AR HB1126

Amends the definition of "employer" under the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 to mean a person who employs 9 or more employees in Arkansas during 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year

Revises hate offense provisions to allow persons subject to acts motivated by racial, religious, or ethnic animosity to bring civil actions for injunctive relief or damages, including punitive damages and attorney's fees

Excludes hate offense protections for speech or conduct protected by the First Amendment or Arkansas Constitution Article 2, Section 6

Excludes hate offense claims between employees and employers or among employees of the same employer, or claims arising from workplace incidents or the employment relationship

Clarifies retaliation and interference provisions by establishing that employment-related retaliation claims may only be brought against employers with remedies limited to those available under the Act's administrative procedures