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HB 1323

TO LIMIT THE INVESTMENT OF ARKANSAS'S PENSION AND RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS IN ENTITIES CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND ITS GOVERNING COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mindy McAlindon

House Bill 1323 aimed to restrict Arkansas pension funds from investing in entities tied to China, protecting state funds from geopolitical risks.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1323

Summary of House Bill 1323

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1323
  • Title: To Limit the Investment of Arkansas's Pension and Retirement System Funds in Entities Closely Connected with the People's Republic of China and Its Governing Communist Party of China
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1323 was introduced with the primary aim of restricting the investment of Arkansas's pension and retirement system funds in entities that have close ties to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and its ruling Communist Party. The intent behind this legislation is to safeguard state funds from potential geopolitical risks associated with investments in foreign entities perceived as adversarial to U.S. interests.

Key Provisions

  • Investment Restrictions: The bill seeks to establish limitations on the Arkansas pension and retirement systems, preventing them from investing in companies or entities that are closely connected to the PRC and its Communist Party.
  • Implementation Mechanism: While the specific mechanisms for enforcing these restrictions were not detailed in the provided text, the bill implies that guidelines would be developed to identify and evaluate entities that meet the criteria for exclusion.

Affected Parties

  • Pension and Retirement Systems: The Arkansas pension and retirement systems would be directly impacted as they would need to adjust their investment strategies to comply with the new restrictions.
  • Investment Entities: Companies and organizations with significant ties to the PRC could be affected by the limitations on investment from Arkansas state funds, potentially impacting their financial operations and market presence.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: HB 1323 was filed and read for the first time. The rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Committee on Public Retirement & Social Security Programs-Joint.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

House Bill 1323 aimed to address concerns regarding foreign investments in Arkansas's pension and retirement funds, specifically targeting entities linked to the People's Republic of China. Despite its introduction, the bill did not advance past the committee stage, reflecting the complexities and challenges associated with legislative measures on foreign investment.

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

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