(a) Any state officer or state employee who has been subjected to a lawsuit based on an act or omission of the officer or employee while acting within the course and scope of the office or employment and in performance of his or her other official duties shall be entitled to payment from the state for reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by the officer or employee in the action if:
(1) The Attorney General declined to represent the officer or employee; and
(2) The officer or employee acted without malice and in good faith.
(b) Claims for payment shall be filed with the Arkansas State Claims Commission and shall be governed by the laws pertaining to proceedings before the commission.
(c) (1) Awards made by the commission pursuant to this subchapter may be paid from the appropriation and supporting funds of the state agency from which the state officer or state employee is supported if the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State approves payment from the funds after determining that there is sufficient appropriation and funds available for paying the award.
(2) Awards not paid from the appropriation and funds of the state agency shall be paid pursuant to the laws governing payment of claims allowed by the commission.
Section: 21-5-802Last modified: November 15, 2016