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HB 1720

TO CREATE THE BABIES AT WORK ACT; TO ALLOW STATE AGENCIES TO PERMIT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES WHO ARE PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS TO BRING THEIR INFANTS SIX MONTHS OR YOUNGER TO WORK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by DeAnn Vaught

The Babies at Work Act allows Arkansas public employees to bring infants under six months to work, promoting work-life balance and enhancing employee retention.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1720

Summary of House Bill 1720: Babies at Work Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1720, titled the Babies at Work Act, was introduced to allow public employees in Arkansas who are parents or legal guardians to bring their infants, aged six months or younger, to work. The bill aimed to address the challenges faced by parents during the early months of a child's life and to enhance employee retention within state agencies.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Terms:

    • Infant: Defined as a biological child, adopted child, stepchild, or foster child under six months of age.
    • Public Employee: An employee of a state agency.
    • State Agency: Any department, agency, board, commission, office, or authority of the state.

  2. Permission to Bring Infants to Work:

    • The head of a state agency would have the authority to permit public employees to bring their infants to work.
    • Agencies could establish internal policies regarding:
      • Appropriate work environments for infants.
      • Acceptable work performance standards for employees with infants present.
      • Safety guidelines for infants in the workplace.

  3. Flexibility for Agencies:

    • The bill allowed state agencies to permit public employees to bring older children (six months or older) to work, providing flexibility in family care arrangements.

Impact

If enacted, the Babies at Work Act would have impacted:
- Public Employees: Specifically, those who are parents or legal guardians of infants, allowing them to balance work responsibilities with childcare.
- State Agencies: Agencies would need to develop policies and guidelines to accommodate employees bringing infants to work, potentially leading to changes in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Committee Actions: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • Status: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

While the Babies at Work Act aimed to support working parents and improve employee retention, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The discussion surrounding this bill highlights ongoing considerations regarding work-life balance and support for families in the workplace.

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

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