Session
Voices From the Legislature: A Republican and a Democrat Weigh in on Arkansas Employment Law Changes, Federal and What’s Coming?
As employers face rapidly shifting compliance expectations, this session reviews the federal employment-law climate, regulatory changes and key Arkansas bills shaping workplace obligations from the 2025 legislative session. Hear directly from a bipartisan duo of two attorney-legislators—one Republican, one Democrat—who will break down the intent behind the laws, differing viewpoints and offer guidance for HR professionals, Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the interactive Q&A segment.
Key Objectives
1. Identify and explain the specific requirements of major 2025 Arkansas employment bills and federal regulatory shifts that impact daily operations. 2. Attendees will analyze the differing policy perspectives of Republican and Democrat attorney-legislators to better anticipate future legal challenges and enforcement priorities. 3. Identify areas of bipartisan agreement
Ashley Hudson
State Representative, Arkansas House District 75 at Arkansas House of Representatives
Ashley is serving her third term in the Arkansas House of Representatives representing District 75 in West Little Rock. She sits on the Judiciary Committee and the City, County, and Local Affairs Committee, and was an inaugural member of the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. Ashley is of counsel in the law firm of Kutak Rock LLP, where she is a member of the firm’s healthcare group. She’s been recognized several times as one of the state’s preeminent healthcare lawyers by both national and state organizations and is active in the Arkansas and Pulaski County Bar Associations. She also sits on both the Pulaski Technical College and University of Arkansas Foundation Boards, the Actor's Theater Board, and is a member of the 20th Century Club. Ashley lives in West Little Rock with her husband, Cliff and their four children, Luci, Sadie, CJ, and Abby, and two spoiled rotten dogs, Miles and Bowie.
Roby Brock
CEO at Natural State Media
Roby Brock is the CEO of Natural State Media, the parent company for Talk Business & Politics and The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. Brock is the host and executive producer of Talk Business & Politics, a 26-year old multi-media news organization reporting on business and politics in Arkansas. Talk Business & Politics TV show, which airs Sunday mornings at 9:30 am across the state. He hosts Capitol View and moderates radio programs on NPR affiliates statewide and a daily digital newscast at TalkBusiness.net. TB&P also reports through a subscription magazine, daily e-newsletters and web reports featuring state business profiles, industry developments and current political discussions. In September 2016, Natural State Media acquired the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and is expanding its coverage in this region of the state. In March 2018, Talk Business & Politics launched a new print publication in Northeast Arkansas.
Carol Dalby
Ark House of Representatives at Law Offices of Carol J. Dalby
Rep. Carol Dalby represents District 100 for Texarkana and Miller County. She serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, House Insurance Commerce Committee and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. She is an attorney; graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and earned her master’s from East Texas State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. She previously served as President of the Texarkana School Board and was appointed as District Judge in Miller County and Special Justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court. She served as president for Opportunities Inc. and for the Junior League of Texarkana. She received the Outstanding Sustainer Award, an award honoring members with outstanding volunteer service and served as president for the Texarkana Regional Arts Council/Women for the Arts; President of the Library Commission, and Chair of the local Red Cross.