SB337
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.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 337 establishes new criminal penalties for specific actions involving state employees in Arkansas. First, it creates an unclassified misdemeanor for any individual who threatens physical injury or property damage to a state employee acting within their job duties, with a second offense escalating to a Class D felony. Second, the bill creates an unclassified misdemeanor for state employees who, without a legitimate investigatory reason, notify an individual or entity that they are under investigation by a state agency. A second offense for this action by a state employee is classified as a Class D felony and mandates the employee's dismissal from public service.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are state employees, who receive enhanced legal protection against threats while performing their professional duties, and the integrity of state regulatory and investigatory processes, which are protected from premature disclosure or 'leaks' that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Who Might Suffer?
The individuals most negatively impacted are those who may face criminal charges for threatening state personnel, as well as state employees who act to warn others of investigations, as they face significant fines, potential imprisonment, and mandatory termination from their positions for second offenses.
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