TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; AND TO PROHIBIT A PUBLIC EMPLOYER FROM DEDUCTING LABOR ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP DUES FROM THE COMPENSATION OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE.

SB 579 proposes to prohibit public employers in Arkansas from deducting labor organization membership dues, fees, or contributions directly from the compensation of their public employees. This means most public employees would need to pay their union dues directly to their labor organization, rather than having their employer withhold it from their paycheck. However, the bill specifically exempts public safety employees, allowing their employers to continue deducting dues for their respective labor organizations. Public employers include various state agencies, higher education institutions, courts, and local government entities.