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 clarifying that veterans' preferences remain unaffected. It amends existing laws to enhance competition in the issuance of permits by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and renames the "Equity Assistance Center" to the "Equality Assistance Center," which will assist school districts with desegregation and nondiscrimination responsibilities. Additionally, the bill repeals provisions related to affirmative action and minority retention programs in higher education, removing specific language regarding minority definitions and establishing the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program to attract qualified teachers to underserved areas.

The bill also revises the eligibility criteria for the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program, replacing "minorities" with "individuals" and allowing any individual enrolled in an approved teacher education program to apply, provided they intend to teach in areas with a critical shortage of teachers. It introduces a prohibition against discrimination or preferential treatment by state entities in employment, education, or procurement matters, while ensuring that bona fide qualifications based on sex are still considered. State agencies are required to develop compliance plans and report progress to the Legislative Council, promoting accountability in implementing these changes.

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)