Arkansas state law preempts local minimum wage and living wage ordinances under AR §11-4-203, so Little Rock cannot mandate hotel-specific or higher local wage floors.
Arkansas Code §11-4-203, reinforced by 2017 legislation banning local paid leave and wage preemption laws, prohibits Little Rock from setting a hotel-specific living wage above the state minimum of $11/hour established by 2018 voter Initiative. Hotel workers are covered by the statewide floor with federal Fair Labor Standards Act overtime rules layered on top. Little Rock cannot require hotel wage parity, healthcare contributions, or scheduling protections that exceed state law. Tipped employees follow Arkansas tip-credit provisions.
Wage and hour violations are enforced by the Arkansas Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Labor; criminal penalties apply for willful violations.
See how Little Rock's hotel living wage rules stack up against other locations.
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