AR HB1277

Expands Arkansas Code § 11-4-405 to apply to all employers and employees statewide, not just railroad companies, requiring payment of earned wages without abatement or deduction on the next regular payment day after discharge or refusal to employ.

Establishes a 7-day payment requirement for discharged employees; if wages are not paid or tendered within 7 days of the next payment day after discharge, wages continue to accrue at the same rate as a penalty until paid, capped at 60 days unless legal action is commenced within that period.

Creates new Arkansas Code § 11-4-406 requiring employers to pay without condition all wages or wage portions that the employer concedes are due during a wage dispute, unless the employee possesses employer property at the time of discharge.

Prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign a release or waiver as a condition of receiving wage payments, and specifies that accepting a partial payment does not release the employee's claim to the remaining balance.

Allows employees with definite employment periods who are wrongfully discharged to pursue damages in addition to wage penalties, with the option to join wage and damages claims in a single action.