everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Democrat Sponsorship
Government Operations

SB457

To Amend Arkansas Law To Waive Occupational Or Professional License Fees Assessed By The State For Employees Of State Agencies.

Introduced

Last Action (March 22, 2023): Sine Die adjournment

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 457 mandates that Arkansas state-level occupational or professional licensing entities waive licensing fees for state agency employees. To qualify for the fee waiver, an individual must be employed by a state agency on a full-time basis for at least one year. Additionally, the specific occupational or professional license must be a requirement for the individual to perform their professional duties for that state agency. The bill defines state agencies to include departments within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as state-supported postsecondary educational institutions. The legislation aims to reduce financial burdens on state employees whose positions require state-issued professional credentials.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are full-time state agency employees who are required to maintain state-issued professional or occupational licenses to perform their job duties. This includes employees across all branches of state government and those working at state-supported colleges, universities, and technical schools who have completed at least one year of full-time service.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary entities negatively impacted are the state occupational and professional licensing boards and commissions. These entities may experience a reduction in self-generated revenue that is typically collected through licensing fees, which could impact their operational budgets and ability to fund their regulatory functions.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us