AR HB2132

Establishes the Office of Government Accountability and Viability to administer the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act by adopting rules, providing education and guidance, recommending changes, and reporting to the Legislative Council.

Office staffed by one managing attorney earning maximum $73,776 annually and one office administrator earning maximum $53,264 annually, selected by majority vote of the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker.

Managing attorney serves as office head responsible for daily operations, hiring the administrator, developing rules and education programs, and filing annual fiscal year reports with the Legislative Council by September 31.

Office funding derived from monthly transfers of partial net state sales and use tax collections from state agencies, or a loan of up to $250,000 from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to be repaid from tax collections.

Office staff excluded from the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act but receive standard state benefits, participate in Arkansas Public Employees' Retirement System, and remain subject to audit by the Division of Legislative Audit.