Arkansas leave laws leave most decisions to employers. There’s no state law requiring paid vacation, paid sick leave or paid parental leave, so federal law and your own company policy set most of the rules.
This guide covers the main Arkansas leave laws for 2026: PTO, sick leave, parental leave, bereavement, jury duty, military and voting leave, plus the official state holidays. Whether you’re in HR, run a business or are an employee, a leave tracker like Day Off makes it easier to keep track of all of it.
Related reading: Alaska Leave Laws And Holidays 2026
Paid Time Off (PTO) in Arkansas
Leave Quota
Arkansas leave laws don’t require employers to offer paid time off (PTO). Many do anyway, to attract and keep good employees.
The amount of PTO usually depends on:
- The company’s policy
- Industry standards
- How long the employee has worked there
Employees can often use PTO for vacation, personal days or sickness. The details are usually in the employee handbook or employment contract.
Accrual
Most Arkansas employers let employees accrue PTO over time, based on hours worked or length of service. For example, an employee might earn a set number of hours each pay period.
Then, your PTO policy should explain how and when PTO accrues, and whether the rate goes up with tenure.
Rollover
Arkansas law doesn’t require employers to let unused PTO roll over to the next year. Instead, employers can choose their own approach:
- Full rollover: all unused PTO carries over.
- Capped rollover: only a set amount carries over.
- “Use it or lose it”: employees must use their PTO by a set date or lose it.
Payment of Accrued, Unused Vacation on Termination
Arkansas employers don’t have to pay out unused vacation when an employee leaves, unless a company policy or employment agreement says they will.
If your policy promises a payout, you must follow it. If there’s no policy, it’s up to the employer. Also, write the payout rules clearly in your handbook or employment agreement.
Sick Leave in Arkansas
Federal Sick Leave Law (FMLA)
Federal law doesn’t require employers to give paid sick leave. However, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family reasons, including their own or a family member’s serious illness.
FMLA applies to employers with 50 or more employees. Employees qualify if they have worked there for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours in that time.
During FMLA leave:
- The law protects the employee’s job.
- The employer must keep their group health insurance on the same terms.
- When they return, they must get their old job or an equivalent one.
Arkansas Sick Leave Law
Arkansas leave laws don’t require employers to give paid sick leave. Employers decide whether to offer it and set their own rules on how much, how it accrues and how it can be used. These rules are usually in the employee handbook or employment contract.
That said, some industries or workplaces in Arkansas may have their own rules or agreements on sick leave. If you offer sick leave, tell employees clearly how much they get, how it accrues and any limits on using it.
How Federal and Employer Sick Leave Work Together
Even without a state sick leave law, employers covered by FMLA must make sure their sick leave policies follow FMLA rules. That means giving unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions.
In addition, employers can offer more, such as paid sick days for minor illnesses on top of FMLA’s unpaid leave.
For employees, it helps to know the difference:
- FMLA: unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions
- Employer sick leave: often paid, and can cover everyday illnesses and injuries
Payout
Arkansas doesn’t require employers to pay out unused sick leave when an employee leaves.
Maternity, Paternity and FMLA in Arkansas
Federal Parental Leave (FMLA)
The main federal law for maternity and paternity leave is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period to:
- Give birth and care for a newborn
- Welcome a child through adoption or foster care
- Care for a newly placed child
Both mothers and fathers can take FMLA leave.
To qualify, employees must:
- Work for a covered employer, usually one with 50 or more employees within 75 miles
- Have worked there for at least 12 months
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months before the leave
During FMLA leave, the employer must keep the employee’s group health insurance on the same terms. When they return, they must get their old job or an equivalent one with the same pay and benefits.
However, employers don’t have to pay for FMLA leave. Some employers offer paid maternity or paternity leave on top.
Arkansas Parental Leave Laws
Arkansas leave laws add nothing extra on maternity or paternity leave, so FMLA sets the rules in the state.
Employers can still offer more, for example:
- Paid maternity or paternity leave
- Longer unpaid leave
- Other support for new parents
In addition, union agreements or contracts at some workplaces give more parental leave than the law requires. Employees should check their employment agreement and handbook.
Payout
In the private sector, maternity and paternity leave is unpaid unless the employer’s policy says otherwise.
Bereavement Leave in Arkansas
Arkansas has no law requiring employers to give bereavement leave. Each employer sets its own policy.
Even so, many Arkansas companies offer bereavement leave so employees can grieve and handle arrangements after a close family member dies. The number of days and who qualifies vary by employer, so employees should check their handbook or ask HR.
Jury Duty Leave in Arkansas
Under Arkansas leave laws, employers must give employees time off for jury duty. They can’t fire, discipline or otherwise penalize employees for serving on a jury.
- Employees should tell their employer as soon as possible and share a copy of the summons.
- After their service, employees usually have the right to return to their job or an equivalent one.
- Employers don’t have to pay employees during jury duty, but some choose to.
Payout
- Court pay: the court pays jurors in Arkansas $50 a day, with no mileage reimbursement.
- Employer pay: not required by law.
Military Leave in Arkansas
Both federal law and Arkansas leave laws protect employees who serve in the military.
Under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employees can take leave for military service. When they return, they must get the same job, pay and benefits they would have had if they hadn’t left.
- Employers must allow leave for military service.
- They can’t discriminate against employees because of their military duties.
- Arkansas law adds further protection, especially for public employees.
Employees should tell their employer about their service and understand their right to return to work.
Payout
For private employers, military leave is unpaid unless the company chooses to pay.
Voting Leave in Arkansas
Arkansas employers must schedule work so employees have time to vote while the polls are open. Also, employers can’t penalize employees for taking this time.
- Employees should tell their employer in advance if they need time off to vote.
- The employer can decide when during the workday employees take this time, as long as it leaves enough time to vote.
Payout
The law doesn’t require employers to pay for time off to vote.
Arkansas State Holidays in 2026
Here are the holidays Arkansas observes in 2026. On these days, most government offices and many businesses close. For the federal calendar, see our guide to US official holidays.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
|
New Year’s Day |
Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
|
Martin Luther King Jr. & Robert E. Lee’s Birthday |
Monday, January 19, 2026 |
|
George Washington’s Birthday |
Monday, February 16, 2026 |
|
Memorial Day |
Monday, May 25, 2026 |
|
Independence Day |
Saturday, July 4, 2026 (observed Friday, July 3) |
|
Labor Day |
Monday, September 7, 2026 |
|
Veterans Day |
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
|
Christmas Day |
Friday, December 25, 2026 |
FAQ
What types of employee leave are recognized in Arkansas?
Employees in Arkansas may be eligible for various types of leave, including paid time off (PTO), sick leave, family and medical leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, and military leave. In practice, employer policy decides most leave benefits, except for federally protected leaves like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Does Arkansas require paid sick leave for employees?
No, Arkansas does not have a statewide law requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave. However, many employers voluntarily offer paid or unpaid sick leave as part of their company benefits, and they must adhere to their own written policies.
Are employers in Arkansas required to offer paid vacation time?
No, Arkansas law does not require employers to provide paid vacation. However, employers that choose to offer vacation benefits must follow the terms of their established policy or employment agreement regarding accrual and payout.
What family and medical leave protections apply in Arkansas?
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covers Arkansas employees. It provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child, serious illness, or caring for an ill family member. Arkansas does not have an additional state-specific family leave law.
Do Arkansas employees receive paid holidays?
In Arkansas, private employers don’t have to provide paid holidays. However, most companies choose to observe major federal holidays. State employees, on the other hand, receive paid leave for official state holidays.
What are the official state holidays in Arkansas?
Arkansas observes the following state holidays:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. & Robert E. Lee’s Birthday
George Washington’s Birthday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Are employees entitled to time off for jury duty in Arkansas?
Yes. Employers must allow employees to take time off to serve on a jury. While Arkansas law does not require employers to pay for this time, employees cannot be terminated or penalized for fulfilling jury duty obligations.
Does Arkansas require bereavement leave?
No, there is no law in Arkansas requiring employers to provide bereavement leave. However, many employers voluntarily grant paid or unpaid time off for employees to attend funerals or grieve the loss of a loved one.
Are meal or rest breaks required by law in Arkansas?
Arkansas law does not mandate meal or rest breaks for adult employees. However, federal law requires that short breaks (typically under 20 minutes) be paid if offered, and many employers choose to provide meal or rest breaks as part of their internal policies.
How can the Day Off app help Arkansas employers manage leave and holidays?
The Day Off app simplifies leave management for Arkansas businesses by automating PTO tracking, leave approvals, and holiday scheduling. It helps ensure compliance with company policies and provides employees with an easy way to request and track time off through the mobile app or web dashboard.