Opinion No.

Mr. Mahlon Martin, Director Department of Finance and Administration P. O. Box 3278 Little Rock, AR 72203

Dear Mr. Martin:

Pursuant to your duties outlined in Act 483 of 1979 codified as Ark. Stat. Ann. 14-1101 et seq. (Repl. 1979) you have requested advice from my Office concerning the following questions:

1. Is a legislator of the State of Arkansas an "employee" within Act 483 of 1979? That is, does the Ethics in Public Contracting Act, its requirements and prohibitions apply to a state legislator?

Also, you ask:

2. If an "employee" within the meaning of Act 483 of 1979, is a partner with…