Bill > SB3

This bill aims to prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment by the State of Arkansas and other public entities based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill makes several key changes across multiple areas of Arkansas law, including: removing references to minority-specific programs in education and state employment, modifying scholarship and teacher recruitment programs to be race-neutral, and establishing a new section of law that explicitly prohibits discrimination in state employment, public education, and state procurement. The bill notably preserves existing preferences for veterans and allows for bona fide qualifications based on sex that are reasonably necessary for job functions. It requires state agencies to develop implementation plans and report to the Legislative Council on their progress in complying with the law, with potential consequences for agencies that fail to comply within specified timeframes. The legislation does not invalidate existing court orders or consent decrees and does not preempt existing state or federal discrimination laws. Individuals who believe their rights have been impacted can bring civil actions in circuit court to seek injunctive relief and potentially recover court costs and attorney's fees.

Government Affairs

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb3&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R