The Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency Act establishes a new agency and council to oversee apprenticeship programs in the state, replacing the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. The bill repeals the previous subchapter on apprenticeship training programs and introduces a new subchapter that defines key terms such as "apprentice," "apprenticeship," and "apprenticeship agreement." It outlines the responsibilities of the Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency, which will operate within the Office of Skills Development, serving as the state registration agency for apprenticeship programs and managing pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.

The act aims to enhance the effectiveness of apprenticeship training in Arkansas by ensuring alignment with federal regulations and state workforce needs. It establishes the Arkansas Apprenticeship Council as an advisory body to provide guidance and outreach regarding apprenticeship benefits. The bill also includes several amendments, such as transferring administrative responsibilities to the Office of Skills Development, deleting references to the Steering Committee, and introducing a stipend for the Arkansas Apprenticeship Council while repealing the stipend authorization for the Steering Committee.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB425 V2 - 3-27-2023 09:42 AM: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 03-27-2023, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(62), 25-16-903
SB 425: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 03-27-2023, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(62), 25-16-903