07-02-2025
Anti-affirmative action bill passes through Arkansas House
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A bill that would prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment by Arkansas state, local, and public agencies based solely on race or gender passed through the state House of Representatives on Thursday.
The bill would not change preferences provided to veterans and not prohibit religious-based preferences.
'It is time for Arkansas to move forward and time for Arkansas to catch up with the law and to eliminate state-sanctioned discrimination and preferential treatment,' Rep. Mary Bentley (R-Perryville), one of the bill's sponsors said Wednesday at the Arkansas House Committee meeting.
Arkansas House Committee passes anti-affirmative action bill, heads to full House
The House Committee passed the bill on Wednesday, but not without debate.
Daisy Onoriobe spoke against the bill during the meeting saying it 'dismantles policies that were designed to ensure access to opportunity for those who have historically been denied it.'
The bill passed through a Senate Committee and the full Senate by a 24-7 vote last week.
On Thursday, Representatives voted 65-27 in favor of Senate Bill 3 and it returned to the Senate, where legislators will have to approve an amendment added during its time in the House.
Once approved, the bill will head to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' desk for her signature.
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