Arkansas Code Title 25. State Government § 25-43-1604. Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs

(1) Hire department personnel;

(2) Perform or assign duties assigned to the department; and

(3) Serve as the director, or the administrative or executive head of any state entity under the administrative control of the department if the secretary also meets all statutory requirements for the position.

(1) Served in the United States Armed Forces during a period of conflict as defined by the United States Congress;

(2) Been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces; and

(3) Been a resident of the State of Arkansas for two (2) or more years preceding his or her appointment.

(j)(1) An employee under the supervision of the department shall not accept, receive, or charge any money, article, or thing of value for the performance of any service rendered to any veteran or his or her dependents at any time or in any manner.

(2) Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or both.

(k)(1) By November 1 of each odd-numbered year, the secretary shall provide an oral report to the Legislative Council on the state of the department.

(2) The Legislative Council shall schedule an appropriate date and shall give notice thereof to the secretary of the date on which the secretary is to appear before the Legislative Council to make his or her report as required in this subsection.