Arkansas House Bill HB1681

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/27/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Enrolled: 4/7/23
• Chaptered: 4/13/23
• Passed: 4/13/23

Caption

To Regulate Certain Guaranteed Income Programs; To Create The Work Protection Act; And To Prohibit A Public Entity From Enforcing Or Enacting Certain Universal Basic Income Programs.

Impact

The legislation explicitly amends existing state laws to prevent local governments from implementing their own UBI programs, impacting the rights of municipalities to create social safety nets or basic income initiatives independent of state regulations. This change could limit local governments' abilities to address unique economic challenges within their jurisdictions, which proponents of such programs argue are necessary for supporting vulnerable populations during economic hardships.

Summary

House Bill 1681, known as the 'Work Protection Act,' seeks to regulate certain guaranteed income programs and prohibits state agencies and local governments from administering, enacting, or enforcing universal basic income (UBI) programs unless expressly authorized by state law. The bill aims to promote the value of work by restricting the potential establishment of income programs that provide guaranteed cash payments, advocating a vision of welfare that does not include UBI. This initiative reflects a broader ideological stance against federal and state-funded income supplementation efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1681 is divisive, with supporters viewing it as a necessary measure to incentivize work and reduce dependency on government-funded income. Conversely, opponents argue that the bill could exacerbate poverty and economic inequality by removing potential safety nets for those in need. The discussion has drawn attention to the balance between promoting employment and providing support to individuals struggling financially, highlighting the challenges of finding a solution that addresses both concerns.

Contention

A significant point of contention is the philosophical debate over the role of government in providing economic support. Advocates of UBI see it as a modern approach to welfare that could adapt to the changing job landscape, especially in the face of automation and economic instability, while critics of HB 1681 argue that restricting such programs dismisses the complex realities of poverty and work. Furthermore, discussions within legislative circles indicate that this bill could set a precedent for future economic policies and state-level decisions regarding welfare and assistance programs.