SJR3

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution Providing That An Individual Shall Not Be Denied The Right To Conduct A Transaction Based Upon His Or Her Personal Opinions Or Beliefs.

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Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 3 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to prohibit the denial of an individual's right to conduct personal, family, or household transactions based on their personal or religious beliefs. A 'transaction' is defined as the sale, purchase, or payment for goods or services such as food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. This protection covers cash, electronic, and credit card payments. If passed by the legislature, the amendment would be submitted to Arkansas voters for approval at the next general election. If adopted by voters, it would take effect on November 6, 2024. The amendment seeks to ensure that businesses or entities cannot refuse service or payment processing to individuals solely because of the opinions or beliefs those individuals hold.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries would be individuals whose personal or religious beliefs might otherwise lead a business or service provider to deny them access to goods and services. This includes consumers who wish to engage in commerce using various payment methods, such as cash or credit, without the risk of being refused based on their ideological or faith-based affiliations.

Who Might Suffer?

Private businesses and financial institutions could be negatively impacted by this measure, as it may limit their ability to enforce internal policies regarding which customers or transactions they choose to facilitate. Additionally, entities that exercise 'conscience clauses' or business refusal rights—such as those that might decline to provide services for projects they believe violate their own institutional values—could find their operational autonomy restricted by this constitutional prohibition.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us