AR SB565

Amends Arkansas Code § 21-5-208 to establish comprehensive classification titles and grades for state agency positions, ranging from SE05 (highest executive positions like Secretaries) to GS01 (lowest positions like maintenance assistants and cooks).

Increases the position pool assigned to the Office of Personnel Management from 700 to 1,500 positions to allow reclassification of state agency positions to appropriate classifications and grades when vacant positions are unavailable.

Modifies the merit increase pay system to allow merit payments exceeding the maximum pay level for an employee's grade classification, but requires prior approval from either the Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee.

Declares an emergency to make the act effective July 1, 2023, coinciding with the start of Arkansas's next fiscal year and operative appropriation acts.