The proposed bill seeks to eliminate discrimination and preferential treatment by the State of Arkansas and public entities based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin, while explicitly stating that it does not impact preferences for veterans. It introduces an "Equality Assistance Center" within the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to support school districts in fulfilling their desegregation and nondiscrimination obligations. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to enhance competition in the issuance of permits by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and repeals previous mandates for minority recruitment and retention plans in public education and higher education, signaling a shift towards a broader commitment to equality.

To address the teacher shortage in Arkansas, the bill revises the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program by replacing the term "minorities" with "individuals" and expanding eligibility to any individual enrolled in an approved teacher education program who intends to teach in critical shortage areas. It also reiterates that preferences for veterans remain unaffected. The bill establishes a new prohibition against discrimination or preferential treatment in state employment, public education, and state procurement, allowing individuals to pursue civil actions for violations and requiring state agencies to create compliance plans to ensure adherence to these new standards.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB3 V2 - 1-21-2025 11:17 AM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 01-21-2025, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-121, 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 SB3 V3 - 2-3-2025 09:31 AM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 02-03-2025, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-121, 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 SB3 Original - 11-21-2024 08:06 AM: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-121, 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 3: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-121, 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)
Act 116: 3-4-223, 6-10-111, 02-03-2025, 6-15-202(f), 6-60-703(b), 6-61-121, 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)