As used in this part:

1. (1)

   1. (A) “Conflict of interest” means a special state employee’s direct or indirect pecuniary or other interest in a matter before a covered board.

   2. (B) “Conflict of interest” includes without limitation the following:

      1. (i) An offer of employment from an entity that is involved in a procurement matter with the covered board or is involved in a discussion of a procurement matter with the covered board;
      2. (ii) Being an officer or employee of a business, association, or nonprofit organization that is involved in a procurement matter with the covered board or is involved in a discussion of a procurement matter with the covered board; and
      3. (iii) Receiving compensation from an entity that is involved in a procurement matter or is involved in a discussion of a procurement matter with the covered board;

2. (2)

   1. (A) “Covered board” means:

      1. (i) A commission, board, bureau, office, or other state instrumentality created within the executive branch; and

      2. (ii) An entity that is created by regulation, statute, legislative direction, executive order, or other informal means if the entity has decision-making authority over:

         1. (a) (a) Procurement criteria;
         2. (b) (b) Contracts;
      3. (c) (c) Appointment of individuals to negotiate procurement directly or indirectly; or
      4. (d) (d) The approval of procurements.

   2. (B) “Covered board” does not include the following:

      1. (i) The constitutional departments of the State of Arkansas;
      2. (ii) The elected constitutional offices of the State of Arkansas;

      3. (iii) The General Assembly, including:

         1. (a) (a) The Legislative Council;
         2. (b) (b) The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee; and
      4. (c) (c) Supporting agencies and bureaus of the General Assembly;
      5. (iv) The Supreme Court;
      6. (v) The Court of Appeals;
      7. (vi) The circuit courts;
      8. (vii) Prosecuting attorneys;
      9. (viii) The Administrative Office of the Courts;
      10. (ix) An institution of higher education;
      11. (x) A municipal government;
      12. (xi) A county government;
      13. (xii) An interstate agency; or
      14. (xiii) A legislative task force or committee if the legislative task force or committee only advises the General Assembly; and

3. (3)

   1. (A) “Special state employee” means a person appointed to a covered board, regardless of whether the person:

      1. (i) Receives compensation for his or her services;
      2. (ii) Receives reimbursement for travel expenses;
      3. (iii) Receives per diem; or
      4. (iv) Was appointed formally or informally.
   2. (B) “Special state employee” does not include a constitutional officeholder or an ex officio or nonvoting member of a covered board.