AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1720

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1720

Introduced
3/10/25  
Refer
3/10/25  

Caption

To Create The Babies At Work Act; To Allow State Agencies To Permit Public Employees Who Are Parents Or Legal Guardians To Bring Their Infants Six Months Or Younger To Work.

Impact

The introduction of HB1720 is poised to alter workplace dynamics within state agencies significantly. The Act aims to improve employee retention rates among parents by providing a more supportive work environment. If enacted, this bill would encourage state agencies to consider the needs of new parents, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. This, in turn, could reduce turnover rates and the associated costs of hiring and training new employees.

Summary

House Bill 1720, known as the Babies at Work Act, seeks to enhance the feasibility of public employees balancing work responsibilities with parenthood by allowing them to bring infants aged six months and younger to their workplaces. This legislation acknowledges the dual responsibilities that parents or legal guardians face and aims to accommodate these individuals within the workforce. By permitting state agencies to adopt policies that allow for infants to be present at work, the bill is intended to address the challenges experienced during the formative months of a child's life when parental involvement is crucial.

Contention

While the legislative intent behind HB1720 is generally positive, it is not without its potential points of contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the practicality and safety of having infants in workspaces, especially in environments that may not be child-proofed or suited for young children. There could also be debate about the implications for productivity, as employees might face distractions while managing work tasks alongside childcare responsibilities. Furthermore, the establishment of policies regarding the acceptable work performance and safety guidelines as outlined in the bill could lead to varied implementation across different agencies, potentially causing inconsistencies in how the act is applied.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1848

To Allow For A Guardianship Subsidy In Order To Keep A Child From Being Removed From The Custody Of His Or Her Parent And Placed Into Foster Care.

AR SB195

To Clarify When Parents' Rights No Longer Attach Regarding Safe Haven Infants And To Amend Definitions Under The Laws Regarding Safe Haven.

AR HB1468

To Create The Given Name Act; And To Prohibit Requiring Employees Of Public Schools And State-supported Institutions Of Higher Education To Use A Person's Preferred Pronoun, Name, Or Title Without Parental Consent.

AR HB1103

To Create The Universal Newborn Home Nurse Visitation Program To Provide Home Visitation Services For A Newborn Infant And The Parents Of A Newborn Infant.

AR HB1738

To Create The Parents' Bill Of Rights.

AR SB232

To Allow A Student Whose Parent Or Legal Guardian Relocates Him Or Her To A Different School District To Complete His Or Her Remaining School Years At The School District In Which He Or She Is Enrolled At The Time Of Relocation.

AR HB1754

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Fees, Expenses, And Costs Imposed On A Juvenile Or The Parent, Guardian, Or Custodian Of A Juvenile.

AR HB1161

To Create The Support For Pregnant And Parenting Students Act.

AR SB285

To Amend The Law Concerning Absences From School; And To Provide For An Excused Absence For A Student Who Accompanies The Student's Parent Or Legal Guardian To Vote.

AR HB1448

To Modernize Probate Proceedings; And To Amend And Update The Law Concerning Adoptions, Guardianships, And The Administration Of Decedents' Estates; And To Amend The Probate Code.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.