AR SB380

Defines "critical-need employees" as employees in 24/7 staffed positions at the Department of Corrections, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Division of Emergency Management, Division of Arkansas State Police, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Department of Agriculture, subject to Office of Personnel Management approval.

Increases the maximum annual leave accumulation limit for critical-need employees from 30 days to 45 days at the end of each calendar year, matching the limit for fire and emergency service employees.

Requires that annual leave accumulated in excess of the 45-day maximum be deposited into the catastrophic leave bank at year-end, unless the employee submits a written request to forfeit the excess leave instead.

Allows critical-need employees who had leave requests denied due to staffing needs to receive lump-sum payment for the denied leave up to the amount exceeding 45 days, and permits agencies to monitor leave balances and require use of leave on specified dates with 14 days' notice.

Declares the act an emergency effective immediately upon Governor approval to promote retention of critical-need employees providing essential public safety and health services.