To Repeal The Statutes Concerning The Occupational Authorization And Licensure Of Certain Employment Offices And Agencies; And To Repeal The Arkansas Private Employment Agency Act Of 1975.
Impact
The repeal of licensing laws could significantly impact state laws by shifting the regulatory landscape for private employment agencies. Eliminating the need for licensure may lead to an increase in the number of agencies operating in Arkansas, fostering greater competition and possibly improving services for job seekers. However, there are concerns that this deregulation may also result in a lack of standards, potentially permitting unethical practices within the industry.
Summary
Senate Bill 278 aims to repeal the Arkansas Private Employment Agency Act of 1975, effectively eliminating the licensing requirement for private employment agencies and employment counselors. By removing these statutes, SB278 seeks to streamline operations within the employment sector, potentially reducing bureaucratic barriers that agencies have faced historically. Proponents argue that this deregulation is necessary to enhance recruitment flexibility and encourage the growth of employment services without the encumbrance of state mandates.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding SB278 is mixed. Supporters, particularly from the business community, view the bill as a necessary step towards modernizing the employment agency landscape, helping agencies to function more efficiently and respond to market demands. Conversely, critics express apprehension that deregulation could lead to exploitation of job seekers, undermining protections that were previously enforced through licensing.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns over how the repeal will impact accountability and ethical standards in employment agencies. Opponents argue that without licensing, there will be little recourse for individuals wronged by agencies, and the potential for fraud or mistreatment of applicants could increase. Advocates for the bill assert that the market will self-regulate by empowering users to choose agencies based on reputation and performance rather than state-imposed standards.
To Create The Arkansas Employment First Act; To Establish The Arkansas Office Of Employment First; To Establish The Employment First Advisory Committee; And To Establish The Employment First Business Partner Program.
To Make Technical Corrections To Title 25 Of The Arkansas Code Concerning State Government; And To Repeal The Subchapter Concerning Rules Pertaining To Milk And Cattle Production.
To Establish The Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency Act; To Establish The Arkansas State Apprenticeship Agency; And To Establish The Arkansas Apprenticeship Council.
To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.
To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.
To Amend The Restrictions On Employment Of Constitutional Officers After Leaving Office; And To Restrict A Constitutional Officer From Certain Types Of Employment For Two Years.
Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.
To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of The Department Of Labor And Licensing; And To Amend Portions Of Arkansas Code Which Resulted From Initiated Act 1 Of 1914.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations and activities; providing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.