(a) Members of the General Assembly within the State of Arkansas are exempted from the provisions of §§ 23-4-801 and 23-4-802. They are permitted to accept and it shall be the duty of all railroad companies doing business in the State of Arkansas to issue passes for free transportation to any such officers. In issuing free passes for transportation, the railroad companies shall not be liable to the penalties set out in § 23-4-802, or liable to prosecution under any of the laws of the State of Arkansas because of the issuance of any pass.
(b) The Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor are permitted to accept and use a free pass from any railroad of this state without incurring the penalties prescribed in § 23-4-803 [repealed].