AR SB713

Establishes the Arkansas Equal Pay Act of 2021 to require state agencies pay equal wages to men and women for equal work, with exceptions only for bona fide factors such as education, experience, merit, or seniority that are job-related and necessary for business operations.

Creates a grant program through the Division of Labor to provide negotiation skills training for girls and women to help them obtain higher wages and salaries equal to similarly situated male employees.

Establishes the "Arkansas Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace" administered by the Division of Labor to recognize employers who make substantial efforts to eliminate pay disparities between men and women.

Authorizes the Division of Labor to conduct research, education, and outreach programs to study pay disparities and promote awareness among employers, labor organizations, and the public on eliminating wage and salary differentials.

Allows state agency employees to sue in circuit court or file claims with the Arkansas State Claims Commission for wage discrimination violations; if the employee prevails, they are entitled to compensatory damages, attorney's fees, and other appropriate relief; effective July 1, 2022 and not retroactive.