Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SJR3

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  

Caption

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution Providing That An Individual Shall Not Be Denied The Right To Conduct A Transaction Based Upon His Or Her Personal Opinions Or Beliefs.

Impact

If approved, this amendment will solidify the protection of transaction rights under the Arkansas Constitution, specifically designed to safeguard individuals from discrimination or denial of service based on their beliefs. This could have far-reaching implications for various sectors, especially those that interact directly with consumers, such as retail, services, and food industries. Proponents argue that it will reinforce personal liberties and strengthen the notion of individual rights in economic interactions.

Summary

SJR3 is a resolution proposing an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution aimed at ensuring individuals cannot be denied the right to conduct transactions based on their personal opinions or beliefs, which explicitly includes religious beliefs. The significance of this amendment lies in its potential impact on how businesses and individuals engage in commerce, particularly in relation to rights surrounding personal expression and belief systems during transactions. The resolution defines 'transactions' broadly, encompassing the sale, purchase, or payment for various goods and services, whether through cash, electronic means, or other methods.

Contention

However, the bill may also stir debate and contention concerning its broader implications on anti-discrimination laws. Opponents could argue that granting such rights might lead to legal justifications for refusing service to individuals based on discriminatory beliefs, undermining civil rights protections. This creates a challenging balance between protecting individual rights to conduct transactions freely and ensuring that such rights do not infringe upon the rights of others to access goods and services without discrimination.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SR24

Congratulating Roger Allan Norman, Legislative Auditor For Arkansas Legislative Audit, Upon His Retirement And Commending Him For His Contributions To The State Of Arkansas.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB41

An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB35

An Act For The Department Of Health - Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1073

An Act For The Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.