Ark. Code Ann. § 19-11-301: Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to protect Arkansas private industries which employ Arkansas taxpayers and citizens from the unfair advantage held by certain out-of-state penal institutions that utilize convict labor and are exempt from minimum wage requirements, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requirements, and other such standards which are imposed on private industries and which increase the costs of products manufactured by private industries. This advantage which is enjoyed by many out-of-state penal institutions allows them to often receive contracts under the Arkansas Procurement Law, § 19-11-201 et seq., bidding process when Arkansas private industries also submit bids, thus hindering a healthy competitive environment for the private industries of this state.