§ 21-12-304 - Public service not grounds for termination, demotion, etc.

21-12-304. Public service not grounds for termination, demotion, etc.

(a) The employment of an employee of any county, city, or school district in the State of Arkansas shall not be terminated by discharge, failure to renew contract, abolition of position, demotion, or transfer upon the grounds of or because of the service of the employee as a member of the General Assembly, as an election official, as a juror, as an elected official of any office which is not otherwise prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution, or in the performance of any duty required under the laws of this state.

(b) (1) If any official of any county, city, or school district in this state violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the official shall be guilty of malfeasance in office and shall forfeit his or her office or position of employment and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(2) Upon conviction, he or she shall be subject to a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) and imprisonment for not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days.