Economic Justice

The Economic Justice Caucus of the CFC works on issues related to economic equality, the Arkansas tax code, and ensuring that every Arkansan has equal access to economic prosperity.

Co-Chairs: Bruno Showers and Lynn Foster

2020-22 Priority Issues:

• Defend the integrity of the state budget through continued funding of the Arkansas Works Program and fighting tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and corporations.

• Improve minimum housing standards to protect Arkansas tenants by requiring proof of habitability for rental properties, and ensure tenants cannot be arrested for failure to pay rent. See our report here.

• Pass an Arkansas Earned Income Tax Credit to support low-income working families’ efforts to combat poverty.

2021 Priority Bills We’re Watching:

• HB1563 would establish basic health and safety standards for Arkansas landlords and better protections for renters by creating an Implied Warranty of Habitability. It also decriminalizes failure to pay rent and failure to vacate. 

If this bill passes, landlords would have to provide “habitable” rental housing and: 

• Keep housing compliant with housing codes

• Ensure housing is structurally sound and weatherproof

• Have working plumbing, heating, ventilation, electricity, and AC (if provided)

• Prevent conditions that cause mold

• Have plans in place for controlling pests and vermin

• Prevent exposure to unsafe substances like lead 

• Supply working smoke alarms and if needed, carbon monoxide detectors

• Have working locks on doors and windows

Landlords would not have to repair problems caused by tenants, but if the problem isn’t the fault of the tenant and has a material effect on health and safety and the landlord hasn’t fixed it within 14 days of being told, the tenant can: 

• Terminate the lease and move out

• Sue for damages and/or an order to make the landlord repair

• Repair and deduct the cost from the rent (within limits)

• Counterclaim, if sued for eviction for nonpayment of rent

The bill includes a simple eviction procedure that guarantees tenants a hearing. It is awaiting action in the House Insurance and Commerce Committee.

Toolkit link: https://www.indivisiblelrca.org/calltoactionblog/safehousing