AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB337

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB337

Introduced
2/27/23  
Refer
2/27/23  

Caption

To Authorize A Penalty For Threatening A State Employee In The Course Of His Or Her Job Duties; And To Authorize A Penalty For Alerting An Individual Or Entity Of A State Investigation.

Impact

The bill also addresses the responsibilities of state employees regarding confidential state investigations. If a state employee alerts an individual or entity about an ongoing investigation without a legitimate investigatory reason, they will also face similar penalties. The first offense can result in a misdemeanor with fines and potential imprisonment, while subsequent offenses will lead to a Class D felony and mandatory dismissal from public employment. This section aims to safeguard the integrity of state investigations and prevent unwarranted alerts that could undermine their effectiveness.

Summary

Senate Bill 337 proposes significant changes regarding the treatment of state employees in Arkansas by instituting penalties for actions that threaten their safety and the integrity of state investigations. The bill introduces a penalty for threatening a state employee while they are performing their duties, categorizing these threats as unclassified misdemeanors with a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months for first-time offenders. If a person is convicted of such threats multiple times, it can escalate to a Class D felony. This aims to enhance protection for state employees against intimidation and violence.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB337 may reflect broader concerns about workplace safety for government employees and the implications of enforcing stronger penalties. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect employees from threats and ensure the effective enforcement of state investigations, critics may raise concerns about the potential for misuse of such laws or the impact on whistleblower protections. The balance between upholding state employee safety and ensuring transparency and accountability within state operations will likely be at the forefront of debates regarding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SR12

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Prohibit The Use Of A Computer Or Software Manufactured, Assembled, Or Developed By A Covered Foreign Entity In Digital Asset Mining.

AR HR1014

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Prohibit The Use Of A Computer Or Software Manufactured, Assembled, Or Developed By A Covered Foreign Entity In Digital Asset Mining.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.