The proposed bill seeks to eliminate discrimination and preferential treatment by the State of Arkansas and public entities, amending various sections of the Arkansas Code. Key changes include replacing the term "Equity" with "Equality" in the context of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's assistance center, which supports school districts in their desegregation and nondiscrimination efforts. The bill also removes references to "lack of diversity in ownership and financial interest" regarding permit issuance by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, instead highlighting the advantages of competition for consumers. Additionally, it repeals provisions related to affirmative action and minority recruitment in higher education, opting for broader terms like "individuals" instead of "minority."

The legislation introduces a Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program aimed at attracting qualified teachers to areas with significant shortages, while also broadening eligibility criteria. It establishes a new section that prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment by state entities based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in state employment, public education, or procurement, detailing legal consequences for violations. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the requirement for state agencies to encourage minority participation in proposals, mandating instead that they develop compliance plans to implement the new provisions and report progress to the Legislative Council. Overall, the bill represents a shift towards promoting equality and nondiscrimination in Arkansas's public services and education systems.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB71 V2 - 2-1-2023 01:24 PM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 02-01-2023, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-122, 6-63-103, 6-82-1501, 6-82-1502, 6-82-1503(a), 6-82-1503(c), 6-82-1503(e), 6-82-1504(a), 6-82-1505(a), 6-82-1506(a), 6-82-1506(h), 16-123-338(4), 21-3-101, 22-9-203(i)
Old version SB71 V3 - 2-9-2023 12:07 PM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 02-09-2023, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-122, 6-63-103, 6-82-1501, 6-82-1502, 6-82-1503(a), 6-82-1503(c), 6-82-1503(e), 6-82-1504(a), 6-82-1505(a), 6-82-1506(a), 6-82-1506(h), 16-123-338(4), 21-3-101, 22-9-203(i)
Old version SB71 V4 - 2-27-2023 09:55 AM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 02-27-2023, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-122, 6-63-103, 6-82-1501, 6-82-1502, 6-82-1503(a), 6-82-1503(c), 6-82-1503(e), 6-82-1504(a), 6-82-1505(a), 6-82-1506(a), 6-82-1506(h), 16-123-338(4), 21-3-101, 22-9-203(i)
Old version SB71 V5 - 4-4-2023 10:34 AM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 04-04-2023, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-122, 6-63-103, 6-82-1501, 6-82-1502, 6-82-1503(a), 6-82-1503(c), 6-82-1503(e), 6-82-1504(a), 6-82-1505(a), 6-82-1506(a), 6-82-1506(h), 16-123-338(4), 21-3-101, 22-9-203(i)
SB 71: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 04-04-2023, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-122, 6-63-103, 6-82-1501, 6-82-1502, 6-82-1503(a), 6-82-1503(c), 6-82-1503(e), 6-82-1504(a), 6-82-1505(a), 6-82-1506(a), 6-82-1506(h), 16-123-338(4), 21-3-101, 22-9-203(i)