Bill > HB1683

This bill prohibits Arkansas governmental entities (including state agencies, political subdivisions, and state-operated colleges and universities) from procuring electric vehicles or their components that were manufactured using forced labor. The bill defines forced labor as work obtained through coercion, fraud, physical restraint, or involving child labor, and specifically highlights concerns about labor practices in China's Xinjiang region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Manufacturers seeking to sell electric vehicles to governmental entities must provide a sworn certification that no forced labor was used in any part of the vehicle's production, including component manufacturing and material sourcing. If a manufacturer is found to have provided false information, they will face significant civil penalties, including fines of either $10,000 per false statement or half the vehicle's total price. Additionally, governmental entities and their employees who knowingly violate the prohibition can be subject to financial penalties, and board members who vote to authorize such purchases can be personally fined $5,000. The legislation is motivated by human rights concerns, aims to prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting oppressive labor practices, and aligns with recent federal actions like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The bill would apply to procurement contracts entered into, amended, or renewed on or after its effective date.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1683&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R