HB1681

House Bill 1681, titled the 'Work Protection Act,' prohibits state agencies and local governments in Arkansas from enacting, administering, or enforcing 'universal basic income programs.' The bill defines these programs as any system where individuals receive regular guaranteed cash payments that are not expressly required by federal law. The legislation aims to promote the value of work by preventing public entities from establishing such guaranteed income initiatives. It applies to all counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions, as well as all state-level agencies, boards, and commissions. The act effectively limits the ability of local governments to pursue independent guaranteed income experiments. Unless a program is specifically authorized by state law, public entities are barred from participating in or implementing these initiatives. The bill does not impact programs mandated by the federal government.