§ 22-3-1303 - Preference to blind persons to operate vending facilities on state property.
22-3-1303. Preference to blind persons to operate vending facilities on state property.
(a) For the purpose of assisting blind persons to become self-supporting and to further promote employment of the blind in Arkansas, state agency administrators shall assure that preference is given to the licensing agency in authorizing the operation of vending facilities on state property through the organized vending facility program operated by the licensing agency.
(b) The licensing agency shall give preference in the assignment of state vending facilities to blind persons in need of employment who have been licensed to operate vending facilities in Arkansas for the dispensing of such items as, but not limited to, newspapers, periodicals, confections, tobacco products, and articles, including food and beverages, as may be dispensed automatically or manually and in accordance with all applicable health laws.
(c) It shall be the duty of state agency administrators to negotiate and cooperate in good faith to accomplish the purpose of this subchapter to ensure that vending facilities operated on state property provide employment opportunities for the blind. Upon request of the licensing agency, state agency administrators shall prescribe regulations designed both to assure that these facilities benefit the blind and to assure preference for licensed blind operators.