Little Rock, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially signed SB402 into law—a pivotal piece of legislation backed by the Freedom Foundation that puts an end to union-led “captive audience meetings” during school hours.
“Captive audience meetings” are coercive, high-pressure tactics used by unions to pressure new educators into joining. This new law marks a major step toward restoring professionalism in education and safeguarding teachers’ time and autonomy.
The Freedom Foundation applauds Arkansas lawmakers for advancing this vital legislation and thanks Governor Huckabee Sanders for signing it into law. Our CEO Aaron Withe, Special Projects Director Rusty Brown, and Vice President of Marketing Joey McCabe were honored to be in Arkansas to witness this landmark moment.
SB402 establishes clear boundaries that protect classroom time, promote responsible taxpayer spending, and ensure union activities do not interfere with the educational mission of schools. It also prevents unions from pushing partisan agendas during school hours—helping educators stay focused on what truly matters: teaching.
This is a win for teachers, students, and taxpayers alike.
