The bill aims to amend existing laws regarding public employees in Arkansas by repealing the prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees. Specifically, it modifies Arkansas Code 11-4-205 to affirm that nothing in the subchapter shall interfere with the right of employers and employees to engage in collective bargaining through representatives of their choice. The previous language that explicitly prohibited collective bargaining by public employees has been deleted, signaling a significant shift in the legal framework governing labor relations for public sector workers.

Additionally, the bill repeals Arkansas Code Title 21, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8, which contained definitions and provisions related to collective bargaining, including the definitions of public employees and public employers, as well as prohibitions against recognizing labor unions as bargaining agents. This repeal indicates a comprehensive removal of restrictions that previously limited public employees' rights to organize and negotiate collectively, thereby enhancing their ability to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1024 V2 - 1-16-2025 02:46 PM: 11-4-205, 11-4-218(b), 21-1-801
Old version HB1024 Original - 11-20-2024 02:41 PM: 11-4-205, 11-4-218(b), 21-1-801
HB 1024: 11-4-205, 11-4-218(b), 21-1-801