Arkansas Senate Bill SB587

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23
• Refer: 4/6/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Prohibit Public Entities From Contracting With Companies That Benefit From Uyghur Forced Labor; And To Require A Certification In Public Contracts.

Impact

If enacted, SB587 would significantly impact state contracting practices by imposing strict requirements on companies wishing to provide goods or services to Arkansas state entities. This could lead to greater scrutiny of the sourcing practices of companies, encouraging them to dissociate from any supply chains benefiting from unethical labor practices in Xinjiang. The bill aligns with similar measures at the federal level aimed at ensuring that American businesses do not contribute to international human rights abuses, particularly regarding forced labor.

Summary

Senate Bill 587, proposed in Arkansas, aims to prohibit state entities from entering into contracts with companies that benefit from Uyghur forced labor. The bill highlights the atrocities occurring in Xinjiang, China, including cultural genocide and systemic repression of ethnic minorities. It mandates that any company seeking to contract with a state entity must provide a certification stating that it does not engage in business relationships with entities involved in Uyghur forced labor. This legislative measure reflects broader concerns about human rights abuses and corporate accountability in U.S. supply chains.

Contention

However, the bill may face potential contention, particularly regarding the definition of companies affected and the challenges of enforcement. There could be concerns over the complexity of verifying compliance with the certification requirements and the scope of the relationships between U.S. companies and their partners in China. Critics may argue that the bill could complicate business operations or unfairly impact suppliers who may have indirect ties to entities mentioned in the legislation.