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HB 1747

TO CREATE THE BABIES AT SCHOOL ACT; AND TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO PERMIT EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PARENTS TO BRING THEIR INFANTS SIX MONTHS OR YOUNGER TO WORK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by DeAnn Vaught

House Bill 1747 allows school employees to bring infants under six months to work, supporting parents and enhancing employee retention in Arkansas schools.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1747

Summary of House Bill 1747: Babies at School Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1747, titled the Babies at School Act, aims to support school employees who are parents by allowing them to bring their infants, aged six months or younger, to work. The bill recognizes the dual responsibilities of parents and their heightened demands during the early months of a child's life. Its primary intent is to enhance employee retention within schools by accommodating the needs of working parents.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Infant:

    • An "infant" is defined as a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild under six months of age, or a foster child under six months of age placed in the home of a school employee.

  2. Permitted Schools:

    • The act applies to:
      • Public school districts
      • Open-enrollment public charter schools
      • Private schools

  3. Policy Establishment:

    • Schools that choose to allow employees to bring infants to work may establish policies that include:
      • Identification of suitable work environments for infants
      • Acceptable performance standards for employees while caring for their infants
      • Safety guidelines for infants in the workplace

  4. Return from Maternity Leave:

    • The bill allows school employees to bring their infants to work upon returning from maternity leave.

  5. Exclusions:

    • The provisions do not prevent schools from allowing employees to bring older children (six months or older) to the workplace.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- School Employees: Parents or legal guardians working in schools who have infants six months or younger.
- Schools: Public and private educational institutions that may choose to implement the provisions of the act.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill is expected to have no fiscal impact on state revenue.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 12, 2025
  • Actions:
    • March 12, 2025: Filed and referred to the House Education Committee.
    • April 15, 2025: Withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education.

Conclusion

House Bill 1747 seeks to create a supportive work environment for school employees who are new parents, thereby promoting employee retention and addressing the challenges faced during the early stages of parenthood. The bill's provisions aim to balance the responsibilities of work and family life for educators in Arkansas.

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

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