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SB 357

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sally Harrell and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 357 allows Arkansas public employees to earn annual leave credit for prior military service, enhancing benefits for veterans in the workforce.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 357

Summary of Senate Bill 357 (SB 357)

Title: Relating to Labor
Introduced: March 03, 2025
Status: Referred to LBT, JDC
Sponsor: Senator J. Bryant
Companion Bill: HB 1469

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 357 aims to amend the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act in Arkansas by allowing public employees to receive military service credit for prior military service. This credit will be used to calculate their annual leave accrual rates, thereby recognizing the service of military personnel in the public workforce.

Key Provisions

  • Military Service Credit:

    • The bill introduces a new subsection to Arkansas Code § 21-4-204, which allows public employees to receive credit for military service that was previously not considered for annual leave accrual.
    • Eligible employees include those who:
    • Retired from military service.
    • Were honorably discharged.
    • Currently serve or have served in the Arkansas National Guard or military reserve units prior to their employment with the state.

  • Documentation Requirements:

    • Employees must provide written documentation of their military service to receive credit. Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    • NGB Form 23A
    • DA Form 5016
    • Career Retirement Credit Report
    • Annual Statement of Service History
    • Air National Guard/USAF Reserve Point Credit Summary Inquiry
    • Reserve Point Statement

  • Calculation of Service Credit:

    • Military service credit will be calculated based on total career points accrued during the employee's military service, divided by 365 to determine the annual leave accrual rate.

  • Exclusions:

    • Employees will not receive military service credit for active-duty service accrued while concurrently employed by the State of Arkansas.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals:

    • The bill primarily affects public employees in Arkansas who have military service. It aims to enhance their benefits by recognizing their service time in the calculation of annual leave.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • The fiscal impact of this bill is currently undetermined, as it relies on data from the Arkansas Office of Personnel Management and may vary based on the number of eligible employees and their military service records.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 03, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • April 08, 2025: Passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
  • April 09, 2025: Delivered to the Governor.
  • April 14, 2025: Notification that SB 357 is now Act 572.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 357 represents a significant step toward recognizing the contributions of military personnel within the public sector by allowing them to accrue annual leave based on their military service. This amendment not only supports veterans but also aims to enhance the overall benefits for public employees in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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