AR SB627

Adds Arkansas Code 10-3-318 to authorize four specific legislative committees and subcommittees to conduct closed meetings when considering appeals of Arkansas State Claims Commission decisions: the Claims Review Subcommittee of the Legislative Council, the Claims Subcommittee of the Joint Budget Committee, the Legislative Council, and the Joint Budget Committee.

Permits committee chairs to determine when all or part of a meeting considering an appeal should be closed as deemed necessary, allowing examination and deliberation on sensitive or confidential matters.

Prohibits committees from making motions or voting on motions during the closed portion of any meeting held to consider an appeal.

Establishes legislative findings that certain appeal information may be confidential under Arkansas law, and that committees serving in a quasi-judicial role need discretion similar to other appellate entities to conduct private deliberations.

Does not limit existing powers of the General Assembly or its committees under Arkansas Constitution Article 5, Section 13 or other constitutional provisions regarding open meetings.