HB1160

House Bill 1160 regulates the compensation, benefits, and insurance products offered to Arkansas public officers and employees. It defines 'voluntary products' as individual or group insurance policies or benefits that are paid entirely by the employee, such as those administered through the Arkansas State Employees Association (ASEA). The bill clarifies the oversight authority of the Director of the Employee Benefits Division, explicitly excluding these voluntary products and school district-procured insurance from the Director's day-to-day management and supervision. It requires the ASEA or its designee to provide annual reports on voluntary products to the State Board of Finance and the State Employee Health Benefit Advisory Commission. Additionally, the bill outlines administrative responsibilities for cafeteria plans and mandates that the Employee Benefits Division promulgate rules to implement these changes by early 2024. The legislation also provides specific exemptions for the Arkansas State Police Employee Health Plan.