AR HB1954

Creates the State of Arkansas Workforce Retention Task Force comprised of 11 members including human resources officers from four state departments, a member from the Office of Personnel Management, a representative from the Arkansas State Employees Association, and four members appointed by the Governor (two current state employees and two retired state employees with diversity requirements).

Task force members serve without compensation until December 31, 2016, with the Governor designating a chair and vice chair; a majority of members constitutes a quorum for conducting business.

Task force shall study retention methods for state employees, review steps taken by other public employers, design and administer surveys to state agency heads and employees, and assess employee retention rates at the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Finance and Administration, and Department of Parks and Tourism.

Office of Personnel Management must report survey results and recommendations for legislation, rules, and policy changes to the task force by October 31, 2016; task force must report findings and recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs by December 31, 2016.

Task force expires January 1, 2017; bill declares an emergency and becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval or the expiration of the veto period.