(a) The Governor is authorized to appoint a qualified Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs who shall have served in the United States Armed Forces during armed conflict as set forth by Congress, who has been honorably discharged therefrom, and who shall have been a resident of the State of Arkansas for two (2) years preceding his or her appointment.

(b) The director shall promote and supervise the dissemination of all available information concerning the rights of all veterans and their dependents.

(c) The director may establish, maintain, and operate district offices within the State of Arkansas as may be necessary.

(d) The director is authorized to employ an assistant director and such other employees, full-time or part-time, as may be determined necessary, subject to approval of the Governor and within the limits of the funds appropriated therefor.

(e)

(1) A veterans' claims specialist shall have served in the United States Armed Forces and shall have been honorably discharged therefrom.

(2) All veterans' claims specialists of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall familiarize themselves with all laws, both federal and state, relating to rights and benefits of all veterans and their dependents and shall aid and assist all veterans and their dependents in securing their rights and benefits.

(f)

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

(2) Any person who shall violate the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed 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.