The proposed bill establishes the State Apprenticeship Agency Act in Arkansas, creating a dedicated agency within the Office of Skills Development to oversee apprenticeship programs. It amends existing laws by repealing references to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee and the previous subchapter on apprenticeship training programs. The new agency will be responsible for registering apprenticeship programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and supporting the development and implementation of apprenticeship initiatives. The bill also introduces new definitions related to apprenticeships, such as "apprentice," "apprenticeship agreement," and "pre-apprenticeship," while outlining the agency's roles and responsibilities.

Furthermore, the legislation mandates the creation of rules for the registration, deregistration, cancellation, and reinstatement of apprenticeship programs and establishes the Arkansas Apprenticeship Council to advise the State Apprenticeship Agency. This council will include representatives from employer and employee organizations, as well as the public. The bill transfers administrative responsibilities from the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee to the Office of Skills Development, ensuring the agency can effectively manage apprenticeship training programs and allocate state funds. It also repeals the previous committee's authority to provide stipends, granting this responsibility to the newly formed Arkansas Apprenticeship Council. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the structure and effectiveness of apprenticeship programs in Arkansas, contributing to workforce development and compliance with federal standards.

Statutes affected:
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
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)
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