The Senate approved legislation on Tuesday that would prohibit city and county governments from requiring employers to provide to their employees a minimum or living wage rate or employment benefit exceeding the requirements of federal or state laws or regulations.
The 19-8 vote on Senate Bill 668 by Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, sends the legislation to the House. The bill cleared the Senate after two unsuccessful votes on the measure on Monday and Tuesday were expunged.
The bill, if enacted by the Legislature and Gov. Asa Hutchinson, wouldn't pre-empt any state law or local minimum wage ordinance already in effect.
Hester said 33 states have similar laws and that his bill would ensure uniformity of wage and benefit laws in Arkansas.
-- Michael R. Wickline
