The bill amends the Arkansas Code concerning the civil service system, specifically focusing on the rules and regulations for examinations and eligibility lists for fire and police departments. It establishes that examinations shall be held as needed, determined by the chief of the respective department, rather than on fixed dates. The commission's role in the examination process is limited, allowing them to observe but not interfere with the schedule or engage in interviews or proctoring. Additionally, the bill updates the notification process for creating an eligibility list, changing the notifying body from the board to the commission.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the probationary periods for appointees in fire and law enforcement departments. It sets a maximum probation period of eighteen months for fire department appointees and establishes a range of one to two years for law enforcement appointees, with a specific increase in the time required before promotions from six months to twelve months. These changes aim to streamline the examination process and clarify the roles of the involved parties in the civil service system.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB374 Original - 3-4-2025 01:51 PM: 14-51-301(b)
Old version SB374 V2 - 4-3-2025 10:50 AM: 14-51-301(b)
SB 374: 14-51-301(b)
Act 751: 14-51-301(b)