AR SB520

Prohibits local governments (counties, cities, and incorporated towns) from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, programs, or policies that promote preferences or differential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin

Bars local government personnel from compelling employees or contractors to affirm beliefs that individuals should be treated differently based on demographic characteristics or bear collective guilt for actions of others sharing those characteristics

Prohibits requiring current or prospective employees to submit diversity statements describing views on race, ethnicity, sex, color, or national origin for hiring, evaluation, or promotion purposes

Allows Arkansas citizens to file civil lawsuits in circuit court if violations are not resolved within 30 days of notice, with courts required to award injunctive relief plus court costs and attorney's fees

Includes exception permitting sex-based differential treatment when necessary for important government objectives (such as female guards in female facilities) and preserves compliance with federal/state civil rights laws