AR HB2055

Allows public employees to request expedited hearings on reinstatement when alleging termination in violation of Arkansas whistle-blower protections, with courts ordering reinstatement to same/equivalent position or reinstatement with paid administrative leave if termination appears retaliatory

Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide state agency employees a hearing within 15 business days if alleging termination for protected whistle-blower activities including reporting waste of public funds, violations of law/regulations, participating in investigations, or objecting to illegal directives

Employees demonstrating at hearing that a reasonable person would conclude termination resulted from protected activities shall be reinstated to their position or reinstated and placed on administrative leave pending conclusion of grievance proceedings

Clarifies that employees filing appeals of grievance decisions do not waive their right to file claims under the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act

Adds reporting loss of public funds under § 25-1-124 as a protected activity in nonbinding mediation procedures for state employee grievances