AR SB236

Expands definition of "elected public official" to include staff members of elected officials and explicitly includes state, county, local, and federal offices

Excludes General Assembly employees (including Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit staff) from the definition of "public employee" to protect legislative nonpartisanship and confidentiality

Prohibits public employers from disciplining employees for communicating with elected officials or the public about job-related matters, expressing views on public concerns, or exercising Freedom of Information Act rights

Allows public employers to establish reasonable time and place restrictions on employee speech (during work hours at workplace) with 60 days written notice, and permits discipline for intentionally false allegations or disclosure of legally protected information

Changes violation penalty from "willfully violating" to "negligently violates" a Class A misdemeanor and adds civil remedy allowing employees to sue for injunctive relief and $50 per day in damages

Requires House, Senate, Bureau of Legislative Research, and Arkansas Legislative Audit to adopt policies balancing nonpartisan interests with employee communication rights

Declares emergency effective upon Governor's approval, veto expiration, or veto override