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board, created under § 8-7-1204;
    2. The Arkansas Agriculture Board, created under § 25-38-207;
    3. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards, created under § 4-18-301 et seq.;
    4. The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Committee, created under § 2-16-612;
    5. The Arkansas Farm Mediation Office, created under § 2-7-201;
    6. The Arkansas Fire Ant Advisory Board, created under § 2-16-701;
    7. The Arkansas Forestry Commission, created under § 15-31-101;
    8. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, created under § 2-33-101;
    9. The Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board, created under § 2-10-103;
    10. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, created under § 15-20-201;
    11. The Arkansas Seed Arbitration Committee, created under § 2-23-104;
    12. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters, created under § 17-31-201;
    13. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers, created under § 17-47-201;
    14. The Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program, created under § 14-305-104;
    15. The Commission on Water Well Construction, created under § 17-50-201;
    16. The Litter Utilization Committee, created under § 15-20-1110;
    17. The Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee, created under § 26-51-1503;
    18. The Ouachita River Commission, created under § 15-23-803;
    19. The Red River Compact Commission, created under § 15-23-501;
    20. The State Plant Board, created under § 2-16-206;
    21. The Veterinary Medical Examining Board, created under § 17-101-201; and
    22. The Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee, created under § 15-22-1003.
  2. The transfer under subsection (a) of this section supersedes previous transfers, including without limitation the transfers under § 25-38-204 [repealed].
  3. For purposes of this section, the Department of Agriculture shall be considered a principal department as established by Acts 1971, No. 38.
  4. The transferred entities shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the department but shall continue to exercise their statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions as before the transfer, including without limitation the promulgation of rules, the collection of fees, and the creation of programs.
  5. All revenue and future revenue, including without limitation cash funds, special revenue, trust funds, trust fund income, federal grants, aid, reimbursements, nonrevenue receipts, and other moneys held in accounts by the transferred boards, commissions, bureaus, programs, committees, or offices, including without limitation unexpended balances that may be carried forward, shall continue to be held in the accounts and shall be used solely for the purposes for which the revenue was collected as provided by law.
  6. All records, personnel, and unexpended balances of state appropriations or allocations, including the functions of budgeting and purchasing, are transferred to the department.
    1. All real property owned in fee simple by a transferred state entity, except as set out in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, shall remain in the name of the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under § 25-38-211, to be administered by the department.
    2. All real or personal property owned by the State Plant Board shall remain in the name of the State Plant Board and shall be administered by the State Plant Board.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 8.

Chapter 39 Government Efficiency and Accountability Act

25-39-101 — 25-39-303. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter was repealed by Acts 2007, No. 153, § 4. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-39-101. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 1.

25-39-102. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-103. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-201. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-202. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-203. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-204. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-205. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-206. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-207. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-208. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-209. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-210. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-211. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-212. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-213. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-214. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-215. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-216. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-217. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-218. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-219. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-220. Acts 2005, No. 2218, § 2.

25-39-301. Acts 2005, No. 2252, § 1.

25-39-302. Acts 2005, No. 2252, § 2.

25-39-303. Acts 2005, No. 2252, § 3.

Chapter 40 Arkansas Task Force on Hispanic Affairs

25-40-101 — 25-40-105. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter was repealed by Acts 2009, No. 1484, § 11. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-40-101. Acts 2005, No. 2290, § 1.

25-40-102. Acts 2005, No. 2290, § 1.

25-40-103. Acts 2005, No. 2290, § 1.

25-40-104. Acts 2005, No. 2290, § 1.

25-40-105. Acts 2005, No. 2290, § 1.

Chapter 41 Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee

25-41-101. Committee created — Members.

  1. There is created a committee to be known as the “Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee”.
  2. The committee shall consist of nine (9) members:
    1. Three (3) members of the general public who are residents of Arkansas and shall represent the state at large, to be appointed by the Governor;
    2. Three (3) members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two (2) of whom shall represent and be residents of the First and Second Congressional Districts of Arkansas, respectively, and a third who shall represent the state at large; and
    3. Three (3) members shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, two (2) of whom shall represent and be residents of the Third and Fourth Congressional Districts of Arkansas, respectively, and a third who shall represent the state at large.
    1. Members shall serve for a term of three (3) years.
    2. No member of the committee shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.
    3. A vacancy in the membership shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
  3. The Governor shall designate one (1) member appointed from the state at large as the chairperson of the committee.
  4. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
    1. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but, to the extent moneys are appropriated by the General Assembly, may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902 and may receive stipends in accordance with § 25-16-903.
    2. However, members of the committee shall not receive stipend payments under § 25-16-903 for more than four (4) meetings in a twelve-month period.

History. Acts 2007, No. 1583, §§ 1.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2007, No. 1583, § 2, provided:

“At the first meeting of the committee, the members shall draw lots for terms so that three (3) members will serve for a term of one (1) year; three (3) members will serve for a term of two (2) years; and three (3) members will serve for a term of three (3) years.”

25-41-102. Duties.

  1. The Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee shall have the following duties:
    1. To promote among the people of Arkansas, by appropriate activities, both awareness and appreciation of the civil rights movement and advocacy of the principles and legacy of Ms. Daisy Gatson Bates;
    2. To promote principles of mentoring and leadership;
    3. To promote racial harmony, understanding, respect, and goodwill among all citizens of Arkansas; and
    4. To develop, coordinate, and advise the Governor and the General Assembly of appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the state relating to the observance of the Daisy Gatson Bates holiday.
  2. The committee may receive donations and contributions from individuals and public and private organizations in order to carry out its responsibilities.

History. Acts 2007, No. 1583, § 1.

25-41-103. Powers.

The Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee may employ any staff and consultants if an appropriation is made for that purpose by the General Assembly and may fix the compensation, duties, authority, and responsibilities of the committee's employees.

History. Acts 2007, No. 1583, § 1.

Chapter 42 Health Information Technology

25-42-101 — 25-42-106. [Repealed.]

Publisher's Notes. This chapter, concerning health information technology, was repealed by Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5117, effective July 1, 2019. The chapter was derived from the following sources:

25-42-101. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1; 2017, No. 270, § 2.

25-42-102. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1.

25-42-103. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1; 2017, No. 270, § 3.

25-42-104. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1.

25-42-105. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1; 2017, No. 270, §§ 4, 5.

25-42-106. Acts 2011, No. 891, § 1; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 7, § 116; 2015 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 8, § 116; 2017, No. 270, §§ 6-9.

For current law, see § 25-43-809 et seq.

Chapter 43 Cabinet-Level Departments of the Executive Branch

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 565, § 1, provided: “Legislative Findings and Intent.

“(a) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly.

“(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 to reorganize state government shall result in efficiencies to reduce the duplication of services and administrative costs to reduce overall state government general revenue expenditures.

“(c) Cabinet-level departments shall identify and eliminate excess administrative expenses, unnecessary expenditures, and duplication of services and present those savings and efforts to operate efficiently to the General Assembly as necessary and appropriate.

“(d)(1) The secretary of each cabinet-level department created by the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 shall submit and present to a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs two (2) weeks prior to the first scheduled day of the fiscal session of 2020, a report that includes, without limitation information that shows:

“(A) A summary of the proposed reduction in the total general revenue expenditures of the transferred state entities compared to the general revenue expenditures of the transferred state entities in the 2019 fiscal year by no less than one percent (1%);

“(B) The 2019 fiscal year general revenue expenditures for each state entity that has been merged, consolidated or otherwise combined;

“(C) The total amount of general revenue expenditures for the 2019 fiscal year by each cabinet-level department, including the identification of all funding sources of the cabinet-level department;

“(D) The total number of positions currently authorized for each state entity that has been transferred, merged, consolidated, or otherwise combined and a total for each cabinet-level department; and

“(E) A detailed statement of each cabinet-level departments plan to reduce general revenue expenditures and create efficiency including without limitation:

“(i) The elimination of certain positions;

“(ii) The reduction in operating expenses;

“(iii) The elimination or reduction of programs or services and the cost of the programs or services; and

“(iv) Other reductions in expenses or costs that may be identified.

“(2) The secretary of each cabinet-level department shall submit his or her report to the Governor or his or her designee for approval before submitting the report to the General Assembly.

“(3) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the secretary of each cabinet-level department under the direction of the Governor, has the initiative and resourcefulness to implement efficiency measures that benefit the State of Arkansas.

“(e) Funding for the Department of Education Public School Fund Account for kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), Medicaid, or any state institution of higher education, board, commission, constitutional officer, or state agency that was not transferred, merged, consolidated, or otherwise combined by the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 as enacted by the General Assembly shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

“(f)(1) The Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs are authorized to meet jointly to review each cabinet-level departments plan to reduce general revenue expenditures as set out in this section.

“(2) The Chair of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the Chair of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, or his or her designee, shall alternate the acting chair for the joint meetings required by this section.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1, provided: “Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019.

“(a) This act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019’.

“(b)(1) If a provision of this act requires a director, commissioner, or other executive head of a state entity to consult with the secretary of a cabinet-level department regarding a duty or function of the state entity, ‘consultation’ means:

“(A)(i) When working on behalf of a governing state entity, coordinating with and receiving input, review, and recommendations from the secretary of the cabinet-level department.

“(ii) ‘Consultation’ under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section does not include approval or consent; and

“(B) When working on behalf of a state entity other than a governing state entity, coordinating with and receiving input, review, recommendations, advice, and consent of the secretary of the cabinet-level department.

“(2) As used in this subsection, ‘governing state entity’ means a state entity, including without limitation a board, commission, or council, whose membership consists of:

“(A) Two (2) or more appointed members;

“(B) Two (2) or more ex-officio members; or

“(C) Both appointed and ex-officio members.

“(c) As used in this act, ‘state entity’ means any instrumentality of state government, including without limitation a board, commission, committee, advisory board, office, department, institution, bureau, council, administrative program, agency, or division.”

Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6342, provided: “Boards and commissions — Terms.

“(a) Except as provided in this act, including without limitation this section, the members of a board, commission, committee, task force, or similar state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this act shall:

“(1) Continue to be selected in the same manner as provided by Arkansas law; and

“(2) Serve for the terms provided for under Arkansas law.

“(b) To the extent that membership or service on a board, commission, committee, task force, or similar state entity relates to the holding of an office or title, the membership of the board, commission, committee, task force, or similar state entity at issue shall be revised to include the appropriate official under this act if:

“(1) The name of the office or title is revised under this act; or

“(2) The holder of the office or title changes by the operation of this act.

“(c)(1)(A) Beginning July 1, 2019, the members of the council shall serve three-year terms.

“(B) The terms of the members serving on the Health Information Exchange Council prior to August 1, 2019, shall expire on July 1, 2019, and the Secretary of the Department of Health shall make appointments to begin on July 1, 2019.

“(2)(A) The appointed members of the council beginning their appointments on July 1, 2019, shall draw lots for the staggering of terms so that:

“(i) Five (5) members serve terms of one (1) year;

“(ii) Six (6) members serve terms of two (2) years; and

“(iii) Six (6) members serve terms of three (3) years.

“(B) Subsequent appointees to the council shall serve terms of three (3) years.

“(3) A member may be re-appointed to serve on the council.

“(4) In the event of a vacancy on the council, a person may be appointed to serve the remainder of the term”.

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”.

Subchapter 1 — General Provisions

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”.

25-43-101. Cabinet-level departments established.

This chapter establishes the cabinet-level departments of the executive branch under the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-102. Legislative findings and intent — Construction.

  1. The General Assembly finds that this chapter is necessary to:
    1. Reorganize the structure of state government;
    2. Improve the delivery of services to the people of this state;
    3. Provide sufficient flexibility to meet changing conditions;
    4. Establish a clear and orderly organizational structure of state government;
    5. Provide a reasonable opportunity to create budgetary and administrative efficiencies within an orderly organizational structure of state government;
    6. Effect the grouping of state entities primarily according to function into a limited number of cabinet-level departments; and
    7. Minimize overlapping of authority and duplication of effort.
  2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide for an orderly transfer of certain powers, duties, and functions of the various state entities as described herein to the cabinet-level departments with a minimum of disruption to governmental services and functions and with a minimum of expense.
  3. This chapter shall be liberally construed.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-103. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise provided by law:

    1. “Administrative functions” means the day-to-day business operations of a state entity, including without limitation employment, payroll, property management, benefit management, human resource operations, and accounting operations of a state entity, and all other duties as assigned by the secretary of the cabinet-level department or his or her designee.
    2. “Administrative functions” does not include the promulgation of rules or issuance of orders on behalf of any state entity unless specifically designated by statute, rule, order, or directive;
  1. “Cabinet-level department” means one (1) of the fifteen (15) executive agencies designated to provide state services and provide direct reports to the Governor;
  2. “Cabinet-level department transfer” means a transfer of the administrative functions of a state entity to a cabinet-level department under this chapter;
  3. “Employee” means a person employed to carry out the functions of a state entity; and
  4. “State entity” means any instrumentality of state government, including without limitation a board, commission, committee, advisory board, office, department, institution, bureau, council, administrative program, agency, or division.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-104. Cabinet-level departments.

  1. The following cabinet-level departments are created:
    1. The Department of Agriculture;
    2. The Department of Commerce;
    3. The Department of Corrections;
    4. The Department of Education;
    5. The Department of Energy and Environment;
    6. The Department of Finance and Administration;
    7. The Department of Health;
    8. The Department of Human Services;
    9. The Department of the Inspector General;
    10. The Department of Labor and Licensing;
    11. The Department of the Military;
    12. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
    13. The Department of Public Safety;
    14. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services; and
    15. The Department of Veterans Affairs.
  2. All cabinet-level departments are executive agencies and report to the Governor.
  3. The General Assembly may prescribe duties to the cabinet-level departments and the various state entities that are administered by the cabinet-level departments.
  4. Each cabinet-level department shall consist of the state entities transferred by a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter and other state entities as provided by law.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-105. Cabinet-level department transfers.

  1. The administrative functions of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the cabinet-level department into which the state entity is transferred.
  2. A state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer of the state entity's administrative functions under this chapter shall make available to the cabinet-level department all records of the administrative functions of the state entity, unless otherwise provided by law.
    1. The employees of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall be considered employees of the cabinet-level department.
    2. The job descriptions, duties, salaries, and benefits of the employee positions shall be determined by the secretary of the cabinet-level department as consistent with Arkansas law, unless otherwise provided by law.
    3. The employees of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall be compensated in accordance with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., except as otherwise provided by law.
    4. The programs and positions funded by special funds allocated by law to a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall continue to be used for the designated purposes of the programs and positions.
    5. This section does not reduce any right that an employee of a state entity transferred subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter has under any civil service or merit system.
  3. A cabinet-level department shall provide all administrative support, employment needs, and staff to carry out the orders, rules, regulations, directives, and standards promulgated or issued by the state entities subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, unless otherwise provided by law.
  4. A state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the cabinet-level department but shall otherwise continue to exercise the stated statutory authority, powers, duties, and functions as exercised before the cabinet-level department transfer, unless otherwise provided by law, including without limitation:
    1. The promulgation of rules;
    2. The collection of fees;
    3. The licensing, certification, or registration authority over designated occupations; and
    4. The creation of programs unless otherwise provided by law.
    1. Any revenue, including without limitation cash funds, special revenue, trust fund income, federal grants, aid, reimbursements, nonrevenue receipts, and other moneys, securities and investments held in accounts by a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, including without limitation unexpended balances that may be carried forward:
      1. Shall not be transferred to the cabinet-level department;
      2. Shall continue to be held in the accounts; and
      3. Shall be used solely for the purposes for which the revenue was collected as provided by law.
    2. Revenue under subdivision (f)(1) of this section includes revenue regardless of when collected, including without limitation revenue collected after July 1, 2019.
    1. Except as provided in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, all records, employees, unexpended balances of state appropriations or state allocations, and functions of budgeting and purchasing of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter are transferred to the cabinet-level department.
    2. All records pertaining to bonds issued by a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall remain with the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter.
    1. All real property owned in fee simple by a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall remain in the name of the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, to be administered by the cabinet-level department.
      1. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (h)(2)(B) or (h)(2)(C) of this section, all other property of the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, including without limitation real property not subject to subdivision (h)(1) of this section, personal property, fixtures, contracts, and assignable leases, shall be transferred to the cabinet-level department.
      2. Any property constructed using special or cash revenue of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter shall remain the property of the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter.
      3. Contracts, instruments, or securities pertaining to or made in connection with the issuance of bonds or financing of programs shall not be transferred to the cabinet-level department by a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter.
  5. A state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter may continue to use all remaining stationery, branded material, or other similar items until the stationery, branded material, or other similar items are expended.
    1. A state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter currently designated as a public body politic and corporate shall continue as a public body politic and corporate.
    2. Bonds or other obligations of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter currently designated as a public body politic and corporate shall:
      1. Continue to state on their face that such bonds are obligations only of the state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter; and
      2. In no event constitute:
        1. An indebtedness of the State of Arkansas;
        2. An indebtedness for which the faith and credit of the State of Arkansas or any of its revenue are pledged; or
        3. A secured lien on or a security interest in property of the state.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-106. Cabinet-level departments — Powers and duties.

  1. A cabinet-level department shall:
    1. Execute the powers and duties prescribed by law;
    2. Administer each state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter;
    3. Make contracts, grants, and employ, to the extent funds are available, such employees as are necessary to carry out the purposes of the cabinet-level department and each state entity administered by the cabinet-level department; and
    4. Perform all administrative functions of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, unless otherwise provided by law.
  2. A cabinet-level department may:
    1. Assist other state entities and federal departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions, by performing services in conformity with the purposes of the cabinet-level department;
    2. Maintain and administer real property on behalf of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, unless otherwise provided by law;
    3. Maintain and administer all other property on behalf of a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter, unless otherwise provided by law;
    4. Provide administrative support, employment needs, and staff to carry out the orders, rules, regulations, directives, or standards promulgated or issued by each state entity over which the cabinet-level department has administrative control; and
    5. Share business and administrative services across each cabinet-level department as determined necessary by the secretary of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-107. Effect on preexisting rules, regulations, etc.

  1. The Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 does not affect the orders, rules, regulations, directives, or standards made or promulgated prior to the effective date of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 by a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter.
  2. The orders, rules, regulations, directives, or standards under subsection (a) of this section shall continue with full force and effect until amended or repealed pursuant to authority given by law.
  3. The following shall not be impaired in any way by the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 and shall continue with full force and effect:
    1. Bonds issued by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority;
    2. Contracts and obligations securing bonds issued by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority or pertaining to bonds issued by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority; and
    3. Programs financed by bonds issued by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-108. Cabinet-level department secretary — Definition.

  1. A secretary of a cabinet-level department shall, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Be the executive head of each cabinet-level department;
    2. Be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate;
    3. Serve at the pleasure of the Governor;
    4. Before entering upon his or her respective duties, take and subscribe to and file in the office of the Secretary of State, the oath under Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 20, that he or she will support the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution and faithfully perform the duties upon which he or she is about to enter; and
      1. Furnish bond to the state, with a corporate surety, in the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
      2. The bond under subdivision (a)(5)(A) of this section shall be conditioned that he or she will faithfully perform his or her duties of employment and properly account for all funds received and disbursed by him or her.
      3. The bond shall be filed with the Secretary of State and an executed counterpart of the bond shall be filed with the Auditor of State.
    1. Unless otherwise provided by law, each division of the cabinet-level department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary of the cabinet-level department.
    2. The secretary of the cabinet-level department shall hire department employees, unless otherwise provided by law.
  2. The secretary of the cabinet-level department may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the cabinet-level department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the cabinet-level department;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the cabinet-level department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the cabinet-level department if the secretary of the cabinet-level department also meets all statutory requirements for the position.
  3. There is hereby created one (1) new classification and position for the executive head for each cabinet-level department, designated as follows:
    1. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
    2. Secretary of the Department of Commerce;
    3. Secretary of the Department of Corrections;
    4. Secretary of the Department of Education;
    5. Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment;
    6. Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration;
    7. Secretary of the Department of Health;
    8. Secretary of the Department of Human Services;
    9. Secretary of the Department of Inspector General;
    10. Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing;
    11. Secretary of the Department of the Military;
    12. Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism;
    13. Secretary of the Department of Public Safety;
    14. Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services; and
    15. Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  4. The secretary of a cabinet-level department may be compelled by mandamus to perform any duties or obligations under a bond, contract, or agreement issued, made, or to be performed by each state entity administered by the cabinet-level department.
    1. If a provision of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 requires a director, commissioner, or other executive head of a state entity to consult with the secretary of a cabinet-level department regarding a duty or function of the state entity, “consultation” means:
        1. When working on behalf of a governing state entity, coordinating with and receiving input, review, and recommendations from the secretary of the cabinet-level department.
        2. “Consultation” under this subdivision (f)(1)(A) does not include approval or consent; and
      1. When working on behalf of a state entity other than a governing state entity, coordinating with and receiving input, review, recommendations, advice, and consent of the secretary of the cabinet-level department.
    2. As used in this subsection, “governing state entity” means a state entity, including without limitation a board, commission, or council, whose membership consists of:
      1. Two (2) or more appointed members;
      2. Two (2) or more ex-officio members; or
      3. Both appointed and ex-officio members.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-109. Correction of technical errors related to transformation of state government.

    1. The General Assembly finds that:
      1. The transformation of the structure of state government under the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 involves changes to thousands of sections of the Arkansas Code concerning state entities;
      2. Many of the changes required are highly technical and require careful study of the purpose and context of each Arkansas Code section, with the need for some of the changes not becoming apparent until the implementation of the transformation of state government under this chapter;
      3. With a project as large and comprehensive as the transformation of state government under this chapter, it is inevitable that certain sections of the Arkansas Code requiring technical changes to follow the intent of this chapter will be either omitted or amended in a manner that is later found to be erroneous and unintentional; and
      4. If the correct statutory change to remedy an unintentional error is readily apparent and consistent with the intent of this chapter, the unintentional error should be corrected as part of the codification process due to the technical nature of the unintentional error.
    2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to empower the Arkansas Code Revision Commission to correct technical errors identified in the Arkansas Code during the transformation of the structure of state government under this chapter to allow this chapter to be fully implemented.
      1. Any person or state entity identifying one (1) or more sections of the Arkansas Code that require revision to implement the intent of this chapter may notify the Director of the Bureau of Legislative Research or his or her designee of the section or sections at issue.
      2. If the Bureau of Legislative Research, while assisting the commission with the commission's powers and duties, becomes aware of one (1) or more sections of the Arkansas Code that require revision to implement the intent of this chapter for which it appears that the bureau and the commission do not have authority to make the necessary revision under § 1-2-303(d), the bureau may notify the commission of the section or sections at issue.
    1. If the commission determines that the revision necessary to one (1) or more sections of the Arkansas Code under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is technical in nature, germane to the intent of this chapter, and consistent with this chapter's policy and purposes, the commission may make the revision to the Arkansas Code.
    2. The commission shall notify the publisher of the Arkansas Code of a revision to the Arkansas Code under subdivision (b)(2) of this section as soon as possible so that the revision may be reflected in the official hard copy version of the Arkansas Code and official electronic version of the Arkansas Code.
      1. Except as provided in subdivision (b)(4)(B) of this section, when the commission approves a revision to the Arkansas Code under subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the commission shall notify the following of the revision within thirty (30) days:
        1. The Speaker of the House of Representatives;
        2. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and
        3. The Legislative Council.
      2. The commission is not required to make a notification under subdivision (b)(4)(A) of this section if the revision is made under § 1-2-303(d).
  1. The authority granted to the commission under this section is supplemental to the commission's authority under § 1-2-303.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-110. Funds and personnel transferred.

  1. A fund or fund account name that due to the implementation of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 has not been revised in an appropriation or in the Arkansas Code to the same fund or fund account name enacted by the Ninety-Second General Assembly, shall be payable from the appropriation enacted with the fund or fund account name as originally enacted by the Ninety-Second General Assembly.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, when all or part of a state entity is subject to a cabinet-level department transfer, the state entity's authorized classifications, employees, property, unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and funds are transferred to the cabinet-level department as authorized under this chapter.
    1. A state entity appropriation transferred from a paying account or fund not established in a cabinet-level department, due to the implementation of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019, is payable and appropriated from a cash fund established in the State Treasury in the same amount and for the same purpose as that transferred state entity.
    2. At no time may funding or cash fund appropriation be established under subdivision (c)(1) of this section that is not authorized to be transferred or in a greater amount than is transferred.
    1. Any classification title for a state entity that is subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter may be revised as determined appropriate by the Office of Personnel Management to reference the appropriate state entity.
    2. The authority under subdivision (d)(1) of this section does not allow for revisions to:
      1. A pay grade;
      2. A line item;
      3. The number of authorized classifications; or
      4. A job duty.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

25-43-111. State entity subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33.

  1. Notwithstanding any provision of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019, if a state entity subject to a cabinet-level department transfer under this chapter is subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33:
    1. The state entity subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, and the institutions under its authority shall be considered to be affiliated with the cabinet-level department at issue; and
    2. The state entity subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, shall perform all functions with respect to the management and control of the state entity and the institutions under its authority as contemplated by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33.
  2. The Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 shall not abridge, diminish, or curtail, in any respect, the authority or responsibilities vested in a state entity that is subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, and affiliated with a cabinet-level department under the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2.

Subchapter 2 — Department of Agriculture

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 177, § 40, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of the State and Auditor of State for the payment of all personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Agriculture.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the state shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State. (2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(2) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(3) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-201. Department of Agriculture.

There is created the Department of Agriculture as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3.

25-43-202. State entities transferred to Department of Agriculture.

  1. As provided in §§ 25-38-206 and 25-38-211, the following state entities, or parts thereof, are transferred to the Department of Agriculture by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board, created under § 8-7-1204;
    2. The Arkansas Agriculture Board, created under § 25-38-207;
    3. The Arkansas Agriculture Department, created under § 25-38-202 [repealed], and now to be known as the “Department of Agriculture”;
    4. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards, created under § 4-18-301 et seq.;
    5. The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Committee;
    6. The Arkansas Farm Mediation Office, created under § 2-7-201;
    7. The Arkansas Fire Ant Advisory Board, created under § 2-16-701;
    8. The Arkansas Forestry Commission, created under § 15-31-101;
    9. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, created under § 2-33-101;
    10. The Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board, created under § 2-10-103;
    11. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, created under § 15-20-201;
    12. The Arkansas Seed Arbitration Committee, created under § 2-23-104;
    13. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters, created under § 17-31-201;
    14. The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers, created under § 17-47-201;
    15. The Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program, created under § 14-305-104;
    16. The Commission on Water Well Construction, created under § 17-50-201;
    17. The Litter Utilization Committee, created under § 15-20-1110;
    18. The Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee, created under § 26-51-1503(3);
    19. The Ouachita River Commission, created under § 15-23-803;
    20. The Red River Compact Commission, created under § 15-23-501;
    21. The State Plant Board, created under § 2-16-206;
    22. The Veterinary Medical Examining Board, created under § 17-101-201; and
    23. The Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee, created under § 15-22-1003.
  2. If there is a conflict between the cabinet-level department transfers of the state entities listed in subdivisions (a)(1)-(23) of this section and either the transfer of these same state entities under § 25-38-211 or the transfer of their respective personnel, administrative functions, and human resource and accounting operations under § 25-38-206, then the transfer provisions under §§ 25-38-206 and 25-38-211 shall apply.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Agriculture under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Agriculture under subsection (a) of this section.
  4. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Agriculture under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Agriculture in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3.

Subchapter 3 — Department of Commerce

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 180, § 53, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Commerce.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-301. Department of Commerce.

There is created a Department of Commerce as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 126.

25-43-302. State entities transferred to Department of Commerce.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Commerce by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Adult Education Section of the Department of Career Education, and now to be known as the “Adult Education Section”, created under § 25-43-305;
    2. The Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation, created under § 25-29-101;
    3. The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, created under § 27-115-101, and now to be known as the “Division of Aeronautics”;
    4. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority, created under § 15-5-201;
    5. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, created under § 25-11-101;
    6. The Arkansas Economic Development Council, created under §§ 15-4-201 and 25-11-102;
    7. The Arkansas Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, created under § 15-5-1706;
    8. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, created under § 6-52-101;
    9. The Arkansas Rural Development Commission, created under § 15-6-104;
    10. The Arkansas Waterways Commission, created under § 15-23-201;
    11. The Arkansas Wine Producers Council, created under § 3-5-701;
    12. The Arkansas Workforce Development Board, created under § 15-4-3704;
    13. The Board of Review, created under § 11-10-523;
    14. The Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind, created under § 25-10-205;
    15. The Career Education and Workforce Development Board, created under § 25-30-101;
    16. The Department of Workforce Services, created under § 11-10-301, and now to be known as the “Division of Workforce Services”;
    17. The Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, created under § 15-4-304;
    18. The Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, created under § 15-3-103;
    19. The Division of State Services for the Blind, created under § 25-10-201;
    20. The Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities, created under § 20-14-202;
    21. The Office of Skills Development, created under § 25-30-109;
    22. The State Bank Department, created under § 23-46-201;
    23. The State Banking Board, created under § 23-46-301;
    24. The State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services, created under § 23-61-1102;
    25. The State Insurance Department, created under § 23-61-101; and
    26. The State Securities Department, created under the Arkansas Securities Act, § 23-42-101 et seq.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Commerce under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Commerce under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Commerce under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Commerce in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 126.

25-43-303. Secretary of the Department of Commerce — Definition.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Commerce shall be the Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary, unless otherwise provided by law.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Be appointed as the director or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.
    1. If the secretary meets all statutory requirements for the respective position, the secretary may serve as the interim or acting:
      1. Insurance Commissioner;
      2. Bank Commissioner; or
      3. Securities Commissioner.
    2. The secretary cannot be permanently appointed to any of the positions listed in subdivision (f)(1) of this section.
    1. The secretary shall delegate the authority to hire employees and to make employment contracts for work performed to the following officers for their respective departments:
      1. The Insurance Commissioner;
      2. The Bank Commissioner; and
      3. The Securities Commissioner.
    2. The State Insurance Department, State Bank Department, and State Securities Department shall be subject to all executive orders by the Governor instituting a hiring freeze or restriction applicable to all cabinet-level departments.
    3. When exercising his or her duties, the secretary shall work in consultation with the following officers with regard to their respective departments:
      1. The Insurance Commissioner;
      2. The Bank Commissioner; and
      3. The Securities Commissioner.
    4. As used in subdivision (g)(3) of this section, “consultation” means coordinating with, giving input, reviewing, and recommending, but shall not require approval or consent.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 126.

25-43-304. Compliance with federal law.

  1. All employees of the Department of Commerce shall be assigned and perform assigned duties in compliance with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and rules, including without limitation all rules related to the State Securities Department, State Bank Department, and the State Insurance Department.
  2. To ensure compliance with federal law, only Department of Commerce employees who are dedicated employees of the State Bank Department shall:
    1. Conduct examinations of financial institutions;
    2. Handle and process reports of examinations of financial institutions; and
    3. Handle confidential financial institution information.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 126.

25-43-305. Adult Education Section.

  1. There is created within the Division of Workforce Services an Adult Education Section.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Commerce may delegate any duties and responsibilities to the section.
  3. The secretary may employ the personnel necessary to administer the section.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 126.

Subchapter 4 — Department of Corrections

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 83, § 47, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Corrections — Division of Correction.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-401. Department of Corrections.

  1. There is created the Department of Corrections as a cabinet-level department.
    1. The Board of Corrections:
      1. Is affiliated with the department;
      2. Shall be the governing authority of the department; and
      3. Shall perform all functions with respect to the management and control of the department as contemplated by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33.
    2. No provision of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 shall abridge, diminish, or curtail, in any respect, the authority vested in the board to govern and supervise the administration of the board's responsibilities prior to July 1, 2019, including without limitation governing and supervising the administration of the state correctional institutions.
  2. The department shall:
    1. Maintain and administer real property on behalf of each state entity transferred under this chapter if the real property is not under the supervision and control of the board; and
    2. Maintain and administer all personal property on behalf of each state entity transferred under this chapter.
  3. The department shall:
    1. Assist the board with developing a biennial budget and annual, quarterly, and monthly fiscal plans for the operation of the board and assist the board in complying with the budget and fiscal policies promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Corrections;
    2. Assist the board with complying with the general guidelines, polices, and rules of the department with respect to personnel and personnel policies, records, purchasing, bookkeeping, and other administrative procedures prescribed by the department;
    3. Consult with the board regarding personnel decisions and staffing; and
    4. Coordinate the policies promulgated by the board for the administration of personnel and personnel records to assure that all employee records and personnel records of the board conform to the personnel policies and practices of the department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 644.

25-43-402. State entities transferred to Department of Corrections.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Corrections by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Sentencing Commission, created under § 16-90-802;
    2. The Corrections School System, created under § 12-29-301;
    3. The criminal detention facility review committees, under § 12-26-101;
    4. The Department of Community Correction, created under § 12-27-124, and now to be known as the “Division of Community Correction”;
    5. The Department of Correction, created under § 12-27-101, and now to be known as the “Division of Correction”;
    6. The Office of Criminal Detention Facilities, created under § 12-26-103;
    7. The Parole Board, created under § 16-93-201; and
    8. The State Council for Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision, created under § 12-51-104.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Corrections under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Corrections under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Corrections under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Corrections in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 644.

25-43-403. Secretary of the Department of Corrections.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Corrections shall be the Secretary of the Department of Corrections.
    1. The Governor shall nominate to the Board of Corrections a candidate for secretary, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
      1. The Board of Corrections shall appoint the secretary who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Corrections.
      2. The board is not required to appoint the nominee under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
  2. The secretary may perform all duties to administer the Department of Corrections, subject to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, including without limitation:
    1. Delegate to the employees of the Department of Corrections any of the powers or duties of the department required to administer the:
      1. Statutory duties; or
      2. Rules, orders, or directives promulgated or issued by the state entities transferred to or established within the department;
    2. Hire department personnel; and
    3. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 644.

Subchapter 5 — Department of Education

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 153, § 28, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Education.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-501. Department of Education.

There is created the Department of Education as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1030.

25-43-502. State entities transferred to Department of Education.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Education by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Better Chance Program, created under § 6-45-105;
    2. The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, created under § 6-61-201;
    3. The Arkansas School for the Blind, described in § 6-43-201 et seq.;
    4. The Arkansas School for the Deaf, created under § 6-43-301;
    5. The Arkansas State Library, created under § 13-2-203;
    6. The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Blind and Arkansas School for the Deaf, created under § 6-43-101;
    7. The Department of Career Education, created under § 25-30-106, now to be known as the “Division of Career and Technical Education”;
    8. The Department of Education, created under § 25-6-102, now to be known as the “Division of Elementary and Secondary Education”;
    9. The Department of Higher Education, created under § 25-7-101, now to be known as the “Division of Higher Education”;
    10. The Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, created under § 6-21-112;
    11. The Division of Public School Accountability, created under § 6-15-102;
    12. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, created under § 25-24-101;
    13. The State Board of Education, created under § 6-11-101;
    14. The State Library Board, created under § 13-2-205; and
    15. The AmeriCorps Office, created under § 25-43-504.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Education under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Education under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Education under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Education in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1030.

25-43-503. Secretary of the Department of Education.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Education shall be the Secretary of the Department of Education.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1030.

25-43-504. AmeriCorps Office.

  1. There is created within the Division of Higher Education of the Department of Education an AmeriCorps Office.
  2. The AmeriCorps Office shall perform those duties as delegated by the Secretary of the Department of Education.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1030.

25-43-505. Northwest Technical Institute.

  1. The Northwest Technical Institute shall be a part of the Division of Higher Education.
  2. The Northwest Technical Institute is an educational facility and shall perform those duties as delegated by the Secretary of the Department of Education.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 1030.

Subchapter 6 — Department of Energy and Environment

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 89, § 51, provided: “LOAN.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Arkansas Code Annotated § 19-5-501(b)(1)(C)(ii) and (D)(i), immediately upon the effective date of this act, the director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is authorized to request the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to make a loan on his or her books in the amount not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000) from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to the Hazardous Substance Remedial Action Trust Fund. Loan repayments shall be made from time to time from any legal fund of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the entire amount of the loan shall be repaid to the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund by June 30, 2023.

“By October 15, January 15, April 15, and July 15 of each fiscal year the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality shall report to Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee the status of hazardous waste cleanup efforts at the Trafalgar Road site in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The report shall include:

“(a) all funds expended by each quarter of the fiscal year

“(b) source of funds expended

“(c) estimated total of funds to be expended

“(d) expected date for completion of cleanup

“(e) all efforts of cost recovery from responsible parties”.

Acts 2020, No. 89, § 52, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Energy and Environment.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021.”

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”.

25-43-601. Department of Energy and Environment.

There is created the Department of Energy and Environment as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2411.

25-43-602. State entities transferred to Department of Energy and Environment.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Energy and Environment by a cabinet-level transfer:
    1. The Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks, created under § 8-7-904;
    2. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, now to be known as the “Division of Environmental Quality”, created under § 25-43-604;
    3. The Arkansas Geological Survey, created under § 15-55-201;
    4. The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, created under § 8-4-104;
    5. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, created under § 15-75-201;
    6. The Nutrient Water Quality Trading Advisory Panel, created under § 8-4-233; and
    7. The Oil and Gas Commission, created under § 15-71-101.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Energy and Environment under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Energy and Environment under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Energy and Environment under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Energy and Environment in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2411.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 1060, § 2, provided: “TEMPORARY LANGUAGE. If legislation concerning the transformation of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is enacted during this Regular Session of the General Assembly, the Arkansas Code Revisor and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall correct the references to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality consistent with those laws.”

25-43-603. Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Energy and Environment shall be the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department, if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2411.

25-43-604. Division of Environmental Quality.

  1. There is created the Division of Environmental Quality.
  2. The Division of Environmental Quality shall consist of the divisions transferred from the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission as of July 1, 1971, and all other divisions, programs, and offices under the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality as of June 30, 2019.
  3. All other departments, divisions, agencies, and commissions within this state shall cooperate with the Division of Environmental Quality in fulfilling the Division of Environmental Quality's responsibilities as defined in this subchapter.
  4. All personnel of the Division of Environmental Quality shall be employed by the Department of Energy and Environment and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment. This subsection does not reduce any right which an employee in the Division of Environmental Quality shall have under any civil service or merit system.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2411.

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2019, No. 1060, § 2, provided: “TEMPORARY LANGUAGE. If legislation concerning the transformation of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is enacted during this Regular Session of the General Assembly, the Arkansas Code Revisor and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall correct the references to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality consistent with those laws.”

25-43-605. Director of the Division of Environmental Quality.

    1. The executive head of the Division of Environmental Quality shall be the Director of the Division of Environmental Quality.
    2. The director shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
    3. The director shall report to the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment.
  1. The director, with the advice and consent of the secretary, may organize the Division of Environmental Quality into divisions, offices, or units which may be necessary to effectively and efficiently administer the statutory responsibilities of the Division of Environmental Quality.
  2. The director, with the advice and consent of the secretary, shall appoint the heads of the respective divisions, offices, or units of the Division of Environmental Quality.
  3. Each division, office, or unit of the Division of Environmental Quality shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director. The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions, offices, or units of the Division of Environmental Quality as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Division of Environmental Quality.
    1. The director shall be the executive officer and active administrator of all pollution control activities.
    2. All of the powers of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission under § 8-4-201(b)(5) and §§ 8-4-203 and 8-4-204 relating to plans and specifications for disposal systems and permits for the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes into the waters of the state are vested in the director.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 2411.

Subchapter 7 — Department of Finance and Administration

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 95, § 30, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Finance and Administration.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-701. Department of Finance and Administration.

There is created the Department of Finance and Administration as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3265.

25-43-702. State entities transferred to Department of Finance and Administration.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration by a cabinet-level transfer:
    1. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, created under § 25-8-101;
    2. The Assessment Coordination Department, created under § 25-28-101, now to be known as the “Assessment Coordination Division”;
    3. The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board, created under § 26-57-255;
    4. Arkansas Tobacco Control, created under § 26-57-257;
    5. The Arkansas Racing Commission, created under § 23-110-201;
    6. The Department of Finance and Administration, created under § 25-8-101;
    7. The Medical Marijuana Commission, created under Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98, § 19;
    8. The Office of the Arkansas Lottery, created under § 23-115-201;
    9. The Office of Motor Vehicle, created under § 27-14-401;
    10. The Office of Driver Services, created under § 27-16-402; and
    11. The Office of Child Support Enforcement, created under § 9-14-206.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Finance and Administration in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3265.

25-43-703. Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Finance and Administration shall be the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head, of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 3265.

Subchapter 8 — Department of Health

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 96, § 22, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Health.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-801. Department of Health.

There is created the Department of Health as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-802. State entities transferred to Department of Health.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Health by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Advisory Board for Interpreters between Hearing Individuals and Individuals who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, or Oral Deaf, created under § 20-14-804;
    2. The Advisory Committee on Healthcare Acquired Infections, created under § 20-9-1204;
    3. The Advisory Council to the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, created under § 20-77-1607 [repealed];
    4. The Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians, created under § 17-89-201;
    5. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling, created under § 17-27-201;
    6. The Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers, created under § 17-84-201;
    7. The Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine, created under § 17-96-201;
    8. The Arkansas Commission for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative, created under § 20-8-505;
    9. The Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board, created under § 17-83-201;
    10. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission, created under § 20-2-102;
    11. The Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board, created under § 17-107-201;
    12. The Arkansas Psychology Board, created under § 17-97-201;
    13. The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board, created under § 17-103-201;
    14. The Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission, created under § 20-8-202;
    15. The Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques, created under § 17-102-201;
    16. The Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training, created under § 17-93-404;
    17. The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, created under § 17-81-201;
    18. The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, created under § 17-82-201;
    19. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing, created under § 17-87-201;
    20. The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, created under § 17-92-201;
    21. The Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy, created under § 17-93-201;
    22. The Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians, created under § 17-43-201;
    23. The Arkansas State Medical Board, created under § 17-95-301;
    24. The Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council, created under § 20-45-302;
    25. The Arkansas Surgeon General, created under § 25-43-806;
    26. The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, created under § 19-12-117;
    27. The Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, created under § 17-100-201;
    28. The Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board, created under § 20-15-1304;
    29. The Cervical Cancer Task Force, created under § 20-9-1102;
    30. The Child Health Advisory Committee, created under § 20-7-133;
    31. The Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee, created under § 17-26-201;
    32. The Committee of Plumbing Examiners, created under § 17-38-202;
    33. The Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee, created under § 17-51-104;
    34. The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, created under § 20-13-205;
    35. The Health Services Permit Agency, created under § 20-8-104;
    36. The Health Services Permit Commission, created under § 20-8-102;
    37. The Marine Sanitation Advisory Committee, created under § 27-101-405;
    38. The Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee, created under § 17-86-201;
    39. The Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee, created under § 17-106-104;
    40. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Committee, created under § 20-7-605;
    41. The Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee, created under § 17-87-205;
    42. The State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, created under § 17-27-404;
    43. The State Board of Optometry, created under § 17-90-201;
    44. The State Board of Health, created under § 20-7-102;
    45. The State Hospice Office, created under § 20-7-117;
    46. The State Kidney Disease Commission, created under § 20-15-602;
    47. The State Board of Disease Intervention Specialists, created under § 17-98-201;
    48. The Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, created under § 19-12-113; and
    49. The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, Tracking, and Intervention Advisory Board, created under § 20-15-1503.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Health under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Health in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-803. Secretary of the Department of Health.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Health shall be the Secretary of the Department of Health.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-804. Director.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Health may employ a Director of the Department of Health.
  2. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to the director or to other various units or personnel of the Department of Health as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
    1. All other personnel of the department shall be employed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary.
    2. However, this section does not reduce any right that an employee of the department has under any civil service or merit system.
  3. Each unit of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-805. Office of Oral Health.

  1. The Department of Health shall maintain an Office of Oral Health.
    1. The Secretary of the Department of Health may appoint a Director of the Office of Oral Health.
    2. The Director of the Office of Oral Health shall be an experienced public health dentist licensed to practice under the Arkansas Dental Practice Act, § 17-82-101 et seq.
    3. The Director of the Office of Oral Health shall:
      1. Plan, direct, and coordinate all dental public health programs with other local, state, and national health programs;
      2. Serve as the department's chief advisor on matters involving oral health; and
      3. Plan, implement, and evaluate all oral health programs within the department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-806. Arkansas Surgeon General.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Health may employ the Arkansas Surgeon General.
  2. If employed by the secretary, the Arkansas Surgeon General shall:
    1. Be a graduate of a school of medicine recognized by the Arkansas State Medical Board;
    2. Be licensed and in good standing with the board; and
    3. Serve as an advisor to the secretary.
  3. The Arkansas Surgeon General shall perform the duties required of him or her by the secretary, including without limitation:
    1. Reviewing, assessing, and developing health policy options, including insurance coverage, health risk management, disease prevention, and health promotion strategies across state agencies;
    2. Providing health policy advice for the secretary and senior state agency officials;
    3. Raising awareness of healthcare and public health areas of priority for advancement of the health of the citizens of Arkansas;
    4. Reviewing legislative analyses and proposed legislation and creating position statements for the Governor and senior state agency officials;
    5. Advising the secretary, senior state agency officials, and governing boards and commissions on policy issues and program accomplishments; and
    6. Providing medical review oversight and guidance to health and human services clinical programs upon the request of the secretary.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-807. Patient care providers — Wages — Required withholding — Fringe benefits.

  1. The Department of Health may pay wages and required state withholding, federal withholding, required matching, and other fringe benefits for patient care part-time intermittent contractual personnel who must be employed in order to provide services in the home.
  2. These payments will be made from the appropriation for professional fees and services.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-808. Additional compensation — County health unit administrators.

  1. Any employee serving in the capacity of county health unit administrator shall be eligible for up to ten percent (10%) of additional compensation within the grade during the period of time in which the employee occupies the position.
  2. Employees on the highest level of their grade shall be eligible for additional compensation in an amount not to exceed five and five-tenths percent (5.5%) of their current salary upon assuming responsibility, and this amount shall not be construed as exceeding the line item maximum for the grade for that position.
    1. The Department of Health shall certify to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State the assignment of duties of each employee in this position, the length of the assignment, and the location and reason for the assignment.
    2. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall approve the request prior to the awarding of additional compensation.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-809. Office of Health Information Technology — Creation — Purpose — Policy.

  1. The Office of Health Information Technology is created within the Department of Health.
  2. The coordination of health information technology activities throughout Arkansas by the Office of Health Information Technology is necessary to obtain the maximum potential value from the investment of federal and state resources to increase the use of health information technology.
  3. The exchange of health information made possible by the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange can improve the quality of health of Arkansas citizens by reducing the potential for medical errors, reducing the incidence of redundant tests and procedures, improving patient safety, and making the delivery of healthcare services more efficient and affordable.
  4. The office and the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall respect and safeguard each person's privacy interests in his or her health and medical information.
  5. The office is authorized to transfer the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange to a nonprofit corporation.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-810. Definitions.

As used in this section and §§ 25-43-809, 25-43-811, and 25-43-812:

  1. “Agency” means any agency, board, commission, public instrumentality, political subdivision, or any of the foregoing entities acting on behalf of the State of Arkansas that store, gather, or generate health information;
  2. “Deidentified” means the same as the meaning under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191;
  3. “Health information” means any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, that:
    1. Is created or received by:
      1. A provider of health care;
      2. A health plan;
      3. A public health authority;
      4. An employer;
      5. A health insurer;
      6. A school or university; or
      7. A healthcare clearinghouse; and
    2. Relates to the:
      1. Past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual;
      2. Provision of health care to an individual; or
      3. Past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual;
  4. “Health information exchange” means the electronic movement of health-related information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards;
  5. “Health information technology” means the application of information processing involving both computer hardware and software and other technology devices that deal with the storage, retrieval, sharing, and use of healthcare information, data, and knowledge for communication and decision-making;
  6. “Identified” means the same as the meaning under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191;
  7. “Nonprofit corporation” means a corporation in which no part of the income is distributable to its members, directors, or officers as under the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993, § 4-33-101 et seq.; and
  8. “State Health Alliance for Records Exchange” means the entity responsible for the processes and procedures that enable the electronic exchange of interoperable health information in Arkansas.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-811. Duties and responsibilities of Office of Health Information Technology.

  1. The Office of Health Information Technology shall coordinate the health information technology initiatives of the state with relevant executive branch agencies, including without limitation state boards, commissions, nonprofit corporations, and institutions of higher education.
  2. The Office of Health Information Technology Coordinator shall be selected and serve in a manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Department of Health.
  3. The office shall:
    1. Assure the effective coordination and collaboration of health information technology planning, development, implementation, and financing;
    2. Review all health information technology-related grant applications before submission to funding entities;
    3. Accept, receive, retain, disburse, and administer any state special or general revenue funds or federal funds specifically appropriated for health information technology;
    4. Make contracts and execute all instruments necessary or convenient for carrying out its business;
    5. Recommend to the State Board of Health regarding rules necessary to carry out the policies and objectives of this chapter;
    6. Plan, establish, and operate the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange until the time when the operational responsibility and authority for the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange is transferred to a nonprofit corporation; and
      1. Establish reasonable fees or charges for the use of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange to fund the operational costs of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange and the office.
      2. Fees or charges established under subdivision (c)(7)(A) of this section shall be set with the input and guidance of the users of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange, stakeholders, and other interested parties.
      3. Fees or charges established under subdivision (c)(7)(A) of this section shall not exceed the total cost of operating the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange, not including staffing costs for the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange and the office.
      4. Users of data under this chapter shall be charged in a manner that is proportional to their use of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange.
      5. Revenue generated by the fees or charges under subdivision (c)(7)(A) of this section shall be deposited into the Health Information Technology Fund, § 19-5-1244.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

25-43-812. State Health Alliance for Records Exchange — Duties.

  1. The State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall:
    1. Serve as the official health information exchange for the State of Arkansas;
    2. Be organized for the purpose of improving the health of Arkansans by:
      1. Promoting efficient and effective communication among multiple healthcare providers, including without limitation hospitals, physicians, payers, employers, pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare entities;
      2. Creating efficiencies in healthcare costs by eliminating redundancy in data capture and storage and reducing administrative, billing, and data collection costs;
      3. Creating the ability to monitor community health status; and
      4. Providing reliable information to healthcare consumers and purchasers regarding the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care, health plans, and healthcare providers;
    3. Until a nonprofit corporation operates the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange, the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall be established and operated by the Office of Health Information Technology with the advice of the Health Information Exchange Council, consisting of the following members appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health:
      1. The Office of Health Information Technology Coordinator;
      2. A representative of the Department of Finance and Administration;
      3. A representative of the Department of Human Services;
      4. A representative of the Division of Information Systems;
      5. A representative of the health insurance industry;
      6. A representative of the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.;
      7. A representative of the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc.;
      8. A representative of the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc.;
      9. A representative of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission;
      10. A representative of the Arkansas Nurses Association;
      11. A representative of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission;
      12. A representative of the Arkansas Pharmacist's Association;
      13. A representative of the business community;
      14. A representative of the Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc.;
      15. A representative of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
      16. A representative of the Arkansas Health Care Association; and
      17. Two (2) healthcare consumers.
  2. The Chair of the Health Information Exchange Council shall be elected by the members of the council.
    1. The members of the council shall serve three-year terms.
    2. A member may be re-appointed to serve on the council.
    3. In the event of a vacancy on the council, a person may be appointed to serve the remainder of the term.
    1. The State Health Alliance for Records Exchange is not a healthcare provider and is not subject to claims under § 16-114-201 et seq.
    2. A person who participates in or subscribes to the services or information provided by the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall not be liable in any action for damages or cost of any nature that results solely from the person's use or failure to use the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange information or data that was imputed or retrieved under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as it existed on January 1, 2011, and regulations adopted under the act, state confidentiality laws and the rules of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange as approved by the Office of Health Information Technology or the governing body of the nonprofit corporation.
    3. A person shall not be subject to antitrust or unfair competition liability based on membership or participation in the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange, which provides an essential governmental function for the public health and safety and enjoys state sovereign immunity.
  3. A person who provides information and data to the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange retains a property right in the information or data but grants to the other participants or subscribers a nonexclusive license to retrieve and use that information or data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as it existed on January 1, 2011, and any amendments and regulations adopted under the act, state confidentiality laws, and the rules of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange.
  4. All processes or software developed, designed, or purchased by the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall remain the property of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange subject to use by participants or subscribers under the rules of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange.
  5. Patient-specific protected health information shall be disclosed only in accordance with the patient's authorization or in compliance with state confidentiality laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as it existed on January 1, 2011, and regulations under the act.
  6. Executive branch agencies, including state boards, commissions, nonprofit corporations, and institutions of higher education that implement, acquire, or upgrade health information technology systems shall use health information technology systems and products that meet minimum standards adopted by the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange.
  7. All identified or deidentified health information contained in, stored in, submitted to, transferred by, or released from the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange is not disclosable under applicable state or federal law except to:
    1. A healthcare provider; or
    2. Other authorized person or entity as described by policies and rules promulgated by the State Board of Health or the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange.
    1. Upon the transfer to a nonprofit corporation, the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall be governed under the bylaws and incorporation documents of the nonprofit corporation.
    2. The bylaws and incorporation documents of the nonprofit corporation shall further only the objectives and policies set forth in this section and §§ 25-43-809 – 25-43-811.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 4828.

Subchapter 9 — Department of Human Services

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”.

25-43-901. Department of Human Services.

There is created the Department of Human Services as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5121.

25-43-902. State entities transferred to Department of Human Services.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Human Services by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council, created under § 20-64-1002;
    2. The Arkansas Drug Director, created under § 20-64-1001;
    3. The Arkansas State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision, created under § 9-29-401;
    4. The Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, created under § 20-48-203;
    5. The Civilian Student Training Program, created under § 12-61-124;
    6. The Department of Human Services, created under § 25-10-101 [repealed];
    7. The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services, created under § 20-46-301;
    8. The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, created under § 20-78-205;
    9. The Division of Children and Family Services, created under §§ 9-28-102 and 25-10-102;
    10. The Division of County Operations, created under § 25-10-102;
    11. The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, created under § 25-10-102;
    12. The Division of Medical Services, created under § 25-10-102;
    13. The Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance, created under § 25-10-102;
    14. The Division of Youth Services, created under §§ 9-28-202 and 25-10-102; and
    15. The Youth Justice Reform Board, created under § 9-28-1201.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Human Services under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Human Services under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Human Services under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Human Services in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5121.

25-43-903. Secretary of the Department of Human Services.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Human Services shall be the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5121.

25-43-904. Civilian Student Training Program.

  1. There is created within the Department of Human Services the Civilian Student Training Program.
  2. Juvenile participants in the Civilian Student Training Program at Camp Joseph T. Robinson receiving services from the department are authorized to receive a monetary stipend, not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00) per week to defray personal hygiene and other personal necessities.
  3. Juvenile participants are authorized to receive uniforms and clothing items as determined by the staff to be appropriate for effective participation in outdoor activities.
  4. Transportation to support Civilian Student Training Program activities for juvenile participants and staff may be provided by commercial lease or purchase of motor vehicles not to exceed six (6) vehicles.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5121.

Subchapter 10 — Department of Inspector General

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 155, § 19, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of the Inspector General.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-1001. Department of Inspector General.

There is created the Department of Inspector General as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5257.

25-43-1002. State entities transferred to Department of Inspector General.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Inspector General under a cabinet-level transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, created under § 16-123-303;
    2. The Internal Audit Section, created under § 19-4-105; and
    3. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General, created under § 20-77-2503.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Inspector General under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Inspector General under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Inspector General under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Inspector General in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5257.

25-43-1003. Secretary of Department of Inspector General.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Inspector General shall be the Secretary of the Department of Inspector General.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.
  6. The secretary has the authority to direct the department as necessary to conduct and supervise activities to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud and abuse.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5257.

Subchapter 11 — Department of Labor and Licensing

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 77, § 11, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Labor and Licensing.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-1101. Department of Labor and Licensing.

There is created the Department of Labor and Licensing as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

25-43-1102. State entities transferred to Department of Labor and Licensing.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Abstracters' Board, created under § 17-11-401;
    2. The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, created under § 17-14-201;
    3. The Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, created under § 20-22-606;
    4. The Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board, created under § 17-52-304;
    5. The Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission, created under § 20-25-105;
    6. The Arkansas Mediation and Conciliation Service, defined under § 11-2-203;
    7. The Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission, created under § 23-112-201;
    8. The Arkansas Real Estate Commission, created under § 17-42-201;
    9. The Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers, created under § 17-15-201;
    10. The Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy, created under § 17-12-201;
    11. The Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board, created under § 27-50-1203;
    12. The Auctioneer's Licensing Board, created under § 17-17-201;
    13. The Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas, created under § 17-28-201;
    14. The Contractors Licensing Board, created under § 17-25-201;
    15. The Department of Labor, created under § 25-43-1105, now to be known as the “Division of Labor”;
    16. The Elevator Inspection and Permits Elevator Safety Board under § 20-24-105;
    17. The HVACR Licensing Board, created under § 17-33-201;
    18. The Pawnbroker Licensure Commission, created under § 17-56-201;
    19. The Professional Bail Bond Company and Professional Bail Bondsman Licensing Board, created under § 17-19-106;
    20. The State Athletic Commission, created under § 17-22-201;
    21. The State Board of Barber Examiners, created under § 17-20-201;
    22. The State Board of Collection Agencies, created under § 17-24-201;
    23. The State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors, created under § 17-30-201;
    24. The State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists, created under § 17-32-201; and
    25. The Workers' Compensation Commission, created under § 11-9-201.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Labor and Licensing in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

25-43-1103. Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Labor and Licensing shall be the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

25-43-1104. Organization.

  1. The Department of Labor and Licensing shall consist of those divisions of the Department of Labor which existed as of June 30, 2019, those state entities transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing pursuant to § 25-43-1102, and any other divisions or state entities which may be created by law and placed under the Department of Labor and Licensing.
  2. Members of a statutory board or commission transferred to the Department of Labor and Licensing pursuant to a cabinet-level department transfer shall continue to be selected in the manner and serve for the terms provided by the statutes applicable to that board or commission as such statutes may from time to time be amended.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

25-43-1105. Division of Labor.

  1. There is created a Division of Labor within the Department of Labor and Licensing.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing may delegate any duties and responsibilities to the division.
  3. The division shall retain the statutory duties delegated to the division.
  4. The secretary may employ a Director of the Division of Labor.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

25-43-1106. Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions.

  1. There is created a Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions within the Department of Labor and Licensing.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing may delegate any duties and responsibilities to the division.
  3. The secretary may employ a Director of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5265.

Subchapter 12 — Department of the Military

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”.

25-43-1201. Department of the Military — Creation.

There is created the Department of the Military as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5528.

25-43-1202. State entities transferred to Department of the Military.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of the Military by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Bureau of War Records, created under § 12-61-123; and
    2. The State Military Department, created under Acts 1929, No. 85, and established as an independent agency by Acts 1981, No. 45, § 4, now to be known as the “Department of the Military”.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of the Military under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of the Military under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of the Military under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of the Military in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5528.

25-43-1203. Secretary of the Department of the Military.

  1. The executive head of the Department of the Military is the Secretary of the Department of the Military.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.
  6. The secretary shall also be the Adjutant General and shall meet all of the qualifications to hold that position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5528.

Subchapter 13 — Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 18, § 31, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-1301. Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

There is created the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1302. State entities transferred to Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism by a cabinet-level transfer:
    1. The Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council, created under § 13-8-103;
    2. The Arkansas Arts Council, created under § 13-8-103;
    3. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, created under § 13-7-106;
    4. The Arkansas History Commission, created under § 13-3-102;
    5. The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, created under § 25-3-104;
    6. The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, created under § 15-12-101;
    7. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, created under § 15-20-304;
    8. The Arkansas Post Museum, created under § 13-5-601;
    9. The Arkansas State Archives, created under § 13-3-101;
    10. The Black History Commission of Arkansas, created under § 13-3-201;
    11. The Capitol Zoning District Commission, created under § 22-3-303;
    12. The Delta Cultural Center Policy Advisory Board, created under § 13-5-704;
    13. The Department of Arkansas Heritage, created under § 25-3-102, now to be known as the “Division of Arkansas Heritage”;
    14. The Department of Parks and Tourism, created under § 25-13-101 [repealed], now to be known as the “Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism”, created under § 25-43-1301, the State Parks Division, created under § 25-43-1304, and the Tourism Division, created under § 25-43-1305, as provided under the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019;
    15. The Great River Road Division, created under § 25-13-102;
    16. The Historic Arkansas Museum Commission, created under § 13-7-302;
    17. The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission, created under § 15-11-601;
    18. The Mosaic Templars of America Center for African-American Culture and Business Enterprise Advisory Board, created under § 13-5-903;
    19. The Mosaic Templars of America Center for African-American Culture and Business Enterprise, created under § 13-5-902;
    20. The Old State House Commission, created under § 13-7-201; and
    21. The State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission, created under § 15-11-201.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1303. Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism shall be the Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1304. State Parks Division.

  1. There is created a State Parks Division within the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism may delegate any duties and responsibilities to the State Parks Division.
  3. The Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism may employ a Director of the State Parks Division.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1305. Tourism Division.

  1. There is created a Tourism Division within the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism may delegate any duties and responsibilities to the division.
  3. The secretary may employ a Director of the Tourism Division.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1306. Great River Road Division.

  1. The Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas, as established pursuant to § 27-69-201 et seq., shall be located in the Great River Road Division created hereby.
  2. The Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, with the advice and consent of the Governor and the Chair of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas, shall appoint the head of the division.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1307. Payment of gratuities.

The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, which from time to time will use the services of hotels and restaurants for conferences, conventions, meetings, advertising promotions, news blitzes, and other group functions, is authorized to pay such reasonable charges of involuntary gratuities for group functions as a part of the cost of services.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

25-43-1308. Extra help restriction.

No employee of the State Parks Division who is employed as extra help may receive an amount to exceed eighty-five percent (85%) of the maximum annual salary for a comparable position as authorized under the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act, § 21-5-201 et seq., during any fiscal year, nor shall such an employee be employed for a period of time to exceed one thousand eight hundred (1,800) hours in any single fiscal year.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5549.

Subchapter 14 — Department of Public Safety

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 97, § 45, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Public Safety.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-1401. Department of Public Safety.

There is created a Department of Public Safety as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5733.

25-43-1402. State entities transferred to Department of Public Safety.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Public Safety by a cabinet-level transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, created under § 12-9-103;
    2. The Arkansas Crime Information Center, created under § 12-12-201;
    3. The Arkansas Emergency Telephone Services Board, created under § 12-10-318;
    4. The Arkansas Homeland Security Advisory Group, created under § 12-75-132;
    5. The Arkansas State Police Commission, created under § 12-8-102;
    6. The Child Abuse Hotline, created under § 12-18-301;
    7. The Crimes Against Children Division, created under § 12-8-502;
    8. The Crime Victims Reparations Board, created under § 16-90-705;
    9. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, created under § 12-75-109, now known as the “Division of Emergency Management”;
    10. The Department of Arkansas State Police, created under § 12-8-101, now known as the “Division of Arkansas State Police”;
    11. The Law Enforcement Support Office, referenced under § 19-11-605;
    12. The Office of Fire Protection Services, created under § 20-22-805;
    13. The State Crime Laboratory, created under § 12-12-301;
    14. The State Crime Laboratory Board, created under § 12-12-302;
    15. The State Emergency Response Commission, created under § 12-82-104;
    16. The State Fire Prevention Commission, created under § 20-22-202; and
    17. The Supervisory Board for the Arkansas Crime Information Center, created under § 12-12-202.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Public Safety under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Public Safety under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Public Safety under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Public Safety in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5733.

25-43-1403. Secretary of the Department of Public Safety.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Public Safety shall be the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5733.

25-43-1404. Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

There is created within the Department of Public Safety the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 5733.

Subchapter 15 — Department of Transformation and Shared Services

A.C.R.C. Notes. Acts 2020, No. 182, § 13, provided: “SHARED SERVICES.

“(a)(1)(A) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create paying accounts on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and operating expenses by the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

“(B) Upon prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative Council, or if meeting in Legislative Session the Joint Budget Committee, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account appropriation section of this act and the transfer of positions to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

“(2) The transfer authority provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this section for efficiencies and to eliminate duplication of services are limited only to those services that are provided for multiple divisions of a department, including without limitation to administration, human resources, procurement, communications, fleet operations, and information services.

“(3) The transfer authority provided to the department in subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be used to make transfers only within the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts authorized for the department.

“(b)(1) Each department utilizing the Shared Services Paying Account section or Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act shall submit a report to be included in the Budget Manuals for hearings, conducted by the General Assembly, listing all shared services transfers of positions, funds, and appropriation under this section, which shall be submitted as instructed by the Department of Finance and Administration — Office of Budget for uniformity.

“(2) A report submitted under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include the following:

“(A) The position number, authorized position title, class code, grade, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the position being transferred to the Regular Salaries — Shared Services section of this act; and

“(B) The fund center, appropriation, appropriation amount, commitment item or items, business area, and name of the division, section, or unit for the fund or appropriation being transferred to the Shared Services Paying Account.

“(c)(1) It is the intent of the Ninety-Second General Assembly that the authority under this section to transfer positions is intended for use for the time period prior to Fiscal Year 2022 to allow cabinet-level departments to establish a centralized Regular Salaries — Shared Services section, with the recommendation that the position transfer authority granted under this section be discontinued after that time.

“(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall bring the recommendation in subdivision (c)(1) of this section to the attention of the chairs conducting the 2021 Regular Session pre-session budget hearings, the chairs of the Special Language Subcommittee, and the members of the Special Language Subcommittee during pre-session budget hearings.

“(d) Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue funding for a cabinet-level department each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General Assembly and is usually accomplished by delineating the maximums in the appropriation act or acts and establishing authorized positions and the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the cabinet-level departments created under Acts 2019, No. 910, may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is provided as authorized under this section. Therefore, 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 section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.

“(e) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the date of passage through June 30, 2021”.

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”.

25-43-1501. Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

There is created the Department of Transformation and Shared Services as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6051.

25-43-1502. State entities transferred to Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services by a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board, created under § 15-21-503;
    2. The Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office, created under § 15-21-502;
    3. The Building Authority Division, created under § 22-2-104;
    4. The Data and Transparency Panel, created under § 25-4-127;
    5. The Department of Information Systems, created under § 25-4-104, now to be known as the “Division of Information Systems”;
    6. The Employee Benefits Division, created under § 25-43-1505;
    7. The Office of Personnel Management, created under § 25-43-1504;
    8. The Office of State Procurement, created under § 19-11-215;
    9. The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board, created under § 21-5-402; and
    10. The State Technology Council, created under § 25-33-101.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Transformation and Shared Services in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6051.

25-43-1503. Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services shall be the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head, of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6051.

25-43-1504. Office of Personnel Management — State Personnel Administrator.

  1. There is created within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services the Office of Personnel Management.
      1. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall be known as the “State Personnel Administrator”.
      2. The State Personnel Administrator shall be employed by the Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services with the advice and consent of the Governor.
    1. The office shall be under the overall direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6051.

25-43-1505. Employee Benefits Division.

There is created within the Department of Transformation and Shared Services the Employee Benefits Division.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6051.

Subchapter 16 — Department of Veterans Affairs

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”.

25-43-1601. Department of Veterans Affairs — Creation.

There is created the Department of Veterans Affairs as a cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6327.

25-43-1602. State entities transferred to Department of Veterans Affairs.

  1. The administrative functions of the following state entities are transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to a cabinet-level department transfer:
    1. The Arkansas Veterans' Child Welfare Service, created under § 20-81-101;
    2. The Arkansas Veterans' Commission, created under § 20-81-104;
    3. The county veterans' service officer programs, created under § 20-81-106;
    4. The Department of Veterans Affairs, created under § 20-81-102 [repealed];
    5. The state veterans' cemetery system, created under § 20-81-112; and
    6. The Veterans' Home, established under § 20-81-105, now known as “veterans' homes”.
  2. Unless otherwise provided by law, a cabinet-level department transfer under subsection (a) of this section includes all state entities under a state entity transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs under subsection (a) of this section, including without limitation a division, office, program, or other unit of a state entity transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs under subsection (a) of this section.
  3. Unless otherwise provided by law, a state entity whose administrative functions have been transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs under subsection (a) of this section shall otherwise continue to exercise the duties of the state entity under the administration of the cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in the same manner as before the creation of the cabinet-level department.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6327.

25-43-1603. Powers and duties of Department of Veterans Affairs.

  1. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall:
    1. Supervise the operation of the veterans' homes under § 20-81-105;
    2. Supervise the activities, training, and testing of the county veterans' service officers located throughout the State of Arkansas; and
    3. Perform all administrative functions for the state entities under the administration of the department.
  2. The department is authorized to develop and promulgate all rules necessary for the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 and all applicable federal rules and regulations.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6327.

25-43-1604. Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

  1. The executive head of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall be the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  2. The secretary shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
  3. Each division of the department shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the secretary.
  4. The secretary may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various divisions or employees of the department as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the department.
  5. The secretary may, unless otherwise provided by law:
    1. Hire department personnel;
    2. Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and
    3. Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.
  6. The Governor may appoint a qualified secretary who has:
    1. Served in the United States Armed Forces during a period of conflict as defined by the United States Congress;
    2. Been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces; and
    3. Been a resident of the State of Arkansas for two (2) or more years preceding his or her appointment.
  7. The secretary shall promote and supervise the dissemination of available information concerning the rights of veterans and their dependents.
  8. The secretary may establish, maintain, and operate district offices within the State of Arkansas as may be necessary.
  9. The secretary may employ other employees, full-time or part-time, as may be determined necessary, within the limits of the funds appropriated for that purpose.
    1. An employee under the supervision of the department shall not accept, receive, or charge any money, article, or thing of value for the performance of any service rendered to any veteran or his or her dependents at any time or in any manner.
    2. Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or both.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6327.

25-43-1605. Veterans service officers.

  1. The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs may employ veterans service officers, full-time or part-time, as may be determined necessary, within the limits of the funds appropriated for that purpose.
    1. A veterans service officer shall have served in the United States Armed Forces and shall have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
    2. All veterans service officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall have knowledge of all laws, both federal and state, relating to the rights and benefits of all veterans and their dependents and shall aid and assist all veterans and their dependents in securing their rights and benefits.

History. Acts 2019, No. 910, § 6327.