SB77

Senate Bill 77 amends the Arkansas Uniform Classification and Compensation Act to adjust state employee pay scales and introduce new compensation incentives. The bill establishes a temporary market adjustment of up to 3% for base salaries, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. It updates the General, Information Technology, Medical Professional, and Senior Executive salary pay tables to reflect new authorized grades and pay levels starting July 1, 2024. The legislation increases the authority of state agencies to approve special rates of pay up to 40% above the entry pay level, subject to regulatory and legislative oversight. Furthermore, the bill creates a framework for state agencies to provide special compensation awards—including lump-sum bonuses up to $5,000, incentive leave, or payment for annual leave—to employees based on outstanding performance or temporary additional job responsibilities. These awards require agency-specific written plans approved by the Office of Personnel Management and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. The bill also declares an emergency, allowing for immediate implementation.