The bill SB392 amends Arkansas law to establish the Arkansas State Employee Student Loan Program, which aims to assist eligible state employees with student loan repayment. To qualify, employees must complete a six-month probationary period, provide proof of student loan debt related to their employment, and commit to continued service with their state agency for a specified duration. Payments will be made directly to the employee's student loan creditor, with limitations on the amount and frequency of payments. Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions and provisions related to state employment, raising the salary threshold for employment without approval for individuals whose spouses hold constitutional office to $50,000, and updating various terms to enhance clarity in the classification and compensation system.

Furthermore, SB392 introduces a comprehensive restructuring of job classifications and positions across multiple state departments, including the creation of new roles and the deletion of outdated titles. Notable insertions include positions such as "State Chief Data Officer," "IT Security Officer," and "Grants Coordinator," aimed at modernizing the state's workforce structure. The bill emphasizes the importance of legislative oversight in personnel decisions, particularly regarding budgetary adjustments and position reassignments, to ensure accountability and effective governance. It also includes provisions for salary adjustments based on performance and eligibility, with an emergency clause to ensure the timely implementation of these changes by July 1, 2025, to maintain essential state services.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB392 V2 - 3-31-2025 05:39 PM: 21-1-407, 21-1-402(b), 21-5-209, 21-5-203, 03-31-2025, 25-43-103, 21-5-204, 21-5-207, 21-5-208, 19-4-1601, 21-5-101, 21-5-210, 21-5-214, 21-5-220(a), 21-5-221, 21-5-223(a), 21-5-224, 19-4-521, 21-5-225(a), 21-5-225(b)
Old version SB392 Original - 3-5-2025 02:19 PM: 21-1-407, 21-1-402(b), 21-5-209, 21-5-203, 25-43-103, 21-5-204, 21-5-207, 21-5-208, 19-4-1601, 21-5-101, 21-5-210, 21-5-214, 21-5-220(a), 21-5-221, 21-5-223(a), 21-5-224, 19-4-521, 21-5-225(a), 21-5-225(b)
SB 392: 21-1-407, 21-1-402(b), 21-5-209, 21-5-203, 25-43-103, 21-5-204, 21-5-207, 21-5-208, 19-4-1601, 21-5-101, 21-5-210, 21-5-214, 21-5-220(a), 21-5-221, 21-5-223(a), 21-5-224, 19-4-521, 21-5-225(a), 21-5-225(b)
Act 499: 21-1-407, 21-1-402(b), 21-5-209, 21-5-203, 03-31-2025, 25-43-103, 21-5-204, 21-5-207, 21-5-208, 19-4-1601, 21-5-101, 21-5-210, 21-5-214, 21-5-220(a), 21-5-221, 21-5-223(a), 21-5-224, 19-4-521, 21-5-225(a), 21-5-225(b)