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Bill > SB598


AR SB598

AR SB598
To Amend Various Laws Related To The Division Of Workforce Services; And To Amend The Definition Of "employee" Under The Workers' Compensation Law Resulting From Initiated Act 4 Of 1948.


summary

Introduced
04/01/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
04/08/2025
Passed
04/15/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/18/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS RELATED TO THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; TO ALTER THE TEST USED FOR DETERMINING THE EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF INDIVIDUALS; TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYEE" UNDER THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW RESULTING FROM INITIATED ACT 4 OF 1948; TO STREAMLINE THE OPERATIONS OF THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES; TO REFLECT THE REMOVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FROM ADMINISTRATION OF THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM; TO ALTER THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENTS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill makes comprehensive changes to various laws related to the Division of Workforce Services and employment classification. It modifies the test for determining employment status by replacing the previous twenty-factor test with a new set of factors based on the Empower Independent Contractors Act of 2019, which will be used across multiple state laws including workers' compensation, wage discrimination, and unemployment services. The bill also makes several administrative changes, such as removing the Department of Commerce from administering the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, adjusting the short-term layoff period for unemployment benefits from ten to three weeks, and giving the Division of Workforce Services director more flexibility in establishing work search requirements and handling overpayment settlements. Additionally, the bill moves the Office of Skills Development from the Department of Commerce to the Division of Workforce Services and makes technical amendments to various statutes to streamline workforce-related services. These changes aim to modernize employment classification, improve workforce service operations, and provide more administrative discretion to workforce development officials.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Notification that SB598 is now Act 743 (on 04/18/2025)

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