Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-1704 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 17 / Section 10-3-1704
Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology - Members - Duties
Status: in_force

(a) The members of the House of Representatives and the Senate appointed at each regular session of the General Assembly to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall constitute a joint committee of the General Assembly to function during and in the interim between the sine die adjournment or extended recess of the regular session or fiscal session of each General Assembly, until the convening of the next regular session or fiscal session of the General Assembly or reconvening of the current General Assembly, or during an extended recess. (b) (1) (A) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall make continuing studies concerning the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications network for distance learning, telemedicine, universal access for governmental entities, and other issues concerning advanced communications and information technology, either initiated by the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or referred to it by either house of the General Assembly for study, in the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. (B) (i) Interim study proposals and resolutions filed with the Legislative Council under the provisions of § 10-3-214 for review and referral to the appropriate germane interim committee of the General Assembly, relating to advanced communications and information technology, shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (ii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall undertake each study referred to it by members of the General Assembly or by the Legislative Council and shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations in regard to each study request to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly. (iii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall review any plan developed or updated by a public instrumentality. (2) In addition, the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall exercise leadership in the interim between legislative sessions and shall attempt to coordinate for the various committees of the General Assembly the various activities, studies, and planning activities of the General Assembly which relate to the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications information infrastructure. (3) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall have the power and authority, upon approval of a majority of the members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, to subpoena persons, documents, and records. However, no action of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology regarding the exercise of the subpoena power shall be taken except upon notice of at least one (1) week to all members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (4) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall cooperate with the Governor, with public secondary and postsecondary institutions of education, with the appropriate administrative agencies of this state, with legislative and administrative agencies and institutions of other states, and with the United States Government and others in the planning and development of access to a statewide public telecommunications infrastructure linking institutions, businesses, government agencies, schools, hospitals, libraries, communities, and other public and private entities to the national information infrastructure. (c) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall exercise appropriate legislative oversight of the operations of the Division of Information Systems. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 6062, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 5; 1997, No. 914, § 22; 1997, No. 1354, § 28; 2007, No. 751, § 5; 2009, No. 248, § 3; 2009, No. 962, § 25.

(a) The members of the House of Representatives and the Senate appointed at each regular session of the General Assembly to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall constitute a joint committee of the General Assembly to function during and in the interim between the sine die adjournment or extended recess of the regular session or fiscal session of each General Assembly, until the convening of the next regular session or fiscal session of the General Assembly or reconvening of the current General Assembly, or during an extended recess.

(b) (1) (A) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall make continuing studies concerning the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications network for distance learning, telemedicine, universal access for governmental entities, and other issues concerning advanced communications and information technology, either initiated by the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or referred to it by either house of the General Assembly for study, in the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. (B) (i) Interim study proposals and resolutions filed with the Legislative Council under the provisions of § 10-3-214 for review and referral to the appropriate germane interim committee of the General Assembly, relating to advanced communications and information technology, shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (ii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall undertake each study referred to it by members of the General Assembly or by the Legislative Council and shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations in regard to each study request to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly. (iii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall review any plan developed or updated by a public instrumentality. (2) In addition, the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall exercise leadership in the interim between legislative sessions and shall attempt to coordinate for the various committees of the General Assembly the various activities, studies, and planning activities of the General Assembly which relate to the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications information infrastructure. (3) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall have the power and authority, upon approval of a majority of the members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, to subpoena persons, documents, and records. However, no action of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology regarding the exercise of the subpoena power shall be taken except upon notice of at least one (1) week to all members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (4) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall cooperate with the Governor, with public secondary and postsecondary institutions of education, with the appropriate administrative agencies of this state, with legislative and administrative agencies and institutions of other states, and with the United States Government and others in the planning and development of access to a statewide public telecommunications infrastructure linking institutions, businesses, government agencies, schools, hospitals, libraries, communities, and other public and private entities to the national information infrastructure.

(1) (A) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall make continuing studies concerning the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications network for distance learning, telemedicine, universal access for governmental entities, and other issues concerning advanced communications and information technology, either initiated by the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or referred to it by either house of the General Assembly for study, in the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. (B) (i) Interim study proposals and resolutions filed with the Legislative Council under the provisions of § 10-3-214 for review and referral to the appropriate germane interim committee of the General Assembly, relating to advanced communications and information technology, shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (ii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall undertake each study referred to it by members of the General Assembly or by the Legislative Council and shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations in regard to each study request to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly. (iii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall review any plan developed or updated by a public instrumentality.

(A) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall make continuing studies concerning the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications network for distance learning, telemedicine, universal access for governmental entities, and other issues concerning advanced communications and information technology, either initiated by the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or referred to it by either house of the General Assembly for study, in the interim between sessions of the General Assembly.

(B) (i) Interim study proposals and resolutions filed with the Legislative Council under the provisions of § 10-3-214 for review and referral to the appropriate germane interim committee of the General Assembly, relating to advanced communications and information technology, shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. (ii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall undertake each study referred to it by members of the General Assembly or by the Legislative Council and shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations in regard to each study request to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly. (iii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall review any plan developed or updated by a public instrumentality.

(i) Interim study proposals and resolutions filed with the Legislative Council under the provisions of § 10-3-214 for review and referral to the appropriate germane interim committee of the General Assembly, relating to advanced communications and information technology, shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

(ii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall undertake each study referred to it by members of the General Assembly or by the Legislative Council and shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations in regard to each study request to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the next session of the General Assembly.

(iii) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall review any plan developed or updated by a public instrumentality.

(2) In addition, the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall exercise leadership in the interim between legislative sessions and shall attempt to coordinate for the various committees of the General Assembly the various activities, studies, and planning activities of the General Assembly which relate to the development of access to a statewide public telecommunications information infrastructure.

(3) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall have the power and authority, upon approval of a majority of the members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, to subpoena persons, documents, and records. However, no action of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology regarding the exercise of the subpoena power shall be taken except upon notice of at least one (1) week to all members of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology or upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

(4) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall cooperate with the Governor, with public secondary and postsecondary institutions of education, with the appropriate administrative agencies of this state, with legislative and administrative agencies and institutions of other states, and with the United States Government and others in the planning and development of access to a statewide public telecommunications infrastructure linking institutions, businesses, government agencies, schools, hospitals, libraries, communities, and other public and private entities to the national information infrastructure.

(c) The Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology shall exercise appropriate legislative oversight of the operations of the Division of Information Systems.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 6062, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1995, No. 737, § 5; 1997, No. 914, § 22; 1997, No. 1354, § 28; 2007, No. 751, § 5; 2009, No. 248, § 3; 2009, No. 962, § 25.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-2505 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 25 / Section 10-3-2505
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 21, eff. 5/23/2016. Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 21, eff. 5/23/2016. Acts 2009, No. 978, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 21, eff. 5/23/2016.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 21, eff. 5/23/2016.

Acts 2009, No. 978, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-313 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-3-313
Meetings - Agenda - Procedures and practices
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, the Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, and the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall each meet monthly on a date approximately two (2) weeks preceding the date on which regular meetings of the interim committees are held. (2) At the meetings, the respective subcommittees shall screen the various matters required by law to be submitted to the Legislative Council by the state agencies and which have heretofore been referred to the respective subcommittees by the Legislative Council and shall determine which of such matters need further review and which are routine and need no further review or both. (3) Those matters which the respective subcommittees determine need further review shall be referred to the respective subject matter interim committee, which committee referral shall be made by the subcommittee after taking into consideration the committee which is usually assigned such matters by the respective houses as well as the workload of the various interim committees, it being the intent to allow as much meaningful participation by the members in as many committees as possible. (b) (1) (A) At the next regular meeting of an interim committee, all matters referred to the committee by the Legislative Council or appropriate subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall be placed on the agenda for review by the committee. (B) When any member of the General Assembly submits any proposal or issue to the Legislative Council for legislative study or review or input, the Legislative Council shall refer the matter as follows: (i) If the proposal states a preference on referral, the proposal shall be referred to the committee of preference unless the proposal is clearly not germane to that committee as determined by the Legislative Council; (ii) If the proposal was initiated by the Legislative Council or by a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council may appoint a subcommittee to conduct such study; and (iii) All other proposals shall be assigned to the appropriate interim committee. (2) Notice that such item is being placed on the meeting agenda of the interim committee may be furnished to the various state agencies involved upon direction of the cochairs of the interim committee in order that the agency may be represented at the interim committee meeting to explain the item and to answer questions in regard thereto if raised by the committee. (3) Upon conclusion of the committee's consideration of an item, the committee or designated subcommittee thereof shall notify the state agency that it has completed its review of the item. (4) The purpose of this subsection is to enable appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly and the various state agencies to jointly discuss the various matters referred to the respective committees in order to enable the committees to perform a legislative oversight function of keeping the General Assembly informed with respect to activities of the various agencies and to enable state agencies to receive the benefit of recommendations and comments of the respective interim committees concerning various actions or proposed actions of the agencies. (5) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly are hereby authorized to adopt appropriate procedures and practices, including the utilization of subcommittees, to enable each committee to carry out its responsibilities under the provisions of this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 743, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1991, No. 1055, §§ 13-15, 19; 1997, No. 1354, § 16.

(a) (1) The Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, the Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, and the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall each meet monthly on a date approximately two (2) weeks preceding the date on which regular meetings of the interim committees are held. (2) At the meetings, the respective subcommittees shall screen the various matters required by law to be submitted to the Legislative Council by the state agencies and which have heretofore been referred to the respective subcommittees by the Legislative Council and shall determine which of such matters need further review and which are routine and need no further review or both. (3) Those matters which the respective subcommittees determine need further review shall be referred to the respective subject matter interim committee, which committee referral shall be made by the subcommittee after taking into consideration the committee which is usually assigned such matters by the respective houses as well as the workload of the various interim committees, it being the intent to allow as much meaningful participation by the members in as many committees as possible.

(1) The Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, the Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, and the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall each meet monthly on a date approximately two (2) weeks preceding the date on which regular meetings of the interim committees are held.

(2) At the meetings, the respective subcommittees shall screen the various matters required by law to be submitted to the Legislative Council by the state agencies and which have heretofore been referred to the respective subcommittees by the Legislative Council and shall determine which of such matters need further review and which are routine and need no further review or both.

(3) Those matters which the respective subcommittees determine need further review shall be referred to the respective subject matter interim committee, which committee referral shall be made by the subcommittee after taking into consideration the committee which is usually assigned such matters by the respective houses as well as the workload of the various interim committees, it being the intent to allow as much meaningful participation by the members in as many committees as possible.

(b) (1) (A) At the next regular meeting of an interim committee, all matters referred to the committee by the Legislative Council or appropriate subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall be placed on the agenda for review by the committee. (B) When any member of the General Assembly submits any proposal or issue to the Legislative Council for legislative study or review or input, the Legislative Council shall refer the matter as follows: (i) If the proposal states a preference on referral, the proposal shall be referred to the committee of preference unless the proposal is clearly not germane to that committee as determined by the Legislative Council; (ii) If the proposal was initiated by the Legislative Council or by a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council may appoint a subcommittee to conduct such study; and (iii) All other proposals shall be assigned to the appropriate interim committee. (2) Notice that such item is being placed on the meeting agenda of the interim committee may be furnished to the various state agencies involved upon direction of the cochairs of the interim committee in order that the agency may be represented at the interim committee meeting to explain the item and to answer questions in regard thereto if raised by the committee. (3) Upon conclusion of the committee's consideration of an item, the committee or designated subcommittee thereof shall notify the state agency that it has completed its review of the item. (4) The purpose of this subsection is to enable appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly and the various state agencies to jointly discuss the various matters referred to the respective committees in order to enable the committees to perform a legislative oversight function of keeping the General Assembly informed with respect to activities of the various agencies and to enable state agencies to receive the benefit of recommendations and comments of the respective interim committees concerning various actions or proposed actions of the agencies. (5) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly are hereby authorized to adopt appropriate procedures and practices, including the utilization of subcommittees, to enable each committee to carry out its responsibilities under the provisions of this section.

(1) (A) At the next regular meeting of an interim committee, all matters referred to the committee by the Legislative Council or appropriate subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall be placed on the agenda for review by the committee. (B) When any member of the General Assembly submits any proposal or issue to the Legislative Council for legislative study or review or input, the Legislative Council shall refer the matter as follows: (i) If the proposal states a preference on referral, the proposal shall be referred to the committee of preference unless the proposal is clearly not germane to that committee as determined by the Legislative Council; (ii) If the proposal was initiated by the Legislative Council or by a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council may appoint a subcommittee to conduct such study; and (iii) All other proposals shall be assigned to the appropriate interim committee.

(A) At the next regular meeting of an interim committee, all matters referred to the committee by the Legislative Council or appropriate subcommittee of the Legislative Council shall be placed on the agenda for review by the committee.

(B) When any member of the General Assembly submits any proposal or issue to the Legislative Council for legislative study or review or input, the Legislative Council shall refer the matter as follows: (i) If the proposal states a preference on referral, the proposal shall be referred to the committee of preference unless the proposal is clearly not germane to that committee as determined by the Legislative Council; (ii) If the proposal was initiated by the Legislative Council or by a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council may appoint a subcommittee to conduct such study; and (iii) All other proposals shall be assigned to the appropriate interim committee.

(i) If the proposal states a preference on referral, the proposal shall be referred to the committee of preference unless the proposal is clearly not germane to that committee as determined by the Legislative Council;

(ii) If the proposal was initiated by the Legislative Council or by a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council may appoint a subcommittee to conduct such study; and

(iii) All other proposals shall be assigned to the appropriate interim committee.

(2) Notice that such item is being placed on the meeting agenda of the interim committee may be furnished to the various state agencies involved upon direction of the cochairs of the interim committee in order that the agency may be represented at the interim committee meeting to explain the item and to answer questions in regard thereto if raised by the committee.

(3) Upon conclusion of the committee's consideration of an item, the committee or designated subcommittee thereof shall notify the state agency that it has completed its review of the item.

(4) The purpose of this subsection is to enable appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly and the various state agencies to jointly discuss the various matters referred to the respective committees in order to enable the committees to perform a legislative oversight function of keeping the General Assembly informed with respect to activities of the various agencies and to enable state agencies to receive the benefit of recommendations and comments of the respective interim committees concerning various actions or proposed actions of the agencies.

(5) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly are hereby authorized to adopt appropriate procedures and practices, including the utilization of subcommittees, to enable each committee to carry out its responsibilities under the provisions of this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 743, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1991, No. 1055, §§ 13-15, 19; 1997, No. 1354, § 16.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-2-110 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Subchapter 1 / Section 10-2-110
Disorderly conduct
Status: in_force

(a) If any person, whether a member or not, shall be guilty of any disorder in the presence of either house or a Committee of the Whole, or in a joint meeting of both houses, while in session, the presiding officer of the house or joint meeting or Chair of the Committee of the Whole may order the person into immediate custody. The sergeant at arms shall immediately take the person into custody and detain him or her until the further order of the house, joint meeting, or Committee of the Whole, before which offense was committed. (b) If any person, whether a member or not, shall disturb the proceedings of any committee of either house or be guilty of disorderly conduct in their presence, the house appointing the committee may punish the person in the same manner as if the offense had been committed in the presence of the house. If the disorder or offense shall be committed before a joint committee of both houses, the President of the Senate shall issue process, and both houses shall proceed in joint meeting. Rev. Stat., ch. 90, §§ 4, 5; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4924, 4925; Pope's Dig., §§ 6145, 6146; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-106, 4-107.

(a) If any person, whether a member or not, shall be guilty of any disorder in the presence of either house or a Committee of the Whole, or in a joint meeting of both houses, while in session, the presiding officer of the house or joint meeting or Chair of the Committee of the Whole may order the person into immediate custody. The sergeant at arms shall immediately take the person into custody and detain him or her until the further order of the house, joint meeting, or Committee of the Whole, before which offense was committed.

(b) If any person, whether a member or not, shall disturb the proceedings of any committee of either house or be guilty of disorderly conduct in their presence, the house appointing the committee may punish the person in the same manner as if the offense had been committed in the presence of the house. If the disorder or offense shall be committed before a joint committee of both houses, the President of the Senate shall issue process, and both houses shall proceed in joint meeting.

Rev. Stat., ch. 90, §§ 4, 5; C. & M. Dig., §§ 4924, 4925; Pope's Dig., §§ 6145, 6146; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-106, 4-107.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-2-102 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Subchapter 1 / Section 10-2-102
Duties of Secretary of Senate, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, and other officers
Status: in_force

(a) The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, with their respective clerical forces, shall perform all duties required in the engrossment and enrollment of bills and all necessary work as clerks of committees. (b) The employees of the Senate shall perform such duties during the regular session of the General Assembly and during the interim between the convening of special sessions, fiscal sessions, and the regular sessions of the General Assembly as may be provided by the Rules of the Senate or by the Senate Efficiency Committee, subject to the approval of the Senate. Acts 1895, No. 97, § 4, p. 142; C. & M. Dig., § 4955; Pope's Dig., § 6185; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-407; Acts 1987, No. 2, § 9; 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 143, § 9; 1991, No. 30, § 9; 2005, No. 693, § 7; 2007, No. 286, § 7; 2009, No. 962, § 9.

(a) The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, with their respective clerical forces, shall perform all duties required in the engrossment and enrollment of bills and all necessary work as clerks of committees.

(b) The employees of the Senate shall perform such duties during the regular session of the General Assembly and during the interim between the convening of special sessions, fiscal sessions, and the regular sessions of the General Assembly as may be provided by the Rules of the Senate or by the Senate Efficiency Committee, subject to the approval of the Senate.

Acts 1895, No. 97, § 4, p. 142; C. & M. Dig., § 4955; Pope's Dig., § 6185; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-407; Acts 1987, No. 2, § 9; 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 143, § 9; 1991, No. 30, § 9; 2005, No. 693, § 7; 2007, No. 286, § 7; 2009, No. 962, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-410 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 4 / Section 10-3-410
Abolishment or consolidation of agencies
Status: in_force

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee is authorized to recommend to the General Assembly the abolishment or consolidation of any entity of the state which the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee deems appropriate as a result of its review of audits performed by its staff. Acts 1981, No. 949, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-718; 2005, No. 2201, § 4.

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee is authorized to recommend to the General Assembly the abolishment or consolidation of any entity of the state which the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee deems appropriate as a result of its review of audits performed by its staff.

Acts 1981, No. 949, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-718; 2005, No. 2201, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-4-431 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 4 / Subchapter 4 / Section 10-4-431
Salaries - Arkansas Legislative Audit
Status: in_force

(a) Any adjustments in annual salary rates for employees, labor market adjustments, merit pay adjustments, or employee retention or recruitment requirements shall be made at the discretion of the Legislative Auditor. (b) (1) In addition to other salary payments under this section, the Legislative Auditor may implement a merit program to reward employees for exceptional service. (2) The merit program under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be approved by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee before implementation of the merit program. (c) In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, Arkansas Legislative Audit may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in its operative appropriation act after receiving approval from the: (1) Legislative Council; or (2) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session. (d) Salary payments under this section shall not be restricted to maximum amounts authorized by law. Added by Act 2023, No. 98,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023.

(a) Any adjustments in annual salary rates for employees, labor market adjustments, merit pay adjustments, or employee retention or recruitment requirements shall be made at the discretion of the Legislative Auditor.

(b) (1) In addition to other salary payments under this section, the Legislative Auditor may implement a merit program to reward employees for exceptional service. (2) The merit program under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be approved by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee before implementation of the merit program.

(1) In addition to other salary payments under this section, the Legislative Auditor may implement a merit program to reward employees for exceptional service.

(2) The merit program under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be approved by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee before implementation of the merit program.

(c) In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, Arkansas Legislative Audit may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third (1/3) of the positions authorized in its operative appropriation act after receiving approval from the: (1) Legislative Council; or (2) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session.

(1) Legislative Council; or

(2) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session.

(d) Salary payments under this section shall not be restricted to maximum amounts authorized by law.

Added by Act 2023, No. 98,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-701 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 7 / Section 10-3-701
Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs - Creation - Members
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate to be known as the "Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs", to consist of twenty (20) members. (b) (1) The ten (10) House members and ten (10) House alternates shall be selected as prescribed by the Rules of the House of Representatives. (2) The House Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and House Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be selected in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives. (3) In addition to the regular House members appointed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint, during each regular session, one (1) additional House member from each caucus district to serve as a nonvoting member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs only during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. (c) (1) At the commencement of each regular session of the General Assembly, ten (10) members of the Senate shall be named pursuant to the Rules of the Senate to serve on the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Vacancies shall be filled pursuant to the Rules of the Senate. (2) Pursuant to the Rules of the Senate, one (1) Senate member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be designated to serve as Senate Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and one (1) Senate member shall be designated to serve as Senate Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Acts 1975, No. 289, § 1; 1981, No. 964, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1101; Acts 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 30, § 1; 1993, No. 517, § 1; 1995, No. 139, § 1; 1995, No. 1130, § 1; 1997, No. 94, § 1; 2001, No. 627, § 2; 2003, No. 24, § 1.

(a) There is established a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate to be known as the "Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs", to consist of twenty (20) members.

(b) (1) The ten (10) House members and ten (10) House alternates shall be selected as prescribed by the Rules of the House of Representatives. (2) The House Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and House Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be selected in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives. (3) In addition to the regular House members appointed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint, during each regular session, one (1) additional House member from each caucus district to serve as a nonvoting member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs only during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly.

(1) The ten (10) House members and ten (10) House alternates shall be selected as prescribed by the Rules of the House of Representatives.

(2) The House Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and House Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be selected in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives.

(3) In addition to the regular House members appointed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint, during each regular session, one (1) additional House member from each caucus district to serve as a nonvoting member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs only during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly.

(c) (1) At the commencement of each regular session of the General Assembly, ten (10) members of the Senate shall be named pursuant to the Rules of the Senate to serve on the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Vacancies shall be filled pursuant to the Rules of the Senate. (2) Pursuant to the Rules of the Senate, one (1) Senate member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be designated to serve as Senate Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and one (1) Senate member shall be designated to serve as Senate Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs.

(1) At the commencement of each regular session of the General Assembly, ten (10) members of the Senate shall be named pursuant to the Rules of the Senate to serve on the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Vacancies shall be filled pursuant to the Rules of the Senate.

(2) Pursuant to the Rules of the Senate, one (1) Senate member of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs shall be designated to serve as Senate Cochair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs and one (1) Senate member shall be designated to serve as Senate Co-vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs.

Acts 1975, No. 289, § 1; 1981, No. 964, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1101; Acts 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 30, § 1; 1993, No. 517, § 1; 1995, No. 139, § 1; 1995, No. 1130, § 1; 1997, No. 94, § 1; 2001, No. 627, § 2; 2003, No. 24, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-4-412 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 4 / Subchapter 4 / Section 10-4-412
Audits of counties and municipalities - definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Required report" means a report prepared by a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and filed with the Legislative Auditor under: (A) Subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; or (B) Subdivision (d)(3) of this section; and (2) "Turnback funds" means: (A) General revenue turnback funds, as defined in the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq.; and (B) Highway revenue turnback funds, as distributed under § 27-70-207 . (b) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the Legislative Auditor shall audit counties and municipalities in the state. (2) (A) (i) Any municipality may retain the services of a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct a financial audit as prescribed in subsection (c) of this section. (ii) All reports of the annual financial audit shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance of the audit report. (B) Nothing in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section limits the authority of the Legislative Auditor to conduct an audit of any municipality. (c) Financial Audits. (1) (A) For purposes of this subsection, a financial audit shall be planned and conducted, and the results of the work reported in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. (B) The report shall include a report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards. (2) Regulatory Basis. (A) For county and municipal financial audits, the financial statements shall be presented on a fund-basis format with, at a minimum, the general fund and the street or road fund presented separately, and all other funds included in the audit presented in the aggregate. (B) The financial statements shall consist of the following: (i) A balance sheet; (ii) A statement of revenues (receipts), expenditures (disbursements), and changes in fund equity (balances); (iii) A comparison of the final adopted budget to the actual expenditures for the general fund and street or road fund of the entity; and (iv) Notes to the financial statements. (C) The report shall include as supplemental information a schedule of capital assets, including: (i) Land; (ii) Buildings; and (iii) Equipment. (3) Alternative Basis. As an alternative to the basis prescribed in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, the governing body of a municipality or a county may adopt an annual resolution requiring its annual financial audit to be performed and financial statements presented in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the United States Government Accountability Office, if applicable. (d) Agreed-Upon Procedures and Compilation Reports. (1) As an alternative to a financial audit, the Legislative Auditor may conduct an agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagement of the records and accounts of all municipal or county offices, officials, or employees. (2) For purposes of this subsection, agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements shall be conducted in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and subject to the minimum procedures prescribed by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. (3) (A) Unless otherwise provided by law, the governing body of a municipality may choose and employ accountants in public practice who are licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements. (B) All reports shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance. (e) (1) If a required report is not filed with the Legislative Auditor on behalf of the municipality within eighteen (18) months after the end of a fiscal year that the required report covers, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee may give notice of that fact to the Treasurer of State, who shall then withhold the municipality's turnback funds in escrow until notified by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year have been filed, at which time the escrowed turnback funds shall be released to the municipality. (2) If the Treasurer of State holds a municipality's turnback funds under this subsection longer than twelve (12) months: (A) The turnback funds shall be redistributed to all other municipalities receiving turnback funds; and (B) The municipality shall not accrue additional turnback funds until the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee notifies the Treasurer of State that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year ended have been filed. Amended by Act 2023, No. 453,§ 1, eff. 6/30/2024. Amended by Act 2015, No. 554,§ 15, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2005, No. 2201, § 7; 2011, No. 349, § 1.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Required report" means a report prepared by a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and filed with the Legislative Auditor under: (A) Subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; or (B) Subdivision (d)(3) of this section; and (2) "Turnback funds" means: (A) General revenue turnback funds, as defined in the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq.; and (B) Highway revenue turnback funds, as distributed under § 27-70-207 .

(1) "Required report" means a report prepared by a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and filed with the Legislative Auditor under: (A) Subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; or (B) Subdivision (d)(3) of this section; and

(A) Subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; or

(B) Subdivision (d)(3) of this section; and

(2) "Turnback funds" means: (A) General revenue turnback funds, as defined in the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq.; and (B) Highway revenue turnback funds, as distributed under § 27-70-207 .

(A) General revenue turnback funds, as defined in the Revenue Stabilization Law, § 19-5-101 et seq.; and

(B) Highway revenue turnback funds, as distributed under § 27-70-207 .

(b) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the Legislative Auditor shall audit counties and municipalities in the state. (2) (A) (i) Any municipality may retain the services of a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct a financial audit as prescribed in subsection (c) of this section. (ii) All reports of the annual financial audit shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance of the audit report. (B) Nothing in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section limits the authority of the Legislative Auditor to conduct an audit of any municipality.

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section, the Legislative Auditor shall audit counties and municipalities in the state.

(2) (A) (i) Any municipality may retain the services of a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct a financial audit as prescribed in subsection (c) of this section. (ii) All reports of the annual financial audit shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance of the audit report. (B) Nothing in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section limits the authority of the Legislative Auditor to conduct an audit of any municipality.

(A) (i) Any municipality may retain the services of a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct a financial audit as prescribed in subsection (c) of this section. (ii) All reports of the annual financial audit shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance of the audit report.

(i) Any municipality may retain the services of a licensed certified public accountant or a licensed accountant in public practice in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct a financial audit as prescribed in subsection (c) of this section.

(ii) All reports of the annual financial audit shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance of the audit report.

(B) Nothing in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section limits the authority of the Legislative Auditor to conduct an audit of any municipality.

(c) Financial Audits. (1) (A) For purposes of this subsection, a financial audit shall be planned and conducted, and the results of the work reported in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. (B) The report shall include a report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards. (2) Regulatory Basis. (A) For county and municipal financial audits, the financial statements shall be presented on a fund-basis format with, at a minimum, the general fund and the street or road fund presented separately, and all other funds included in the audit presented in the aggregate. (B) The financial statements shall consist of the following: (i) A balance sheet; (ii) A statement of revenues (receipts), expenditures (disbursements), and changes in fund equity (balances); (iii) A comparison of the final adopted budget to the actual expenditures for the general fund and street or road fund of the entity; and (iv) Notes to the financial statements. (C) The report shall include as supplemental information a schedule of capital assets, including: (i) Land; (ii) Buildings; and (iii) Equipment. (3) Alternative Basis. As an alternative to the basis prescribed in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, the governing body of a municipality or a county may adopt an annual resolution requiring its annual financial audit to be performed and financial statements presented in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the United States Government Accountability Office, if applicable.

(1) (A) For purposes of this subsection, a financial audit shall be planned and conducted, and the results of the work reported in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. (B) The report shall include a report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards.

(A) For purposes of this subsection, a financial audit shall be planned and conducted, and the results of the work reported in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

(B) The report shall include a report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards.

(2) Regulatory Basis. (A) For county and municipal financial audits, the financial statements shall be presented on a fund-basis format with, at a minimum, the general fund and the street or road fund presented separately, and all other funds included in the audit presented in the aggregate. (B) The financial statements shall consist of the following: (i) A balance sheet; (ii) A statement of revenues (receipts), expenditures (disbursements), and changes in fund equity (balances); (iii) A comparison of the final adopted budget to the actual expenditures for the general fund and street or road fund of the entity; and (iv) Notes to the financial statements. (C) The report shall include as supplemental information a schedule of capital assets, including: (i) Land; (ii) Buildings; and (iii) Equipment.

(A) For county and municipal financial audits, the financial statements shall be presented on a fund-basis format with, at a minimum, the general fund and the street or road fund presented separately, and all other funds included in the audit presented in the aggregate.

(B) The financial statements shall consist of the following: (i) A balance sheet; (ii) A statement of revenues (receipts), expenditures (disbursements), and changes in fund equity (balances); (iii) A comparison of the final adopted budget to the actual expenditures for the general fund and street or road fund of the entity; and (iv) Notes to the financial statements.

(i) A balance sheet;

(ii) A statement of revenues (receipts), expenditures (disbursements), and changes in fund equity (balances);

(iii) A comparison of the final adopted budget to the actual expenditures for the general fund and street or road fund of the entity; and

(iv) Notes to the financial statements.

(C) The report shall include as supplemental information a schedule of capital assets, including: (i) Land; (ii) Buildings; and (iii) Equipment.

(i) Land;

(ii) Buildings; and

(iii) Equipment.

(3) Alternative Basis. As an alternative to the basis prescribed in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, the governing body of a municipality or a county may adopt an annual resolution requiring its annual financial audit to be performed and financial statements presented in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the United States Government Accountability Office, if applicable.

(d) Agreed-Upon Procedures and Compilation Reports. (1) As an alternative to a financial audit, the Legislative Auditor may conduct an agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagement of the records and accounts of all municipal or county offices, officials, or employees. (2) For purposes of this subsection, agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements shall be conducted in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and subject to the minimum procedures prescribed by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. (3) (A) Unless otherwise provided by law, the governing body of a municipality may choose and employ accountants in public practice who are licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements. (B) All reports shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance.

(1) As an alternative to a financial audit, the Legislative Auditor may conduct an agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagement of the records and accounts of all municipal or county offices, officials, or employees.

(2) For purposes of this subsection, agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements shall be conducted in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and subject to the minimum procedures prescribed by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.

(3) (A) Unless otherwise provided by law, the governing body of a municipality may choose and employ accountants in public practice who are licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements. (B) All reports shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance.

(A) Unless otherwise provided by law, the governing body of a municipality may choose and employ accountants in public practice who are licensed and in good standing with the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy to conduct agreed-upon procedures and compilation engagements.

(B) All reports shall be filed with the Legislative Auditor within ten (10) days of issuance.

(e) (1) If a required report is not filed with the Legislative Auditor on behalf of the municipality within eighteen (18) months after the end of a fiscal year that the required report covers, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee may give notice of that fact to the Treasurer of State, who shall then withhold the municipality's turnback funds in escrow until notified by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year have been filed, at which time the escrowed turnback funds shall be released to the municipality. (2) If the Treasurer of State holds a municipality's turnback funds under this subsection longer than twelve (12) months: (A) The turnback funds shall be redistributed to all other municipalities receiving turnback funds; and (B) The municipality shall not accrue additional turnback funds until the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee notifies the Treasurer of State that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year ended have been filed.

(1) If a required report is not filed with the Legislative Auditor on behalf of the municipality within eighteen (18) months after the end of a fiscal year that the required report covers, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee may give notice of that fact to the Treasurer of State, who shall then withhold the municipality's turnback funds in escrow until notified by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year have been filed, at which time the escrowed turnback funds shall be released to the municipality.

(2) If the Treasurer of State holds a municipality's turnback funds under this subsection longer than twelve (12) months: (A) The turnback funds shall be redistributed to all other municipalities receiving turnback funds; and (B) The municipality shall not accrue additional turnback funds until the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee notifies the Treasurer of State that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year ended have been filed.

(A) The turnback funds shall be redistributed to all other municipalities receiving turnback funds; and

(B) The municipality shall not accrue additional turnback funds until the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee notifies the Treasurer of State that all required reports covering periods through the most recent fiscal year ended have been filed.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 453,§ 1, eff. 6/30/2024.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 554,§ 15, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2005, No. 2201, § 7; 2011, No. 349, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-2-217 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 2 / Subchapter 2 / Section 10-2-217
Compensation for members of interim committees and for performance of other interim duties
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Members or alternate members serving as members of the interim committees of the General Assembly as defined in subsection (b) of this section and members of the General Assembly who shall perform "other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" as defined in subsection (b) of this section shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage reimbursement in the amount prescribed by the Legislative Council not to exceed the amount as prescribed by regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. (2) However, members of the General Assembly shall not be entitled to per diem for attendance at regional or national meetings and seminars held outside the State of Arkansas, but in lieu thereof they shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, transportation, and mileage, as authorized by law. (b) As used in this section: (1) "Interim committees of the General Assembly" means and includes: (A) The Legislative Council, as established by § 10-3-301 ; (B) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, as established by § 10-3-401 ; (C) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly, established and authorized by § 10-3-203 ; (D) The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities, as established by § 10-3-1101 ; (E) The Joint Committee on Legislative Printing Requirements and Specifications, as established by § 10-3-602 ; (F) The Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, as established by § 10-3-701 ; (G) The Joint Interim Committee on Energy, as established by § 10-3-820 ; (H) The Joint Performance Review Committee, as established by § 10-3-901 ; and (I) Any other interim committee of the General Assembly created by law; and (2) "Other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" includes: (A) Service by members of the General Assembly in connection with the legislative program of Boys State and Girls State, as authorized by § 10-2-121 ; (B) Attendance by members and members-elect of the General Assembly at the biennial Institute of Legislative Procedure held preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly, as authorized by law; and (C) The performance of other interim legislative duties which are not specifically enumerated in this section, but for which per diem and mileage reimbursement is authorized by law. (c) It is the intent of this section to establish uniform per diem and mileage allowances for attendance by members of the General Assembly at meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly and for performing other interim legislative duties as members of the General Assembly where authorized by law. (d) The allowances provided in this section shall be in lieu of per diem and mileage allowances which otherwise may have been established by laws enacted prior to February 26, 1985. Acts 1985, No. 187, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-1007.1, 4-1007.2, 4-1007.2n; Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 116, § 11; 1991, No. 969, § 4; 1991, No. 1240, § 4.

(a) (1) Members or alternate members serving as members of the interim committees of the General Assembly as defined in subsection (b) of this section and members of the General Assembly who shall perform "other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" as defined in subsection (b) of this section shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage reimbursement in the amount prescribed by the Legislative Council not to exceed the amount as prescribed by regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. (2) However, members of the General Assembly shall not be entitled to per diem for attendance at regional or national meetings and seminars held outside the State of Arkansas, but in lieu thereof they shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, transportation, and mileage, as authorized by law.

(1) Members or alternate members serving as members of the interim committees of the General Assembly as defined in subsection (b) of this section and members of the General Assembly who shall perform "other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" as defined in subsection (b) of this section shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage reimbursement in the amount prescribed by the Legislative Council not to exceed the amount as prescribed by regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.

(2) However, members of the General Assembly shall not be entitled to per diem for attendance at regional or national meetings and seminars held outside the State of Arkansas, but in lieu thereof they shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses for meals, lodging, transportation, and mileage, as authorized by law.

(b) As used in this section: (1) "Interim committees of the General Assembly" means and includes: (A) The Legislative Council, as established by § 10-3-301 ; (B) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, as established by § 10-3-401 ; (C) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly, established and authorized by § 10-3-203 ; (D) The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities, as established by § 10-3-1101 ; (E) The Joint Committee on Legislative Printing Requirements and Specifications, as established by § 10-3-602 ; (F) The Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, as established by § 10-3-701 ; (G) The Joint Interim Committee on Energy, as established by § 10-3-820 ; (H) The Joint Performance Review Committee, as established by § 10-3-901 ; and (I) Any other interim committee of the General Assembly created by law; and (2) "Other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" includes: (A) Service by members of the General Assembly in connection with the legislative program of Boys State and Girls State, as authorized by § 10-2-121 ; (B) Attendance by members and members-elect of the General Assembly at the biennial Institute of Legislative Procedure held preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly, as authorized by law; and (C) The performance of other interim legislative duties which are not specifically enumerated in this section, but for which per diem and mileage reimbursement is authorized by law.

(1) "Interim committees of the General Assembly" means and includes: (A) The Legislative Council, as established by § 10-3-301 ; (B) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, as established by § 10-3-401 ; (C) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly, established and authorized by § 10-3-203 ; (D) The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities, as established by § 10-3-1101 ; (E) The Joint Committee on Legislative Printing Requirements and Specifications, as established by § 10-3-602 ; (F) The Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, as established by § 10-3-701 ; (G) The Joint Interim Committee on Energy, as established by § 10-3-820 ; (H) The Joint Performance Review Committee, as established by § 10-3-901 ; and (I) Any other interim committee of the General Assembly created by law; and

(A) The Legislative Council, as established by § 10-3-301 ;

(B) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, as established by § 10-3-401 ;

(C) The respective interim committees of the General Assembly, established and authorized by § 10-3-203 ;

(D) The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities, as established by § 10-3-1101 ;

(E) The Joint Committee on Legislative Printing Requirements and Specifications, as established by § 10-3-602 ;

(F) The Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs, as established by § 10-3-701 ;

(G) The Joint Interim Committee on Energy, as established by § 10-3-820 ;

(H) The Joint Performance Review Committee, as established by § 10-3-901 ; and

(I) Any other interim committee of the General Assembly created by law; and

(2) "Other interim legislative duties as authorized by law" includes: (A) Service by members of the General Assembly in connection with the legislative program of Boys State and Girls State, as authorized by § 10-2-121 ; (B) Attendance by members and members-elect of the General Assembly at the biennial Institute of Legislative Procedure held preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly, as authorized by law; and (C) The performance of other interim legislative duties which are not specifically enumerated in this section, but for which per diem and mileage reimbursement is authorized by law.

(A) Service by members of the General Assembly in connection with the legislative program of Boys State and Girls State, as authorized by § 10-2-121 ;

(B) Attendance by members and members-elect of the General Assembly at the biennial Institute of Legislative Procedure held preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly, as authorized by law; and

(C) The performance of other interim legislative duties which are not specifically enumerated in this section, but for which per diem and mileage reimbursement is authorized by law.

(c) It is the intent of this section to establish uniform per diem and mileage allowances for attendance by members of the General Assembly at meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly and for performing other interim legislative duties as members of the General Assembly where authorized by law.

(d) The allowances provided in this section shall be in lieu of per diem and mileage allowances which otherwise may have been established by laws enacted prior to February 26, 1985.

Acts 1985, No. 187, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-1007.1, 4-1007.2, 4-1007.2n; Acts 1989 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 116, § 11; 1991, No. 969, § 4; 1991, No. 1240, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-4-307 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 4 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-4-307
Invitation to appear
Status: in_force

(a) If the public servant fails to obtain compliance as to the laws contained in § 10-4-304 or to respond within the time limit contained in § 10-4-305 , then the public servant shall be invited or subpoenaed to appear before the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee to show cause why the public servant has not complied with the above-named fiscal management laws of the State of Arkansas. (b) (1) If the public servant is invited and the public servant fails to respond to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee's invitation provided above, then a second invitation shall be issued by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee in the form of a legal notice published in the newspaper serving the respective county of the public servant. The legal notice of invitation shall be published at least one (1) time each week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee meeting to which the public servant has been invited. (2) The legal notice shall be in the following form: Click here to view form. Acts 1979, No. 111, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-713.

(a) If the public servant fails to obtain compliance as to the laws contained in § 10-4-304 or to respond within the time limit contained in § 10-4-305 , then the public servant shall be invited or subpoenaed to appear before the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee to show cause why the public servant has not complied with the above-named fiscal management laws of the State of Arkansas.

(b) (1) If the public servant is invited and the public servant fails to respond to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee's invitation provided above, then a second invitation shall be issued by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee in the form of a legal notice published in the newspaper serving the respective county of the public servant. The legal notice of invitation shall be published at least one (1) time each week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee meeting to which the public servant has been invited. (2) The legal notice shall be in the following form: Click here to view form.

(1) If the public servant is invited and the public servant fails to respond to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee's invitation provided above, then a second invitation shall be issued by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee in the form of a legal notice published in the newspaper serving the respective county of the public servant. The legal notice of invitation shall be published at least one (1) time each week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee meeting to which the public servant has been invited.

(2) The legal notice shall be in the following form: Click here to view form.

Click here to view form.

Acts 1979, No. 111, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-713.

4_307_1 - Attachment
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-218 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 2 / Section 10-3-218
Budget hearings - Attendance by members of the General Assembly
Status: in_force

(a) During the presession budget hearings conducted by the Legislative Council and the Joint Budget Committee preceding each regular biennial session, the cochairs of the Legislative Council shall cause copies of the budget hearing agendas to be furnished to each member of the General Assembly in order that all members of the Senate and House of Representatives will be advised of the times when such hearings are conducted and of the budget requests to be heard or considered each day of the hearings. (b) All members of the Senate and House who will be serving in the upcoming regular biennial session of the General Assembly, including the newly elected members of the Senate and House, shall be entitled to attend any or all biennial presession budget hearings conducted by the Legislative Council and the Joint Budget Committee and shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage for attending such meetings at the same rate as is provided for attendance at meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly. Acts 1983, No. 877, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1019; Acts 1991, No. 995, § 1; 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 12.

(a) During the presession budget hearings conducted by the Legislative Council and the Joint Budget Committee preceding each regular biennial session, the cochairs of the Legislative Council shall cause copies of the budget hearing agendas to be furnished to each member of the General Assembly in order that all members of the Senate and House of Representatives will be advised of the times when such hearings are conducted and of the budget requests to be heard or considered each day of the hearings.

(b) All members of the Senate and House who will be serving in the upcoming regular biennial session of the General Assembly, including the newly elected members of the Senate and House, shall be entitled to attend any or all biennial presession budget hearings conducted by the Legislative Council and the Joint Budget Committee and shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage for attending such meetings at the same rate as is provided for attendance at meetings of interim committees of the General Assembly.

Acts 1983, No. 877, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1019; Acts 1991, No. 995, § 1; 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 12.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-303 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-3-303
Bureau of Legislative Research
Status: in_force

(a) There is established under the direction and control of the Legislative Council a Bureau of Legislative Research which shall consist of a director to be selected by the Legislative Council and other assistants as may be provided by legislative appropriation. (b) The Director of the Bureau of Legislative Research shall be the Executive Secretary to the Legislative Council and shall attend all of its meetings and keep official records of all Legislative Council proceedings. (c) It shall be the duty of the bureau acting under the direction of the director to: (1) Make studies and investigations, upon direction of the Legislative Council, and secure factual information, prepare reports, and draft legislation as may be required by the Legislative Council or any of its subcommittees; (2) Assist all members of the General Assembly upon request while the General Assembly is in regular session, fiscal session, or special session in drafting bills and resolutions, and making studies, preparing factual information, and by performing other services for members of the General Assembly as may be reasonably requested and which are in aid of the performance of the legislative duties of the members of the General Assembly; (3) Assist all members of the General Assembly when the General Assembly is not in session in connection with any reasonable request in preparing proposed bills or resolutions for introduction in the General Assembly when in session by compiling factual information, making studies, providing legal assistance, and performing other duties which assist members of the General Assembly in performing their official legislative duties; (4) (A) Maintain a limited legislative reference library service for legislative matters, utilizing print material, digital media, and information available through the internet. The bureau shall collect and make available in the most suitable form information relative to governmental subjects that will aid the General Assembly and bureau to perform their duties. (B) The bureau shall cooperate with comparable legislative agencies in other states concerning the availability and exchange of publications in order that the General Assembly might be fully advised of current developments in the legislatures of the various states. (C) The bureau shall maintain files or digital copies of bills introduced at the various legislative sessions that may or may not have been enacted by the General Assembly; (5) Prepare research reports and provide other staff services to the Legislative Council or its subcommittees with respect to studies undertaken by the Legislative Council at the direction of the General Assembly, or either house thereof, or upon request of any member of the General Assembly; (6) Assist the Legislative Council in its study of the budgetary and fiscal needs of the various state agencies and cooperate with the Department of Finance and Administration and other agencies of this state upon direction of the Legislative Council in the preparation of a budget manual reflecting the Legislative Council's budgetary recommendations to each session of the General Assembly; (7) Cooperate with comparable legislative service agencies in other states by exchanging information of legislative interest and participate in conferences or workshops on a regional or national basis organized for the purpose of exchanging information or discussing means and methods of improving services to legislatures and legislators in connection with the performance of their official duties; and (8) Perform any other duties and assignments as may be directed by the Legislative Council or by the General Assembly. (d) The agenda of each session of the Legislative Council shall be prepared by the director under the direction of the cochairs of the Legislative Council, and the agenda shall consist of any proposals as may be submitted by the members of the General Assembly, the Governor of the State of Arkansas, and such other matters as may be suggested by matters of public interest. (e) The bureau is a service agency within the legislative department of government and all members of the General Assembly shall have access thereto. The bureau shall be operated for the benefit of and the assistance to every member of the General Assembly to the end that legislative matters may be coordinated and the General Assembly assisted in its deliberations. The director and all employees of the bureau are declared to be employees of the General Assembly and shall be responsible to the General Assembly. (f) There is established the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council to be composed of the following members: (1) The House and Senate cochairs of the Legislative Council; (2) The House and Senate co-vice chairs of the Legislative Council; (3) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or one (1) senator selected by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; (4) The Speaker of the House of Representatives or one (1) representative selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (5) The immediate past Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council; and (6) The immediate past House Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the House Cochair of the Legislative Council. (g) (1) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may require the director to report and regularly seek the review and advice of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council prior to: (A) Taking actions regarding establishing new, repealing, or changing personnel policies pertaining to employees of the bureau; (B) (i) Taking actions concerning the hiring or termination of staff, staff promotions, and proposed salary changes. (ii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment contract, any salary obligation, other obligation, or change in employment status of staff of the bureau from an at-will employment relationship; or (C) Establishing new, repealing, or changing any other policies or procedures of the bureau relating to the delivery of services and other matters pertaining to the operation of the bureau, including the annual budget request of the bureau. (2) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may meet and transact business both during a session of the General Assembly and during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. If during a legislative session the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council takes action that requires approval by the Legislative Council, the approval may be granted either by the Legislative Council, if authorized to meet, or by the Joint Budget Committee. (h) (1) The bureau may employ outside legal counsel as deemed necessary by the director after receiving prior approval of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council. (2) If the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council approves the employment of outside legal counsel by the bureau, no additional approval is required. (i) The director may direct the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer appropriation between the following in such amounts as are determined to be necessary: (1) The line items within appropriations pertaining to the bureau; and (2) The appropriations made by the operative appropriation act for the bureau. (j) (1) Any adjustments in annual salary rates for employees of the bureau, including without limitation labor market adjustments, merit pay adjustments, or employee retention or recruitment requirements shall be made at the discretion of the director. (2) Salary payments under this subsection shall not be restricted to maximum amounts authorized by law. (3) In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, Bureau of Legislative Research may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the positions authorized in its operative appropriation act after receiving approval from the: (A) Legislative Council; or (B) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session. (k) (1) The director shall be the disbursing officer for the funds appropriated by the operative appropriation act for the bureau, including the Interim Committee Study Expenses section of the operative appropriation act for the bureau. (2) The director shall appoint a designee who shall serve as the disbursing officer in his or her absence. (3) In the event there is no director, the cochairs of the Legislative Council may appoint a disbursing officer. (l) All expenditures from the appropriations provided by the operative appropriation act for the bureau shall be in accordance with: (1) Procedures established by the Legislative Council; and (2) Appropriate law. Amended by Act 2024, No. 158,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by Act 2023, No. 120,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2017, No. 737,§ 11, eff. 3/29/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1150,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1949, No. 264, §§ 5, 10; 1965, No. 500, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-621, 4-626; Acts 2005, No. 2100, § 18; 2007, No. 18, § 1; 2007, No. 319, § 2; 2007, No. 665, § 1; 2009, No. 962, § 16.

(a) There is established under the direction and control of the Legislative Council a Bureau of Legislative Research which shall consist of a director to be selected by the Legislative Council and other assistants as may be provided by legislative appropriation.

(b) The Director of the Bureau of Legislative Research shall be the Executive Secretary to the Legislative Council and shall attend all of its meetings and keep official records of all Legislative Council proceedings.

(c) It shall be the duty of the bureau acting under the direction of the director to: (1) Make studies and investigations, upon direction of the Legislative Council, and secure factual information, prepare reports, and draft legislation as may be required by the Legislative Council or any of its subcommittees; (2) Assist all members of the General Assembly upon request while the General Assembly is in regular session, fiscal session, or special session in drafting bills and resolutions, and making studies, preparing factual information, and by performing other services for members of the General Assembly as may be reasonably requested and which are in aid of the performance of the legislative duties of the members of the General Assembly; (3) Assist all members of the General Assembly when the General Assembly is not in session in connection with any reasonable request in preparing proposed bills or resolutions for introduction in the General Assembly when in session by compiling factual information, making studies, providing legal assistance, and performing other duties which assist members of the General Assembly in performing their official legislative duties; (4) (A) Maintain a limited legislative reference library service for legislative matters, utilizing print material, digital media, and information available through the internet. The bureau shall collect and make available in the most suitable form information relative to governmental subjects that will aid the General Assembly and bureau to perform their duties. (B) The bureau shall cooperate with comparable legislative agencies in other states concerning the availability and exchange of publications in order that the General Assembly might be fully advised of current developments in the legislatures of the various states. (C) The bureau shall maintain files or digital copies of bills introduced at the various legislative sessions that may or may not have been enacted by the General Assembly; (5) Prepare research reports and provide other staff services to the Legislative Council or its subcommittees with respect to studies undertaken by the Legislative Council at the direction of the General Assembly, or either house thereof, or upon request of any member of the General Assembly; (6) Assist the Legislative Council in its study of the budgetary and fiscal needs of the various state agencies and cooperate with the Department of Finance and Administration and other agencies of this state upon direction of the Legislative Council in the preparation of a budget manual reflecting the Legislative Council's budgetary recommendations to each session of the General Assembly; (7) Cooperate with comparable legislative service agencies in other states by exchanging information of legislative interest and participate in conferences or workshops on a regional or national basis organized for the purpose of exchanging information or discussing means and methods of improving services to legislatures and legislators in connection with the performance of their official duties; and (8) Perform any other duties and assignments as may be directed by the Legislative Council or by the General Assembly.

(1) Make studies and investigations, upon direction of the Legislative Council, and secure factual information, prepare reports, and draft legislation as may be required by the Legislative Council or any of its subcommittees;

(2) Assist all members of the General Assembly upon request while the General Assembly is in regular session, fiscal session, or special session in drafting bills and resolutions, and making studies, preparing factual information, and by performing other services for members of the General Assembly as may be reasonably requested and which are in aid of the performance of the legislative duties of the members of the General Assembly;

(3) Assist all members of the General Assembly when the General Assembly is not in session in connection with any reasonable request in preparing proposed bills or resolutions for introduction in the General Assembly when in session by compiling factual information, making studies, providing legal assistance, and performing other duties which assist members of the General Assembly in performing their official legislative duties;

(4) (A) Maintain a limited legislative reference library service for legislative matters, utilizing print material, digital media, and information available through the internet. The bureau shall collect and make available in the most suitable form information relative to governmental subjects that will aid the General Assembly and bureau to perform their duties. (B) The bureau shall cooperate with comparable legislative agencies in other states concerning the availability and exchange of publications in order that the General Assembly might be fully advised of current developments in the legislatures of the various states. (C) The bureau shall maintain files or digital copies of bills introduced at the various legislative sessions that may or may not have been enacted by the General Assembly;

(A) Maintain a limited legislative reference library service for legislative matters, utilizing print material, digital media, and information available through the internet. The bureau shall collect and make available in the most suitable form information relative to governmental subjects that will aid the General Assembly and bureau to perform their duties.

(B) The bureau shall cooperate with comparable legislative agencies in other states concerning the availability and exchange of publications in order that the General Assembly might be fully advised of current developments in the legislatures of the various states.

(C) The bureau shall maintain files or digital copies of bills introduced at the various legislative sessions that may or may not have been enacted by the General Assembly;

(5) Prepare research reports and provide other staff services to the Legislative Council or its subcommittees with respect to studies undertaken by the Legislative Council at the direction of the General Assembly, or either house thereof, or upon request of any member of the General Assembly;

(6) Assist the Legislative Council in its study of the budgetary and fiscal needs of the various state agencies and cooperate with the Department of Finance and Administration and other agencies of this state upon direction of the Legislative Council in the preparation of a budget manual reflecting the Legislative Council's budgetary recommendations to each session of the General Assembly;

(7) Cooperate with comparable legislative service agencies in other states by exchanging information of legislative interest and participate in conferences or workshops on a regional or national basis organized for the purpose of exchanging information or discussing means and methods of improving services to legislatures and legislators in connection with the performance of their official duties; and

(8) Perform any other duties and assignments as may be directed by the Legislative Council or by the General Assembly.

(d) The agenda of each session of the Legislative Council shall be prepared by the director under the direction of the cochairs of the Legislative Council, and the agenda shall consist of any proposals as may be submitted by the members of the General Assembly, the Governor of the State of Arkansas, and such other matters as may be suggested by matters of public interest.

(e) The bureau is a service agency within the legislative department of government and all members of the General Assembly shall have access thereto. The bureau shall be operated for the benefit of and the assistance to every member of the General Assembly to the end that legislative matters may be coordinated and the General Assembly assisted in its deliberations. The director and all employees of the bureau are declared to be employees of the General Assembly and shall be responsible to the General Assembly.

(f) There is established the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council to be composed of the following members: (1) The House and Senate cochairs of the Legislative Council; (2) The House and Senate co-vice chairs of the Legislative Council; (3) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or one (1) senator selected by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; (4) The Speaker of the House of Representatives or one (1) representative selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (5) The immediate past Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council; and (6) The immediate past House Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the House Cochair of the Legislative Council.

(1) The House and Senate cochairs of the Legislative Council;

(2) The House and Senate co-vice chairs of the Legislative Council;

(3) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or one (1) senator selected by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;

(4) The Speaker of the House of Representatives or one (1) representative selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(5) The immediate past Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the Senate Cochair of the Legislative Council; and

(6) The immediate past House Cochair of the Legislative Council or one (1) member designate appointed by the House Cochair of the Legislative Council.

(g) (1) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may require the director to report and regularly seek the review and advice of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council prior to: (A) Taking actions regarding establishing new, repealing, or changing personnel policies pertaining to employees of the bureau; (B) (i) Taking actions concerning the hiring or termination of staff, staff promotions, and proposed salary changes. (ii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment contract, any salary obligation, other obligation, or change in employment status of staff of the bureau from an at-will employment relationship; or (C) Establishing new, repealing, or changing any other policies or procedures of the bureau relating to the delivery of services and other matters pertaining to the operation of the bureau, including the annual budget request of the bureau. (2) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may meet and transact business both during a session of the General Assembly and during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. If during a legislative session the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council takes action that requires approval by the Legislative Council, the approval may be granted either by the Legislative Council, if authorized to meet, or by the Joint Budget Committee.

(1) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may require the director to report and regularly seek the review and advice of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council prior to: (A) Taking actions regarding establishing new, repealing, or changing personnel policies pertaining to employees of the bureau; (B) (i) Taking actions concerning the hiring or termination of staff, staff promotions, and proposed salary changes. (ii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment contract, any salary obligation, other obligation, or change in employment status of staff of the bureau from an at-will employment relationship; or (C) Establishing new, repealing, or changing any other policies or procedures of the bureau relating to the delivery of services and other matters pertaining to the operation of the bureau, including the annual budget request of the bureau.

(A) Taking actions regarding establishing new, repealing, or changing personnel policies pertaining to employees of the bureau;

(B) (i) Taking actions concerning the hiring or termination of staff, staff promotions, and proposed salary changes. (ii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment contract, any salary obligation, other obligation, or change in employment status of staff of the bureau from an at-will employment relationship; or

(i) Taking actions concerning the hiring or termination of staff, staff promotions, and proposed salary changes.

(ii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an employment contract, any salary obligation, other obligation, or change in employment status of staff of the bureau from an at-will employment relationship; or

(C) Establishing new, repealing, or changing any other policies or procedures of the bureau relating to the delivery of services and other matters pertaining to the operation of the bureau, including the annual budget request of the bureau.

(2) The Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council may meet and transact business both during a session of the General Assembly and during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly. If during a legislative session the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council takes action that requires approval by the Legislative Council, the approval may be granted either by the Legislative Council, if authorized to meet, or by the Joint Budget Committee.

(h) (1) The bureau may employ outside legal counsel as deemed necessary by the director after receiving prior approval of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council. (2) If the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council approves the employment of outside legal counsel by the bureau, no additional approval is required.

(1) The bureau may employ outside legal counsel as deemed necessary by the director after receiving prior approval of the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council.

(2) If the Executive Subcommittee of the Legislative Council approves the employment of outside legal counsel by the bureau, no additional approval is required.

(i) The director may direct the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State to transfer appropriation between the following in such amounts as are determined to be necessary: (1) The line items within appropriations pertaining to the bureau; and (2) The appropriations made by the operative appropriation act for the bureau.

(1) The line items within appropriations pertaining to the bureau; and

(2) The appropriations made by the operative appropriation act for the bureau.

(j) (1) Any adjustments in annual salary rates for employees of the bureau, including without limitation labor market adjustments, merit pay adjustments, or employee retention or recruitment requirements shall be made at the discretion of the director. (2) Salary payments under this subsection shall not be restricted to maximum amounts authorized by law. (3) In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, Bureau of Legislative Research may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the positions authorized in its operative appropriation act after receiving approval from the: (A) Legislative Council; or (B) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session.

(1) Any adjustments in annual salary rates for employees of the bureau, including without limitation labor market adjustments, merit pay adjustments, or employee retention or recruitment requirements shall be made at the discretion of the director.

(2) Salary payments under this subsection shall not be restricted to maximum amounts authorized by law.

(3) In order that exceptionally well-qualified personnel may be recruited and retained, Bureau of Legislative Research may exceed the maximum salary levels by no more than twenty percent (20%) for no more than one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the positions authorized in its operative appropriation act after receiving approval from the: (A) Legislative Council; or (B) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session.

(A) Legislative Council; or

(B) Joint Budget Committee, if the General Assembly is in session.

(k) (1) The director shall be the disbursing officer for the funds appropriated by the operative appropriation act for the bureau, including the Interim Committee Study Expenses section of the operative appropriation act for the bureau. (2) The director shall appoint a designee who shall serve as the disbursing officer in his or her absence. (3) In the event there is no director, the cochairs of the Legislative Council may appoint a disbursing officer.

(1) The director shall be the disbursing officer for the funds appropriated by the operative appropriation act for the bureau, including the Interim Committee Study Expenses section of the operative appropriation act for the bureau.

(2) The director shall appoint a designee who shall serve as the disbursing officer in his or her absence.

(3) In the event there is no director, the cochairs of the Legislative Council may appoint a disbursing officer.

(l) All expenditures from the appropriations provided by the operative appropriation act for the bureau shall be in accordance with: (1) Procedures established by the Legislative Council; and (2) Appropriate law.

(1) Procedures established by the Legislative Council; and

(2) Appropriate law.

Amended by Act 2024, No. 158,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2024.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 120,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 737,§ 11, eff. 3/29/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1150,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1949, No. 264, §§ 5, 10; 1965, No. 500, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 4-621, 4-626; Acts 2005, No. 2100, § 18; 2007, No. 18, § 1; 2007, No. 319, § 2; 2007, No. 665, § 1; 2009, No. 962, § 16.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-2503 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 25 / Section 10-3-2503
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 19, eff. 5/23/2016. Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 19, eff. 5/23/2016. Acts 2009, No. 978, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 19, eff. 5/23/2016.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 19, eff. 5/23/2016.

Acts 2009, No. 978, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-317 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-3-317
Disclosure of school district information and records - Access to electronic databases of Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide the Bureau of Legislative Research with direct read-and-report-only access to the division's data warehouse concerning school districts and related records. (2) In providing the bureau with the direct read-and-report-only access required under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, the division shall take reasonable precautions, including electronic blocking or redacting, to prevent the disclosure of: (A) Personally identifiable information of a student unless the parent or guardian of a minor student or a student who is no longer a minor consents in writing to the disclosure of personally identifiable information about that student; or (B) Information that would cause the division to lose funding under the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 1232g , as it existed on January 1, 2007. (3) (A) The division shall make its staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff in developing and responding appropriately to bureau requests under this section. (B) The bureau staff shall inform the division of any warehouse data used in the preparation of reports and provide the division at least one (1) working day to review any student-related warehouse data used in preparation of reports prior to publicly releasing that student-related data without individually identifiable information. (b) The division shall provide other information and records requested by the bureau as soon as possible and in whatever reasonable form requested. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2209, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2007, No. 624, § 1.

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide the Bureau of Legislative Research with direct read-and-report-only access to the division's data warehouse concerning school districts and related records. (2) In providing the bureau with the direct read-and-report-only access required under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, the division shall take reasonable precautions, including electronic blocking or redacting, to prevent the disclosure of: (A) Personally identifiable information of a student unless the parent or guardian of a minor student or a student who is no longer a minor consents in writing to the disclosure of personally identifiable information about that student; or (B) Information that would cause the division to lose funding under the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 1232g , as it existed on January 1, 2007. (3) (A) The division shall make its staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff in developing and responding appropriately to bureau requests under this section. (B) The bureau staff shall inform the division of any warehouse data used in the preparation of reports and provide the division at least one (1) working day to review any student-related warehouse data used in preparation of reports prior to publicly releasing that student-related data without individually identifiable information.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide the Bureau of Legislative Research with direct read-and-report-only access to the division's data warehouse concerning school districts and related records.

(2) In providing the bureau with the direct read-and-report-only access required under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, the division shall take reasonable precautions, including electronic blocking or redacting, to prevent the disclosure of: (A) Personally identifiable information of a student unless the parent or guardian of a minor student or a student who is no longer a minor consents in writing to the disclosure of personally identifiable information about that student; or (B) Information that would cause the division to lose funding under the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 1232g , as it existed on January 1, 2007.

(A) Personally identifiable information of a student unless the parent or guardian of a minor student or a student who is no longer a minor consents in writing to the disclosure of personally identifiable information about that student; or

(B) Information that would cause the division to lose funding under the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 1232g , as it existed on January 1, 2007.

(3) (A) The division shall make its staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff in developing and responding appropriately to bureau requests under this section. (B) The bureau staff shall inform the division of any warehouse data used in the preparation of reports and provide the division at least one (1) working day to review any student-related warehouse data used in preparation of reports prior to publicly releasing that student-related data without individually identifiable information.

(A) The division shall make its staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff in developing and responding appropriately to bureau requests under this section.

(B) The bureau staff shall inform the division of any warehouse data used in the preparation of reports and provide the division at least one (1) working day to review any student-related warehouse data used in preparation of reports prior to publicly releasing that student-related data without individually identifiable information.

(b) The division shall provide other information and records requested by the bureau as soon as possible and in whatever reasonable form requested.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2209, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2007, No. 624, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-507 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 5 / Section 10-3-507
Presession budget hearings
Status: in_force

(a) The members appointed to serve on the Joint Budget Committee at the next-following regular session of the General Assembly who are not members of the Legislative Council shall be privileged to attend all presession budget hearings of the Legislative Council held after the October 1 preceding the next regular session of the General Assembly. (b) All such members of the Joint Budget Committee who are not regular members of the Legislative Council shall be given notice of all presession budget hearings scheduled by the Legislative Council and shall be privileged to attend the budget hearings and to participate therein and vote on budget recommendations the same as regular members of the Legislative Council. (c) The members shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage for attendance at such presession budget hearings of the Legislative Council at the same rates provided by law for attendance at meetings of the interim committees of the General Assembly, and payment therefor shall be made as follows: (1) Regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee who are appointed to the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage for attendance at Legislative Council presession budget hearings from funds appropriated for the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; (2) Members of either house of the General Assembly who are not regular members of the Legislative Council or regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee shall receive the per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the payment of per diem and mileage for attendance at meetings of the interim committees of the General Assembly; and (3) Members of the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the support of the Legislative Council. (d) The House Chair of the Special Language Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee shall serve on the corresponding subcommittee of the Legislative Council and Joint Budget Committee presession budget hearings as an ex officio nonvoting member. Acts 1979, No. 157, § 1; 1981, No. 939, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-304; Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 17; 2005, No. 2100, § 17.

(a) The members appointed to serve on the Joint Budget Committee at the next-following regular session of the General Assembly who are not members of the Legislative Council shall be privileged to attend all presession budget hearings of the Legislative Council held after the October 1 preceding the next regular session of the General Assembly.

(b) All such members of the Joint Budget Committee who are not regular members of the Legislative Council shall be given notice of all presession budget hearings scheduled by the Legislative Council and shall be privileged to attend the budget hearings and to participate therein and vote on budget recommendations the same as regular members of the Legislative Council.

(c) The members shall be entitled to receive per diem and mileage for attendance at such presession budget hearings of the Legislative Council at the same rates provided by law for attendance at meetings of the interim committees of the General Assembly, and payment therefor shall be made as follows: (1) Regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee who are appointed to the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage for attendance at Legislative Council presession budget hearings from funds appropriated for the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; (2) Members of either house of the General Assembly who are not regular members of the Legislative Council or regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee shall receive the per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the payment of per diem and mileage for attendance at meetings of the interim committees of the General Assembly; and (3) Members of the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the support of the Legislative Council.

(1) Regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee who are appointed to the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage for attendance at Legislative Council presession budget hearings from funds appropriated for the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee;

(2) Members of either house of the General Assembly who are not regular members of the Legislative Council or regular members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee shall receive the per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the payment of per diem and mileage for attendance at meetings of the interim committees of the General Assembly; and

(3) Members of the Legislative Council shall receive per diem and mileage from funds appropriated for the support of the Legislative Council.

(d) The House Chair of the Special Language Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee shall serve on the corresponding subcommittee of the Legislative Council and Joint Budget Committee presession budget hearings as an ex officio nonvoting member.

Acts 1979, No. 157, § 1; 1981, No. 939, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-304; Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 17; 2005, No. 2100, § 17.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-3202 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 32 / Section 10-3-3202
Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee - Creation - Membership - Meetings - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) (1) There is created a legislative committee to be known as the "Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee" that shall review and evaluate: (A) The conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (B) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment. (2) All cases that are reviewed and evaluated under this section shall: (A) Be completed investigations of child maltreatment; and (B) Not be associated with a pending dependency-neglect case. (b) (1) The Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall be composed of the following members: (A) The Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee; (B) The Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police, or his or her designee; (C) One (1) representative from the Governor's office, as selected by the Governor; (D) One (1) attorney who is employed as parent counsel; (E) One (1) dependency-neglect attorney ad litem; (F) One (1) attorney who: (i) Has experience representing parents in child welfare cases; and (ii) Is not contracted by the state; (G) One (1) judge or justice, who may be a retired judge or justice; (H) One (1) current or former representative from the court-appointed special advocate program; (I) One (1) representative from a child advocacy center; (J) (i) One (1) parent who was previously designated as a subject of the report. (ii) As used in subdivision (b)(1)(J)(i) of this section, "subject of the report" means: (a) The offender; (b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and (c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment; (K) One (1) adult who was previously in the custody of the state as a foster child due to a true finding of child maltreatment or neglect; (L) One (1) current foster parent; (M) (i) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(M)(i) of this section; (N) (i) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(N)(i) of this section; (O) Two (2) members of the General Assembly who are members of the: (i) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (ii) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth; (P) (i) One (1) current or former member of the General Assembly who is a current or former member of the: (a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (ii) The current or former member of the General Assembly under subdivision (b)(1)(P)(i) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor; (Q) The Director of the Dependency-Neglect Attorney Ad Litem Program or his or her designee; (R) An attorney who practices dependency-neglect appellate law, who shall be selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (S) The Executive Director of the Commission for Parent Counsel or his or her designee. (2) Unless otherwise provided under this section, the members listed under subdivisions (b)(1)(A)-(S) of this section shall be selected by the Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth in consultation with members of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (3) The members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee annually shall elect from their legislative membership the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. (c) (1) Members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve three-year staggered terms. (2) (A) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve for a term that expires following the general election that occurs after he or she is chosen to serve on the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and until his or her replacement is selected or appointed under this section. (B) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section may be appointed or selected to serve consecutive terms. (d) (1) (A) The Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall guide the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee in its discussion, evaluation, and review of the: (i) Conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (ii) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment. (B) Guidance from the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (d)(1)(A) of this section shall include without limitation: (i) Selection of closed child maltreatment cases to be considered by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (ii) Criteria by which to evaluate the conduct of child maltreatment investigations and service delivery under subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of this section. (2) A member of the General Assembly may submit a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review. (e) Staff for the meetings of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall be provided by the Bureau of Legislative Research. (f) The following persons may attend a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee: (1) No more than three (3) employees of the Department of Human Services who are selected by the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; (2) No more than three (3) employees of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police who are selected by the Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section; (3) No more than five (5) members of the General Assembly who are: (A) Not members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (B) Selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (4) (A) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review. (B) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall not participate in any discussion, evaluation, or review of the case that occurs during a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 713,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

(a) (1) There is created a legislative committee to be known as the "Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee" that shall review and evaluate: (A) The conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (B) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment. (2) All cases that are reviewed and evaluated under this section shall: (A) Be completed investigations of child maltreatment; and (B) Not be associated with a pending dependency-neglect case.

(1) There is created a legislative committee to be known as the "Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee" that shall review and evaluate: (A) The conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (B) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment.

(A) The conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and

(B) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment.

(2) All cases that are reviewed and evaluated under this section shall: (A) Be completed investigations of child maltreatment; and (B) Not be associated with a pending dependency-neglect case.

(A) Be completed investigations of child maltreatment; and

(B) Not be associated with a pending dependency-neglect case.

(b) (1) The Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall be composed of the following members: (A) The Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee; (B) The Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police, or his or her designee; (C) One (1) representative from the Governor's office, as selected by the Governor; (D) One (1) attorney who is employed as parent counsel; (E) One (1) dependency-neglect attorney ad litem; (F) One (1) attorney who: (i) Has experience representing parents in child welfare cases; and (ii) Is not contracted by the state; (G) One (1) judge or justice, who may be a retired judge or justice; (H) One (1) current or former representative from the court-appointed special advocate program; (I) One (1) representative from a child advocacy center; (J) (i) One (1) parent who was previously designated as a subject of the report. (ii) As used in subdivision (b)(1)(J)(i) of this section, "subject of the report" means: (a) The offender; (b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and (c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment; (K) One (1) adult who was previously in the custody of the state as a foster child due to a true finding of child maltreatment or neglect; (L) One (1) current foster parent; (M) (i) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(M)(i) of this section; (N) (i) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(N)(i) of this section; (O) Two (2) members of the General Assembly who are members of the: (i) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (ii) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth; (P) (i) One (1) current or former member of the General Assembly who is a current or former member of the: (a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (ii) The current or former member of the General Assembly under subdivision (b)(1)(P)(i) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor; (Q) The Director of the Dependency-Neglect Attorney Ad Litem Program or his or her designee; (R) An attorney who practices dependency-neglect appellate law, who shall be selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (S) The Executive Director of the Commission for Parent Counsel or his or her designee. (2) Unless otherwise provided under this section, the members listed under subdivisions (b)(1)(A)-(S) of this section shall be selected by the Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth in consultation with members of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (3) The members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee annually shall elect from their legislative membership the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee.

(1) The Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall be composed of the following members: (A) The Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee; (B) The Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police, or his or her designee; (C) One (1) representative from the Governor's office, as selected by the Governor; (D) One (1) attorney who is employed as parent counsel; (E) One (1) dependency-neglect attorney ad litem; (F) One (1) attorney who: (i) Has experience representing parents in child welfare cases; and (ii) Is not contracted by the state; (G) One (1) judge or justice, who may be a retired judge or justice; (H) One (1) current or former representative from the court-appointed special advocate program; (I) One (1) representative from a child advocacy center; (J) (i) One (1) parent who was previously designated as a subject of the report. (ii) As used in subdivision (b)(1)(J)(i) of this section, "subject of the report" means: (a) The offender; (b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and (c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment; (K) One (1) adult who was previously in the custody of the state as a foster child due to a true finding of child maltreatment or neglect; (L) One (1) current foster parent; (M) (i) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(M)(i) of this section; (N) (i) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(N)(i) of this section; (O) Two (2) members of the General Assembly who are members of the: (i) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (ii) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth; (P) (i) One (1) current or former member of the General Assembly who is a current or former member of the: (a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (ii) The current or former member of the General Assembly under subdivision (b)(1)(P)(i) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor; (Q) The Director of the Dependency-Neglect Attorney Ad Litem Program or his or her designee; (R) An attorney who practices dependency-neglect appellate law, who shall be selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (S) The Executive Director of the Commission for Parent Counsel or his or her designee.

(A) The Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, or his or her designee;

(B) The Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police, or his or her designee;

(C) One (1) representative from the Governor's office, as selected by the Governor;

(D) One (1) attorney who is employed as parent counsel;

(E) One (1) dependency-neglect attorney ad litem;

(F) One (1) attorney who: (i) Has experience representing parents in child welfare cases; and (ii) Is not contracted by the state;

(i) Has experience representing parents in child welfare cases; and

(ii) Is not contracted by the state;

(G) One (1) judge or justice, who may be a retired judge or justice;

(H) One (1) current or former representative from the court-appointed special advocate program;

(I) One (1) representative from a child advocacy center;

(J) (i) One (1) parent who was previously designated as a subject of the report. (ii) As used in subdivision (b)(1)(J)(i) of this section, "subject of the report" means: (a) The offender; (b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and (c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment;

(i) One (1) parent who was previously designated as a subject of the report.

(ii) As used in subdivision (b)(1)(J)(i) of this section, "subject of the report" means: (a) The offender; (b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and (c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment;

(a) The offender;

(b) The custodial and noncustodial parents, guardians, and legal custodians of the child who is subject to suspected maltreatment; and

(c) The child who is the subject of suspected maltreatment;

(K) One (1) adult who was previously in the custody of the state as a foster child due to a true finding of child maltreatment or neglect;

(L) One (1) current foster parent;

(M) (i) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(M)(i) of this section;

(i) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs or his or her designee.

(ii) The Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(M)(i) of this section;

(N) (i) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or his or her designee. (ii) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(N)(i) of this section;

(i) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth or his or her designee.

(ii) The Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee if he or she appoints a designee under subdivision (b)(1)(N)(i) of this section;

(O) Two (2) members of the General Assembly who are members of the: (i) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (ii) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth;

(i) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or

(ii) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth;

(P) (i) One (1) current or former member of the General Assembly who is a current or former member of the: (a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. (ii) The current or former member of the General Assembly under subdivision (b)(1)(P)(i) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor;

(i) One (1) current or former member of the General Assembly who is a current or former member of the: (a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or (b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth.

(a) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs; or

(b) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth.

(ii) The current or former member of the General Assembly under subdivision (b)(1)(P)(i) of this section shall be appointed by the Governor;

(Q) The Director of the Dependency-Neglect Attorney Ad Litem Program or his or her designee;

(R) An attorney who practices dependency-neglect appellate law, who shall be selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and

(S) The Executive Director of the Commission for Parent Counsel or his or her designee.

(2) Unless otherwise provided under this section, the members listed under subdivisions (b)(1)(A)-(S) of this section shall be selected by the Chair of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth in consultation with members of the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth.

(3) The members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee annually shall elect from their legislative membership the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee.

(c) (1) Members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve three-year staggered terms. (2) (A) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve for a term that expires following the general election that occurs after he or she is chosen to serve on the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and until his or her replacement is selected or appointed under this section. (B) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section may be appointed or selected to serve consecutive terms.

(1) Members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve three-year staggered terms.

(2) (A) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve for a term that expires following the general election that occurs after he or she is chosen to serve on the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and until his or her replacement is selected or appointed under this section. (B) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section may be appointed or selected to serve consecutive terms.

(A) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall serve for a term that expires following the general election that occurs after he or she is chosen to serve on the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and until his or her replacement is selected or appointed under this section.

(B) A current or former legislative member of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section may be appointed or selected to serve consecutive terms.

(d) (1) (A) The Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall guide the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee in its discussion, evaluation, and review of the: (i) Conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (ii) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment. (B) Guidance from the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (d)(1)(A) of this section shall include without limitation: (i) Selection of closed child maltreatment cases to be considered by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (ii) Criteria by which to evaluate the conduct of child maltreatment investigations and service delivery under subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of this section. (2) A member of the General Assembly may submit a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review.

(1) (A) The Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall guide the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee in its discussion, evaluation, and review of the: (i) Conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (ii) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment. (B) Guidance from the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (d)(1)(A) of this section shall include without limitation: (i) Selection of closed child maltreatment cases to be considered by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (ii) Criteria by which to evaluate the conduct of child maltreatment investigations and service delivery under subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(A) The Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall guide the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee in its discussion, evaluation, and review of the: (i) Conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and (ii) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment.

(i) Conduct of child maltreatment investigations completed by the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police; and

(ii) Service delivery to children and families involved in an investigation of child maltreatment.

(B) Guidance from the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee under subdivision (d)(1)(A) of this section shall include without limitation: (i) Selection of closed child maltreatment cases to be considered by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (ii) Criteria by which to evaluate the conduct of child maltreatment investigations and service delivery under subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(i) Selection of closed child maltreatment cases to be considered by the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and

(ii) Criteria by which to evaluate the conduct of child maltreatment investigations and service delivery under subdivisions (d)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(2) A member of the General Assembly may submit a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review.

(e) Staff for the meetings of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall be provided by the Bureau of Legislative Research.

(f) The following persons may attend a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee: (1) No more than three (3) employees of the Department of Human Services who are selected by the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; (2) No more than three (3) employees of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police who are selected by the Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section; (3) No more than five (5) members of the General Assembly who are: (A) Not members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (B) Selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (4) (A) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review. (B) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall not participate in any discussion, evaluation, or review of the case that occurs during a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee.

(1) No more than three (3) employees of the Department of Human Services who are selected by the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section;

(2) No more than three (3) employees of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Division of Arkansas State Police who are selected by the Commander of the Crimes Against Children Division or by his or her designee who may be selected under subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section;

(3) No more than five (5) members of the General Assembly who are: (A) Not members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and (B) Selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and

(A) Not members of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and

(B) Selected by the Chair of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee; and

(4) (A) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review. (B) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall not participate in any discussion, evaluation, or review of the case that occurs during a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee.

(A) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee for discussion, evaluation, and review.

(B) A member of the General Assembly who submits a case to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee shall not participate in any discussion, evaluation, or review of the case that occurs during a meeting of the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1081,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 713,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-4-301 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 4 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-4-301
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known as the "Arkansas Governmental Compliance Act". Acts 1979, No. 111, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-710; Acts 1989, No. 47, § 1.

This subchapter shall be known as the "Arkansas Governmental Compliance Act".

Acts 1979, No. 111, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-710; Acts 1989, No. 47, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-1405 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 14 / Section 10-3-1405
Interdepartmental cooperation and assistance
Status: in_force

(a) The Department of Finance and Administration shall cooperate with and assist the Office of Economic and Tax Policy in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (1) The office with such nonconfidential tax information as may be requested by the office; and (2) Such other assistance to the office as may be requested. (b) (1) Other state agencies shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties, including, without limitation: (A) Review and analysis of cost-benefit studies; (B) Fiscal impact statements; and (C) Other fiscal analyses as requested by the office. (2) State agencies shall provide assistance to the office as requested. (c) The state-supported institutions of higher education shall: (1) Cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties; and (2) Provide support and advice to the Joint Committee on Economic and Tax Policy in determining the economic policy and revenue forecast of the State of Arkansas. (d) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (A) The office with information requested by the office; and (B) Assistance to the office as requested. (2) The division shall provide the office with any information regarding changes in the calculation of state aid to public school districts within seven (7) working days of a change. (e) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (1) The office with information requested by the office; and (2) Assistance to the office as requested. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2211, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1993, No. 1274, § 5; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 2; 2005, No. 1981, § 3.

(a) The Department of Finance and Administration shall cooperate with and assist the Office of Economic and Tax Policy in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (1) The office with such nonconfidential tax information as may be requested by the office; and (2) Such other assistance to the office as may be requested.

(1) The office with such nonconfidential tax information as may be requested by the office; and

(2) Such other assistance to the office as may be requested.

(b) (1) Other state agencies shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties, including, without limitation: (A) Review and analysis of cost-benefit studies; (B) Fiscal impact statements; and (C) Other fiscal analyses as requested by the office. (2) State agencies shall provide assistance to the office as requested.

(1) Other state agencies shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties, including, without limitation: (A) Review and analysis of cost-benefit studies; (B) Fiscal impact statements; and (C) Other fiscal analyses as requested by the office.

(A) Review and analysis of cost-benefit studies;

(B) Fiscal impact statements; and

(C) Other fiscal analyses as requested by the office.

(2) State agencies shall provide assistance to the office as requested.

(c) The state-supported institutions of higher education shall: (1) Cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties; and (2) Provide support and advice to the Joint Committee on Economic and Tax Policy in determining the economic policy and revenue forecast of the State of Arkansas.

(1) Cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its duties; and

(2) Provide support and advice to the Joint Committee on Economic and Tax Policy in determining the economic policy and revenue forecast of the State of Arkansas.

(d) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (A) The office with information requested by the office; and (B) Assistance to the office as requested. (2) The division shall provide the office with any information regarding changes in the calculation of state aid to public school districts within seven (7) working days of a change.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (A) The office with information requested by the office; and (B) Assistance to the office as requested.

(A) The office with information requested by the office; and

(B) Assistance to the office as requested.

(2) The division shall provide the office with any information regarding changes in the calculation of state aid to public school districts within seven (7) working days of a change.

(e) The Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority shall cooperate with and assist the office in carrying out its responsibilities by providing: (1) The office with information requested by the office; and (2) Assistance to the office as requested.

(1) The office with information requested by the office; and

(2) Assistance to the office as requested.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2211, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1993, No. 1274, § 5; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 2; 2005, No. 1981, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-315 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 3 / Section 10-3-315
Information and records
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this section, "state agency" means every department, division, office, board, commission, and institution of this state, including state-supported institutions of higher education. (b) Every state agency shall provide the Bureau of Legislative Research with information, records, and access to electronic databases and files when requested by the bureau, unless prohibited by federal or state law. (c) Information and records requested by the bureau shall be provided as soon as possible and in whatever reasonable form, hard copy, electronic, etc., requested. (d) State agencies shall also make their staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff. Acts 1995, No. 1312, § 9; 1997, No. 1285, § 11.

(a) For purposes of this section, "state agency" means every department, division, office, board, commission, and institution of this state, including state-supported institutions of higher education.

(b) Every state agency shall provide the Bureau of Legislative Research with information, records, and access to electronic databases and files when requested by the bureau, unless prohibited by federal or state law.

(c) Information and records requested by the bureau shall be provided as soon as possible and in whatever reasonable form, hard copy, electronic, etc., requested.

(d) State agencies shall also make their staff reasonably accessible for consultation with bureau staff.

Acts 1995, No. 1312, § 9; 1997, No. 1285, § 11.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-1702 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 17 / Section 10-3-1702
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this subchapter: (1) "Distance learning" means an interactive telecommunications system that: (A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other distance learning networks; and (B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing instructional opportunities in Arkansas public schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and universities, and economic development opportunities in business and industry; (2) "Governmental entity" means any department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state or any entity created by law to provide services to the state; (3) "Information technology" means the totality of means employed to collect, classify, process, store, retrieve, evaluate, and disseminate information in voice, video, and data form; (4) "Infrastructure" means an interlinked system of wires, cables, fiber optics, or other wireline or wireless communications media; (5) "Medical facilities" means any fully licensed and accredited, publicly or privately funded, medical care providers that furnish either inpatient or outpatient services; (6) "Network" means an interlinked system of users; (7) "Public access" means access by the public to public information through the use of information technology; (8) "Public information" means any information stored, gathered, or generated in electronic or magnetic form by the State of Arkansas or its agencies or instrumentalities included within the information deemed to be public pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., and amendments thereto; (9) "Public telecommunications" means the facilities used in providing telecommunication services to the public, including, but not limited to, facilities owned and operated by public utilities; (10) "Telemedicine" means an interactive telecommunications system that: (A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other telemedicine networks; and (B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of medical information and health care to medical facilities in rural and urban areas throughout Arkansas; and (11) "Universal access" means access to the public telecommunications infrastructure or the state's information system by all state governmental entities. Acts 1995, No. 737, § 2.

For the purpose of this subchapter:

(1) "Distance learning" means an interactive telecommunications system that: (A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other distance learning networks; and (B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing instructional opportunities in Arkansas public schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and universities, and economic development opportunities in business and industry;

(A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other distance learning networks; and

(B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing instructional opportunities in Arkansas public schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and universities, and economic development opportunities in business and industry;

(2) "Governmental entity" means any department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state or any entity created by law to provide services to the state;

(3) "Information technology" means the totality of means employed to collect, classify, process, store, retrieve, evaluate, and disseminate information in voice, video, and data form;

(4) "Infrastructure" means an interlinked system of wires, cables, fiber optics, or other wireline or wireless communications media;

(5) "Medical facilities" means any fully licensed and accredited, publicly or privately funded, medical care providers that furnish either inpatient or outpatient services;

(6) "Network" means an interlinked system of users;

(7) "Public access" means access by the public to public information through the use of information technology;

(8) "Public information" means any information stored, gathered, or generated in electronic or magnetic form by the State of Arkansas or its agencies or instrumentalities included within the information deemed to be public pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, § 25-19-101 et seq., and amendments thereto;

(9) "Public telecommunications" means the facilities used in providing telecommunication services to the public, including, but not limited to, facilities owned and operated by public utilities;

(10) "Telemedicine" means an interactive telecommunications system that: (A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other telemedicine networks; and (B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of medical information and health care to medical facilities in rural and urban areas throughout Arkansas; and

(A) Utilizes information technology, audio, video, and other appropriate elements and is compatible with other telemedicine networks; and

(B) Is used for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of medical information and health care to medical facilities in rural and urban areas throughout Arkansas; and

(11) "Universal access" means access to the public telecommunications infrastructure or the state's information system by all state governmental entities.

Acts 1995, No. 737, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-217 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 2 / Section 10-3-217
Proposed bills - Filing - Action by committee
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of expediting the work of the interim committees of the General Assembly and to encourage each committee to develop bills for prompt introduction upon the convening of each session of the General Assembly, any member of the General Assembly may file drafts of proposed bills for consideration by the appropriate germane interim committee for study, review, modification, and action thereon by the committee. In addition, interim committees may cause drafts of bills to be prepared to carry out the findings and recommendations of the interim committees which result in recommendations for corrective or remedial legislation to be submitted to the next-following session of the General Assembly. (b) Proposed bills may be filed with interim committees as follows: (1) By a member of the General Assembly filed directly with the interim committee of which he or she is a member if the bill is germane to the committee; (2) By a member of the General Assembly filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the appropriate interim committee of the General Assembly; (3) By the Governor or a state agency filed with the appropriate germane interim committee or filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the germane interim committee for study and review. (c) All bills presented by the Governor and state agencies for interim committee study shall be approved for study only upon a majority vote of the committee without that action's creating a presumption of favorable action by the committee on the bill, upon conclusion of its study. (d) Bills filed directly with an interim committee shall be reviewed by the Legislative Council for the purpose of determining that the bill is germane to the committee, and may be re-referred to the germane interim committee if the Legislative Council determines that the bill is not germane to the committee with which filed. (e) Upon conclusion of its study and hearings on a proposed bill, the committee shall take action as follows: (1) Upon the favorable vote of a majority of the members of the committee or if the committee is meeting as a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, then upon the favorable vote of a majority of the Senate members of the committee and a majority of the House members of the committee, approve the bill, including any amendments that may be agreed to by the committee, for prefiling as a committee bill with the next-following regular session of the General Assembly; (2) Reject the proposed bill as a committee bill; or (3) Take no action thereon. (f) Any bill approved by an interim committee, whether a committee of one (1) house or a joint meeting of committees of both houses, for introduction at the next regular session of the General Assembly shall be prefiled as a committee bill by either the House chair or the Senate chair of the committee in the manner provided for prefiling of bills preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly. However, the prefiling of the bill in the House and the Senate by the chair or cochair of the interim committee as a committee bill shall be solely for the purpose of presenting the bill to the next regular session of the General Assembly for consideration in the manner provided in the rules of the respective houses. The bill shall be considered by each house and by the appropriate committee thereof in the same manner as other bills are considered by the General Assembly. (g) In the event an interim committee rejects a bill or fails to take action thereon, any member of the General Assembly may introduce the bill at the next regular session of the General Assembly, and the bill shall be considered in the same manner as other bills introduced in the House or the Senate. Acts 1983, No. 877, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1018; Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 11.

(a) For the purpose of expediting the work of the interim committees of the General Assembly and to encourage each committee to develop bills for prompt introduction upon the convening of each session of the General Assembly, any member of the General Assembly may file drafts of proposed bills for consideration by the appropriate germane interim committee for study, review, modification, and action thereon by the committee. In addition, interim committees may cause drafts of bills to be prepared to carry out the findings and recommendations of the interim committees which result in recommendations for corrective or remedial legislation to be submitted to the next-following session of the General Assembly.

(b) Proposed bills may be filed with interim committees as follows: (1) By a member of the General Assembly filed directly with the interim committee of which he or she is a member if the bill is germane to the committee; (2) By a member of the General Assembly filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the appropriate interim committee of the General Assembly; (3) By the Governor or a state agency filed with the appropriate germane interim committee or filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the germane interim committee for study and review.

(1) By a member of the General Assembly filed directly with the interim committee of which he or she is a member if the bill is germane to the committee;

(2) By a member of the General Assembly filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the appropriate interim committee of the General Assembly;

(3) By the Governor or a state agency filed with the appropriate germane interim committee or filed with the Legislative Council for referral to the germane interim committee for study and review.

(c) All bills presented by the Governor and state agencies for interim committee study shall be approved for study only upon a majority vote of the committee without that action's creating a presumption of favorable action by the committee on the bill, upon conclusion of its study.

(d) Bills filed directly with an interim committee shall be reviewed by the Legislative Council for the purpose of determining that the bill is germane to the committee, and may be re-referred to the germane interim committee if the Legislative Council determines that the bill is not germane to the committee with which filed.

(e) Upon conclusion of its study and hearings on a proposed bill, the committee shall take action as follows: (1) Upon the favorable vote of a majority of the members of the committee or if the committee is meeting as a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, then upon the favorable vote of a majority of the Senate members of the committee and a majority of the House members of the committee, approve the bill, including any amendments that may be agreed to by the committee, for prefiling as a committee bill with the next-following regular session of the General Assembly; (2) Reject the proposed bill as a committee bill; or (3) Take no action thereon.

(1) Upon the favorable vote of a majority of the members of the committee or if the committee is meeting as a joint committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, then upon the favorable vote of a majority of the Senate members of the committee and a majority of the House members of the committee, approve the bill, including any amendments that may be agreed to by the committee, for prefiling as a committee bill with the next-following regular session of the General Assembly;

(2) Reject the proposed bill as a committee bill; or

(3) Take no action thereon.

(f) Any bill approved by an interim committee, whether a committee of one (1) house or a joint meeting of committees of both houses, for introduction at the next regular session of the General Assembly shall be prefiled as a committee bill by either the House chair or the Senate chair of the committee in the manner provided for prefiling of bills preceding the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly. However, the prefiling of the bill in the House and the Senate by the chair or cochair of the interim committee as a committee bill shall be solely for the purpose of presenting the bill to the next regular session of the General Assembly for consideration in the manner provided in the rules of the respective houses. The bill shall be considered by each house and by the appropriate committee thereof in the same manner as other bills are considered by the General Assembly.

(g) In the event an interim committee rejects a bill or fails to take action thereon, any member of the General Assembly may introduce the bill at the next regular session of the General Assembly, and the bill shall be considered in the same manner as other bills introduced in the House or the Senate.

Acts 1983, No. 877, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1018; Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 11.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-220 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 2 / Section 10-3-220
Monitoring of changes made in federal income tax laws and regulations - Reports of secretary
Status: in_force

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall monitor changes made in federal income tax laws and regulations for the purpose of determining how the changes may affect Arkansas income tax law and for the purpose of determining how the changes differ from provisions adopted for Arkansas income tax purposes. (b) The secretary shall report his or her findings annually to the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation and may make such other reports to the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation as he or she deems necessary. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3372, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1989, No. 738, § 1; 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 14.

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall monitor changes made in federal income tax laws and regulations for the purpose of determining how the changes may affect Arkansas income tax law and for the purpose of determining how the changes differ from provisions adopted for Arkansas income tax purposes.

(b) The secretary shall report his or her findings annually to the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation and may make such other reports to the House Committee on Revenue and Taxation and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation as he or she deems necessary.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3372, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1989, No. 738, § 1; 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 14.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-210 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 2 / Section 10-3-210
Attendance at regional or national conferences - Reimbursement of expenses
Status: in_force

(a) Members of the interim committees may be authorized to attend regional or national conferences of legislators or other public officials where attendance thereat will serve a beneficial legislative purpose. Members shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses for travel, meals, lodging, and other authorized expenses incurred in connection therewith. (b) Attendance at the meetings shall be authorized by vote of the committee or in accordance with uniform rules and procedures established by the committees with the approval of the Legislative Council. Acts 1985, No. 273, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1007.3; Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 7.

(a) Members of the interim committees may be authorized to attend regional or national conferences of legislators or other public officials where attendance thereat will serve a beneficial legislative purpose. Members shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses for travel, meals, lodging, and other authorized expenses incurred in connection therewith.

(b) Attendance at the meetings shall be authorized by vote of the committee or in accordance with uniform rules and procedures established by the committees with the approval of the Legislative Council.

Acts 1985, No. 273, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1007.3; Acts 1995 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, § 7.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-1109 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 11 / Section 10-3-1109
Contracts
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Construction work to be performed shall be under contract, to be awarded by the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities to the lowest responsible bidder, but the total cost of the project, including cost of publishing legal notices, payment of architect fees, payments to contractors, and all other expenses of whatever nature incident to and reasonably necessary in connection with the project shall not exceed the appropriation provided for it. (2) All expenditures of funds shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the fiscal laws of this state pertaining to the expenditure of public funds and the state purchasing laws of this state. (3) [Repealed.] (b) All actions by the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities in relation to the work to be performed under contracts shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of §§ 22-9-202 - 22-9-204 . (c) All payments to contractors under contracts let under the provisions of this subchapter shall be made only after the approval of the amounts thereof by the architect. (d) All contracts which the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities proposes to enter into shall be subject to the approval as to form only by the Attorney General. Amended by Act 2021, No. 471,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Acts 1973, No. 572, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-141; Acts 1987, No. 968, § 2.

(a) (1) Construction work to be performed shall be under contract, to be awarded by the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities to the lowest responsible bidder, but the total cost of the project, including cost of publishing legal notices, payment of architect fees, payments to contractors, and all other expenses of whatever nature incident to and reasonably necessary in connection with the project shall not exceed the appropriation provided for it. (2) All expenditures of funds shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the fiscal laws of this state pertaining to the expenditure of public funds and the state purchasing laws of this state. (3) [Repealed.]

(1) Construction work to be performed shall be under contract, to be awarded by the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities to the lowest responsible bidder, but the total cost of the project, including cost of publishing legal notices, payment of architect fees, payments to contractors, and all other expenses of whatever nature incident to and reasonably necessary in connection with the project shall not exceed the appropriation provided for it.

(2) All expenditures of funds shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the fiscal laws of this state pertaining to the expenditure of public funds and the state purchasing laws of this state.

(3) [Repealed.]

(b) All actions by the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities in relation to the work to be performed under contracts shall be in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of §§ 22-9-202 - 22-9-204 .

(c) All payments to contractors under contracts let under the provisions of this subchapter shall be made only after the approval of the amounts thereof by the architect.

(d) All contracts which the Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Facilities proposes to enter into shall be subject to the approval as to form only by the Attorney General.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 471,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

Acts 1973, No. 572, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-141; Acts 1987, No. 968, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 10-3-902 — AR Code / Title 10 / Chapter 3 / Subchapter 9 / Section 10-3-902
Duties
Status: in_force

The Joint Performance Review Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to: (1) Make random and periodic performance review of specific governmental programs and agencies; (2) Conduct investigations into such specific problem areas of the administration of state government as may be brought to the attention of or as determined by the Joint Performance Review Committee or the cochairs of the Joint Performance Review Committee; (3) Refer specific problems regarding the operation of state government to appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly for continuing study; (4) Conduct hearings on citizen complaints and views regarding the operation of state government and serve as a forum for citizens to air their complaints and suggestions regarding the operation of state government; (5) Review the expenditures of the various agencies, departments, and programs of state government to assure that they are being administered in accordance with legislative intent and are being administered in such manner as to provide the taxpayers with the greatest service at the lowest reasonable cost; (6) Make such reports and recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Legislative Council as the Joint Performance Review Committee deems necessary or appropriate to promote more effective and efficient operation of state government; (7) (A) Investigate allegations of violations of election law referred by the Attorney General's office. (B) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Administer oaths for the purpose of taking sworn statements from witnesses in the course of its investigations; (ii) Request a person who is the subject of a complaint to answer allegations in writing, produce relevant evidence, or appear in person before the Joint Performance Review Committee; (iii) Subpoena any person or books, records, or other documents relevant to the investigation or inquiry; and (iv) Hold public hearings on the allegation of a violation of election law. (C) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Inform a person in writing that an allegation of a violation of election law has been made against him or her; (ii) Provide notice in writing to the person who is the subject of an alleged violation of election law if a hearing will be held on the alleged violation of election law, including the specific date and time of the hearing; (iii) Hold a hearing or schedule multiple hearings to investigate an allegation of a violation of election law; (iv) Provide a person subpoenaed with reasonable notice of the subpoena and an opportunity to respond; (v) Advise the person who is the subject of the alleged violation of election law in writing of the final recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee; and (vi) Prepare a report of the findings and recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee and submit that report to the State Board of Election Commissioners; and (8) Evaluate the purpose, need, and effectiveness of a state board or commission as defined in and under the process established under § 25-1-106 . Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 19, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 18, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 974,§ 6, eff. 7/28/2021. Acts 1977, No. 392, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1014; Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 21.

The Joint Performance Review Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to:

(1) Make random and periodic performance review of specific governmental programs and agencies;

(2) Conduct investigations into such specific problem areas of the administration of state government as may be brought to the attention of or as determined by the Joint Performance Review Committee or the cochairs of the Joint Performance Review Committee;

(3) Refer specific problems regarding the operation of state government to appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly for continuing study;

(4) Conduct hearings on citizen complaints and views regarding the operation of state government and serve as a forum for citizens to air their complaints and suggestions regarding the operation of state government;

(5) Review the expenditures of the various agencies, departments, and programs of state government to assure that they are being administered in accordance with legislative intent and are being administered in such manner as to provide the taxpayers with the greatest service at the lowest reasonable cost;

(6) Make such reports and recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Legislative Council as the Joint Performance Review Committee deems necessary or appropriate to promote more effective and efficient operation of state government;

(7) (A) Investigate allegations of violations of election law referred by the Attorney General's office. (B) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Administer oaths for the purpose of taking sworn statements from witnesses in the course of its investigations; (ii) Request a person who is the subject of a complaint to answer allegations in writing, produce relevant evidence, or appear in person before the Joint Performance Review Committee; (iii) Subpoena any person or books, records, or other documents relevant to the investigation or inquiry; and (iv) Hold public hearings on the allegation of a violation of election law. (C) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Inform a person in writing that an allegation of a violation of election law has been made against him or her; (ii) Provide notice in writing to the person who is the subject of an alleged violation of election law if a hearing will be held on the alleged violation of election law, including the specific date and time of the hearing; (iii) Hold a hearing or schedule multiple hearings to investigate an allegation of a violation of election law; (iv) Provide a person subpoenaed with reasonable notice of the subpoena and an opportunity to respond; (v) Advise the person who is the subject of the alleged violation of election law in writing of the final recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee; and (vi) Prepare a report of the findings and recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee and submit that report to the State Board of Election Commissioners; and

(A) Investigate allegations of violations of election law referred by the Attorney General's office.

(B) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Administer oaths for the purpose of taking sworn statements from witnesses in the course of its investigations; (ii) Request a person who is the subject of a complaint to answer allegations in writing, produce relevant evidence, or appear in person before the Joint Performance Review Committee; (iii) Subpoena any person or books, records, or other documents relevant to the investigation or inquiry; and (iv) Hold public hearings on the allegation of a violation of election law.

(i) Administer oaths for the purpose of taking sworn statements from witnesses in the course of its investigations;

(ii) Request a person who is the subject of a complaint to answer allegations in writing, produce relevant evidence, or appear in person before the Joint Performance Review Committee;

(iii) Subpoena any person or books, records, or other documents relevant to the investigation or inquiry; and

(iv) Hold public hearings on the allegation of a violation of election law.

(C) The Joint Performance Review Committee may: (i) Inform a person in writing that an allegation of a violation of election law has been made against him or her; (ii) Provide notice in writing to the person who is the subject of an alleged violation of election law if a hearing will be held on the alleged violation of election law, including the specific date and time of the hearing; (iii) Hold a hearing or schedule multiple hearings to investigate an allegation of a violation of election law; (iv) Provide a person subpoenaed with reasonable notice of the subpoena and an opportunity to respond; (v) Advise the person who is the subject of the alleged violation of election law in writing of the final recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee; and (vi) Prepare a report of the findings and recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee and submit that report to the State Board of Election Commissioners; and

(i) Inform a person in writing that an allegation of a violation of election law has been made against him or her;

(ii) Provide notice in writing to the person who is the subject of an alleged violation of election law if a hearing will be held on the alleged violation of election law, including the specific date and time of the hearing;

(iii) Hold a hearing or schedule multiple hearings to investigate an allegation of a violation of election law;

(iv) Provide a person subpoenaed with reasonable notice of the subpoena and an opportunity to respond;

(v) Advise the person who is the subject of the alleged violation of election law in writing of the final recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee; and

(vi) Prepare a report of the findings and recommendations of the Joint Performance Review Committee and submit that report to the State Board of Election Commissioners; and

(8) Evaluate the purpose, need, and effectiveness of a state board or commission as defined in and under the process established under § 25-1-106 .

Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 19, eff. 7/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 18, eff. 7/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 974,§ 6, eff. 7/28/2021.

Acts 1977, No. 392, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 4-1014; Acts 1997, No. 1354, § 21.