Arkansas House Bill HB1400

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/13/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Adopt The Federal Tax Credit For Employers Who Provide Paid Family And Medical Leave For Their Employees.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1400 would significantly impact Arkansas’s tax framework by introducing incentives for businesses that provide paid family and medical leave, thereby potentially increasing the rate of such offerings among employers in the state. The adoption of these tax credits would likely create a more supportive environment for working families, allowing them to take essential leave periods without the stress of lost income. By easing the tax burdens for compliant employers, the bill aims to foster a more family-friendly workplace culture.

Summary

House Bill 1400 proposes amendments to Arkansas income tax law by adopting the federal tax credit for employers who provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. This act aims to facilitate financial support for businesses that implement policies allowing their employees to take necessary leave for family and medical reasons without financial burden. The bill is designed to improve worker welfare by encouraging more employers to offer such leave policies, aligning state law with federal provisions established under the federal tax code.

Contention

Though the bill aims to create positive economic and social impacts, it may face scrutiny regarding its fiscal implications. Concerns could arise from legislators or groups worried about how providing tax credits will affect state revenue and whether it could disproportionately favor larger businesses over smaller ones that may struggle to afford the associated costs of providing paid leave. Discussions surrounding the effectiveness of such tax incentives in genuinely increasing the rate of paid leave adoption could also be points of contention among lawmakers.