SB491 Summary

• Repeals the Higher Education Uniform Classification and Compensation Act (Arkansas Code Title 21, Chapter 5, Subchapter 14), which previously established a uniform salary classification system for higher education employees.

• Transfers higher education personnel management authority to the Division of Higher Education under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 63, establishing new sections governing employee classifications, compensation, position pools, and career service recognition payments.

• Authorizes institutions to pay overtime in critical circumstances to employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, with limits of 2% of prior year regular salaries (3% for UAMS).

• Establishes a central pool of 400 positions and temporary transition pool of 50 positions to address unanticipated enrollment growth, industry training demands, and succession planning needs.

• Creates annual career service recognition payments for nonfaculty employees with 10+ years of service ($800-$1,500 based on tenure), subject to institutional funding availability.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2023, with an emergency declaration to ensure no staffing lapses occur at institutions of higher education.