The proposed State Apprenticeship Agency Act seeks to create a new framework for apprenticeship programs in Arkansas by repealing the previous subchapter on apprenticeship training and removing references to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. The legislation introduces a new subchapter that defines the roles and responsibilities of apprentices, apprenticeship agreements, and the cancellation process for these agreements. It emphasizes collaboration between the Office of Skills Development and local sites to identify industries for work-based training, ensuring that apprenticeship programs align with federal regulations.

The bill establishes the State Apprenticeship Agency within the Office of Skills Development, which will act as the state registration agency for apprenticeship programs, oversee the registration of pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships, and resolve disputes related to apprenticeship agreements. It also defines key terms related to apprenticeship programs and mandates the development of a nationally recognized state apprenticeship completion credential. Additionally, the Arkansas Apprenticeship Council is created as an advisory body to provide guidance on apprenticeship programs, ensuring representation from both employer and employee organizations, ultimately aiming to streamline the apprenticeship process and enhance training effectiveness in the state.

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)