Arkansas Code Title 19. Public Finance § 19-11-301. Intent

The purpose of this subchapter is to protect Arkansas private industries which employ Arkansas taxpayers and citizens from the unfair advantage held by certain out-of-state penal institutions that utilize convict labor and are exempt from minimum wage requirements, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970  1 requirements, and other such standards which are imposed on private industries and which increase the costs of products manufactured by private industries. This advantage which is enjoyed by many out-of-state penal institutions allows them to often receive contracts under the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., bidding process when Arkansas private industries also submit bids, thus hindering a healthy competitive environment for the private industries of this state.