Bill > HB1792

This bill requires private employers in Arkansas to provide unpaid leave on Veterans Day for employees who are veterans, with specific conditions and protections. The bill defines a veteran as a former member of the United States Armed Forces or a current or former member of Arkansas Reserve or National Guard who was called to active military service. To request the unpaid leave, a veteran employee must submit written notice at least one month in advance and provide proof of veteran status, such as a DD Form 214 (a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). Employers can only reject the leave request if they can demonstrate that the employee's absence would seriously impact public health and safety or cause significant economic or operational disruption, as determined by the Department of Labor and Licensing. The bill does not prevent employers from offering Veterans Day as a paid holiday to other employees and allows the Department of Labor and Licensing to create rules for implementing this new requirement. The unpaid leave provision applies specifically to Veterans Day, which is the federal holiday observed annually on November 11.

Military Affairs and Security

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1792&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R