The bill amends existing laws regarding prohibited contracts by state agencies in Arkansas, specifically targeting the purchase of promotional items. It introduces a definition for "promotional items," which includes various items such as bumper stickers, clothing, key chains, mugs, pens, and pins that are purchased with public funds to promote or advertise state agencies. Additionally, the bill defines "public funds" in accordance with existing law and establishes a new section that explicitly prohibits state agencies from using public funds to purchase promotional items made in the People's Republic of China.

Furthermore, the bill changes the title of Arkansas Code Title 25, Chapter 1, Subchapter 12 from "Prohibited Contracts by State Agencies" to "Prohibited Actions by State Agencies." It also stipulates that the new provisions will only apply to contracts executed on or after the effective date of the act. These changes aim to ensure that state agencies do not engage in purchasing practices that involve promotional items sourced from China, thereby promoting local or alternative sourcing options.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1604 V2 - 3-17-2025 11:37 AM: 25-1-1202
Old version HB1604 V3 - 3-20-2025 03:43 PM: 25-1-1202
Old version HB1604 Original - 2-26-2025 03:02 PM: 25-1-1202
HB 1604: 25-1-1202
Act 943: 25-1-1202