The bill establishes the "State Apprenticeship Agency Act" in Arkansas, creating a structured framework for apprenticeship programs within the state. It amends existing laws by removing references to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee and repealing the previous subchapter on apprenticeship training programs. The new provisions assign responsibilities to the Office of Skills Development and local sites for selecting industries and occupations for work-based training. It also introduces a new subchapter defining key terms related to apprenticeships, such as "apprentice," "apprenticeship," and "apprenticeship agreement," while establishing guidelines for the recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices. Furthermore, the bill establishes the State Apprenticeship Agency within the Office of Skills Development, which will serve as the state registration agency for apprenticeship programs and resolve disputes related to apprenticeship agreements. It defines additional key terms and tasks the agency with developing a nationally recognized state apprenticeship completion credential. The bill also creates the Arkansas Apprenticeship Council to advise the State Apprenticeship Agency, ensuring representation from both employer and employee organizations for balanced oversight. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance workforce development in Arkansas by consolidating and updating the legal framework surrounding apprenticeship programs, thereby improving accessibility and effectiveness for individuals entering skilled trades.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB390 V2 - 3-11-2025 10:40 AM: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 03-11-2025, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(55), 25-16-903
Old version SB390 V3 - 3-18-2025 10:40 AM: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 03-18-2025, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(55)
Old version SB390 Original - 3-5-2025 11:47 AM: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(55), 25-16-903
SB 390: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(55), 25-16-903
Act 695: 6-50-503(c), 6-55-104(b), 6-55-105, 6-52-205, 6-52-305, 03-18-2025, 6-55-107(d), 6-55-108, 19-5-1114(b), 25-16-903(55)