HB1543

House Bill 1543, titled the 'Workforce Experience Opportunities Act of 2025,' establishes a framework for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to fulfill state work requirements by volunteering at state-funded entities. The bill mandates that state agencies and state-funded municipal entities accommodate these volunteers by providing access to physical spaces and documenting their participation. Volunteers may be tasked with various activities or allowed to monitor operations, provided these actions do not interfere with essential functions or public safety. The legislation grants liability protections to state-funded entities and their employees regarding the conduct or injury of these volunteers. Furthermore, the bill specifies that such volunteers are not eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These requirements are set to become effective on January 1, 2026, with an exemption for entities where the presence of a volunteer would inherently interfere with operations or safety.