The bill amends existing laws regarding public assistance, specifically focusing on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Arkansas Work Pays Program. It mandates that applicants who are deemed job-ready must engage in job search activities while their applications for benefits are being processed. This requirement is established in multiple sections of the Arkansas Code, including a modification to Arkansas Code 20-76-439(f), which changes the language from allowing the Department of Human Services to develop rules to a requirement that they must enforce this job search engagement.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that explicitly require job-ready applicants for both the TANF benefits and the Arkansas Work Pays Program to participate in job search activities during the application process. This is reflected in the new subsection added to Arkansas Code 20-76-444 and the new section 20-76-447, which outlines the responsibilities of applicants for TANF benefits. Overall, the bill aims to encourage employment among applicants by ensuring they actively seek work while awaiting assistance.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1751 V2 - 3-31-2025 01:21 PM: 20-76-439(f), 20-76-444
Old version HB1751 Original - 3-12-2025 09:59 AM: 20-76-439(f), 20-76-444
HB 1751: 20-76-439(f), 20-76-444
Act 640: 20-76-439(f), 20-76-444