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.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 231 amends Arkansas law regarding post-employment restrictions for former members of the General Assembly. The bill imposes a two-year waiting period after the expiration of their term before they can engage in certain professional activities. Specifically, former members are prohibited for two years from registering as a lobbyist, serving as the director of an educational cooperative or an area agency on aging, or working as a consultant or director for entities whose primary purpose is lobbying Arkansas elected officials. The bill provides exceptions for lobbying activities directed at federal officials or elected officials in other states. The primary intent is to mitigate potential conflicts of interest associated with the revolving door between public service and private influence.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the general public and the integrity of the state's legislative process. By imposing a 'cooling-off' period, the bill aims to prevent former legislators from using their recent influence, insider knowledge, and personal connections to gain unfair advantages for private firms or special interest groups. This serves to increase public trust in government and ensures that legislative decisions are based on the public interest rather than the interests of former officials' future employers.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary group negatively impacted is former members of the Arkansas General Assembly, as their employment opportunities within the state's public and private lobbying sectors are restricted for a period of two years following their service. Additionally, firms, businesses, or associations that rely on hiring former legislators for their specific expertise or government relations capabilities may face increased difficulty in recruitment or in maintaining certain types of professional staffing during this period.
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