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Legislative Issues

Keep up to date about current legislative issues that affect HR professionals on the state and federal levels.

Arkansas HR Professionals are leaders in monitoring and shaping legislation, both throughout the State and on a national level. Staying informed on legislative issues that affect HR Professionals Is a “Key Function” of the Arkansas State Council. Our Government Affairs Director works closely with the Local Chapters and SHRM Members to keep them up-to-date on all the latest happenings.

Your Help is Needed During the Legislative Process

Arkansas SHRM is active in monitoring legislation filed during the Arkansas General Assembly Legislative session. Your help is needed for ARSHRM to be effective during the legislative process.

When a call for Action is presented, we need our members to reach out to the Legislative Representative or Senator to support or oppose the bill. TO FIND YOUR DISTRICT, GO HERE.
Share information to their members about bills.
Assist with bill monitoring and writing up talking points.

We always need and appreciate volunteers to show up at the Capitol to either testify or support those that are testifying. Thank you to our State Council leaders, Holley Little, Michael Smith, Broderick Daniels, Tim Orellano, and other SHRM volunteers for attending Senate committee meetings to testify and show support regarding Arkansas SHRM’s opposition to legislation during the last legislative session.

If you’re interested in serving on the ARSHRM Legislative Committee or have questions regarding the session or a bill, please reach out to the Governmental Affairs Director at eat2@eau2eav2eaw2.

Arkansas Legislation

Find Your District

ARSHRM Legislative Stance

Federal and state lawmakers rely on Arkansas SHRM to inform and shape policy to benefit employers, employees, and the workplace.

Policymakers also rely on the voice of Arkansas SHRM members to best address the needs of employees and employers. Arkansas SHRM’s advocacy is a driver of positive workplace policy and encourages all Arkansas SHRM members to become advocates on behalf of the HR profession.

Arkansas SHRM was active in monitoring legislation filed during the 2025 Arkansas General Assembly legislative session. Below is a list of bills we were watching and their status.

Effective Date of New Laws:

Generally, new laws in Arkansas are effective on the 91st day after Sine Die Adjournment of the Legislature. Sine Die Adjournment for the 2025 General Session was May 5, 2025 so new Acts without an emergency clause will be effective on August 5. New laws with an emergency clause are generally effective when signed by the Governor.

Any new law may have specific provision in that legislation that specify effective dates for all or part of the new law. If the new law includes specific effective dates, then the general rule does not apply to that legislation. Any bills filed that are not passed during the session lapse and are not carried over to future legislative sessions.

2025 Legislative Update

The 95th General Assembly concluded its 2025 Regular Session on April 16, following 94 days of legislative work—five days longer than the previous session in 2023. Lawmakers introduced more than 1,900 bills and resolutions, with over 800 measures successfully enacted into law. The legislature formally adjourned sine die on May 5.

Throughout the session, ARSHRM actively monitored several bills of significance to the HR profession.

In collaboration with the State Chamber/AIA, ARSHRM worked closely with legislators to advance initiatives that strengthen the economy, reduce burdens on employers, and enhance the state's overall competitiveness. The State Chamber has a 2025 Legislative Summary is now available. It highlights important legislation from the session including pro-business wins, policy updates on taxes, workforce and economic development. Click HERE.

Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Engagement

ARSHRM engaged with lawmakers through various advocacy efforts, including:

Attending the State Chamber Legislature Kickoff Reception on January 21, 2025, and participating in weekly legislative luncheons for updates on pending bills.
Submitting seven legislative updates to the State Council, detailing the bills ARSHRM was tracking, supporting, opposing, or remaining neutral on.
Expressing formal opposition to SB 3, sponsored by Sen. Sullivan, as it implied that Affirmative Action was discriminatory.
Supporting key workforce and hiring initiatives, including HB 1446 for the Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program, HB 1643 to amend the Quality in Hiring Act, and SB 462 & SB 537 to facilitate prisoner incentive transitions into the workplace.
Remaining neutral on HB 284, HB 285, HB 286, HB 287, and HB 288, which propose modifications to the current Workers' Compensation Act.

Encouraging Legislative Engagement

To foster stronger relationships between HR professionals and policymakers, ARSHRM recommends that Chapter Presidents designate a chapter meeting as "Lunch with Your Legislator" before the year's end.

Through our advocacy, ARSHRM continues to elevate the voice of HR professionals in legislative discussions, ensuring policies support workforce development and employer interests.

If you have any questions, please reach out to ARSHRM Legislative Director, Tim Orellano.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION INFORMATION
To view schedules, calendars, bill information, and legislator information, visit www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

LEGISLATIVE MESSAGE CENTER
House of Representatives: 501-682-6211
Senate: 501-682-2902

LIVE STREAMING FROM THE CAPITOL
Live stream House and Senate committee meetings and floor sessions online by following the links below:
House: https://www.arkansashouse.org/
Senate: http://www.arkansas.gov/senate/