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SB 439

Relating to: levy increase limit for the village of Oregon and the towns of Oregon and Rutland. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Howard Marklein and 1 co-sponsor

Act 737 enhances workplace safety for Arkansas public employees by ensuring chemical hazard notifications, training, and protections against retaliation for reporting violations.

Presented to the Governor on 3-5-2026
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Bill Summary · SB 439

Summary of Senate Bill 439 (SB 439)

Overview

Senate Bill 439, now known as Act 737, was introduced on March 12, 2025, during the 95th General Assembly of Arkansas. The bill aims to amend the duties of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing and update certain provisions of the Arkansas Code that originated from Initiated Act 1 of 1914.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 439 is to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding workplace safety and chemical exposure for public employees. It seeks to clarify the responsibilities of public employers and the Department of Labor and Licensing regarding the dissemination of information related to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically under the Public Employees' Chemical Right to Know Act. Key provisions include:

  1. Notification Requirements:

    • Public employers must post adequate notices informing employees of their rights regarding hazardous chemicals (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1004).

  2. Material Safety Data Sheets:

    • Employers, chemical manufacturers, or distributors are required to provide material safety data sheets to the Director of the Division of Labor upon request (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1006).

  3. Workplace Chemical Lists:

    • Public employers must update their workplace chemical lists with the Director by July 1 each year (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1007).

  4. Employee Training:

    • The bill mandates that training programs for employees regarding hazardous chemicals be developed according to rules set by the Director (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1008).

  5. Outreach Activities:

    • The Director is tasked with developing outreach programs to inform public employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1009).

  6. Protection Against Retaliation:

    • The bill strengthens protections for employees who report violations or exercise their rights under the Act, ensuring they cannot be discharged or discriminated against for such actions (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1010).

  7. Rulemaking Authority:

    • The Director is granted the authority to promulgate rules to implement the provisions of the Act and ensure compliance with federal standards (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1011).

  8. Trade Secrets:

    • Provisions regarding the disclosure of trade secrets related to hazardous chemicals are clarified, ensuring that health professionals and employees can access necessary information (Arkansas Code § 8-7-1012).

Impact

The amendments made by SB 439 will primarily affect public employers and employees in Arkansas. By enhancing the rights of employees to be informed about hazardous chemicals and ensuring proper training and resources are available, the bill aims to improve workplace safety and health standards.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 12, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and sent to the House.
  • April 15, 2025: Bill passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
  • April 18, 2025: Notification that SB 439 is now Act 737.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of SB 439, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on public employees and employers in Arkansas.

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

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