The bill 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 working for 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 number of payments. Additionally, the bill updates definitions and provisions related to state employment, including raising the salary cap for individuals whose spouses hold constitutional office to $50,000, and revising the responsibilities of the Office of Personnel Management to ensure effective job classification management.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a comprehensive restructuring of job classifications across various state departments, including the establishment of new positions and the deletion of outdated titles. Notable insertions include roles such as "ECOLOGIST SPC01," "FORENSIC SPECIALIST SPC01," and "STATE CHIEF DATA OFFICER IST15," aimed at aligning job titles with current responsibilities. The bill also outlines provisions for the appointment of executive positions and emphasizes competitive hiring practices. It includes amendments to compensation structures, such as new salary grades and adjustments for demotions or reclassifications, while ensuring legislative oversight in salary determinations. An emergency clause is included, indicating the urgency of these changes for the continued operation of state services, with the provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
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)