Senate Bill 991 Summary

• Adds Arkansas Code 21-5-110 to establish procedures for filling state agency positions vacant on July 1 of each fiscal year.

• Requires state agencies seeking to fill July 1 vacant positions to submit requests to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration for approval.

• Mandates the Director forward approved requests to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee for review.

• Requires state agencies to resubmit their request if the position is not filled within 120 days of Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee review.

• Requires state agencies to report all July 1 vacant positions to the Department of Finance and Administration by August 1, with the Department submitting a consolidated report to the Legislative Council by September 1 of each year.

• Exempts institutions of higher education, constitutional offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Commissioner of State Lands), the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, and the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department from these hiring restrictions.