TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PROHIBITED CONTRACTS BY STATE AGENCIES; AND TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY STATE AGENCIES TO PURCHASE PROMOTIONAL ITEMS MADE IN CHINA.

HB 1280 prohibits Arkansas state agencies from using public funds to purchase promotional items manufactured in China. The bill amends existing law to explicitly ban such purchases, directly affecting all state agencies that buy branded merchandise (like pens, calendars, or giveaways) for promotional purposes. Key provisions include adding a new section (25-1-1204) to the Arkansas Code that states: "A state agency shall not spend public funds to purchase promotional items made in the People's Republic of China." This policy change applies immediately to all state agency spending on promotional items, with no exceptions specified in the bill text.