AR SB374

Fire and police department chiefs gain authority to determine the time, date, and frequency of civil service examinations, replacing the previous system of fixed examination dates (first Monday in April or October)

Civil service commissions are limited to an indirect, observational role in examinations and are prohibited from conducting interviews or proctoring exams

When vacancies occur due to death, termination, resignation, demotion, retirement, or promotion, department chiefs must notify the commission within 5 business days to schedule eligibility examinations

Probationary period before promotions are complete increases from 6 months to 12 months for both fire and police department personnel

Approved April 17, 2025 as Act 751 of the Regular Session