Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB410

Introduced
3/10/25  
Refer
3/10/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Report Pass
3/20/25  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Public Officers And Employees; And To Require Disclosure Of Employment For Former State Employees And Former Elected Officials.

Impact

The implications of SB410 are significant for state governance. By enforcing disclosure of employment and contracting activities, the bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest and promote ethical behavior among former public servants. This measure intends to guard against scenarios where individuals leverage their previous positions for personal gain, thereby fostering public trust in governmental operations and decisions. The Arkansas Ethics Commission will also play a vital role in overseeing this process, as it will be responsible for implementing the rules necessary to ensure compliance with the new disclosures.

Summary

Senate Bill 410 (SB410) proposes amendments to the existing laws regarding public officers and employees in Arkansas. The bill introduces a requirement for former state employees and elected officials to disclose their employment activities for a period of four years after leaving their positions. This initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the state’s governance, particularly in relation to contracts awarded during their tenure. Under SB410, any former state employee or elected official must inform the Arkansas Ethics Commission about entering employment with or selling goods to entities that were awarded contracts related to their previous state duties during their time in office.

Contention

While proponents of SB410 argue that it will bolster ethical standards in government, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility and extent of these disclosures. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the four-year time frame for disclosures and whether it sufficiently discourages unethical practices. Additionally, discussions may arise around the administrative burden placed on the Arkansas Ethics Commission for overseeing the influx of disclosure reports. Moreover, former officials might express concerns over privacy and professional opportunities post-service, potentially igniting discussions about the balance between public interest and personal freedoms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1451

Regarding Employment; And To Require Employers To Provide Unpaid Leave On Veterans Day To Veteran Employees.

AR HB1006

To Amend The Law Regarding Employment; And To Require Certain Employers To Provide Paid Maternity Leave.

AR SB522

To Amend The Law Regarding Employment; To Amend The Records Kept By An Employer; And To Require Certain Records Be Provided To An Employee.

AR SB443

To Create The Arkansas Employment First Act; To Establish The Arkansas Office Of Employment First; To Establish The Employment First Advisory Committee; And To Establish The Employment First Business Partner Program.

AR SB231

To Amend The Restrictions On Employment Of Constitutional Officers After Leaving Office; And To Restrict A Constitutional Officer From Certain Types Of Employment For Two Years.

AR HB1616

To Amend The Law Concerning Publication Of Notice; To Allow The Publication Of Notice On A Website; To Amend The Law Concerning Counties And Municipalities And Publication; And To Amend The Law Concerning Elections.

AR SB353

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Drafting Requests And Information Requests To Legislative Employees.

AR HB1289

To Make Technical Corrections To Title 21 Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Public Officers And Employees.

AR HB1399

To Amend The Law Regarding Publication Requirements For Counties And Municipalities; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Tax Delinquency Lists.

AR SB491

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Employees Of Institutions Of Higher Education; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.