AR HB1205

Adds new subchapter 7 to Arkansas Code Title 21, Chapter 1 establishing a state employee grievance procedure administered by the Office of Personnel Management of the Department of Finance and Administration.

Defines "employee" as full-time or pro rata state agency employees with established class titles and pay grades, excluding supervisory employees and employees of higher education institutions, public school districts, Highway and Transportation Department, and Game and Fish Commission.

Permits nonbinding mediation for grievances involving termination, demotion, suspension of 14+ days, or adverse action taken against employees for reporting waste/violations, participating in investigations, or objecting to unlawful directives.

Requires mediators to be certified by the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, not employed by the defendant agency, and possess background in employer-employee relations; parties may be represented by attorneys.

Mediation requests must be filed within 15 business days after a grievance hearing, with mediation conducted within 45 days; unresolved cases proceed to appeal with the Office of Personnel Management within 10 business days.