Legislative update on 2023 Arkansas General Assembly

The 94th Arkansas General Assembly is now in session, and bills related to employment are being introduced. Of course, the mere introduction of a bill doesn’t mean that it will ultimately be reported out of committee, much less voted into law. However, you may wish to keep an eye on potential legislation of interest and, maybe, even inform your representative and senator regarding your views on proposed legislation.

HB 1006

House Bill 1006 seeks to add Section 11-5-119 to Chapter 5 of Title 11 of the Arkansas Code, “Working Conditions Generally,” to require 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for employees of companies offering abortion coverage under their health benefit plans.

Status: HB1006 seems to be on a fast track for adoption. It has already been reported out of committee and passed by the House. It has been transmitted to the Senate where it has been read the first and second time and was referred to the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee on February 13.

Update: There has been no change in the status of this bill. It remains pending before the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee

HB 1400