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Bill Summary · HB 1024

Summary of House Bill 1024

Bill Number: HB 1024
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Public Employees; and to Repeal the Law Prohibiting Collective Bargaining
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: November 20, 2024
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1024 aimed to amend existing laws regarding public employees in Arkansas by repealing the prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees. The intent of the bill was to enhance the rights of public employees to negotiate their wages and working conditions through collective bargaining, thereby aligning Arkansas law with practices in other states that allow such negotiations.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes:

  1. Amendment of Arkansas Code § 11-4-205:

    • The bill sought to clarify that nothing in the subchapter would interfere with the right of employers and employees to engage in collective bargaining.
    • It specifically aimed to remove the prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees as outlined in § 21-1-801 et seq.

  2. Repeal of Arkansas Code Title 21, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8:

    • This subchapter included definitions and regulations that explicitly prohibited collective bargaining by public employees.
    • The repeal would have allowed public employees to form unions and negotiate collectively with their employers.

  3. Definitions:

    • The bill defined "public employee" and "public employer," clarifying the scope of who would be affected by the changes.
    • It included provisions for public employee associations to promote their interests.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1024 would have affected:

  • Public Employees: The bill would have granted public employees the right to collectively bargain, potentially leading to improved wages and working conditions.
  • Public Employers: State agencies, public schools, and other governmental entities would have been required to recognize labor unions and engage in collective bargaining processes.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline of Legislative Actions:
    • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
    • January 13, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
    • January 16, 2025: The bill was read a second time, amended, and reported correctly engrossed.
    • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote.

Conclusion

House Bill 1024 represented a significant shift in the legal framework governing public employees in Arkansas by proposing to allow collective bargaining. However, the bill ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage, reflecting the complexities and challenges associated with labor legislation in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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