Arkansas Senate Votes to Abolish Preferential Treatment in State Programs
The Arkansas Senate has made a significant move by passing legislation aimed at prohibiting discrimination and preferential treatment within state government, public schools, and state-supported institutions of higher education. The bill, known as Senate Bill 3, seeks to create a more inclusive environment by specifying that no entity under state control can discriminate based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
This move is a response to concerns about fairness and equity in state-run programs and institutions. In 2023, the Senate previously approved a similar bill, SB 71, but it was defeated by the House. However, this year’s version of the legislation has garnered stronger support, reflecting evolving sentiments within the state.
Key provisions of the bill allow individuals who believe their rights have been impacted by such discrimination to sue for injunctive relief, court costs, and attorneys’ fees. Additionally, knowingly violating the act can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge.
The vote in favor of SB 3 was decisive, with a vote of 24 to 7. This heightened support compared to SB 71’s approval vote of 18 to 12 underscores the growing momentum for such legislation in Arkansas.
Other Legislation Passed
Aside from SB 3, the Arkansas Senate has also endorsed several other bills aimed at improving various aspects of state governance and access to services.
- School Cell Phone Restrictions: A bill to limit students’ use of cell phones during school hours, known as SB 142 or the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” has been filed and referred to the Senate Education Committee. The primary objectives are to enhance academic performance by reducing classroom distractions and to promote the emotional and mental well-being of teenagers by minimizing their time spent on social media.
- Consumer Access to Pharmacies: Legislation (SB 58) intended to expand consumer access to pharmacies when hospital patients need medications has gained traction. Currently, Arkansas is the only state in the U.S. where non-profit hospitals are prohibited from having a pharmacy licensed to sell retail drugs. Supporters argue that this restriction hampers patients’ ability to obtain necessary medications after discharge from the hospital.
- Tort Reform: The House has approved HB 1204, a measure aimed at limiting damages plaintiffs can recover in civil lawsuits related to medical treatment. This bill seeks to prevent what is known as “phantom damages” – the difference between what hospitals and physicians charge and what insurance companies pay. Plaintiffs would be limited to recovering only what insurance companies have paid for medical treatment, not the entire amount charged by healthcare providers.
The progression of these legislative measures reflects a broader commitment by Arkansas lawmakers to address issues of equity, fairness, and accessibility within state-operated systems.
