TO AMEND THE UNIFORM ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE POLICY ACT; AND TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF A "CRITICAL-NEED EMPLOYEE".

HB 1514 updates Arkansas' definition of "critical-need employee" under the Uniform Attendance and Leave Policy Act. It expands the list of state agencies requiring 24/7, 7-day staffing to include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Military, adding these to the existing seven agencies. This change directly affects state employees in designated positions at these nine agencies who must be available around the clock. The bill, now Act 253 after passing both legislative chambers and reaching the Governor, modifies eligibility for specific leave and attendance policies without altering the core policy structure.