§ 21-5-204. Exceptions

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subchapter does not apply to:

1. (1) The employees of:

   1. (A) Elected constitutional officers of this state;

   2. (B) The General Assembly, including employees of the Bureau of Legislative Research and Arkansas Legislative Audit; and

   3. (C) Members of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, circuit courts, prosecuting attorneys, and the Administrative Office of the Courts;

2. (2) The Arkansas Department of Transportation;

3. (3) Federal military technicians, military training support personnel, federally funded personnel of the Arkansas National Guard, and other military personnel who are paid directly by the federal government;

4. (4) The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission; and

5. (5) State-supported institutions of higher education.

(b)

1. (1) An employee described in subsection (a) of this section may receive:

   1. (A) A salary increase or a line item maximum increase under § 21-5-211; and

   2. (B) A merit pay increase under § 21-5-1101.

2. (2) Section 21-5-214 does not apply to the salary increase authorized by subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section.