SB390

Senate Bill 390, titled the 'State Apprenticeship Agency Act,' seeks to formalize and reorganize the state’s oversight and structure for apprenticeship training programs in Arkansas. It repeals existing apprenticeship training statutes and establishes a new framework under the 'State Apprenticeship Agency Act' to better align state efforts with federal standards. The bill creates an Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee, composed of various stakeholders including labor, industry, education, and government representatives, to develop statewide plans for apprenticeship training and funding distribution. It outlines the duties and responsibilities for apprenticeship program sponsors, including maintaining standards, evaluating apprentices, and reporting data to the Office of Skills Development. The bill also establishes specific administrative procedures, such as tuition fee limitations for apprentices in public institutions and the protection of employer data under certain conditions. Ultimately, the legislation aims to create a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to managing work-based training and expanding apprenticeable occupations across the state.