Page 42 - ATR 4 2021 digital

Champions of Trucking

ATA recognizes state policymakers for legislative support

By ATR Staff • Exempting PPP loans from state
income tax;
The Arkansas Trucking Association • Clarification for motor carriers to  Rep. Les Eaves (R-Searcy)
created the Champions of Trucking ensure certain activities are not
award in 2019 to recognize members of compensable for overtime calcula-
the Arkansas Legislature who supported tion;
legislation on issues of importance
related to taxes, the legal environment, Overtime/Compensability
infrastructure and healthcare. Clarification
More than 2,500 bills were HB1227 (now Act 91) provides pro-
filed during the regular session. The tection for employers against mini-
Champions helped us garner the mum wage/overtime litigation by
following wins for trucking and small clarifying that the following activi-
business alike:
ties are not compensable for drivers:
• Liability protection for businesses in Traveling to/from personal resi-  Rep. Keith Brooks (R-Little Rock)
the wake of COVID-19; dence; personal activities and time
logged as off-duty or sleeper berth.
COVID-19 Limited Liability
• Expanding telemedicine coverage
Two bills aimed at limiting a busi-
ness’s liability related to the COVID- and more.
19 pandemic have been signed
into law. HB1488 COVID-19 from Please join us in thanking these 58
workers compensation claims, while policymakers for their support during
rd
HB1487 limits business liability the 93 Arkansas General Assembly.
related to exposure to someone with
COVID-19.
 Sen. Lance Eads (R-Springdale)
• Tax savings for small businesses that
serve as pass-through entities;

Elective Pass-Through Entity Tax
Act

Thanks in large part to Richard Bell
of Bell & Co., HB1209 was signed
into law by Gov. Hutchinson on
March 11. Now Act 362, it will save
S-corporations and partnerships $50
million or more in federal income  Rep. Johnny Rye (R-Trumann)
tax.  Rep. Brian Evans (R-Cabot)

42 Issue 4 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT